Recent content by Eric Olson

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    Cracking on 18K red gold wire while rolling.

    Cherry red is too hot for annealing. A dull red in a dark room should be enough. I also read to quench red gold in denatured alcohol for a slower cool-down. OK for small pieces but you don't want a large open container of alcohol around, obviously. I set it on a steel plate and don't quench...
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    Question: drawing programs

    there is also a free program called GIMP that is a lot like photoshop
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    Some knotwork in titanium...

    It is an awesome design. My only suggestion would be to vary the shading a little. Alternating longer and shorter strokes and/or graduating the shade lines from short to long.
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    Hermaphrodite Calipers

    The square legs make a neat little engraving project as well.
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    Tumbling sterling silver with 24k gold inlay?

    I have used a rotary tumbler with stainless steel media and I think they have a very gentle action. I don't think it would ruin the inlay. I actually think they do a better job at "polishing" engraved pieces because it does not remove the fine details like buffing with a wheel would. That...
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    Help, please: Coin carving question

    You could also use a liner to make a florentine-type of texture for background areas. Also you could use a hammer and small punch to planish the background areas smoother but with a little texture. Getting the background back to smooth is not very easy.
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    So brass, copper or steel.

    I sprayed my copper practice plates with clear fixative and they are still nice over 5 years later.
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    Critique Request Some letters drawn

    looks great!
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    Question about gun engraving

    you might need a carbide graver instead of high speed steel. Requires diamond sharpening stones.
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    Help, please: 100 scrolls designs challenge

    Divide a sheet of sketch pad paper into 10-20 random shapes by drawing random straight lines or crease the paper with random folds. Most of the shapes will have 3,4 or 5 sides. Practice filling the odd-shaped "cells" with scrolls that touch as many sides as possible. You'll be surprised at your...
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    bulino/scrimshaw practice

    On a brown egg. A cheap and plentiful practice material?
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    strike !!!!!!

    An inexpensive white plexiglass dome will really help reduce glare in your photos.
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    Using acid to remove steel burs

    Jeweler's pickle solution will dissolve (rust) steel. I use it to remove small drill bits when they break and get stuck in jewelry. Hot works quicker.
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    Question: Thoughts on engraving onto plastic?

    I seem to remember seeing somewhere that plastic silverware is great for practicing bulino or scrimshaw.
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    Critique for a beginner?

    I would recommend you start out with some basic engraving practice - Straight lines, concentric circles, graduated shade lines - the type of boring practice that most beginners want to bypass. Also keep drawing and don't engrave a design until you have refined it at least twice. You can touch...
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