Yes burnish first. It works but may leave a more brilliant surface. Just touch it up with either stone or paper. Did you polish the plate before engraving? If so, use the same after burnishing to touch it up. Just experiment with different methods to find what works best for you. I keep...
I just looked at the site I mentioned above. I Knew about it but never took the time to examine it. All I can say is WOW. There is so much information, lessons, sheets to printout, and over 50 rear books from the past that you can go through page by page. some of the modern examples they...
If you are interested in doing fine script lettering you should search for Dr. Joseph Vitolo. I am not sure but I think there are excellent step by step lessons on YouTube.
It seems to me that we have had a number of questions from beginners. Welcome if you are new and a bit of advice. Nothing will get you off to a good start than spending time with a seasoned engraver. I think you will find it well worth the money to spend a day or two of instruction with...
I get my steel at Tractor Supply, hardware store, anywhere I can find it. It comes in strips 2, 3, and 4 inches wide. Buying plates from GRS is expensive. I have a belt sander and use it to bring the steel to the polish I want. It will have some gray scale and needs polished to about 320...
Am I wrong or is that a file you are holding? You can grind gravers from old triangular or round files that could help getting started. I'm sure that is how others got started. You can also use old drill bits and grind them to shape. If it cuts steel you most likely can make a graver from it.