OK, here's an update. I obtained a Chartpak Blender marker from the art store here. He told me it was permeated with Xylene. (and mentioned it was not a big seller in the store, mostly cuz of the smell)
I used a reliable transfer from fed-ex/kinkos. (pure black) Prepped my brass plate with...
Thank you for that. I'm curious to know if you have tried this out yourself. I certainly will myself.
I'm apprehensive, though. (certainly, I'll give it a go) I wonder if the final transfer will still present a blotchy image under the scope when at 15 - 20 x ?
I'll let ya'all know.
Thanks...
If you cant make the journey because of the cost, I suggest to start at local Jewelry stores where you live.
Find a skilled Jeweler who might critique, or even help you with your endeavor.
In my opinion, you can't truly learn this art from reading a book, or watching a video.
One must do, or...
I was thinking of venturing into enameling in the future. Are you using Silver? and if so, what alloy?
I like your piece very much.
PS, are you using a kiln, or a torch?
AL12
I applaud your diligence. Your work looks amazing to my eyes. Stainless is a tough animal. Sounds like you had the same experience, as I did. And also the great satisfaction of the learning experience. (not a road I would choose to go down again soon.) Ahhh, the graver sharpening that comes with...
When I took my basic class, Layne called us all around to observe him while he was cutting. He was cutting, stopped, and stuck his graver into a small container, and then continued cutting.
I asked him what he had just done. "it's cutting oil." He said.
Then it occurred to me...Ahhh....cutting...
I finally found what I think to be the right proportion, after several attempts at coating my surface of brass.
I discovered that letting the surface tension of the water settle, and do it's thing, I think I might be onto something. Thanks for the help.
PS, a small (minute, actually) amount of...
Layne told me when one makes a copy from a printer, "make sure the printer set to pure black, and not color"
I don't own a printer, but I have success using copies I had done at FedEx/Kinkos. The chap-stick method...I haven't tried yet because I'm gonna have to shave some pencils to get the...
Thank you all for responding. Special thanks for that last part. It would have never occurred to me otherwise.
Well..... and once I saw 2 likes.... I'll keep an eye out for the beading you're talking about.
(bow)
AL12
I was wondering what you thought of that brand. I purchased a small container of the chinese white from GRS.
It comes in a small tray and it works fair. But today I got a tube of Master's Touch. Any thoughts?
Morning all. been busy trying to find my depth and build up muscle memory.
When I got my 901, It came with a shorter spring which I've never used. I'm thinking of switching it out from the longer one and seeing what happens.
But before I do that, cus I'm not sure I want to (or should), Does...
This is on update to my response from January. I've made some changes to my sharpening technique. I still use the diamond plates with the surface plate. A small bit of water between the 2, make it stick the the surface and it won't move, if it's done right.
I got rid of the sandpaper. For some...
Some time ago, when I knew I wanted to learn this art form, I started buying the cheaper things I could afford at the time. A handpeice and vice were the first. Then came the graver set. (the engravers mixed graver kit #022-526) Then the sharpening fixture. When I picked the gravers, I was...
"But it still leaves the following unanswered:"
Personally, I think they did answer your question.
I've found that direct sunlight shows any engraving work perfectly. It reveals the good and the bad of the work that I do. and when presented at different angles to the observer, it does funny...
I would love to have 2. But life has taken a turn. It's definitely on my radar.
Thanks.
P.S. You said 30 hours of design time. I'm thinking that's not including cutting time.
Question: How long do you think, Mr. Alfano, would it take you to complete this? Background removal, and shading, the...
I like the design. You say you've been cutting for HOW long?
When I look at this piece, .... well.... I wish I could be as consistent in depth and width as you are.
And with a flat graver, you say, because "that was all they had".
The plot thickens.
I have spoken.
AL12