Yes I get that. Those learning watchmaking go through a similar phase of buying the inexpensive knock-off tools only to have to buy good Swiss tools later and then end up giving the Chinese tools away or selling them for next to nothing. Been there and done that myself.
Engraving startup...
Your eyes can overcome optical defects in a microscope without you knowing it, and after hours of use you may develop headaches and eye strain and not know why. My eyes deserve the best optics I can afford, and I wouldn't buy cheap eyeglasses knowing they are less clear and sharp. Just my 2 cents.
Try some Birchwood Casey cold blue paste in the tube or the liquid version. I'm pretty sure nickel silver reacts to it, but I don't have any here to test.
Hey Wolf. My advice is to avoid 440c. I’ve hated myself each time I attempted to engrave that miserable stuff. Can I cut it? Yeah if you want to call it that. Can I do my best work? No,
I’ve repaired and serviced modern and vintage GMTs. Parts availability on 15xx series movements is limited but a new stem and new mainspring shouldn’t be a problem. You can email me if you like.
I have his book and his work is stunning. We exchanged emails years ago and he knew my teacher Lynton McKenzie. I would also like to know more about his techniques.
On some slightly spherical surfaces you can fudge the transfer a bit to make it work and most likely will have to make some adjustments afterward. I don't know of an easy solution and as Monk said, you'll probably have to draw everything and not be able to transfer on some shapes.
The shorter spring reduces power a little, and sweetens the startup for fine shading. My handpiece is setup with the short spring. No reason not to try it for yourself.
Yes that's just design time and prepping it for laser burning. I can't estimate cutting time w/background removal, but I can assure you it's a lot of hours if you choose to relieve the background. And that's the point of the plate...to provide many hours of practice to build muscle memory and to...
For intermediate to advanced engravers - laser engraved Iconic Scroll Styles Practice Plate.
This intermediate to advanced practice plate is the result of over 30 hours of design time, and will introduce you to some of the world’s most popular ornamental work found on weapons, knives, and other...
When tuning, if the handpiece doesn't tap or "knock" as they say, give it a tiny bit of foot pedal. Once it starts tapping continue advancing the regulator knob until it stops. That puts the foot pedal right on the threshold so the handpiece starts to operate as soon as your foot depresses the...
They are truly a great company and I am very proud of my 26 years association with them as an instructor in their training center. But I go back much farther than that...over 40 years as a customer. The founder Don Glaser was a good friend of mine and his passion created a company culture of...
The 901 is the most versatile handpiece made and I use it for everything from heavy sculpting to the finest shading I'm capable of.
The GraverSmith is an excellent machine if you want to save money. The G8 has a few more features but the same quality of engraving can be accomplished with the...