Search results

  1. T

    A good enough microscope

    I've used the Meiji EMZ-5s and they're nice. The Leica A6 is definitely better, but I really don't think it's enough better to justify the price difference. I currently own an Omano that's older than my HS freshman daughter, and I, like fitzo, bought it intending to upgrade. It's the same as the...
  2. T

    Inlaying Green gold?

    It does contain copper (usually), but so do most gold alloys. In this case it's not the copper that makes it green, it's silver. A gold/copper mix (which usually also contains some silver) gives us rose gold. So in theory, green gold should be harder to inlay than pure gold or fine silver, but...
  3. T

    How nessasary is pneumatic engraver for a beginner?

    I would agree with both of the above, but I think the power toys do more than just save time. Hand push and powered engraving are, to me, very different things. The principles and essentials are the same, but having to exert force (hand push) while also maintaining control is a much more complex...
  4. T

    Cast iron engraving HELP

    FWIW, I'm pretty sure that was wrought iron rather than cast. It's kinda streaky or fibrous in nature with a lot of silica impurities. Which makes it look AWESOME when used as knife guards or outer layers of san mai blades and heavily etched. It forges like butter at higher heats, but can split...
  5. T

    Pricing a entire GRS system hardly used

    Hard to beat the advice above. I'd also consider whether or not I wanted to sell as a whole lot or as individual pieces. You might get lucky and find someone that wants it all, but most likely folks will just want parts they don't already have (like, for example, I'm interested in your low...
  6. T

    The Secret Meeting of Bulgarian Engravers 2023

    I drew up this design for a project for a friend from Varna back in September, but I ran out of time to get it cut before a meeting in London. I cut it later on a practice plate and would make some modifications, but overall I thought it was pretty cool. IT was designed to be cut on a gold...
  7. T

    Question: Cast iron or ceramic lap? Diamond Spray or dry Powder? How many Variations needed?

    I'm quite happy with the film from Tira Mitchell. There are different films for steel vs carbide, and both work wonderfully. Not sure on the long term durability yet since I've only been using them for about a year and don't engrave a ton, but once you get the aluminum disc the adhesive sheets...
  8. T

    Ivory substitute

    It depends on the purpose. I come at it from the knifemaking perspective, so YMMV. I like ivory paper micarta if it's 1) going to be used 2) going to be sculpted or carved 3) not required to look exactly like ivory. The color is right, but it's very even and creamy, which is an advantage if...
  9. T

    Engraving ivory

    The ivory paper micarta is my preferred ivory substitute for now if I'm making a using knife, and if I'm not using mammoth. I've done some small test cuts with a graver, and I think it would engrave nicely. For higher end stuff (safe queens) mammoth or walrus still rule. I have some nice...
  10. T

    Engraving ivory

    True. I would guess all of that work I posted was pre-2018. Technically, elephant is only illegal in a few certain states and if it crosses state lines (i.e., is under federal regulation), but it's best avoided generally, and most folks (even high end knife makers) usually substitute some...
  11. T

    Engraving ivory

    Scrimshaw is typical, but not exclusively so. I'm not sure exactly how it's done, but I assume just the normal way like you do on mother of pearl (i.e., extremely carefully). I'm very interested in others' responses. Here are a few examples I recall: Not sure who cut this, but it's on a Bruce...
  12. T

    fast track to insanity

    Welcome to the new rabbit hole! Looks like fun to me, but not something I'd want to tackle without a lot more knowledge.
  13. T

    Suggestions for an affordable watch worth engraving

    Exactly the kind of responses I was hoping for. Thank you all!
  14. T

    Suggestions for an affordable watch worth engraving

    I'm relatively new at this, but coming along quite well. Call me an advanced beginner, or maybe simply intermediate. I'd kinda like to engrave a watch, but I'm at the stage where it would behoove me to not make my first attempt on an expensive one. There's a 99.75% chance I'd keep and wear this...
  15. T

    Save a Buck now Diamond Power Hones

    I really do like mine!
  16. T

    Question: Material suppliers in USA

    If you're looking to fab your own stuff, I agree with everyone about Rio. They do have findings also, but I've only rarely dealt with that side of the business. If you want premade parts or pieces, Wes Griffin at Texas Silversmith Supply (and Texas Engraving School) has some stuff available...
  17. T

    The Three Amigos

    You're very fortunate to have friends like that, and it appears they're also very fortunate to have friends like you. Those are outstanding. And with the leather they'll get, your great-great grandkids will still be proud to have them. I used to shoot PDs a fair bit when my brother lived in...
  18. T

    Printable drawings for practice plates

    I've noticed that engravers are a lot more prickly about this kind of thing than basically any other group of artisans I've come across (and, as a serial hobbyist, I've been part of dozens of different artisan communities over the years). Most members of most craft communities are content if...
  19. T

    What type of stainless would you use for jewelry?

    Jantz Knife Supply, New Jersey Steel Baron, and USA Knifemaker all have it in stock, as does Tru Grit Abrasives. I've dealt with them all for over a decade, would recommend them all, and tend to pick between them based on who has what I need in stock at the best price at the time I need it. I...
  20. T

    Vacuum Annealer?

    You can get the same effect by wrapping the material in a paper towel or newspaper before wrapping in foil. It'll rapidly become charcoal. Or you could dunk in kerosene before or after wrapping, which I just thought of and have never tried, but might on my next go just to prove my point to...

Latest posts

Sponsors

Top