Advice on points for fine lines

[Rannis]

It’s been a while since I’ve posted mostly due to an inability to practice. I am attaching an image of a practice plate I working on. It is the Marine Corps Eagle Globe & Anchor. The image was lightly etched on the plate and engraved thus far using a Lindsay Palm control with a universal parallel graver. My question is besides practice is there a better graver for cutting the fine lines in the feathers and the rope? I am particularly happy with the globe.

 

[Rannis]

I want to clarify this isn’t done yet. The banner and rope on the bottom of the anchor is awaiting finishing until I’ve improved my finer line skills. Just looking for advice on graver point choices for such work

 

[monk]

you may get several different answers. for me the 90 square worked well

 

[Rannis]

you may get several different answers. for me the 90 square worked well

I have the square and knife template I’ll give them a shot.

 

[thughes]

Rannis,
Just my opinion, but for me it's more about control than it is the graver geometry. I shade with a 116 - 120. It takes practice, but when you get it down, you don't have to cut nearly as deep to get a nicely tapered shade line. Just what works for me tho.