background, beading punch?

B_H

Member
Joined
Dec 1, 2006
Messages
7
In examining various background treatments for scrollwork, I have seen what appears to be a beading punch used to make a very uniform background. Only being able to see it in photographs of overall design I miss the mechanics of making this pattern. I made what I surmised was the appropriate tool from #30 drill rod for experimentation. After re-hardening and playing around with different wall thicknesses surrounding the center depression (the "bead" in negative), I have displaced material that makes getting "beads" closer together and uniform in appearance. I am sure that this tool is available commercially, and there is very simple answer to my question. If in fact this is done with a punch, how do you get the beads so close together that there does not seem to be a separation between them? where does the wall thickness of the punch go? Am I missing the mark? or does it just appear like they are that close and under magnification there is a separation. After making 4 or 5 different tools with differing bead depths and shapes, and experimenting with hammer blows of differing strengths I am still scratching my head. Thanks for any help you can give a newcommer.
 

KSnyder

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Nov 13, 2006
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Toledo, Ohio
BH , you might be referring to a stippled background wherein the background metal is removed & background leveled off then stippled with a needle sharp "punch". When done correctly the background should look matt or non-reflective.
I may be missing something & others here more with lots more xperience will fill in the gaps.
Kent
 

Doc Mark

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B.H.

You can buy a nice set of three steel "dot punches" in three different tip diameters from Ngraver Co. These work fine on steel and seem to stay sharp for quite a while. The whole set only costs $9.75, so making you own seems like too much work for the frustration factor.

Mark
 

Big-Un

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I got the set of beading punches from Mr Phillips quite a few years ago and they have been very good to me. Of course, I don't use them every day, but they are good, and cheap enough to get more if you need to.
 

jimzim75

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Nov 10, 2006
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Canada
Hi everyone,
I've not use the set from Ngraver. Are they hardier than the Swiss beading tools form Gesswein. The cost difference seems
to be around 2-1. I would assume they have a larger shaft.
Jim
 

FANCYGUN

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I've been buying my dot punches from Ray Phillips for a gazillion years now. Always had trouble making good ones myself and I just get them from him a dozen at a time. Good guy to deal with and I've been very pleased with the punches.
 

Mike Cirelli

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Nov 8, 2006
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BH: I think what your referring to is two different types of background treatments. One being a punch which is referred to on Igraver as a point slightly rounded. That would give a sanded type even finish. The other being a beading tool which would be a positive bead background when punched the background must be flatter and even to apply. This will give the appearance of leather when applied properly.
Mike
 
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