Bulino out of the closet

[Santo]

Well, I have been laying in the weeds for awhile, reading posts, doing scrimshaw and practicing some bulino. A long while back, when I was complaining about hand pushing a graver, a couple of you suggested I try my hand at bulino seeing as how I already knew something about scrimshaw. Well, I'm here to tell you it's been interesting. I thank you for the suggestion and if I get it right here are a couple of the latest practice images. I spent a long time researching and trying a varity of graver angles. I settled on a 90 degree with a 55 degree angle. I sharpen these to various sizes for fine to heavier work.

Okay -- deep breath -- here is a sample of what's going on. Still trying to get the photos right.

Please let me know what you think -- thanks

S~

 

[Ron Smith]

Outstanding Santo! If you are critical with the surface of the material you are working on.(surface smoothness) you will get a more intense represention in the end. Finish your plates to about 600 grit. I think you will be gratified with the contrast you will get. Again outstanding!.....excellent art work...Ron S

 

[Mike Bissell]

I agree with Ron, if the surface was finished to about 600 grit then I believe those two images would jump out a lot more. What you have done is excellent for just starting out.

Mike

 

[Andrew Biggs]

Hi Santo

Looks like laying in the weeds for a while did you a lot of good.

That's great work Santo. Really well done.

And to think you were going to throw in the towel at one stage. Thank goodness you didn't.

Cheers
Andrew

 

[JBrandvik]

Santo, Nice work! A few questions...

What kind of weeds have ayou been laying in?
How long per day do you recommend laying in them?
Is it best to lay on your back, side or stomach to get these kind of results?

I am going out tomorrow to start pulling up my wife's flower garden with the intention of planting whatever kind of weeds you suggest.

Thanks for posting your work. It's scary to do so, but the advise, direction and encourangement you receive make it worth the risk. Don't you agree?

 

[KSnyder]

Santo, great job! how long did it take for these 2 images? I haven't tried bulino yet.
thanks for showing,
Kent

 

[Ken Hurst]

All of the above Mr. Santa, Anything I could add has already been said. It's obvious that those weeds you were laying in weren't the type kids smoke. Keep up the good fight --- you'll be amased to find what you can do. Ken

 

[russ]

WOW. Now I'm jealous! Glad you are sticking with it. Great Job.

 

[Santo]

Thanks for all the encourage and tips you guys. It is all much appreciated.

Kent: It takes a long time. Doing the dot work is incredibly time intensive. I'm afraid to figure it out, if I did one for real I'd likely be making about 12.5 cents an hour . I'm trying to get a decent photo of the Sirus knife I did one on but it sure is hard to get the lighting right.

Thanks again

S~

 

[Santo]

Thanks Andrew - I sincerly appreciate it.

S~

 

[Santo]

Oh, and thank you Mr. Smith. I appreciate the feed back.

I really need to get this posting thing down as well as the photos.

S~

 

[ddushane]

Santo, That's Sweeeet! You're gonna be gooood at this!

 

[Ron Smith]

12.5 cents an hour? Welcome to the club, my friend........It is a common theme in the craft world.....Ron S

 

[Santo]

I new it! I'll never get rich (LOL)

S~

 

[FANCYGUN]

Not only won't you get rich..but you will most likely owe money too. Like the rest of us.

Nicely done animals..Now take them one step farther and sharpen a few of the dark accents a bit.

 

[John B.]

Hi Santo.
Another fine piece of work.
But I must agree with what Marty (Fancygun) said above.
Ron's point about the basic metal finish is right on too.
That guy knows a thing or two!!!!! Just kidding Mr. Ron.
For bulino practice the "Thin Steel Plates" from Cronite Co are hard to beat. They come with a super finish saving a lot of time. The steel is very fine grain and lets the bulino really stand out.
Each plate is wrapped and has a mirror finish.
They are light enough that you can cut out brooches or bola shapes and have salable items.
Just a thought, best wishes. John.