I'm in very early stages of learning to engrave with hammer and chisel, using a homemade square graver. I am having trouble getting clean line ends in mild steel. In the tutorials I watched, the engraver appears to slice the the chip off by prying the tip sharply upward at the end of the cut. However, the chip usually won't break off for me. I have tried cutting the chip off at various angles and directions, but it leaves an ugly burr.
Am I missing out on some technique? Or do I have issues with my graver geometry and sharpness? It seems to cut cleanly otherwise.
Am I missing out on some technique? Or do I have issues with my graver geometry and sharpness? It seems to cut cleanly otherwise.