Question: Controled cuts

[scott99]

Hi, well here is another very basic question. On the Forum I often read about the successs based on "controled cuts". I believe this means keeping your cuts within the normal range of your optics or hand movment.That is not over extending your movments.

I am new to power engraving and even newer with a scope, So does the term "controled cuts" go further than what I have stated above,possibly something I have not even considered?

Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks

Scott99 :thinking: :

 

[MarkM]

I would think controlled cuts has to do with depth of cut as well as leaning the graver to get the desired width. Also starting and most importantly stopping and flicking the chip at the end of the cut. Overcutting can destroy an engraving.

Mark

 

[mitch]

hi scott- can you give us a little more specific context? the entire art & craft of hand engraving could properly fall under the heading 'controlled cuts'...

 

[BrianPowley]

I agree with Mitch.
In that same light, is the airplane landing or is it a controlled crash?

 

[scott99]

I am sorry that I was to broad I just was wondering because of the context I saw it in,I now see it just means what is says CONTROL your work.Sometimes a small thing is missed just because everybody just does it automaticaly and that made me wonder.

Thankyou for you help

scott99

 

[sam]

I would define graver control this way:

-The ability to engrave lines of consistent width and depth, either borders or scroll backbones.
-The ability to roll the graver as needed to achieve character in ornamental scrollwork and in brightcut lettering, flare cutting, western, etc.
-The ability to engrave shading cuts that start out with a micro thin taper and get progressively wider and deeper.
-The ability to produce clean work with minimal burs.
-The ability to exit cuts smartly without leaving an unsightly bur.
-The ability to remove backgrounds cleanly without damaging the surrounding design.
-The ability to cleanly engrave miniaturized versions of scrollwork, lettering, etc., which takes considerably more control than large size work.

Those are a few things that define control. There are certainly others, but these are some of the more obvious ones. A mastery of the tools doesn't come fast or easy, but for those with natural hand-eye coordination it does come a bit quicker. Of course we're talking graver control and not artistry. Without quality design none of the above really matters.

~Sam

 

[scott99]

Thanks for all of the input, I appriciate the help

Scott99 :hammer:

 

[KCSteve]

I would add one more to Sam's list:
The ability to cut a straight line.