Brian Marshall
~ Elite 1000 Member ~
First off I'm only referring to "V" and flat graver geometries with parallel heels here - not bright cut, liners, specialty or "trick" gravers...
I have always done the final polish to the heel facet(s) LAST. With a powered lap. (Well, at least since powered laps were stolen from the lapidary trade and adapted to ours)
THEN, depending on the intended use, stropped it lightly on leather with whatever compound matches the alloy.
Been way too many years to try and remember where that may have come from?
Best guess would be Victor Vasquez - in the late 60's or early 70's? (He didn't have a powered lap, would've done his by hand, and he did strop the heel afterwards)
Does anyone on this forum polish the face facet LAST? On a hone or with a strop?
If so, what's the logic behind that and where did you pick up that method?
Those few gravers that I have seen with face facet(s) stropped on leather - were rounded over from heavily stropping both the heel and the face on the softer leather.
They no longer had the crisp edge and sharp corners I prefer. Not something I would like - personally... and I don't see the logic.
If someone on here does this face polishing last or strops the face last - please enlighten me... I'm always learning.
Brian
And yes, I am one of those who swears by using a lubricant. And yes, I know it's a PITA. What can I say...?
Again that varies according to the metals, the person doing the engraving, skill level, astrological sign and the phase of the moon. There ain't no "one size fits all".
I have always done the final polish to the heel facet(s) LAST. With a powered lap. (Well, at least since powered laps were stolen from the lapidary trade and adapted to ours)
THEN, depending on the intended use, stropped it lightly on leather with whatever compound matches the alloy.
Been way too many years to try and remember where that may have come from?
Best guess would be Victor Vasquez - in the late 60's or early 70's? (He didn't have a powered lap, would've done his by hand, and he did strop the heel afterwards)
Does anyone on this forum polish the face facet LAST? On a hone or with a strop?
If so, what's the logic behind that and where did you pick up that method?
Those few gravers that I have seen with face facet(s) stropped on leather - were rounded over from heavily stropping both the heel and the face on the softer leather.
They no longer had the crisp edge and sharp corners I prefer. Not something I would like - personally... and I don't see the logic.
If someone on here does this face polishing last or strops the face last - please enlighten me... I'm always learning.
Brian
And yes, I am one of those who swears by using a lubricant. And yes, I know it's a PITA. What can I say...?
Again that varies according to the metals, the person doing the engraving, skill level, astrological sign and the phase of the moon. There ain't no "one size fits all".
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