Day 1 engraving

[dave198700]

Trying to get used to engraving working on the geometry I either dig too much or slips right over piece Using my first practice sheet. Also need to stop forcing it and let it flow itself. Hopefully will post better and better work watching all you guys

 

[dhall]

Fairly apt self-analysis.
It does look like, in general, your cuts seem rather deep. Takes a lot of skill to dig deep, and many folks take smaller, thinner shaving cuts. Repeating the motion helps solidify muscle memory and helps acquire a more delicate touch. I often tell students to make a game of it - see how little you can shave off at a time and you'll get where you're going in just a few, more controlled, strokes. Best of luck on your journey!

Best regards,
Doug

 

[dave198700]

Fairly apt self-analysis.
It does look like, in general, your cuts seem rather deep. Takes a lot of skill to dig deep, and many folks take smaller, thinner shaving cuts. Repeating the motion helps solidify muscle memory and helps acquire a more delicate touch. I often tell students to make a game of it - see how little you can shave off at a time and you'll get where you're going in just a few, more controlled, strokes. Best of luck on your journey!

Best regards,
Doug

thankyou for the advice doug

 

[Rockingkj]

We all had to start somewhere. I’m still an amateur myself. I like say start with copper practice sheets. Practice drawing scrolls and transfer that practice to metal. I draw on the metal and cut the details. Are you using power? Hand push gravers? Or hammer and chisel? You will find in short order correctly sharpened graver’s is an integral part of the process. Good advice to cut shallower. Here is a side of a brass bullet mold I used for practice.

 

[dave198700]

We all had to start somewhere. I’m still an amateur myself. I like say start with copper practice sheets. Practice drawing scrolls and transfer that practice to metal. I draw on the metal and cut the details. Are you using power? Hand push gravers? Or hammer and chisel? You will find in short order correctly sharpened graver’s is an integral part of the process. Good advice to cut shallower. Here is a side of a brass bullet mold I used for practice.

i am using a foredom hammer attachment at the moment, at the moment i am practicing drawing straight lines and circles

 

[thughes]

The title of your post says it all man, it's day one! Nobody is happy with their day one stuff, or their day 365 stuff in my case. Like they said above, scribe a bunch of straight lines and cut tons of them, it's harder than you think to keep them perfect and keep your depth consistent, and if they aren't it jumps out at you. once you can do straight, consistent lines, then start some gentle curves, and work your way into scrolls and such. And I mean lots of plates full of lines, at least in my case. You can buy practice plates but the are kind of expensive, or but mild steel strip from the depot and cut it up, but that takes some serious prep work. I buy stainless steel credit card bottle openers off of amazon for about $0.25 each, they are the perfect size, they don't take much prep, and they don't rust.

Try to mix in as much drawing as cutting.