Fega

[JBrandvik]

On the advise of Andrew Biggs, I joined FEGA yesterday. I have been on the Fega forum a few times, but since I don't plan to be a gun engraver, I had never seriously condsidered joining before. What a mistake that line of thinking was! For other's who may be under the same opinion, let me say that already I can see that my membership fee may be the wisest money I have yet spent on my engraving habit.

When you join, you are granted access to many useful 'members only' resources. Probably the most significant of these resources (for me anyway) is the Fega How To pubication. This publication is a collection of tips from knowledgeable members who have "been there". The How to book is chock-full of over 100 pages of valuable tips on everything from techniques to business practices. The book is also well organized and indexed so you can get right to the information you need. I read the entire book last night and had scores of revelations in the process. A big thank you to Andrew for his advise and though I may never envrage a firearm, a big thanks to the officers and members of Fega for providing such a valuable resource.

If you have ever found yourself wondering, "How do they do that?" then I urge you to join Fega.

BTW: Only through forums like this, do I have access to a whole community of such outstanding professionals. Thank you, Sam!

 

[Ron Smith]

Jim, thank you for the FEGA plug. There are only a few of the founding members left, and it is good for them to hear the appreciation for their efforts. This is what we did it for however, and the love of the art. It was going to die otherwise. It started pretty small, but look what it is today. Everything going on today grew out of those first efforts to organize for a beautiful cause. And all that contribute to it in some way are a part of its future survival and the expansion thereof. We are very proud.........
Forward!
Ron S

 

[John B.]

Well said and thank you, Jim.
May I join Ron in welcoming you to the FEGA family.
Their forum and this Cafe are great places to welcome free sharing friends.
John B.

 

[Lee]

There are some peculiarities about firearms engraving but for engravers in general and especially new engravers most of what is used to engrave firearms regarding techniques and design are either directly used or readily adapted for some other aspect of engraving. My basic engraving classes consist of firearms engravers, jewelers, knifemakers, watchmakers, motorcycle enthusiasts and the list goes on. Welcome to FEGA.

 

[dclevinger]

Welcome aboard Jim. Please don't hesitate to ask questions and post some of your work. It's amazing how much you will improve from having folks here critique what you have done. David

 

[fegarex]

Jim,
Somehow I missed this post or I would have been the first to welcome you!
Glad to have you and thanks for the plug.
Andrew is also modest and didn't tell you but wait until you see the Quarterly Magazine THE ENGRAVER. Andrew is working on the upcoming issue and doing a fantasic job. The previous issues done by Bill Gamradt were just awsome as well.

 

[Andrew Biggs]

Hi Jim

And welcome to FEGA. It's a wonderful organisation with some very nice and incredibley talented people. If you can, try and make the convention at Reno in 2008. You'll be gob-smacked at the level of sheer talent and engraving skills. The seminars lined up are awesome and everyone is willing to share their knowledge. As an added treat the Safari Club International people also have their show on at the same time. It's expensive to get into but worth every penny as where else do you get to pick up a $200,000 double rifle engraved by Phillipe Griffne and get to see the best of the best that the hunting fraternity has to offer. If that's not enough you also get to see a knife show also held at the Silver Legacey for free because you are a FEGA member.

Cheers
Andrew

 

[sdcoxx]

Jim. WOW... What a Welcoming.... Only at the Engraver's Cafe....
Your right about the How to book... and the Engraver magazine, are worth more than the membership fee.

Andrew, your descriptive itinerary for the 2008 convention makes it a must see.

Thanks, Stephen

 

[Ken Hurst]

RON ---- besides you and me, how many others are still around ? Ken

 

[JBrandvik]

Wow is right!

Thanks everyone for the big welcome and for the hard work and commitment that built Fega in the first place. You have every reason to be proud of your achivement. I will make every effort to get to Reno next year. It would be great to meet some of you in person and see first-hand some of the incredible engraving displayed.

My wife has told me a lot about the Safari Club show. She used to go regularly before she met me and took her vow of poverty. I am looking forward to meeting you and looking forward to the chance to contribute someday soon.

Now if I could just bum a ride to Reno on FEGA 1! Whatdayasay Rex? Texas is practically right on the way to Nevada. I'm a little rusty but I am an old pilot. So I could help fly or at least pitch in for fuel. (if you'll promise to attach those rotors first)

 

[fegarex]

Reno is a really great time! Be sure to try and make it.
I'm not sure about FEGA1. I might still be engraving those rotor blades. I'm not sure if they will be in balance once I get those gold inlays in either!

 

[FANCYGUN]

Etch the blades Rex. Throw them in the Lyme pits for bleaching the cherries you keep telling me about.

 

[Ron Smith]

Ken, I might have made a slight misstatement by saying a few. There weren't many at the meeting last year and that is more what I meant. You and Ray Veramontez I know can't make it because of health difficulties. I think you can count them on less than two hands now, Ken. I'm not sure. I would have to sit down and count them up. I might miss some, some are not too active in the guild. I did see Tommy Kaye recently. I haven't seen Ben Lane in years. Maybe I should have said active members, but all of the original ones are still just as important. Bob Evans would be the one to ask.........Ron S