Getting Started

[Bama]

I attended a GRS beginner's class in April with Scott Pilkington being the instructor. I enjoyed the class very much and finally have the equipment to get started. I have my bench set up and have been practicing on the lettering plates that I got in the class. So far I have used a flat graver, 90 deg square and a 120 deg. square. The practice lettering plate has the lazer etched script caps and numbers and so far I have been able to cut the letters better with the 120 deg. square because I seem to get a boulder cut with it and can control it better. Is there a particular grind I should be using for script lettering other than what I have been using. I will try to post some pictures later in the week.

Thanks

 

[sam]

Bama: You can use whatever tool produces the best results. I prefer a flat graver for the brightcuts in script lettering. If you'd like to try it, you can find sharpening instructions here:
http://igraver.com/sharpening.shtml

Just scroll down to the flat graver section.

Cheers / ~Sam

 

[Ray Cover]

For lettering bright cuts I prefer a flat too.

For general cutting I find a 90 hard to beat.

Ray

 

[ddushane]

Hey guys, I've been using a 120 degree graver because of what you said Sam about the point being less apt to break. When I first started practicing I was constantly breaking the points. I'm not breaking the points nearly as much now. Now I can usually cut two complete bolsters of a knife without resharpening. What advantages would I have using the 90 degree point if any. Also been using the uniform heel, have you guys used the uniform heel on the 90 degree and what do you think about it. Thanks in advance for you input. Dwayne

 

[FANCYGUN]

Dwayne
I have beenusing a uniform heel for many years on my gravers. I have recently tried and am enjoying a 105 degree graver. It has much more line character posibilities and easier to control than a 120. At my recent class in Trinidad I had the students make up 90's, 105's and 120's. Most of them ended up preferring the 105. I use a 55 degree face and and a 15 degree heel.
Marty

 

[Bama]

Thanks to all. Sam I reviewed your sharpening tutorials and printed them out for future reference. You have a great site that I can tell I will be going back to on a regular basis. I will give the flat another try, is there a particular size that you recommend?

Could someone explain what the uniform heel is?

 

[ddushane]

Marty, I use the the 55 degree face & 15 degree heel on my 120's, I'll give the 105 degree graver a try. Now help me out, to cut the 120 degree graver you rotate your sharpening fixture to 30 degree on each side, so on the 105 would you rotate it 10 degrees on each side? Thanks for the help. Dwayne

 

[FANCYGUN]

To make a 105 degree graver I set the fixture to 37.5 degrees. 37.5 + 37.5 = 75. 180 - 75 = 105.

For a 15 degree heel on a 55 degree face I set it for 44 degrees.

 

[ddushane]

Marty, Thanks, I'll try it tomorrow if I can. Dwayne