Help with tight hammer and chisel cuts

[DTS419]

Hi,
When cutting tight radii, small spirals and volutes, etc. should the chisel be rolled one way or the other, or should it be held straight without any cant to the inside or outside? I've been trying all three ways with mixed results, and can't tell which is the proper way. Thanks.

 

[JJ Roberts]

DTS,What is the geometry of the chisel your using ? J.J.

 

[Sam]

Whether it's hammer & chisel or pneumatic, I always bevel my cuts to the inside of each element. Exceptions are borders, scroll backbones, and shading. Nearly everything else is beveled toward the inside of that element. This makes for a beautiful result that sparkles with life and dimension. Non-belveled engraving can look flat.

 

[DTS419]

DTS,What is the geometry of the chisel your using ? J.J.

I have been using the Sam Alfano wood chisel handle that GRS sells with various gravers in the 3/32" ballpark, 90-degree, face angle 45 degrees with 15 degree heel angle sharpened to about 1/4 mm.

I also have a longer homemade wood handle, and the steel Belgium style handle that GRS sells.

 

[DTS419]

Whether it's hammer & chisel or pneumatic, I always bevel my cuts to the inside of each element. Exceptions are borders, scroll backbones, and shading. Nearly everything else is beveled toward the inside of that element. This makes for a beautiful result that sparkles with life and dimension. Non-belveled engraving can look flat.

Thank you Sam. About how much cant or rotation is needed to do that?

 

[monk]

if your gravers have a rather long heel, that can add to the problem. heels to be very short for tight curves.

 

[Sam]

Thank you Sam. About how much cant or rotation is needed to do that?

With a square chisel it’s a pretty good roll for the wider flares. I can’t give you a number.

 

[JJ Roberts]

DTS,For a wider flare try a 116 geometry for H&C or power. J.J.