Announcement: How to: Engrave a zippo from start to finish (entry level)

[dlilazteca]

Hello All I just uploaded a video for beginners on how to engrave a zippo.

I hope I did not miss something and it helps someone along the way.

Thanks all for your help and guidance!

On to my next project.

http://youtu.be/oT04nMHfzjY

is anyone having trouble viewing the video? please advise

 

[scott99]

Thanks for the look.

scott99

 

[dlilazteca]

Did the link work? The reason I ask is because Gerry told me it did not work from his phone. Thanks

 

[bildio]

Did the link work? The reason I ask is because Gerry told me it did not work from his phone. Thanks

The link works.

 

[marz]

link worked for me home computer..

 

[dlilazteca]

Confirmed thanks

Carlos De La O III

 

[Andrew Biggs]

Hi Carlos

Yes, the link works all the way down here in New Zealand as well

I can see that you are enthusiastic about your engraving and you like tattoo style art. Great!!!

But I'm going to give you some unsolicited advise and I hope you take it the right way.You have invested some hard earned money to set yourself up so you may as well learn how to use the gear properly and make better designs.

With tattoo art you can incorporate a lot of design features from simple silhouette to complicated and intricate designs/backgrounds within the main design. You only have to look at Maori style moko (tattoo) to see this.

So my advise is this..........stop using a ball bur to background your work. It looks really crude, cheap and nasty. Sounds harsh but it is true. You can do a much better job with a bit of thought and practice.

For instance.....you can relieve background and stipple with a fine point. Dot the background with, or without, relief. Make home made textured punches........or you can single point texture with patterns like rope, fish scale, netting, etc etc. This will give your work a far more refined look and set you on a better path. The only limit is your imagination.

I know that you like that type of background and it has the advantage of being quick.........but it is not doing you any favours. In fact it is cheapening your work and no matter how hard you try, it will always look crude.

Cheers
Andrew

 

[dlilazteca]

Andrew

Andrew

Thanks for taking the time to reply, and your constructive criticism, don't worry not hurt feelings here, as a matter of fact your comment will help others. Its true the round bur is quick to finish, and that's exactly what I wanted, but what you say makes sense, not sure what you mean with the snake pattern, or rope pattern (background) could you send me a picture, thanks

carlosdelao3@gmail.com

thanks again

 

[Andrew Biggs]

Hi Carlos

By snake pattern I mean snake scales or fish scales. A rope pattern is just rope...basically it can be any pattern. Basket weave is another highly effective background. Even small English scroll.

If you go to google images and search tattoo or Moko designs you will see what I'm getting at.

These are just ideas to get the creative juices flowing. The Mexican/Spanish/North American Indian cultures have a very rich culture to draw from as well with Incas and Aztecs always being a popular resource. The sky is the limit. All of this can be done and still remain within the "tattoo style" that you like.

The thing about engraving is.....the devil is in the detail. It's the fine detail that makes it look rich and beautiful to the eye. Learn to develop that eye for detail and you will find yourself on a creative and rewarding path.

Cheers
Andrew

 

[dlilazteca]

Got it I see what you mean...thanks

 

[monk]

thanks for the nice video. question-- why "mop & glo"?? does it protect the design from smuging ?
just curious.

 

[dlilazteca]

thanks for the nice video. question-- why "mop & glo"?? does it protect the design from smuging ?
just curious.

Monk

It sure does since you have such a big layer of toner 1 it keeps your hands from smudging it and 2. it keeps it in place so the vibration does not breaking it apart

Carlos De La O III

 

[monk]

ok, thanks for the info on that.