Image transfer/suggested books or reading

[studioscarab]

Hello group, Is there a great book out there on modern and traditional techniques that a beginner could pick up and learn alot of techniques start to finish? I know 20 years ago when I started airbrushing, I learned a lot from practice and from the 30 or so books I read and perused. Also, how are images or designs that you have (or have drawn) transfered to the metal surface before the engraving is done...I haven't figured that one out yet. Are there books on scrollwork and scrimshaw patterns that are a good place for a beginning engraver?

Monte Moore
www.maverickarts.com

 

[Andrew Biggs]

Hi Monte and welcome to the forum

Your airbrush work is wonderful to see.

There are 3 books that I would recommend that you get.

1. The art of engraving by James meek. Available from GRS at http://www.grstools.com/index.html

2. The basics of firearms engraving by Neil Hartleip. (dosn't matter if you want to engrave firearms or not.
It's an excellent book on engraving) available from brownells www.brownells.com

3. Advanced scroll design by Ron Smith available at FEGA http://www.fega.com/prodserv/booksSC.asp?categoryparam=book or GRS http://www.grstools.com/index.html

These 3 books will cover just about every aspect that you can think of. Both design and technique.

The other thing I would highly drecommend is the DVD on Graver sharpening by Sam Alfano (our host on this forum) available at www.masterengraver.com or GRS at http://www.grstools.com/index.html

This DVD will take all the mystery out of sharpening tools which is essential to engraving.(well most of it anyway )

Something else I would highly recommend is a couple of castings of engraving available at www.fega.com or Ray Cover http://www.rcoverengraving.com/ The reason I suggest this is that photos are all well and good but these castings will give you an idea of depth that is essential to engraving.

None of them are expensive and they are all excellent. They will get you well and truly started.

Cheers
Andrew

 

[Biorka]

Welcome Monty,
Sam Alfano also has a very good image transfer DVD / Video out there, I believe GRS carries it ( Sam?) Beside Sams techniques I also use "Transfer Magic" (transfersolutions@comspeed.net) and an epson printer with transparencies(directions on his site). It allows me to draw (LARGE) then scan, reduce and transfer to metal... simple and has worked well for me (with my limited experience). Andrew's suggestions are all right on. I would also suggest FEGA's inlay, raised inlay, the Lee Griffiths DVD's and the Johnny Weierts basic scroll DVD (they are harder then they look).
For me, it was the trip to Reno last January to see the awesome work displayed there, talk to the folks responsible, as well as see and try some of the best tools available today that got me hooked. If you can GO!
I would love to go again unfortunately I am stuck on this small, windy(65kts. today!) rainy, cold, rock in the middle of the Gulf of Alaska and can't get off! (lots of time to engrave!)
Good Luck,
Barry

 

[pappy]

eng. techniques

Hi, Monte!
I think Andrew Biggs and Biorka have very good ideas. There are also 3 tapes put out by lynton McKenzie. I found them very useful. Mr. McKenzie uses all hammer and push engraving. I'don't think he uses power.
I usually use Transfer Magic by Tom white. There are a few posts on printer/ink/transfer necessary for this method. There is also the acetone method for copiers.
Hope this helps!
Best wishes for 2008!!!!!
pappy

 

[studioscarab]

Andrew, Barry and Pappy, thanks for the words of wisdom from those who know. I'll start adding some books and dvd's to my collection, and start my education on engraving, its a whole new wide world out there for me, and it's very exciting to be learning about a new medium for me.

thanks
Monte