Introduction and pic

[D.Ellis]

Hi everybody.
I have been lurking here for a few months absorbing as much info as I can. I have not been engraving very long but enjoy it a great deal........very challenging to say the least. I have very little in the way of equipment......no magnification yet(will get a optivisor soon) and use a small bench vise to hold the item to engrave(inflict scratches upon?). I have some flat and square gravers and handles that I bought, and use the side of an eight ounce ball pein hammer to tap them with. For the delight of all those here who thought they were the worst engraver, here is proof to the contrary
My practice plate(with penny for scale)
I have many mistakes due to poor graver control accentuated by the inability to see what I am doing without magnification. Lumpy spines and poorly placed beading in the background.......no attempt was made to do any real shading. Be gentle.....I'm sensitive
Darcy

 

[Andrew Biggs]

Hi Darcy and welcome aboard.

There's nothing there to be concerned about. You're just starting out and everyones first attempts are exactley the same. Just keep listening and practicing.

Best wishes

Andrew

 

[Haraga.com]

Looks like you have a good start with some basic tools. If you need some help come on down to the windy country anytime.

 

[Abigail]

Welcome Darcy!
Nice to have you.
Cheers,
Abigail

 

[pilkguns]

Looks not so bad. Do another one!

 

[TEDTWOFEATHERS]

Wished My First Engraving Attempts Looked That Bad. Looks Great Darcy.

 

[shonn]

hello and welcome !

i think your engraving looks really nice, deep cuts look nice keep up the good work.

 

[Raul Hinz]

Welcome
you engraving is going to get better
the more you cut the better it gets
it looks really nice
Raul

 

[joseph engraver]

It looks like you have a lot of practice already,progress comes in small steps,sucess with learning and determination,

 

[D.Ellis]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone.....
Darcy

 

[monk]

actually, i think you're doing darn good considering an 8 oz ball pein and the scale of this piece. you're right on track, just keep on truckin as some say !

 

[cowboy_silversmith]

Just amazing work for a rookie. For as little experience you have and with the limitations you are bound by, I am impressed! Keep it up & keep posting.

Best regards,
Greg Pauline

 

[Big-Un]

The design and balance is very good. Keep up the good work, smoothness will come. May I suggest you use the face of the hammer and make sure it is convex in shape somewhat.

 

[webad2006]

I agree, for the time you've been at it, and what your using? A+++ Keep practicing, and first things first, buy yourself a decent ( not expensive ) hammer. I think you'll see a major difference right away!... You can only go forward from here!

 

[D.Ellis]

Thanks guys for all the encouragement.
I have been using the side of the hammer as it is convex slightly and larger in area than the face........easier to hit the chisel with so I can concentrate on where the cut is supposed to go. I agree it is probabaly less than ideal. I am also a bladesmith so I can probably make my own hammer without any trouble. What weight and diameter face do you all recommend? I have never held a real chasing hammer in my hand before(unless you count my 4 1/2 pound cross pein ). I have been using 8 ounces of hammer........would half of that be too heavy?
Thanks again for all the support.
Darcy

 

[ddushane]

Darcy, I'm impressed! You're gonna be great at this. Keep up the great work. Dwayne

 

[John B.]

Darcy, great work.
If you PM me your address I will mail or email you the plans to make a copy of my 1800's engraving hammer.
It has two faces, both 1 1/8" round.
Both are convex, one slightly more than the other.
One of my ex-students used to make and sell these hammers.
But he is not with us anymore so you will have to make one youself.
Best regards, keep that hammer tapping. John B.

 

[D.Ellis]

Darcy, great work.
If you PM me your address I will mail or email you the plans to make a copy of my 1800's engraving hammer.
It has two faces, both 1 1/8" round.
Both are convex, one slightly more than the other.
One of my ex-students used to make and sell these hammers.
But he is not with us anymore so you will have to make one youself.
Best regards, keep that hammer tapping. John B.

Thanks very much John.......PM on the way
Darcy