Lettering help

[DietrichBros]

I’m having trouble with tiny script. I used a standard sharpened 90 degree graver. Is there something I could do with the heel to make it more suited to tiny curves? Is there a graver profile you would recommend other than 90 degree? I need to get magnification so I can see better, but I feel the graver is a bit out of my control with this tiny script. Any help/ suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[monk]

if i were to try this, i'd use a 60 square and a micro heel. you may get quite a few differing responses. you should practice on junk before attempting somethin new. jmho

 

[Old Gunsmith]

From the photo it appears you are working on a percussion hammer. Depending where they are cast, hardness can vary throughout the piece plus they are case hardened. From your line border it appears you are breaking through the case hardening. When this happens, the point tries to dive under the hard metal into the softer metal causing a wider and deeper line. Also directional control is effected. Multiple passes may be required.The first pass to get through the case hardening and the next to get to the desired depth. I would try a 105 or 120 as the wide angles are easier to control depth wise. Use a carbide graver with a dubbed point. After the first pass, you can use whatever point you want as you are throught the case hardening. For the lettering use the same method but as Monk said use a micro heel to get around the curves better. I have found that this is one of those cases where hammer and chisel works better than power as each tap can be controled and adjusted before getting too far along. Take your time, speed kills in this situation. High magnification helps in seeing the depth you are cutting better. It couldbe worse, you could be doing a frizzen.

 

[DietrichBros]

Thank you both!

 

[pilkguns]

Proper engravers script has no real curves. Basically they are straight lines that give the illusion of curves due to the flare cutting to one side. The "curved" part that you are fighting is not there at all if you look at script lettering cut in the traditional way. just blank spaces that your mind "sees" and connects

 

[Dani Girl]

I just thought I'd quickly draw what's meant by cutting script with straight lines

 

[Dani Girl]

the lines that end square are achieved either just but how you pop out of the cut with the graver angled just so or with an extra cut

 

[Dani Girl]

using a flat graver one can lean the right tip in and angle it just so so as to make with the rest of the graver face a gradually entering cut that then pops out suddenly after a little dive. super common on old engraved trophies and such where hand pushed chisels were used. one would call it a stop cut I think.

 

[JDow]

Yes! This is the way to cut script! I just recently posted videos of cutting letters on my instagram if you'd like to take a look
@jdow_engraving

 

[DietrichBros]

Thank you all! I appreciate all of the knowledge and experience you shared.