New and looking to learn and understand

[Hammer6]

Hi, everyone. I'm a noob to engraving and have been reading the forums, reviewing resources and resource links, and generally trying to educate myself. I've read the posts intended for the beginner, basic tool lists, etc.

I've been fortunate in getting some very smart guidance from an accomplished engraver and craftsman: 1) Join the forums; 2) Ask if anyone in your area would be willing to show you their setup and equipment, ideally letting you get some hands-on with each of the leading tool brands; 3) If you think engraving is for you, attend a beginner's class before investing in tools.

I live in the Kansas City metro. If anyone in the area would be willing to spend a little time showing me their setup, talking about their work process, and perhaps letting me get a little hands-on to really understand the nature of doing the work, I'd really appreciate it. I think the only way to really understand the work is to do the work and the only way to master it is to continually learn, try, learn, try again.

Thanks!

 

[Brian Marshall]

You got some good advice.

One more piece - after you find someone to show you their setup and you've seen what it's all about - and you are absolutely positive this work is for you - spend the money for a class.

DO these things BEFORE you start investing in tools!

The money, time and frustration you will save - will be worth far more than the cost of a good formal class.

You are reasonably close to quite a few...


Brian


“Man is the reasoning animal. Such is the claim.” ― Mark Twain

 

[Riflesmith]

I live about 3 hours SW of KC if you can't find anyone closer to you and you're more than welcome to come see my setup. I have a camera setup and you're able to see what I do on a TV. I'm more than willing to help you out.

 

[Hammer6]

Richard, that very generous of you! Thanks! Let's see what shakes out over the next few days and go from there. What kind of work do you do? What's your preferred engraver(s)? What do you wish you'd known (or paid attention to) when you began?

Ken Burke
"Tempus Nunc Est"

 

[Riflesmith]

I engrave firearms mostly, a few knives, design and engrave custom jewelry, one needs to diversify. I do my own artwork and some times all I'll do is draw....for days! I have no favorite engravers but there are those engravers out there whose work I'm partial to and show artist grace. Jim Blair does beautiful work, Phil Coggan's work is exceptional along with Martin Strolz. Marty Rabino's work is also very fine. There are a host of others who have produced some very nice prices of art it's too hard to name them all. Of the engravers of the past I much prefer the work of William Gough and the work he did on the higher end A.H. Fox and Parker Brothers double guns, exceptionally finely executed work performed with the tool of the time.
The best advice I can give you, and many on here will do the same, purchase Ron Smith's book on Advanced scrollwork and Lee Griffith's book on scroll design and draw, draw, draw. Study scrollwork on pics on the Internet, it's cheap, and observe how they put their scrollwork together. Use different shapes and fill them with scrollwork, that will help you understand design characteristics.
I don't know if there is anything I wish I'd known before I started, I started it with an open mind not knowing what to expect. After 24 years in the military serving in a combat role in some of the worse s@@tholes in the world I needed something new. To be honest, I had trouble drawing stickmen before I started engraving.
Let me know, I'd be very happy to show you the little bit I know.
If you have any other questions PM me.