I probably need to engrave one plate for printing, but some questions came up to which I didn't find answers.
Viljo
- How many prints can I get out of unhardened steel plate, before it starts to lose quality? 200? 1000? 5000?
- How many prints can I get out of heat treated steel plate? 10k?
- How much bigger should the plate be compared to engraving? Ie. I probably need some extra room at the sides of the plate, but how much, 1 inch is enough?
- What steel would be the best if I heat treat it and how hard should it be? 60-62RC?
- What graver is best for prints? I imagine narrow (90 degrees?) V-graver is used, but I have no idea.
- What should the plate finish be? Probably polished to mirror?
- Is there a way to duplicate these plates? Like die engravers create masters and then replicate it.
- Any good reference books about printing?
Viljo