Question: Questions from a begginer - From instrument making to engraving

[NickSiro]

Hello,

Since this is my first post here, I would like to congratulate all of you for your efforts to keep this forum alive with so many information about a difficult subject like engraving.

I work as musician and make-repair stringed instruments (mandolins and violins at most).

I would like to learn to engrave some metal parts of isntruments (tailpieces, rests etc) and I till now I know some very basics of metalsmith.

My questions are:

1. I have medium nearsightendness 4.25 and astigmatism. ~1.5 both eyes. Would it be a drawback if I get involved in engraving? Or will my eyes betray me? (I get that engraving is much more on fine details in close distances than making an instrument for example. On the other hand, I read an article that presentates myopia as advantage for this kind of job.)

2. I have bench, vise(s), wooden handles, hammers, brass sheets etc already. I read also the Beginner's tool list post. I want to use hand tools, so I will go with 2 square graver blanks. But, can you tell me what size? Here there are some gravers I can purchase. What can I buy for a start? I guess I have to go with the "sharp" one but don't know what size.

3. About sharpening completely by hand, which youtube video or book can I follow as the best? I would like to get the geometry as better as possible. Also, I have stones from 100 to 2000 grit. Is that enough? For woodworking tools, I never had issues.

4. I have a desk magnifier (not something special - I check instrument cracks with it). What else could I purchase for the beggining? (no microscopes - cause I do not have money to spend at the moment)


Thank you

 

[monk]

i dont like a 120. that's because i began using them way too late. they would be very good for you to start out with and get used to. sharpening by hand without fancy fixtures will work. the problem is that one cant get really consistent angles. i dont want to spend yer money, but if you're going to earn money, you should get the grs sharpening system. the tool assures repeatable geometry thruout the life of the graver. also the system allows any geometry. as far as videos go, they are all pretty good. look at them all. you may find one that may be jus right for you.
i shy away from giving info on specific visual problems. i'd suggest seeking help from an eye specialist. good luck.

 

[JJ Roberts]

Nick, Find an engraver in your area and take a class. J.J.

 

[tdelewis]

I would suggest you visit an engraver or take a class, even just a one day class or a weekend. Let people know where you live and there may be someone that will be willing to meet and give some pointers. Also there is much information on Youtube. Do some searches, Masterengraver has some very good videos on Youtube.

 

[AllenClapp]

Nick, Sam Alfano has an excellent video on sharpening gravers, as well as engraving videos that target beginners up to experienced engravers. they are relatively inexpensive and include a lot of information applicable to the tasks involved. Monk is correct about the usefulness of some kind of sharpening system for consistency. Steve Lindsay offers some templates that are an inexpensive way to start. Those templates can be used with a diamond plate. The down side to templates is that you need a different set for each graver geometry. The GRS system is more expensive, but it can repeated make any graver geometry. I suggest reviewing Sam's video on sharpening and maybe his beginner's course video on before you go either way. That will let you know what you are getting into.

 

[NickSiro]

Thank you for your answers.

 

[mitch]

i dont like a 120. that's because i began using them way too late. they would be very good for you to start out with and get used to. sharpening by hand without fancy fixtures will work. the problem is that one cant get really consistent angles. i dont want to spend yer money, but if you're going to earn money, you should get the grs sharpening system. the tool assures repeatable geometry thruout the life of the graver. also the system allows any geometry. as far as videos go, they are all pretty good. look at them all. you may find one that may be jus right for you.
i shy away from giving info on specific visual problems. i'd suggest seeking help from an eye specialist. good luck.

I thought the same thing about 120s a few yrs back and really didn’t like them at first, having used a 90 for almost 35 yrs. But at the time i was doing a lot of work that required a wider graver so I stuck with it. It wasn’t so much a “learning curve” as a “get used to it curve”, and now i use almost nothing else. YMMV.

 

[monk]

I thought the same thing about 120s a few yrs back and really didn’t like them at first, having used a 90 for almost 35 yrs. But at the time i was doing a lot of work that required a wider graver so I stuck with it. It wasn’t so much a “learning curve” as a “get used to it curve”, and now i use almost nothing else. YMMV.

i got to the point where i could use them, i just didn't like them. somethin about an old dog & new tricks maybe.

 

[papart1]

where you at?

 

[gcleaker]

And here we go I like a 105. I would say pick one, work with it for a while and become comfortable with it. Keep a open mind and try a different degree later on. I belive that one must be able to become confident with one style of bit before trying a different style. Skill comes from diligence