Question: Silver inlay into brass

[Grayson]

I'm planning to inlay some silver lines into a brass cylinder. I am an intermediate engraver when do my best work. I plan to cut the channel sides on my lathe then work the bottom and corners with gravers. What hardness of silver is best? Which channel widths are easier? What should be the approximate ratio of wire to channel? Thanks!

 

[John B.]

Grayson,
I would advise using only .999 pure silver, fully annealed.
And I would use a wire that provides about 125% fill to your cavity.
If the line is under.025 wide, just undercut both sides.
If it's .025 or wider add some teeth in the bottom of the groove.
Seat the wire quickly with a hammer and brass punch.
The silver will work harden quickly, as you know.
Best of luck.....and post some pictures.