Starting something new.

[Monte]

I am a self taught Jeweler doing mostly one of a kind pieces. Allot of bead setting and bright cutting, that sort of thing. My friends have been after me for years to start gun engraving but I'v always put them off telling them I don’t have time to learn. The truth is I tend to be a perfectionist. If I make a mistake on a ring, I can fix it. But if you mess up bad enough on a gun, I’m not sure what you could do. Then I found the Master Engraver web sight and learned the tip that put me over the edge. If you can't draw it, you can't cut it. So for the last week or two I have been doodling allot and the scrolls are starting to make sense. Gun metal is allot harder than gold and platinum. I think I’m going to have to invest in some power.
Thanks everyone for the inspiration to make the leap.

 

[sam]

Hello, Monte. There are quite a few jewelers here, so you're in good company. The fact that you're starting out with pencil and paper is a good sign. Proficieny in designing scrolls and ornamentation will pay off handsomely.

Welcome to the Cafe, and let us know if you need help or advise and we'll do our best for you.

Cheers / ~Sam

 

[Tom Curran]

I find I like cutting steel better than softer metals such as brass or silver. So, don't use the material as an excuse until you've tried it!

Drawing is the key. Draw all the time, whenever you have a spare moment. SKetch, doodle, imagine, play, get it on paper. Have fun with it. Don't worry about perfection, because it takes a loooong time for your eye and hand to be trained to work together. Just keep drawing. Everything will fall into place eventually.

Keep your drawings and refer to them occasionally. look at your early drawings after a week has gone by, then compare in a month, a year. You will see that you have made progress. Drawing will become more enjoyable, too, as you become more pleased with your results.

Please keep us posted, and give us an occasional picture to look at.

best wishes,
Tom

 

[Lee]

Drawing is critical. I think there is value in using a pen at least part of the time. With a pen your options are limited to lines and dots or any combination thereof. The same holds true for engraving. Lines and dots are your visual arsenal and your only means of creating value and shading. I suspect also that we may be inclined to draw more carefully with a pen knowing that erasure is not an option.

 

[Ron Smith]

Come on in Monte, the water's fine.............Ron S

 

[Weldon47]

Welcome, Monte
Nice to have you here.
In addition to what the others have said (excellent advice), I believe there is nothing like good old burning desire to compel you on toward excellence!

Weldon

 

[Ron Smith]

Burning desire???? ................The most powerful force in the universe!!!!! Right on, ride on Weldon