Trouble with background removing.

[Kim L.]

Hello... super newbie here. Thanks for all the great info. I've been watching Sam Alfano's video on scrollwork and trying to follow along and removing the background on a practice piece. Sorry the line work is so awful. But my problem is that in attempting the remove the background areas I end up with a bunch of furrowed lines rather than a smooth erasure of the area. I'm using a square graver. Can anyone help with tips on what I'm doing wrong? Thank you

 

[jerrywh]

After the square graver cuts you need to cut the tops off with a flat graver. Then treat the background by stippling, dot punching. hammering or some other technique.

 

[Kim L.]

 

[Kim L.]

Thank you for the advice. Pretty rough but here's how it came out.

 

[jerrywh]

You need to slow down and be more precise. Do you have any magnification?

 

[Kim L.]

Yes I have a microscope but I'm having trouble keeping the area I'm working on centered under the viewing area. Yes definately slow down. Thank you.

 

[monk]

cutting as you did is a start. then, take a flat and start wriggling to level out. this may take a bit of time, but will work. i think this would be a bit better since you're perhaps not up to speed cutting anyway. as a nube, do not try to get too fancy at first. concentrate on drawing a simple spiral, making it as perfect as possible. baby steps, walk, then run. good luck

 

[JJ Roberts]

Kim,What square graver are you using?I use a square 90 degree and cross hatch out the background,then stipple also need to work on your scrolls. J.J.

 

[papart1]

Hay it's a start.........I know what your going through, I reflect upon it everyday, I'm adjusting the ratio of design to cut depth now. pap

 

[Kim L.]

Kim,What square graver are you using?I use a square 90 degree and cross hatch out the background,then stipple also need to work on your scrolls. J.J.

Hi... using a square 90 also. I think part of my trouble with scrolls is that under the microscope the scroll moves out of the viewing area before I can finish it, so I end up having to stop and start it a lot rather than one sweeping cut. Don't know what to do about that. Thank you

 

[SamW]

One of the things we all have to learn is that background, whether removed or not, is very important to the quality of the engraving...and takes a lot of time. A little less background and a bit more scroll helps.

Have you tried an Optivisor? I use the #10 lens and see just fine while maintaining freedom of movement.

 

[Kim L.]

Thank you. I have an optivisor with a 5 lens. I'll try the 10.

 

[Chujybear]

Turntable will help you to be able to easily keep your piece in view under microscope. Just disable rotation on your engravers ball.

 

[gcleaker]

View attachment 44421

not bad for a beginer

 

[jerrywh]

When cutting scrolls you need to make some sort of a centering pointer or index so you can place your work on center of rotation.
Always keep your work area on center of rotation and focused.

 

[SamW]

The #10 lens focuses at about 4 inches so you will need your vise high enough so you don't have to bend over and tire out your back. Works well for me.

 

[monk]

sam w is spot on. one must arrange everything so as to be working in comfort. neck, back, and shoulder pain will surely make a fun session far less than fun.