UK Noobie . Needs a liitle advice

[Indy Joneds]

ok , fluorescent bulb or defused led , i am not to fussed about my gravers not being spot on at this point or 1.2mm bigger , Ive bought them ill use them for now . As for what do i want to do , i am not sure , everything ? but ill just practice on plates for now . but weapons would be in there . hi JLC i understand what you are saying but honestly with that leather on or off its a tiny difference , i know the logic should show other wise but anyway the leathers is off and i have a CHASING HAMMER in my shopping cart on ebay and its a 5Oz i think . I might try the smaller face on the next one but i woudnt want it spliting through my handle. but i am all for any suggestions to make things quieter so any can practice after work in the evenings . i have moved down stairs so i can put music on and hope it drowns the hammer taps out . maybe my point is not bob on and thus requiring more force , but it looks ok to me and i cant afford one of those fancy duel sharpening fixtures yet . im not even sure if i can get them over here in uk.

This is my shopping cart so far
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/290740095810
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/320986165340
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161183255120

and one of these 3 vices i think .
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/371088486070 ( this one has tilt a 4" opening but looks lighter and you guys reccomend heavyer the better )
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251739457...rkparms=gh1g=I251739457032.N7.S2.M1104.R2.TR5 (the silver vise area milled at the top of the jaws which looks handy 4.25" opening) looks heavy
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221596545...trkparms=gh1g=I221596545583.N8.S2.M346.R1.TR5 (has no handle and have had no response on the jaw opening measurement) end in 6hours

there is heavy and tilt but above my price range atm. would love some advice before that middle set sell . thanks for all the advice so far

 

[dboles]

Indy,
I am David, I was reading and I am new as well. I work in the Eng. R&D department. I have access to all type of metals. For cutting as well as creating some very cool stuff. I offer my services, you need a race< a race is a bearing that is flat and can be placed into a machined grove in a plate and when sandwiched between the plate and the plate under the vise tada!!! rotation, and you could use a couple thumb screws to apply pressure to keep it from being so loose. I have a couple of vises in my shop that I could fix up for you if you cant afford one. Granted this isn't the best of plans, but a plan non the less. I have been interested in graving for a little over a year now and still haven't touched the first tool. Mont eagle isn't far from me, I plan to save and go there when I get enough money. But I have been drawing, and piddling with how things work. and The people on this forum are great, I have listened and they are very kind and helpful. If I can help I want to be apart, so just PM me if I can help, and I will send you a picture of the vise. if you can cover shipping.
Regards
David

 

[Indy Joneds]

thank you for replying pal . i would love a good heavy 4" opening vice but i think you are USA and im uk . yes this lazy susan bearing does have play in it but i will get better stuff. for now just working out graver geomertery and oush gravers , heels angles and such. best of luck with your start in engraving

 

[Mike Karkalla]

Indy, I use wood mounted Gravers and hammer!!! The main thing is energy lost...A good SOLID base!!! I prefer a good engravers ball or a iron Vise mounted to steel and cement floor. Building Longrifles is different that most Jewelers or knifemakers. Almost every gun is engraved different. I use all the methods!!!! on the gun, Off and standing walking around. most case a 42" barrel

 

[dboles]

You are welcome, the vise is a six inch I think, it is a machinist vise so it will work for you. if you decide you need it just let me know and we will figure out something. but this will be heavy to ship with everything attached.
Beast of luck to you as well friend
David

 

[celticjohn]

Suttonstools.co.uk in Birmingham UK have a wide selection of GRS tools on their website. Not sure how far away the y are form you.