Question: What is the proper steel for machine engraving precious metals?

[alaskonaut]

I am the new owner of a machine engraver and I wanted to understand which steel is best used to cut precious metals like .925 Sterling Silver, All karats of Gold, and base metals like copper. I am not new to machine engraving as I learned on a Lindsay and I currently own a Pulsegraver. I have tried to search for this answer before and I couldn’t find a post addressing it so forgive me if it’s already been asked. Thank you in advance. I’m excited to start using the new tool.

 

[Aventuraal]

If all you are doing is noble metals, then carbon steel gravers are all you need.

 

[monk]

there's really only two choices--- hss or carbide. i know of no other special alloys for cnc or pantograph work. there are diamond points configured to create wider, frosty looking cuts when used in rotary mode rather than just the typical drag or scratch mode.

 

[Chujybear]

I am the new owner of a machine engraver and I wanted to understand which steel is best used to cut precious metals like .925 Sterling Silver, All karats of Gold, and base metals like copper. I am not new to machine engraving as I learned on a Lindsay and I currently own a Pulsegraver. I have tried to search for this answer before and I couldn’t find a post addressing it so forgive me if it’s already been asked. Thank you in advance. I’m excited to start using the new tool.

By machine engraving are you talking about a pantograph? Or do you mean your pulsegraver?
If its the pulsegraver, you can cut with all kinds of things... old files, bed springs, old burs, drill rod, I have tools out of all those and more scrap... but the commercial blanks are pretty convenient.

 

[monk]

By machine engraving are you talking about a pantograph? Or do you mean your pulsegraver?
If its the pulsegraver, you can cut with all kinds of things... old files, bed springs, old burs, drill rod, I have tools out of all those and more scrap... but the commercial blanks are pretty convenient.

bed springs ? that's one of the few things i never tried making a graver with.