Engraving Tools

Photo of engraving tools

The tools used for Hand Engraving have changed very little over the years. The most useful modern device is probably the electric lamp as opposed to a candle and bowl of water.

Small chisels called gravers are used to cut into the metal and each graver is shaped differently to achieve certain cuts in the metal.

If we begin by going through the stages of engraving a piece of jewellery then we can see the various tools used. Firstly the VICE is used to hold the item to be engraved firmly. I have found that making my own vices from wood are usually the best, the item can be held firmly without damaging the jewellery. The vice sits upon a SANDBAG to allow easy manouvreability of the vice. Secondly we need to draw onto the item the lettering or Seal, I use children's PLASTICINE dabbed onto the item and a sharp PENCIL to draw the lettering on.

Hand engraving toolsHand engraving tools Hand engraving tools

Once the lettering or seal has been drawn onto the item a SCRIBER is used to lightly scratch over the pencil marks, this enables you to start engraving without rubbing out the scribed lines you have made.

Gravers used for Hand Engraving

There are a variety of gravers and graver handles, each graver is sharpened to achieve different cuts. A good CARBORUNDUM STONE is used to cut the graver to the required angles rather like the facets on a diamond. Once the graver has been sharpened as required using the Carborundum stone i use an ARKANSAS stone which gives a bright finish to the graver.

Hand engraving tools Hand engraving tools

In order to follow the lines scribed earlier a good MAGNIFYING EYEGLASS is used, with this you can see exactly how the graver is moving over the metal being engraved.

  1. Lozenge Graver : So called because the cross-section is the shape of a lozenge.
  2. Square Graver :The cross-section of this is square.This tool is used mostly for outlining.
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  3. Scorper :The Scorper is used for removing the metal to the required depth, which is done quickly and cleanly. It is of special value for lettering.
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  4. Threader, Stitch, Shading or Line Graver : A flat tool with a number of fine grooves running along its cutting face so that it cuts several thin parallel lines at the same time. Used for shading letters or parts of a crest.
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  5. Round Nose Graver : Generally used for cutting dots and in ornamental work such as that seen on victorian salvers.
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  6. Flat Graver : Used for cutting block lettering and helpful for other styles too.
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The most important thing is to keep your gravers sharp, flick the end of the graver over your thumbnail, the graver should stick into your nail and not slide over it. Over the years a variety of gravers will be built up suitable for doing certain jobs but you will always find yourself reshaping and resharpening gravers.

With Thomas Flack you are dealing with a Master Hand Engraver and i am sure you will be delighted with the quality, and amazed at the craftsmanship of your engraved seal ring.


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