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. 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.
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
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 i use an ARKANSAS stone
which gives a bright finish.
- Lozenge Graver : So called because
the cross-section is the shape of a lozenge.
- Square Graver :The cross-section of
this is square.This tool is used mostly for outlining.
- 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.
- 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.
- Round Nose Graver : Generally used
for cutting dots and in ornamental work such as that seen on victorian
salvers.
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.
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.
