With the events of this year, many people have found themselves with a lot of free time. This provides the perfect opportunity to learn a new skill or start a new hobby. One option that will tick off both of those categories is engraving.
Engraving is the art of cutting or carving a design into a hard surface. With a little patience and a willingness to learn, anyone can enjoy the art of engraving. This eight-step guide can provide a method for beginning this fun and exciting hobby.
Gather the Tools
Before any engraving can begin, the beginner must first acquire the tools needed to start the engraving. These tools will be determined by the type of work the individual wants to do. Check out the LS-1420 review for an affordable system that can help make the project easy and beautiful.
If you’re wanting to go a little more hands-on, there are Dremel tools and other accessories that can make engraving easier. These tools allow handcrafting details and providing a unique design on almost any material.
Gather Materials
The next step is choosing the right materials to engrave. This can be anything from wood to metal or even paper to leather. The choice depends on the particular product the beginning engraver wants to create.
It is also important to note that the materials should correspond to the tools chosen. Some tools are better for some materials. A little research can help the beginner find the best of both to create beautiful art.
Gather the Right Safety Materials
Engraving can be dangerous if the right safety precautions are not taken. This makes it important to learn about the risks and gather the right materials to keep this fun hobby safe. Gloves and eye protection are definitely some of the safety tools needed.
Remember, these tools are cutting through hard materials. They can also cut through skin if users are not careful. Take precautions to avoid such an injury. It is also important to keep these tools put away to prevent accidents. There are also special precautions when using a laser cutting system.
Take a Class
Engraving is a fine art. With the right skills and experience, a beautiful masterpiece can be created. However, the skills are often best learned from those with the experience under their belt. Taking an engraving class can help individuals avoid common mistakes and problems.
There are a variety of options for learning to engrave. There may be classes available in the community. There are professional engravers that are willing to take on apprentices for those serious about this skill. There are even online classes and tutorials available. Either way, a class can be very beneficial in learning this fine art.
Choose a Pattern
The next step is to create the pattern to be engraved. Those with artistic skills in creating beautiful drawings can easily accomplish this task. However, for those a little less inclined to drawing, there are patterns available to get started.
It may be a good idea to choose a simple design for a beginning project. This can allow the opportunity to get a feel for the tools and the material. The easier design also allows for a successful project to minimize disappointment and prevent the individual from becoming discouraged with their new hobby.
Transfer to Materials
Once the design has been chosen, the next step is to transfer it to the item being engraved. There are a few tricks for this option. Some people use any paper and then affix it to the material and rub acetone on the back of the paper to transfer the design. Of course, be sure to mirror the image for this option.
There is also transfer paper that can be affixed to the material and engraved right through the paper. This transfer paper can be drawn on or even printed from the computer. If using a laser engraving system, the image can be put into the system and transferred directly to the material while engraving.
Trace the Design
If using the laser engraving system, the design will be completely engraved into the material. For those systems, these steps are not necessary. However, if engraving by hand, tracing the design first can be very important to ensure a clean transfer and a beautiful, finished product.
First, choose the right attachment for the material being used. If there is spare material around, it is a good idea to get a feel for the tool on this material before beginning the tracing. Simply try a few lines or strokes on the material to understand how the tool works.
Next, trace the design on the material. Holding the tool like a pencil will allow a comfortable way to gently trace the pattern without applying pressure. Use a thin line to create the image on the material. Do not push or press, just let the tool create a light etching.
Complete the Design
Once the design is fully traced, more detail can be added to the material. Slowly create thicker lines throughout the design to bring the art to life. If certain aspects require thicker or heavier lines, slowly increase the pressure to reach the desired look.
It is important to take time and care when applying the details to the design. More thickness or deeper cuts can always be added. However, once they have been made, they cannot be removed. It is also a good idea to start out with a smaller diameter cutter when beginning. As needed, the accessory can be changed to provide more thickness.
As the process progresses, more depth or detail can be added to the design. This is where artistic flair is really shown in a piece. Although it is a transferred picture, the final results depend greatly on the varied strokes of the engraver.
Once complete, simply brush away the dust from the engraving process and admire the beautiful job. If it doesn’t turn out perfect, try again. This is an art form and may take a little time to get perfect. In the end, it will help fill the time in a fun way and provide a beautiful project to admire.