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Introduction to Hand Engraving
Hand
Engraving can be described as the process in which a hardened, shaped, and
sharpened piece of steel, called a 'Graver', is pushed through the metal's
surface. This is done with one of three methods: by hand pressure (push
graver), with a small lightweight hammer and chisel (graver), or with a
pneumatic air-driven hammer. Pneumatic AirGravers emulate both the hammer
and chisel and the push-graver technique. The graver is ground to a
pointed shape adhering to very specific angles. These angles allow the
graver to properly enter the metal surface and travel forward,
continuously curling the metal directly in front of the graver face, while
leaving behind a small furrow.
 The
shape of the graver and the angle at which it is held will ultimately
decide the furrow shape. The angle can and will often be continuously
altered during the process, allowing for the furrow to contain thick and
thin graduations of the cut line. If a square-shaped graver is used so
that one if its corners enters the metal, it will produce a "V"-shaped
furrow. Many graver shapes are available, each leading to a particular
style of engraving, and each producing a different result. Usually, the
two favored shapes are the "V" and the flat gravers. Personal preference
plays a significant role in choosing the tool used.
When using
the hammer and chisel method, both hands are required; one to hold the
graver, and the other to deliver light hammer impacts against the graver,
driving it forward through the material being cut.
With the push
graver method, the graver is generally fitted to a small wooden handle
held in the palm. The graver remains stationary, and the item being
engraved is held firmly and fed into the graver's tip, or rotated into it
when a circular or curved line is desired. When making a straight line,
the graver is pushed forward using only hand pressure. Each of these
methods requires a rotating vise, or a similar holding device, to hold the
item being engraved.
 The
pneumatic
graver uses air to drive a small self-contained piston within a graver
hand piece. This piston impacts against the engraving tool in the same
fashion as in the previously described hammer and chisel method. As with
the Push Graver method, one hand is free to hold and rotate the item being
engraved.
---Continue to "the Art of Engraving"--->
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