A Bit More Metal Scratching...

[Stirring Moose]

Greetings all. Once again I must apologise for not visiting the forum so much these days. Have managed to get a bit of jewellery making time in recently though, the result being this pair of engraved aluminium bracelets.

84638464

S.M.

[enigma]

Love those!
Wish I could do that!

[Dennis]

Those are really splendid. With engraving of this quality, the metal used becomes irrelevant. I would like to know though what polishing compound you use as that can make a filthy mess. Dennis.

[Stirring Moose]

Many thanks for the compliments. That's a very interesting point you make about the metal used Dennis. I generally use aluminium for the rather prosaic reason that I simply have a lot of it about as a bi-product of my larger scale fabrication work. A comment I often get, however, is that I need to move into precious metals to really make the engraving work worth while. To hear someone say that the engraving actually counts for more than the metal is certainly intriguing.

On the subject of how I polish the pieces, I'm afraid I'm going to make myself look like a bit of an animal here. It's really nothing complicated or refined. It's just plenty of work with very fine abrasive paper (1000 grit or finer) and then a really good go with Solvol Autosol. Finally I give them a gentle wipe over with a very soft paper tissue.

S.M.

[ajda]

Beautiful - and what a great use for your leftovers.

Alan

[Dennis]

On the subject of how I polish the pieces, I'm afraid I'm going to make myself look like a bit of an animal here. It's really nothing complicated or refined. It's just plenty of work with very fine abrasive paper (1000 grit or finer) and then a really good go with Solvol Autosol. Finally I give them a gentle wipe over with a very soft paper tissue. S.M.

Yes that makes sense:simple and direct. We always have some of that polish at home, from the days of chrome bumpers. You can guess what we call it no doubt. Not fit for a family friendly forum like this.

Whenever I advise beginners on abudget to use a household metal polish, rather than buy expensive compounds straight away, I don't get any support from other members. Being a cynic I feel that they want to join the tribe and behave like real jewellers. Dennis.

[Stirring Moose]

Well I can assure you I'm on your side on this one Dennis. I'm all for keeping things simple and using what's to hand wherever possible. The Autosol's on the bench anyway, at least in part because we still have the odd chrome bumper that needs attending to! I'm also all for not leaping in and spending mega money on tools until you hit a job that leaves you with no option. All my gravers are made from old needle files, thread taps etc that have suffered mishaps or just gone blunt. They're still decent bits of steel and a few minutes at the bench grinder can turn them into perfectly acceptable engraving tools.

S.M.

[CJ57]

That's beautiful engraving work and I love the fact you're using bi products, I'm all for recycling

[theresa]

The engraving is beautiful. Also wish I could do that!

[caroleallen]

That is very clever. Can I ask what you use to blacken the aluminium?

[Stirring Moose]

That is very clever. Can I ask what you use to blacken the aluminium?

Not sure if it's cleverness or just a cussed refusal to give in but either way, I'll gladly take any compliments that are offered! :D

The blacking is done with black engine lacquer. Polish the whole piece, then paint over the design. Leave paint until it just starts to get tacky, then wipe off with a rag with a drop of cellulose thinners on it. This will clean the high spots and leave the lower parts darker. Finally, once all dry, give it all another gentle polish.

S.M.

[Tabby66]

Lovely work SM, another one in the wishing I could do that pile!!
Interesting way of blackening the design......I'm guessing this is fairly robust to wear and tear??

[Stirring Moose]

The blacking is fairly robust yeah. Am still looking at ways to refine it further, possibly gently warming the piece to replicate the engine heat the paint is designed for. This might put a final cure into the paint.

Interesting the number of people who say they wish they could do hand engraving. It's not actually that hard to get started on. As I've mentioned, a lot of my tools are home made from bits of scrap so minimum financial investment. Obviously it takes some time and effort to get to the stage where you're producing anything worth having but that probably goes for any of the processes people on here are involved in. That's what makes it all so rewarding. If you want some inspiration for hand engraving, suggest Googling either Ford Hallam or (the "culprit" for me getting involved) a guy out in California called Tay Herrera.

S.M.

[priyanka]

Incredibly brilliant work! I wish I could do hand engraving as beautifully as you make them.

[LydiaNiz]

lovely - taking off my virtual hat to you!

[zarozinia]

Stunning work, I too feel the metal use is irrelevant. Its what you choose, its your art and its lovely.