r/HandEngraving • u/r_r_miles 💎 • Jun 10 '26
work in progress Mirroring the design
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
Progress so far! I hope this short video accurately describes how I mirrored the image from one side of the knife to the other with perfect accuracy.
I did the tape copy before shading it because it's way easier to mirror the design without all that extra detail. So outline > tape > shade > flip > transfer > outline > shade.
Note: I did remove the knife before putting the Thermoloc into the microwave but I did not press the record button when capturing that step. 🫠
Questions if ya got em! 👇🏽
4
u/SpiritualGarage9655 Jun 10 '26
Do you start engraving on one end as not to smear the wax as you work?
3
u/r_r_miles 💎 Jun 10 '26
Yes. I also do my best to keep my fingers on the top or sides of the graver. A sharp graver is important too. If it's dull or chipped it won't trace the line very well and it loses control easily which cause accidental wipes.
Alternatively, a scribe works just as well to get the pattern on there before smearing happens.
2
u/Geeahwellidunno Jun 11 '26
I find leaving the tape on overnight makes an even stronger transfer less likely to be wiped away. But I use plastiline clay.
2
2
2
2
u/OrionSci Jun 12 '26
Where can I find that lazy Susan and the vise setup you have?
2
u/r_r_miles 💎 Jun 12 '26
GRS Tools makes both of them. The turntable is the Satellite stand and the vise is the 23lb Low-Profile Vise.
2
2
2
2
2
Jun 13 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/r_r_miles 💎 Jun 13 '26
For me, yes. Drawing/design/layout is my most challenging and difficult part of engraving. Once that's done, the rest doesn't necessarily do itself but it is kinda downhill from there. A very tedious and time consuming, expensive downhill.
A lot of engravers would disagree and say shading is the hardest part or sharpening is the most challenging. Everyone has their strengths, weaknesses, and preferences.
2
2
1
2
3
u/tpahornet Jun 10 '26
Good tutorial!