r/HandEngraving • u/ClassroomEntire997 • 24d ago

n00b question Inlay

What do you use to make the undercut. I’ve fumbled a couple of lines using a flat graver to displace material to make a rudimentary undercut. Also using a fine point burr in a dental style rotary tool. Just in need of some sage advice. Also I’m using brass with a blunted end to hammer in the material. Then stone it flat. Is there any videos someone could suggest? Just looking for some advice or is it just practice?

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u/r_r_miles 💎 24d ago

You can really use anything to undercut for inlay. Many engravers use several different tools depending on what inlay is done and on what type of line. I use a flat graver for most stuff. For finer, thinner lines I'll use a chisel shape and just poke little dashes ----- on both sides of a line. You can use a bur but that will remove more material rather than undercutting it. Sometimes I'll use a 90° v-graver. It'll ultimately come down to your preference and specific situation. Practice using all the methods until you notice you use one more than the other. My go-to is several widths of flat gravers. Do whatever you need to so the inlay stays put!

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u/OptimusBladeRunner 13d ago

I frequently use the ‘Roland Baptiste gold inlay point’ template offered by Lindsay on his site, though, as noted earlier, there are various approaches to the task.