The art of engraving materials has been around for millennia, dating all the way back to prehistoric times. Of course, advances in technology available have allowed us to engrave more than just stone. Today, most artisans tend to engrave metals such as brass.

Engraving brass has long been a method used by designers and metalworkers as a “finishing touch”, to add flair to a particular piece. Thanks to the aforementioned technological advances and the relative ease at which it is to create your own backyard workshop/forge, it is no wonder why engraving has become quite the hobby around the country. If you are interested in getting into engraving metals, here are a few tips to help your first foray go smoothly:

Acquire Quality Brass

It all starts with the quality of the brass you are working with. Brass that tends to have too many impurities can easily break off during the engraving process, which is why it is important to find a source for quality engraving brass. Fortunately, there are many brass suppliers available such as Rotax Metals. When choosing the type of brass to use for your next few projects, it may be a good idea to share your plans with your supplier as they can easily recommend a suitable material for you. This is especially important if you plan to make something out of the brass before you engrave it.

Go with Automatic Chisels

In the past, the only way to engrave items was to use a good old chisel and hammer. Although this method is still used today, many artisans have resorted to using automated chisels and it is highly recommended that beginners do the same. Electronic chisels are much easier to control and as a result, the accuracy of your engraving is much higher. Try reading reviews online to help you find several electric chisels that perform well. If possible, try to get it in your hands before you buy it. The better it feels in your hands, the better your control of it will be once you start your project.

Always Engage Safety Practices

As you can imagine, working with a variety of electric-powered tools and the like can present more than a few risks. This is why you should always practice safety first. Work goggles are highly recommended as it isn’t uncommon for debris to fly off as you engrave the brass. Even the smallest particle can lead to significant eye damage. Work gloves with rubber palms are also recommended when working to avoid losing your grip on your tools, especially if you have sweaty palms.

Sources:

The Uses and Properties of Bronze, TheBalance.com

Engraving Brass How-To: Beginners and Hobbyists. JockeyJournal.com.

It’s hard to think of construction that doesn’t involve the use of metal. Any project that requires stability and durability will definitely make use of metal, be it for structural or decorative purposes, and it’s easy to understand why. Unlike wood or plastic, metal is capable of withstanding high levels of pressure and stress. With the right alloying and working, metal can last for decades or even millennia.

In choosing metal supplies for your project, however, there are several important things that you need to know and consider. Failure to factor in these things could result in disaster, especially if the metal you will use is intended for structural support. Here are the following dos and don’ts when purchasing metal for your project.

DO determine the type of project you will use the metal for.

Each project has a unique set of specifications. Whether you are building a house or a sturdy frame for your worktable, you have to be very careful in choosing the right material. This is why it is crucial that before shopping around for supplies, you must first be sure of the type of project you plan on working on. This way you’ll know exactly what types of metal you will need, how much it would cost you, and how long it would take for the project to finish.

DO look for a reputable supplier.

The quality of the materials you will use for your project depends greatly on where you purchased them from. Most metal suppliers offer different kinds of products but the quality of those products may differ depending on how they were manufactured. Most reputable suppliers get their products from the best foundries. It helps to know the foundries where the manufacturer gets their supplies from before deciding to make a purchase.

DO study about the metal first.

It wouldn’t be smart to continue with your project completely unaware of the material used to manufacture your products. If you ordered brass channel or bronze tube, you much understand what makes that metal suitable for your project. This is particularly crucial because metals are not made the same. Also, if you know the properties of the metal you are using, you’ll know the right way to work it and which section of your project to use it for.

DO consider the size of the project.

The size of the project is also an important consideration, as it helps determine the amount and sizes of materials you need. If you want to save on material cost, you have to make an estimate that is close to accurate. If possible, ask an engineer to do the estimate for you, especially if the project requires a huge volume of materials. The last thing you need is to find out that your materials are inadequate when it’s already too late. Buying materials in bulk will save you huge sums of money in the end. Poor estimate will only force you to spend a little more if you end up needing to buy additional materials.

DON’T use different metals unless you know they have nearly similar properties.

Each metal has a unique set of properties. While some metals can be used to substitute other metals, there are those that are simply irreplaceable. Brass, for instance, cannot be switched with bronze in applications that require more flexibility. Brass is more malleable than bronze, although the latter’s hardness is crucial for certain applications where brass isn’t too suitable.

DON’T risk using low-quality materials.

Foundries are not made equal. Some are bigger than others. There are also those that use more sophisticated machinery. This is why the products they produce also differ in quality. Make sure to use high-quality materials for best results. Don’t risk using substandard products if you want your output to last. A trusted supplier like Rotax Metals can supply all of your needed materials.

Source:

Metal Basics: A Beginner’s Intro to Choosing the Right Material, makezine.com