During a time in history when ink and paper were still rare commodities, people turned to engraving as the cheapest means of conveying messages. Well, it’s not entirely cheap but since it can be done on almost anything, people prefer it to the more sophisticated inking. It’s no wonder tons of unearthed ancient artifacts are full of all sorts of engraving. It’s a good thing though because engravings don’t fade or wash away so they can preserve valuable information and memories for millennia.
Today,engraving is still a well-liked art form. Many artisans and hobbyists enjoy engraving for so many reasons. Not only does this practice help manage their stress levels, but it also gives them a strong sense of fulfillment, particularly after finishing a project. Some are even making a living out of this noble art. If you are interested in trying engraving as your new hobby or source of income, there are several things you need to consider.
Choosing the Right Material
With the right tools, you can engrave on almost anything. You have to remember though that not all materials are easy to wield. Some will not let you cut through so quickly. Metals are the perfect engraving material. In fact, there are dozens of metal types that you can choose from, including aluminum, steel, and copper. Each metal type requires a different set of tool or cutting strength, because metals vary in hardness and workability.
In choosing the right metal, you have to factor in your purpose. If you are engraving to make medals, name plates, and cladding designs, then you need a strong yet easy to cut metal, such as brass. An alloy of copper and zinc, brass exhibits a shiny, reddish appearance that is perfect for award or recognition symbols. It is also corrosion-resistant so you can expect it to last for many years. Unlike pure copper that forms a greenish protective layer when exposed to oxygen, brass will keep its luster for a very long time. With perks like these, engraving brass can surely go beyond your expectations.
Methods of Engraving
Today’s art of engraving has come a long way from being performed manually using rudimentary tools. Now, you can use different types of knives and gravers. If you are dealing with a tough surface, you can easily access power tools, which would enable you to cut, grind, sand, carve, and polish effortlessly. Some artisans even use pneumatic or air-driven gravers, which work similarly with other hand-held devices but yield better results. If you want to take your engraving hobby to another level, consider using laser gravers. It’s obviously more expensive but it will allow you to produce intricate designs.
To make sure that your metal engraving project will work, it’s essential to get your materials from reputable sources. To find high-quality brass, go to Rotax Metals, a metal supply company that has been providing first-rate metals to artisans, builders, and suppliers across North America since 1948. It helps to know that you are using the best brass plates for your engraving project.
Sources:
The Uses and Properties of Bronze, TheBalance.com
How to Engrave Metal at Home, Ebay.com
