How to Engrave

Engraving metal is the process where a hard sharpened piece of steel is pushed into the surface of the metal to create images. Historically, it was used as a method to produce images on paper for artwork, periodicals, books and magazines. Today, these applications have been replaced mostly by photographs, but engraving is still used to adorn gold, guns and other metals. There is some preparation involved before engraving metal. Here are the steps to help you when you want to know how to engrave.

1. Visualize your design.
   • Before you can begin engraving you should come up with a design. Think about the details of your design, how big it will be and what engraving tools you will need. If you are engraving something for someone else, you will need to know what they want and what their specifications are.
2. Make a sketch of your design.
   • Before you can engrave the metal, you should make a rough sketch of your image. Starting with a drawing on paper allows for revisions if you are engraving a piece for someone else; have them look over your sketch to make sure that it is what they want. If you are confident in your design and drawing skills, you may draw the design directly on top of the item and skip the sketching step.
3. Transfer your drawing onto your item to be engraved.
   • You can transfer the image using a photographic transfer or an inkjet or laser printer. You can also use a tape to transfer the image. Draw the image with a soft lead pencil onto Mylar and put tape gently over it. Mylar is a polyester film that is very strong. When you pull the tape up, the image will transfer to the tape, which can then be placed onto the metal to be engraved.
4. Engrave your image into the metal.
   • Once you have prepared your image and transferred it to your metal, it is time to engrave it. There are a few different methods you can use to engrave. The first is hand pressure, or push graver method. The graver is a pointed tool that allows you to make detailed angles in the metal by hand engraving. In this method, the graver is fitted into a small wooden handle in the engraver's palm. The graver stays stationary while the item being engraved is moved and fed into the tip of the graver.
   • The hammer and chisel method involves holding the graver at an angle and tapping the hammer lightly to push the graver forward, leaving a small furrow in the metal. The shape of the end of the graver and the angle at which it is held will determine the shape of the furrow that is made.
   • A pneumatic air driven hammer utilizes air to drive a piston that is in the graver hand piece. The piston works the same way the hammer would in the hammer and chisel method.

• Metal to be engraved
• Paper and pencil to sketch design
• Mylar
• Soft lead pencil
• Tape
• Transfer paper
• Engraving tools-hammer and chisel, graver or pneumatic air driven hammer