Full Version: Birth Certificate Holder
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#1]
16 Nov 2006
To: ALL
A few months after engraving my first one, I decided to inventory this item. Next to picture frames, it is still one of my more popular baby gifts. The following is the way I have simplified the process to make it more efficient.
First off, here is a picture of the engraving area I am writing about.
After engraving one of these certificate holders, I knew I would likely be seeing more in the future. I went ahead and saved the curved text line I had created to match that of the curved banner. This is an example where you invest a little set-up time up front and reap perpetual benefits of that work in the future.
After I pull up the layout, I enter the name to be engraved. I then place the certificate holder in the vice on my IS400 Volume Mechanical Engraver. I use a pair of notched rubber pads to hold the item firmly and to avoid scratching it. I also extend the diamond cutter out a little further than normal so that it has enough clearance from the vice pads when engraving.
I then get the X and Y coordinates of the banner's center and enter them into my engraving software. Following that, I place a strip of thin transfer tape over the engraving area, thread my pen tool into the spindle, and send the job.
After confirming that the letters are centered in the banner properly, I'm ready to place the diamond cutter in the spindle and engrave. Because of the limited size of the banner, I often have to tweek the curved line to accommodate the lower-case letters that hang below the base line.
This product oxidizes very nicely. Some people like the shiny engraving, while others like the black lettering.
EDITED: 16 Nov 2006 by DATAKES
From: Mike (MIKEN) [#2]
16 Nov 2006
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#1] 16 Nov 2006
I appreciate your sharing the two jobs you just posted. Very interesting and what a neat machine.
From: Barbara (RGILE) [#3]
16 Nov 2006
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#1] 16 Nov 2006
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#4]
16 Nov 2006
To: Mike (MIKEN) [#2] 9 Feb 2007
Mike,
I have enjoyed my machine over the past 6 years. I'm not looking to change any time soon, maybe just adding another one. :-)
David Takes Expressions Engraved Acrylic Awards, Crystal Trophy, Glass Award, Plaques http://www.expressionsengraved.comEDITED: 7 Aug 2010 by DATAKES
From: BrianC (INKSQUIRTER) [#5]
16 Nov 2006
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#1] 16 Nov 2006
Excellent job David!
Great details and great photos as well...
Makes me want a machine like that....now where would I put it?
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#6]
16 Nov 2006
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#4] 16 Nov 2006
Thanks for the step-by-step photos. :-)
What are the black "pads" that you're using to secure and protect the tube?
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#7]
16 Nov 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#6] 16 Nov 2006
Those were rubber vise pads I used from my golf industry days. You can get a pair from Golfworks for $12.95. Here is a link to the product.
I've taken a knife to mine so they form to my engraving machine. I find myself using them frequently.
David Takes
Expressions Engraved
Acrylic Awards, Crystal Trophy, Glass Award, Plaques
http://www.expressionsengraved.com
EDITED: 7 Aug 2010 by DATAKES
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#8]
16 Nov 2006
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#7] 16 Nov 2006
Thank you David.
Is there enough resistance in the rubber, to keep a part from "squirming" if a lot of pressure (drag) were introduced?
EDITED: 16 Nov 2006 by DGL
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#9]
16 Nov 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#8] 16 Nov 2006
It is a fairly hard rubber. I can use full tension on my IS400 without much play. The ability of the item you are engraving to withstand a moderately strong vice clamp helps.
David Takes
Expressions Engraved
Acrylic Awards, Crystal Trophy, Glass Award, Plaques
http://www.expressionsengraved.com
EDITED: 7 Aug 2010 by DATAKES