Stunt Engraving: Can you dig it? - Engraving Etc. Forum

<body> <h1>Full Version: <a href="https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&msg=2079.7">Stunt Engraving: Can you dig it?</a></h1><a name="a2079_7"></a><p><b>From: Stunt Engraver (DGL)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=2079.7">#7</a>]<br /> 7 Oct 2005<br /><b>To: gt350ed</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=2079.6">#6</a>] 8 Oct 2005</p> Ed,<br /> <br /> Thanks for pointing, or is that "pinting" out, my typo. <span class="e_smile" title=":-)"><span class="e__">:-)</span> </span><br /> <br /> This was no big dollar job. $75, which was about right for the time involved and considering it was done for resale. <hr /><a name="a2079_8"></a><p><b>From: Stunt Engraver (DGL)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=2079.8">#8</a>]<br /> 7 Oct 2005<br /><b>To: Stunt Engraver (DGL)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=2079.7">#7</a>] 7 Oct 2005</p> OK gang, here we go. The article in its entirety:<br /> <br /> <div align="center">STUNT ENGRAVING: Can You dig it?</div><font size="7"></font><br /> <br /> <div align="left">Oh boy! Now I've done it!<br /> <br /> A local University needs a ceremonial shovel engraved for a groundbreaking event, only two days away!<br /> <br /> A local trophy shop calls and asks if I can engrave the shovel and have it ready in time.</div><br /> <br /> Can you believe it? A person donates $5-million dollars for the construction of a new Library, at a California University and their presentation shovel shows up at the last minute?<br /> <br /> What would you do? What would <b>you</b> do?<br /> <br /> Here's what I did:<br /> <br /> I said, "Absolutely! I've got ya covered!"<br /> <br /> - or did I? -<br /> <br /> It's not the first time I've stuck my foot in my mouth on an engraving project, but that's what makes the job description of "Stunt Engraver" so interesting.<br /> <br /> Since my early days as an engraver, it wasn't uncommon that a project would be accepted, based sheerly on the concept that I'd find a way.<br /> <br /> After all, the job would either be turned down by most, or somebody else would find a way. Why not me?<br /> <br /> Not armed with state-of the art-equipment, it was necessary to cobble a method together, though, before accepting the task, I <i>already</i> had a concept in mind.<br /> <br /> Knowing <i>anything</i>, even the most advanced computerized systems could hold, could also be jigged in a New Hermes GTX-Universal pantograph and having one of the most versatile "old technology" computerized systems, in the way of a New Hermes Vanguard 3000, at my disposal, (and some laser help from my customer) I was loaded for bear.<br /> <br /> These were the steps I took, to <i>dig</i> my way out of this predicament:<br /> <br /> Here's how the copy was presented:<br /> <br /> <div align="center">ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â <img src="http://engravingetc.org/DGL/Text 1.jpg" alt="Text 1.jpg" /> </div><br /> <br /> I didn't like the way the lines were arranged, so it was decided to break the lines up, not only to read more easily, but in order to put emphasis on the recipient's name -- Also to limit the line width. The <i>business end</i> of a shovel is bowl-shaped and it's only possible to minimally climb the inclines of the shovel. I was dealing with a limited engraving area.<br /> <br /> For ease of set up, and the ability to engrave the shovel in an awkward orientation, my computerized system was put to work, in creating a plastic template that could be used on a manual pantograph machine.<br /> <br /> Here's the layout I devised, as shown on the monitor of the computerized system.<br /> <br /> <div align="center">ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â <img src="http://engravingetc.org/DGL/Graphic Display 2.jpg" alt="Graphic Display 2.jpg" /> </div><br /> <br /> Now, it was time to engrave the template. A pantograph, unless fitted with a 1:1 arm, can only engrave a maximum character height of half the size (2:1) of the master template. Of course, smaller ratios, scaleable down to 7:1 are possible.<br /> <br /> The effective engraving area of the shovel had already been determined to be about 2.5" x 3.5".<br /> <br /> The computer-generated template size would be twice the size of the engraving area, at 5 x 7 inches.<br /> <br /> Here's the template being engraved into a piece of scrap plastic engraving stock.<br /> <br /> <div align="center">ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â <img src="http://engravingetc.org/DGL/Template 3.jpg" alt="Template 3.jpg" /> </div><br /> <br /> In order for the <i>stylus</i> of a pantograph to properly trace a plastic template, the template must be designed to create a path-width of about .030" and approx. the same depth.<br /> <br /> It was a whacky way to set the job up, but it was the only way it would work. I'd have to engrave the job <i>sideways!</i><br /> <br /> <div align="center">ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â <img src="http://engravingetc.org/DGL/Set Up 4.jpg" alt="Set Up 4.jpg" /> </div><br /> <br /> The platform to which the plastic, double-face-taped template was adhered, can be recognized by those familiar with V3000's, as nothing more than the machine's aluminum flatbed fixture. Gotta have a solid surface beneath the <i>flexible</i> template.<br /> <br /> By the way, the picture of the template isn't blurry. A lubricant was applied to its surface, making tracing of the template easier, which helps the stylus from accidentally slipping out of the template's grooves.<br /> <br /> With the template in place, all that's left to do, is administer the irreversible incisions.<br /> <br /> No turning back now!<br /> <br /> <div align="center"><img src="http://engravingetc.org/DGL/No turning back 5.jpg" alt="No turning back 5.jpg" /> </div><br /> <br /> Now it's time to add the University's logo to the mix. A laser engraved template was provided by my customer.<br /> <br /> Here's where things get dicey. <span class="e_cringe" title=">.<"><span class="e__">>.<</span> </span><br /> <br /> <div align="center">ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â <img src="http://engravingetc.org/DGL/Laser template.jpg" alt="Laser template.jpg" /> </div><br /> <br /> Without defined grooves to follow, I had to hug the edges of the image with the stylus, creating an outline of the logo. To make the task more daunting, the seraphs of the image seemed to be engraved at a shallower depth and too thin a path for the stylus of the pantograph.<br /> <br /> The possibility of slipping out of the template and ruining the piece was <i>very</i> real.<br /> <br /> I breathed a sigh of relief, when I had successfully engraved the logo and finished the job.<br /> <br /> Because of the highly reflective surface, I wasn't able to get a quality shot of the item, but here it is. I think you'll see the essence.<br /> <br /> <div align="center"><img src="http://engravingetc.org/DGL/Finished 6.jpg" alt="Finished 6.jpg" /> </div><br /> <br /> That's it, until next time I have to grab my crash helmet and take on another risky project. <span class="e_smile" title=":-)"><span class="e__">:-)</span> </span><p class="edit_text">EDITED: 9 Oct 2005 by DGL</p> <hr /><a name="a2079_9"></a><p><b>From: Myyk</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=2079.9">#9</a>]<br /> 7 Oct 2005<br /><b>To: Stunt Engraver (DGL)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=2079.8">#8</a>] 8 Oct 2005</p> Whew, sooner you than me. I think I would have sandblasted this one!<hr /><a name="a2079_10"></a><p><b>From: GBengraver</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=2079.10">#10</a>]<br /> 7 Oct 2005<br /><b>To: Stunt Engraver (DGL)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=2079.8">#8</a>] 8 Oct 2005</p> <p>Nice job.<br /> How long did it take you from start to finish?</p> <p>Greg</p> <hr /><a name="a2079_11"></a><p><b>From: Stunt Engraver (DGL)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=2079.11">#11</a>]<br /> 8 Oct 2005<br /><b>To: Myyk</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=2079.9">#9</a>] 8 Oct 2005</p> <p>That was my thought as well. In fact, the company I did the work for, has that capability.</p> <p>Don't know why they didn't go that route. Maybe it was because they could get the shovel into their blasting cabinet.</p> <p>- more likely -</p> <p>Maybe it was because they knew I'd be on the hook for a new shovel in the event of a mishap. <span class="e_smile" title=":-)"><span class="e__">:-)</span> </span></p><p class="edit_text">EDITED: 8 Oct 2005 by DGL</p> <hr /><a name="a2079_12"></a><p><b>From: Rob (AWARDZZ)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=2079.12">#12</a>]<br /> 8 Oct 2005<br /><b>To: ALL</b></p> <p>Nice!!! </p> <p>Sign me the "Stunned" Engraver<br /> I figure if I start now (Local time 10:44am) ,, I might have the first line on the shovel completed just in time to open Monday...</p> <p>That is way to cooool...<br /> Have a good weekend... hopefully meet ya all in Vegas "06</p> <p>Rob<br /> (on the sunny southern shores of Lake Erie)</p> <hr /><a name="a2079_13"></a><p><b>From: Stunt Engraver (DGL)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=2079.13">#13</a>]<br /> 8 Oct 2005<br /><b>To: GBengraver</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=2079.10">#10</a>] 8 Oct 2005</p> If I hadn't been taking pictures along the way, I'd estimate the elapsed time to be about 1.5 hrs.<br /> <br /> I didn't keep track of the actual time. I just put my head down and ran for the finish line. <span class="e_smile" title=":-)"><span class="e__">:-)</span> </span><br /> <br /> As I said, it wasn't a big money job at all and I wouldn't recommend that people encourage these types of jobs. I only accept them when I'm in the mood for a challenge, which, with much more profitable work on deck, is less and less.<br /> <br /> This time, I wanted to help out a loyal customer and prove my concept would work.<br /> <br /> I've done shovels, in the past, on a Newing Hall TLC 350, which I could have used this time, but the closest one at my disposal is about 60 miles away. <hr /><a name="a2079_14"></a><p><b>From: Stunt Engraver (DGL)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=2079.14">#14</a>]<br /> 8 Oct 2005<br /><b>To: Rob (AWARDZZ)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=2079.12">#12</a>] 8 Oct 2005</p> <p>Thank you Rob.</p> <p>Oddly enough, there were no other bidders on this job. <span class="e_tongue" title=":P"><span class="e__">:P</span> </span></p> <p>If I hadn't been engraving this shovel, as a quasi-favor, for a long-time customer, I would have "hammered" the customer and "raked" in some cash. <span class="e_smile" title=":-)"><span class="e__">:-)</span> </span></p><p class="edit_text">EDITED: 8 Oct 2005 by DGL</p> <hr /><a name="a2079_15"></a><p><b>From: gt350ed</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=2079.15">#15</a>]<br /> 8 Oct 2005<br /><b>To: Stunt Engraver (DGL)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=2079.14">#14</a>] 8 Oct 2005</p> <p>Unbelievable Dude!! VERY nice work.</p> <p>But here's the deal......You're gonna get ALL of my ground-breaking shovel work. AND, I'm gonna pay you $100 per.</p> <p>Of course, I'll be charging the client $200 (very acceptable for ground-breakings....big wigs and all in attendance). So, at least we'll both make money.</p> <p>Deal?</p> <p>There IS something to be said for "perceived value". And a one-off ground-breaking shovel is definitely of high perceived value.</p> <p>And, sometimes, they even replicate the shovels so multiple dignitaries can have one. </p> <p>For those, we'll drop the price by $20 per shovel. Of course, we'll need you to proportionally provide a discount as well. (he,he) <span class="e_devil" title="(devil)"><span class="e__">(devil)</span> </span></p> <hr /><a name="a2079_16"></a><p><b>From: Stunt Engraver (DGL)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=2079.16">#16</a>]<br /> 8 Oct 2005<br /><b>To: gt350ed</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=2079.15">#15</a>] 8 Oct 2005</p> <p>Ed,</p> <p>A forum member's earlier suggestion of sandblasting the piece, was a good one.</p> <p>Here's the deal: Your mention of perceived value hits the "nail" on the head.</p> <p>The trend toward laser engraving and digital-imaging is so prevalent, the "forgotten" processes have become more unique!</p> <p>Hand engraving is all-but-dead; manual pantograph engraving is hot in pursuit. Rotary-drag equipment brings up the rear, in viable "old technolgy" processes, still in demand.</p> <p>Even the oldest, lowly, most-limited piece of engraving equipment, is capable of elevating a person's station in life.</p> <p>Every process has its place. To anyone stuck in a day job, or searching for a niche, I say,</p> <p>"Ya gotta start somewhere!" <span class="e_smile" title=":-)"><span class="e__">:-)</span> </span></p><p class="edit_text">EDITED: 8 Oct 2005 by DGL</p> <hr /><a name="a2079_17"></a><p><b>From: Myyk</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=2079.17">#17</a>]<br /> 9 Oct 2005<br /><b>To: Stunt Engraver (DGL)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=2079.16">#16</a>] 9 Oct 2005</p> <p>It's too easy to get caught in "new" technology. Many jobs passing through our shop are still done in one of our pantograph engravers or even by hand because it's QUICKER!</p> <p>The time taken to set up and align in a computer system is often longer than to simply put it in the machine or freehand it, especially when dealing with jewellery items.</p> <p>I can't remember when we last had complaints about the quality of our work. Mistakes perhaps, but not quality.</p><hr /><a name="a2079_18"></a><p><b>From: Stunt Engraver (DGL)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=2079.18">#18</a>]<br /> 9 Oct 2005<br /><b>To: Myyk</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=2079.17">#17</a>] 9 Oct 2005</p> <p>What you say is true. Sometimes, the old-fashioned way can be quicker.</p> <p>Of course, if the demand for engraved ceremonial shovels became a strong niche, common sense would say, it's time to get a computerized system that could do the job.</p> <p>For prototyping or testing the strength of a niche market, what's old, is new. <span class="e_smile" title=":-)"><span class="e__">:-)</span> </span></p><p class="edit_text">EDITED: 9 Oct 2005 by DGL</p> <hr /><p align="center">Show messages: <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=2079.1">All</a>  <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=2079.1">1-6</a>  7-18</p> <h4><a href="lthread_list.php?webtag=EE">Back to thread list</a> | <a href="llogout.php?webtag=EE">Login</a></h4> <h6>© 2025 <a href="http://www.beehiveforum.net/" target="_blank">Project Beehive Forum</a></h6> </body>