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The Art Of Setting & Engraving
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In the month of MAY we highlight the Various techniques & tools used.
Engraving is the practice of incising a design on to a hard surface-like wood or metal, by cutting grooves into it. Engraving was a historically important method of producing images also for commercial reproductions and illustrations for books and magazines. It has long been replaced by various photographic processes in its commercial applications and, partly because of the difficulty of learning the technique and lack of teachers, is much less common in printmaking, where it has been largely replaced by etching and other techniques.
Traditional engraving, by graver or with the use of machines Like- the Enset pneumatic setting machine-, continues to be practiced by goldsmiths, glass engravers, gunsmiths and others, while modern industrial techniques such as photoengraving , CNC Magic -70 and Orotig Laser engraving have many important applications.
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The Tools Of The Trade:
Each graver is different and has its own use. Engravers use a hardened steel tool called a graver, to cut the design into the surface, most traditionally into metals Professional engravers engrave with resolution of up to 40 lines per cm in high grade work creating game scenes and scroll work. The graver produces a unique and recognizable quality of line that is characterized by its steady, deliberate appearance and clean edges. Gravers are made with particular shapes and sizes that yield different line types.
Sharpening a graver requires either a sharpening stone or wheel and an oil. Harder carbide and steel gravers require diamond-grade sharpening wheels; these gravers can be polished to a mirror finish using a ceramic or cast iron lap, which is essential in creating bright cuts. Graver sharpeners that secure the tool in place at certain angles and geometries are also available to take the guesswork from sharpening to produce accurate points.
Burnishers are used for texturing and smoothing effects. Burnishing tools can also be used for certain stone setting techniques.
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Types of setwork:
There are thousands of variations of setting styles, but there are several fundamental types: Bezel setting , Prong setting, Channel setting, Bead setting , Burnish setting. Various tools are used for these styles: clamps or jigs to hold the item in place, shellac or jet set to stop small odd shaped items from sliding or slipping. Pitch helps for repousse and relief work. Gravers for scraping, cutting & edging- these come in various styles and shapes dependent on the end result required : onglette, flat, square, lozenge, line, knife and half round - these can be matched with handles according to the length and personal fit needed . Beading tools for creating round balls over the stones. Pusher in flat or prong for pushing metal over the stone or claws. Burnisher for burnishing the metal over stones.
We stock an extensive range for all styles of setting.
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Latest technology:
In addition to hand engraving, there are engraving machines that require less human finesse and are not directly controlled by hand but rather by compressed air. Also available are CNC and laser marking machines where depths ,detail, metal colouring and finish vary on all of these styles of "newer" technologies. With the help of CAD design software supplied with these machines very fine detail can be achieved quickly and often ideal for mass production.
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Education:
Should you be interested in a course on engraving and setting please get in touch with us. Alternatively books will help and we can source a wide ride of setting, engraving and gem stone related books.
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Trading Hours:
Winter Hours:
1 May – 29 July 2016 – 09h00 to 16H45
Saturdays:
We are usually open the last Saturday of every month- Next dates to remember:
30 April 2016
28 May 2016
09h00-12h30
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Enset system- Ideal for engraving and setting. Full range of accessories also available.
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Magic 70- Engraving & Cutting in 2D
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Orotig laser marking and cutting machine. Detail with speed and accuracy.
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Graver Handles in various shapes, sizes and lengths for hand engraving.
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Graver handles in various shapes and sizes for hand or machine engraving available.
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Syen set Vice is ideal for holding various pieces. Solid brass jaws with pins. Quality & precision
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Setters shellac ,pitch and jet set available for holding your items in place whilst engraving,setting and repousse work.
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Vallorbe beading tools are used by stone setters to form round polished beads that hold stones in place. They are also used for tightening loose stones.
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Various books can be ordered on request.
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