Newbie wants to engrave a bicycle. Where do I start?

[Nick H.]

Hello everyone! I've built a bicycle and want to engrave some fairly simple motifs in it. This may be a one-off project so I don't want to invest in expensive tools. I'm happy to do it slowly with basic tools on the kitchen table. The only equipment I have is a Dremel Stylus. Will that get me anywhere?

So where do I start? Here are some pics. These aren't the designs I want, but they're about as complex and about as deep (about 1 mm). The parts to be engraved are made of steel or aluminium alloy.





Thanks in anticipation!

[Steve Lindsay]

Nice work on the bicycle making

First step is engraving on practice plates until you feel ready to begin cutting on your bikes. Check out the Tehniques and resources page

Inexpensive way to give it a try

On-line videos
Another video

Videos ~ 11 hours worth

Artwork for studying scroll and pattern designs.
http://www.enkeboll.com/2DLA/start.htm

On-line old engraving books

Engraving Scroll and Techniques ~ Lynton McKenzie Book

Must have book download (drawing Acanthus leaves)

Microscope information
http://www.handgravers.com/microscopes.htm

For inexpensive magnifying an optivisor works well. They make replaceable and different strenght lenses for them.
McMaster has them. www.mcmaster.com At mcmaster site type in the search page 2250 and hit enter.
On that page they are called "Headband Flip-UP Magnifiers".

AirGravers
PalmControl AirGraver
Classic foot control AirGraver

Forum Tutorials
An Engraving Puzzle Mike Dubber
Cutting a Coin for fun or profit Steve Ellsworth
Damascening a sheep with a Lindsay Barry Hands
Cut together - PalmControl practice plate Steve Lindsay
Damascening an Elk with an Artisan Barry Hands
Tutorial: Scuba Power for Lindsay Airgraver brandvik
Beginners Progress Plans, Tutors Tips, and Informational link AirAmp

Tutorial with videos from the school site
More advanced tutorial
More topics on school site: www.engravingtraining.com


Turorials and contests
http://www.engravingforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=6

Tutorial contest archive
http://www.engravingforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=14

Sharpening fixture info.
http://www.engravingschool.com/priva...0Sharpener.htm
http://www.handgravers.com/sharpening.htm
http://www.engravingforum.com/showthread.php?t=1098




Here are pictures of a bike engraving by Ricky Low.

[Roger Bleile]

Nick,

Given that this may be a one off project I believe you would be miles ahead to pay a professional engraver to do the work. The time, effort, and expense of tools are just not worth it for a one time job. It would be similar to learning dentistry so you could fill a cavity in one of your wife's teeth. Hand engraving is one of the more challenging skills you can attempt to learn and is similar in effort to learning to master a musical instrument.

I don't mean to be discouraging but those with a passion for hand engraving can't be discouraged and those without the passion will not succeed any way.

CRB