Engraving On a Manual Mill

ENGRAVING ON A MANUAL MILL. This video shows a home made engraving unit, designed specifically for a manual mill, delivering CNC quality engraved font. If your shop has manual mills and NO CNC capability, you should watch this one !! Give us a thumbs up and subscribe to this channel if you like what you see.
Plans are available here: www.advancedin...

[@joepie221]

I actually made this rig on the fly out of necessity. Give me some time to gather up a parts list and put some drawings together. Keep those comments coming. Thanks for all the thumbs up !!!

[@tjnak]

Necessity is a great motivator.

[@charlesmoody4304]

Joe Pieczynski love your videos! Please put up a blueprint of thes . I want to make one thanks

[@burkemoras]

Joe Pieczynski Enough thumbs ups yet for blueprints?

[@delas7389]

Yes please put a print

[@swelschwraith]

Necessity is the mother of invention. lol

[@royvermeulen2167]

Not only is joe the best teacher on KZbin . He makes incredible thing for all to in joy great job keep it up joe . Thanks a ton

[@joepie221]

I very much appreciate the compliment. Thank you.

[@joepie221]

Hang in there people. I'm dealing with the grinder folks to see if I can get us all a better deal on those pencil grinders. The plans are under way and will appear on my website at www.advancedinnovationsllc.com I plan to post another video of how versatile this unit really is. Thank you all for all your interest and feedback.

[@ronteal]

Joe Pieczynski 💬

[@micrometerman563]

Joe Pieczynski q

[@jezalpetes594]

Why is the arm into the spindle of the mill. I just don't get it,Air lines drive cutter,why does mill spindle have to be involved,other than support????

[@manofausagain]

@@jezalpetes594 well you need the rigid and perfectly square support for it to work. Also raising and lowering of the quill between letters is important. It's an adhoc thing.

[@davidhobbs1863]

Hi Joe, I run a small gunsmithing business and a lot of your tips have really helped me in my shop. One thing that has kept me from buying a pantograph is the lack of good depth control, but mounting an arm like the one you built to my Bridgeport would instantly solve that issue. Much like the others here, I hope you publish a print and parts list. Thank you for helping us home shop folks as much as you do!

[@joepie221]

Glad to help.

[@250asteroth]

I have not used a lathe or mill for nearly 50 years, this is good place to learn again with safety. Big thanks

[@ironken1796]

I can't wait for the plans. Very generous of you to share!

[@steventhompson3507]

That's ace. A friend was speaking to me recently Joe. And he told me that he used to engrave using a centre drill. He didn't elaborate upon the matter and the conversation moved on but I remember exclaiming at the time when he said it. Can you shed any light on the matter please Joe. He actualy never mentioned a pantograph either and though I'm Aware that if your good with your hand eye co-ordination you could radius the letters on the fly using the mill handwheels but I'd hate to be the person tasked with attempting it. Nightmare. Great that Joe definitely food for thought thankyou.

[@rick3754]

Joe....i was a commercial engraver for 40 years with both pantograph and cnc machines.....i was impressed.....great job

[@joepie221]

I appreciate that. Thanks.

[@MrClickbang357]

WOW The Machinist from Tejas does it again! Oh Hell yes I want it - That would be a good START to my Shop!!!

[@bmfshoplife118]

Joe thanks for another great video. I’m a machine shop owner one week now. I now have another project to build for the shop. I will be busy even if no jobs come through the door.

[@joepie221]

Pack a lunch. Gotta love those kind of problems.

[@angelramos-2005]

I can´t believe it.I missed this series.I´m a semi professional hand engraver.Thank you.

[@mikefox5510]

I have one for my router. Used it twice about 25 years ago. I was going to modify it to use with my plasma cutter but after seeing this I’ll remake it to be dual purpose. Thanks for the inspiration. Now all I have to is finish all my other round tuits

[@scottthornton9237]

Thank You Joe, As this video finished, I immediately gave a thumbs up then I went to your website and downloaded the pdf file. This is going to be a fun project! I am not sure if this will fit on my smaller round column mill but then I have a large work bench to put this setup on. Thank you for posting this and for providing the plans! AWESOME!

[@joepie221]

This unit is very scaleable. Be careful about static mounting it. you may loose the step over and depth control. Good luck

[@FrancisoDoncona]

Watching this video at 1 AM, nearly fifty more people subscribed just between watching the first two. My lead in was outsidescrewball, learned several new techniques, thanks, now I need a pantograph.

[@joepie221]

My channel blew up last night thanks to Outside Screwball and his video. I am beyond grateful for his effort to compose, shoot and post that. I had no idea. I actually heard about it from a comment on one of my postings. I promise I will post plans for that pantograph on my business website very soon.

[@multicraftman]

Wow and thanks for taking the time to make this video. I'm just an old retired guy that plays around in the shop to stay busy and I really like this project. I have a lot of Honey-dos that I have to give priority to right now but as soon as I can, I'm going to look at this a little closer. I know I'll reduce the size of it and I think the pictures in the video will be enough to put something together. Thanks again Joe Donald

[@joepie221]

There are a few hidden requirements for this to work. Give me a shout if you hit a wall.

[@alangliniak9514]

Just tripped across this video, ordered the plans and I can see a huge use for this incorporated with typeset and designs made with my 3d printer

[@johnmarshall9415]

Love to see the drawings when you have time Joe. Thanks again, you always teach us something.

[@joepie221]

They are available on my website store, or they can be had for less than half price on my patreon page for a $10 one time pledge. Plus you get other discount codes and plans too.

[@johnjenkins9989]

Hi Joe, just found out about you and your tips etc. from a friend here in New Zealand.I'm enjoying the ease in witch you describe different aspects of your profession.Keep up the good work.

[@gh778jk]

Joe, I made something,pretty identical for use on a small mill. I made the 'masters' by printing them out on a 3D printer. You can print out any font, or any sign, pictogram ....whatever you want. If you want to use it frequently, you can just make masters in metal using the printed ones, before they wear out... Paddy

[@joepie221]

Thats a great idea.

[@joandar1]

I don't know how I missed this one when it came out. As said by others, this is inspired thinking, I have to make myself this arrangement now! A home shop pantagraph that will fit in my shop! I will be able to sign my shop made tools. A big thanks to you Joe from John, Australia.

[@knlazar08]

I never would have thought of this! Excellent idea. Advanced Innovation is the perfect name for you. You consistently come up with cheap and innovative tooling for those of us on a budget. Congrats on many jobs well done.

[@joepie221]

Thank you very much.

[@matrixgunsmithing8060]

Joe I am a gunsmith diving into a lathe for my shop. I can't tell you enough how much I enjoy learning from you. So far every video I have watched has answered questions. Keep them coming. Tim Ditmore Matrix Gunsmithing Lake George, CO.

[@joepie221]

Glad to help.

[@paulmurphy612]

I know you're watching comments, so here goes: I like this content. Good video, good material! Thanks.

[@mxcollin95]

I'm pretty new to machining but have been having a blast getting into it. I'd love to try to make one of these and would greatly appreciate you making the plans/drawings available! I'm really impressed with your channel and have been learning tons of good tips and tricks (probably stuff I never would have thought of in a million years on my own. Lol) I'm really happy I stumbled onto your channel, and please keep up the great content. 👍

[@ianstar7]

Just got the plans from your website. Proper engineering drawings with all the details to boot..... Very kind of you, you're a star sir! Thank you very much. I used a big old Deckell Pantograph machine in a mould shop about thirty years ago - hell of an expensive machine, which had quite a big footprint in a small shop, esp for a dedicated machine. Your bit of kit, used on a generall mill is the perfect choice! Especially in conjunction with the abillity these days to 3Dprint various characters, fonts, even logo's etc.... Ace!

[@joepie221]

Be sure to check out the font master video for a source and discount. Good luck.

[@lornie212]

Concise, information packed, no fluff or repetition...... exactly what I look for in a video. Thank you.

[@joepie221]

Thank you for the comment and compliment. This was a very creative and fun project.

[@jjs4x]

Great tool Joe! Looking forward to the video that will follow this one and to seeing the plans for building one. Thank you for taking time out of your day to share all the info!

[@joepie221]

Thanks again Jason. The positive feedback makes it all worthwhile.

[@davecrawford5390]

Stunningly simple but effective. Well done

[@joedell71]

Yes please post details on how to build one of these. This is an awesome idea Joe.

[@joepie221]

Thank you, they will be on my website eventually.

[@davidwerland756]

Awesome videos I have been a Mechanic most of my career starting at age 15.5 through work experience in High School My beginning goes back to ingenuitive father and uncles which inspired me to seek out books at as young as 6 yrs. old like 2 stroke vs 4 stroke, Basic Engine theory and how the combustion Engine works however, I don't know how or why because, I couldn't read, in fact I pretty much failed everything except Gym and, shop classes! while growing up on the farms in So. Ca. I watched as family had no choice but to fix stuff and was fortunate to be able to ride Motorcycles so I assisted Dad and such, who always thought I was a failure I began getting paid as a mechanic at 15 and a half years old through a full service shop which specializes in German car with VW, Porsche, Mercedes and so on we did everything in house and a lot of machine work for every shop up and down the coast my boss was tough if he needed a tool Make one if you break it you pay if it comes back I take it out of your check but I never let things get me down I worked on call as heavy machinery in oil fields on call on & offshore was lucky talked my way into most every job I had but worked big construction Mech/welder held class a CDL, mech. Rubbish ind. and this was the icing on the Cake a union job as a Machinist for Abex Aerospace and later a smaller CNC shop but you know time passes and you think you know whats up But I dont just like then, winging it I have spent the last year proto typing some things and was near an end when someone threw a wrench in my program stole a bunch of my equipment and materials, as if that would stop me! I just purchased a pretty nice 13" Lathe 1000 times what I had, I had to go back like three times the poor old guy was afraid he was doing me an injustice worried I might lose a limb or something; I broke down as I pulled in with my trailer and, the old guy wanted to put me off another day, dude take the money and load my new lathe I'll promise you It will get home in one piece and I'll make sure it lasts me a lifetime just be ready to sell me one of the Bridgeports you have in there; I love and Appreciate your work on here, as It will help me get up to the point I left off and much much more I've always had selective learning But I have always had Great respect for those who are willing to share the many years of hands on knowledge Thanks again David Werland

[@schwellenzaehler2534]

Thank you Joe, a very good, relatively cheap, solution for all the non cnc guys/ hobbyists. I have cnc and an old Deckel G1L pantograf, since i have them my parts look more professional. Sometimes it is the little detail for the perfect part. ; -) ATB

[@johnmarshall4433]

Thanks Joe.

[@joepie221]

Thank you.

[@melgross]

I’m just seeing this one now. This is a good one. I’ve been thinking of making one, but too much mental work to design it. Thanks Joe, for doing the thinking for me. I’ve already got Pencil grinders, electric and air.

[@renter007]

What a great idea. Setting dept with mill and the pencil free floating to follow the example charakters. I probably go for a side setup because my mill only has height with the knee, but this is simple to arrange. Also thank you for your video's, they are very educating and i pick up a lot of of good habits this way.

[@joepie221]

Cheaper than a CNC too !

[@SZ19580118]

Joe, very nice. I would like to build one for myself. Machining is new to me but I have two lathes and big bench top mill. lots of learning at 58 years!

[@joepie221]

I'll be turning 59 in September. Old guys Rule!

[@roderickhenry3159]

A very well thought out tool, I would love to buy a set of the plans to build this, if nothing more than to engrave custom brackets that I build for the custom pulling tractors I build ! Thanks Joe! And I'm sorry that I hadn't seen this video sooner! I won't make that mistake again!

[@joepie221]

Thanks for the comment and for your interest. The plans can be purchased here www.advancedinnovationsllc.com/product-page/ai-pantograph-plans

[@timmallard5360]

Awesome! The only other time I saw one of these years ago at the Waltham Watch Museum. They had a 12" master and scaled it down to a pocket watch. It makes much more sense now!

[@joepie221]

Thanks for the comment Tim. There is one feature about pantograph engravers I did not incorporate into my unit because I didn't need it. Depth control from the stylus tip. See if you can find a video on how the US mint makes the punches for quarters. Its a rotary table and pantograph used together like a stylus on a record player. The quarter master die starts out dinner plate size and spins slowly as the other end cuts the punch. This is a very cool attachment to have.

[@GK1918]

memory flash back. So much like early 1960s in high school a "Zepher lettering kit" for blueprints. any one remember those? good job Joe

[@joepie221]

I think they were stencils that went all the way through.

[@GK1918]

not really, it was a panto graft like you built with letters and numbers set it on the draft table and fill in the "corner of the print" such as date part no. print no. best I remember sam

[@MrEh5]

I use my pencil grinder all the time on the lathe. Thank you for opening my eyes to the possibilities on the mill.

[@joepie221]

That jig worked perfect for what it was designed to do. Thanks for the comment.

[@bikefarmtaiwan1800]

Nice twist on a useful tool. It may be useful for viewers who are on a budget or who want extra font options that printing the text you want multiples larger on a sheet of paper and then using the letters as a guide to make a track over or around the text will serve as a great template once reduced on the pantograph especially as any slight error in the large text will disappear on the smaller engraving. Your own templates can be made as well as one off engravings of just about any shape.

[@1NRG24Seven]

Great rig. If one had a set of 1" letters and they could duplicate at 50% size then could make a set of 1/2" alphabet and 2" enlarge and use the duplicates to make even more at different sizes for huge set of patterns for each font. We need to get a group build on this unit and all trade font patterns as we make up sets. Keep these great videos coming Joe.

[@joepie221]

I like the way you think. Making your own masters in different sizes is awesome. I do have a source for the fonts in many different styles. I have contacted them to start a dialog on discounts for purchases inspired by this demo. Thanks for watching.

[@bazmon]

Thanks Joe... I just used your reverse threading method... even whistled as the tool moved on by... Keep up the GREAT work... Barry...

[@joepie221]

You will probably live longer since so much stress has been taken out of your life...You're welcome.

[@hopefuldave]

I found 3D printable letter tiles on thingiverse, letters are 22 mm tall - the tiles are 30 mm wide, but easy enough to slice 5 mm off each side to space the letters correctly - now I just need to get the pantograph made! The local Lidl had pencil grinders that look pretty much identical to the one you're using for £15.99, about $20 US, that should be good enough for the amount I'll use it! Thanks for the video!

[@jeanpierreviljoen4141]

I like it a lot, will make one for myself. Thanks for your video. Always waiting for new videos.

[@keithbee4856]

I love watching your videos. I cant wait until you post the plans, this is something I will definitely build.

[@joepie221]

The plans are ready to download off my website. www.advancedinnovationsllc.com good luck

[@seatrout45]

Andrew Millar Wish i had these post When serving my time lots of good tips helping me lots in my model building here in scotland looking forward to watching more posts

[@jongould7296]

Joe, what a good idea. Looking forward to the plans.

[@keithrussell8778]

Now THAT is brilliant, look forward to seeing the drawings, thanks again, Jack from over the pond..

[@joepie221]

They can be downloaded for free on my website at www.advancedinnovationsllc.com click on the plans button and have at it.

[@bernieshort9774]

Outstanding, I would be most interested in seeing the plans along with any other build info. Nice one Joe as always.

[@joepie221]

I sell the plans on my website, or they are free for a single $10 patreon donation. So technically, not free, but much cheaper that way.

[@cosmicrayastrophysics7839]

Another super useful video. I do some etching to create plaques etc. Its useful for complicated stuff with lots of lines such as images, but for simple lettering it is a bit of over kill. Your pantograph looks really useful for many applications I have. Thank you for presenting it.

[@joepie221]

The plans will soon be available online on my website if you want to build one. No charge.

[@skiptracer8703]

That is pretty slick Joe! I'll look forward to seeing your plans. Jim

[@OldManPaul]

Joe all your videos get a thumbs up, even the ones I haven't seen yet.

[@jeffiscool1805]

Finally!! A use for those aluminum strips I have. Thank you very very much for the plans.

[@joepie221]

This is a cool addition to a manual mill. Good luck with the build.

[@peterbaynes5804]

Great idea Joe. I'll keep a look out for the plans and any further details as they become available.

[@richardwhittak4440]

Joe, really great unit, I am looking forward to building. I have watched most of your videos and your explanations are detailed so that I can understand. Keep up the good work.

[@joepie221]

Thanks Richard.

[@johnspargo5876]

Many thanks for this and other videos. I greatly value the knowlege you give so freely. regards from Cape Town

[@joepie221]

Thanks for watching.

[@bpark10001]

In a government lab I used a dedicated machine for engraving, fundamentally of this design. It was fancy, having heavy cast iron pantograph, with witness marks and adjustments for scaling, and sets of type and a type board for setting up the engraving. Its spindle was belt driven with a round cord belt (like the old dentist drills). I would guess this machine was made in the 1950's. It is important that all lash be taken up in the pantograph bearings. The bearing cartridges from old disk drive head assemblies would be perfect, these being already preloaded, and you need only drill 1/2 inch holes in the pantograph members and epoxy these in.

[@joepie221]

Where are these bearings used in this assembly?

[@bpark10001]

@@joepie221 In the ancient machine, I assume they were some sort of bronze or Babbitt journal bearings. In the disk drive bearing cartridges, they are pairs of "ring" ball bearings (of relatively large diameter inside and small cross-section) that are preloaded and bonded in place between tube and concentric axle. You mount to the outside by slipping in a close-fit hole, and to the axle by tapped holes in both ends.

[@MrScienceMaths]

Excellent work, love you Joe!

[@libertarianlife3651]

COOLER THAN HELL !! I see new valve covers from my engine shop. Thank You I always wondered how those M/T valve covers were engraved.

[@joepie221]

M/T valve covers are actually cast. You'll need a special template to do an outlined part like the M/T logo. I actually had those on my 68 442. Black with the silver ribs and logo.

[@rjserra5535]

Joe, you are a creative guy !

[@joepie221]

Necessity is the mother of invention.

[@dayneharper6609]

Wow amazing! Your videos are to the point and easy to follow. I appreciate all of your teachings, you've taught me a lot

[@joepie221]

Thanks. That makes it worthwhile.

[@garywemmer9342]

He came up with that?!?! Dam,true genius!

[@EmmaRitson]

already have the materials and the grinder..... hmmm. lol. nice and functional design it seems. and making something to go on the mill is a sensible start . be very interested in drawings one day if you get to them.

[@michaelmurray9154]

Good one. Great for those of us that don't have a Deckel or cnc.

[@patricialjubec4484]

Great job Joe! Drawings would be awesome ! Keep up the excellent work...Greeting's from Ontario , Canada.

[@joepie221]

Drawings can be downloaded for free on my website. Look for the PLANS button on the top toolbar.

[@inthelandofmilkandhoney457]

Interesting and Very Cool. 👍 I just bought an old manual Pantograph machine. Anxious to give it a try.

[@bdugh]

I recently found your channel and so far have watched all your videos. I find I like the ones dealing with the trig, I was always a math nut which is why I got into fabrication. the pantograph is great, I've thought if making something like that many times

[@joepie221]

Thanks Brian. Hang in there for drawings. Thanks for watching.

[@brianhollshwandner7386]

Wonderful video Joe. Keep'em coming! I love your explanations on trig and it's practical application in machining. I attempt to teach those I work with about trig but I get that dog tilting his head look and then the just fix it response. I look forward to seeing the prints on this one. Thanks again and keep up the good work.

[@joepie221]

Thank you Brian. Once it clicks, it sticks.

[@shanek6582]

That's impressive, I'm glad I found your channel.

[@joepie221]

Hit that sub button and tell a friend. Thanks for stopping by.

[@thepatientartisan]

Hey Joe, thanks for the informative and educational videos! Your content fills in gaps in my education that my less than enthused and motivated instructors are providing in spite of my questions and high dollar outlay. Wish I could study with you directly. Be well.

[@joepie221]

Thank you for the comment. Shoot me a message if your instructors don't give you a satisfactory answer to something. I'll help you if I can.

[@thepatientartisan]

Joe Pieczynski Thanks again. That is generous beyond measure to me, and I am humbly grateful for that! And if you don't mind, I will likely take you up on the offer. My area of study takes me into situations where my own personal safety, as well as that of others can be adversely affected should a misstep occur during any process, so satisfactory answers become a necessity for a number of very important reasons beyond general shop safety. Without a satisfactory "how" accompanied by a logical, and thought provoking "why", I feel like my education could potentially have some very costly holes. I have gathered all of the written information that I can afford at this time, (any suggestions for further reading would be appreciated btw!) but theory with no practical application is no way to learn the skills of the machinist. You, and the channels of a few others have enabled me to see some of what I have read put into practice, making my comfort level bearable when executing the processes myself. Keep up the great work! You are most certainly appreciated! Be well.

[@juanrivero8]

A pantograph of any kind is basically a parallelogram. There are pantograph engravers out there -- see Stefan Gotteswinter's channel -- and they can be used for a lot of things besides cutting letters. Pantograph engravers were very common at one time, but have been superseded by CNC-based stuff. Basically you are using the mill as a fixed point, with the advantage that the starting X, Y and Z are easily adjustable. A nice idea. I built a Dremel-based pantograph, but am still working on depth adjustment. My biggest problem is finding templates at a price I can afford. Proxxon tools builds a very nice pantograph engraver, but it is extremely expensive as all Proxxon tools are. Very interesting video, food for thought.

[@joepie221]

This is true, but there is a very specific set of conditions that must exist for a good scale translation. Pivot your unit in 2 directions at your anchor point. That will give you your depth detail you re looking for.

[@juanrivero8]

Yes, of course. Not always obvious. THanks.

[@amftpt]

Thank you, Joe. This will be a nice project to make at home.

[@joepie221]

Plans are available on my website, and font masters for 25% off.

[@shichae]

Nice setup, that’s really slick!

[@joepie221]

Thanks!

[@BraveLoch32]

I have been meaning to do this for some time! You just made my job a lot easier!

[@georgegelagotis7239]

Love it can't wait Joe , keep it up ,,cheers from Australia

[@joepie221]

Thanks George. It got me past my obstacle.

[@robmcgrew128]

Absolutely a genius idea. I wish my brain worked like yours

[@joepie221]

Amazing how creative you can get when it comes to saving money.

[@TheSolarPoweredEngineer]

Wow Joe, thank you, I never even thought of doing engraving, but want to give it a go now. You have given me an idea for a digital on for CNC... Hmmmmmmm 👍

[@joepie221]

Before I figured it out, I coded text in G code and scaled it for use. CNC engraving is very easy. Especially if you have CAD in house.

[@billwilson7782]

Vary nice Joe PA, I want to build one. Thanks again for you innovations. Bill

[@Newsparklabs]

Nice pantograph! Very clever indeed!

[@joepie221]

Thanks. Necessity is truly the mother of invention.

[@algirdpatrick5048]

Great idea Joe - very creative, solving a problem I've had for a long time.

[@ChainNut]

That is very sweet ! I have been looking for an excuse to buy one of those mini grinders. Would be great to see some plans and thanks for your time on making your videos. Thumbs up.

[@joepie221]

Thank you ChainNut. This tip may cost a few dollars to get in place, but nothing compared to actually buying one of those machines. I appreciate the thumbs up.

[@ront8270]

Very nice Joe .....I also like to say I love your channel...been watching for a couple of years now or when ever I found you.....I love to have your plans for this product if you have the time joe .....it’s one of those tools you of for project and say to your self if I only had a cnc machine......again nicely done

[@joepie221]

Thanks for the feedback. The plans are available here www.advancedinnovationsllc.com/product-page/ai-pantograph-plans

[@restraintnurse]

thanks Joe, I have been wanting one of these for years.

[@joepie221]

Its a fun toy.

[@kenneybennett9359]

Really great video, you have some great content. Thanks to you for sharing your knowledge

[@joepie221]

My pleasure!

[@alexkoenig4893]

I believe aVe did something similar. But completely different . Great video. I'd love the blueprint for this mechanism

[@richardsims1805]

Very slick rig!

[@mysteriousstranger239]

Great channel heard you mentioned on outside screwball the engraver is cool

[@akbychoice]

Nice job, simple idea with a great outcome. Have a pantograph from a router that might adapt well to this.

[@ph_swe]

I missed out on a sweet deal on a deckel g1l pantograph the other week (seller was asking 250 bucks)... But hey, building one of these is even cheaper and takes no floor space so maybe I was lucky :D thanks for a great vid :)

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Very cool Joe! Thanks! 🙌

[@JeffreyVastine]

Sweet and simple , nice work Joe! Peace!

[@jeffmurphy5013]

Hi Joe, I just found your channel and it is awesome! Please keep them coming.I would love to see plans for the engraving unit and more of your tricks of the trade. thank you,

[@DudleyToolwright]

I missed this video some how. Glad I went back scrounging for gold. Eureka!

[@joepie221]

This rig saved me a lot of money. Glad you like it.

[@shadowdog500]

Thanks for posting this. I was actually looking into making something like this. I usually stamp my initials and year on anything I make for someone,. I usually worry about the stamping more than anything else because I mess up on at least one letter of the stamping more times than not. I would want to make it for much smaller letters though. Thanks, Chris

[@joepie221]

Hey Chris, This unit is very versatile. It has a wide range of reduction capability and if you start with smaller master font characters, you can really make this small. My font is 1" tall, but I think I'd suggest 1/2 or 3/4 masters.

[@jbienick5513]

thanx for the PANTOGRAPH plans. I am going to make one.

[@joepie221]

Fun project. You're welcome.

[@geraldgenchur5133]

Just ran across your video!!! Absolutely love this idea!!! Definitely would like the blueprint for this

[@JackHoying]

That looks very handy! I recently picked up a complete set of 1" and 3/4" letters at an auction, along with a small scribe type panto-graph. I also have a die grinder like yours, so my investment will be very low to build one of these. I always say that if someone has to ask for plans to make something like this, they probably shouldn't be making it anyways. ;-) (especially after your great explanation) Thanks for the video.

[@joepie221]

Thanks Jack. Things can really go hay wire on something like this if you miss even the smallest detail. It is a great project to try to figure out on your own. The proof of success is when you actually engrave something and the font is level and consistent at all of your size location positions. Good luck.

[@John91406]

Joe, (or should I say Senor Da Vinci?) That is damn brilliant! I like the way you think outside of the box. I would love to have a set of plans to build one myself. Thanks for everything you post. Keep em coming' All the best, John

[@joepie221]

Thanks John. I love obstacles. I see them as tests of our creativity. Thanks for watching and keep checking my website for the drawings. I will get to them.

[@ROBRENZ]

Nicely done Joe! ATB, Robin

[@eddietowers5595]

Yeah, would love to see plans... Man, that's an awesome idea