Tools, Glorious Tools! #8 - Learning To Engrave

Hi Folks,
Its time for a deep dive on learning to engrave - Please enjoy!
Cheers,
Chris.
Btw I ended up cutting a lot of the engraving footage to keep the video moving along, but you can watch slightly longer versions of 3 of the plates being engraved here:
Plate I: • Video
Plate II: • Hand Engraving Practic...
Plate III: • Hand Engraving Practic...
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Video Notes:
(Amazon Affiliate links)
Engraving study material that I use:
BOOKS
"The Art Of Engraving" (James B Meek): amzn.to/2qa2McL
"Drawing & Understanding Scroll Designs" (Ron Smith): amzn.to/2NxNINZ
"Advanced Drawing Of Scrolls" (Ron Smith): amzn.to/2JCoc9g
DVD's
"Learn Old School Hammer & Chisel Engraving" (Sam Alfano): amzn.to/2N4pRGH
"Engraving Scrollwork From Start To Finish" (Sam Alfano): amzn.to/2BYV3kj
"The Essential Guide To Drawing Scrolls" (Sam Alfano): amzn.to/2Wx4Do5
"The Experts Guide To Graver Sharpening" (Sam Alfano): amzn.to/2Ntte9b
My Engraving Tools:
Gravermach AT: amzn.to/2PD7lHc
Airtact Monarch handpiece: amzn.to/31YjGbC
Powerhone: grs.com/product/graverhone-vs...
Leica A60 Microscope: amzn.to/3VET1xU
Val-Air Compressor: grs.com/product/val-air-air-c...
Sam Alfano Chisel Handle: www.grs.com/product/sam-alfan...
Chasing Hammer: grs.com/product/grs-chasing-h...
Optivisor Headband Magnifier: amzn.to/2HFg1FU
4 Arkansas Stones + case: amzn.to/2HCOAMX
EZE-LAP Set SF/F/M/C/XC Color Coded Diamond Hones: amzn.to/2BZUbvX
Thermo-lock work holding putty - amzn.to/44AHCmS

[@slypig24]

I knew an Australian knife & gun engraver called Geoff Wilkins, his sketch books were amazingly detailed. He would also dovetail his lines and inlay dovetails with gold or silver wire, flattened out to lock them in. We all called him Tap Tap, as that was the sound always coming from his room.

[@andersjjensen]

Thanks for showing us your first sketches and giving estimates on a realistic time frame when it comes to practice. Lots of people try something and observe that they suck, so they quit. Getting the reassurance, from someone who does stellar work, that they too sucked until they didn't can be quite the aid for some people.

[@lerikhkl]

Yes! Far too many people think that masters are just born into it. It both diminishes the masters' hard work and hinders their own development.

[@robyoung1890]

@@lerikhkl My respects to you, that is a very enlightened comment - thank you. I tend to suffer from that syndrome more often than I would like.

[@joshclark44]

I was thinking the same thing. I saw those first spiral drawings and thought they'd look very similar to how I'd draw it at the moment 😄 and considering clickspring as some sort of wizard, it's surprising that he actually did also suck once (sorry man)

[@Halinspark]

I was watching a renowned knifesmith talk about practice and skill levels, and he started off with "See this thing? The uneven grind lines, the off kilter block of wood serving as a handle? See how it's awful, even before we compare it to this pretty one? It's the first knife I ever made. They always look like that when you start, just keep practicing."

[@markfryer9880]

We all have to learn skills from the day we are born. It's just that as kids we don't give ourselves the option of quitting, that comes later.

[@jwwhitmarsh8411]

It's refreshing to see an incredibly skilled artist share their rough beginner's work and talk about the realistic time investment and discipline necessary to get to the level they're at. I've heard countless times people claim "talent" is why they can't do certain artforms like the greats they look up to. The great ones aren't talented either, they just put in A LOT of work and effort you haven't seen. If it was quick and easy, everyone would do it.

[@rongafron2204]

Oh great, yet another rabbit hole for me to wander down! 🙂

[@raymitchell9736]

Ooohhh WOW! You don't mess around!!! Seriously you spent the time to master something, and I know you'll say that you aren't as good as the "masters"... while I understand that sentiment, but don't kid yourself either, you've entered into a realm that few do in a lifetime... Congratulations on that and a beautiful engraving as well! Cheers.

[@beermeneer]

i was lucky enough to get taught the bare fundementals of engraving at school (studying to be a silversmith currently) before the engraving teacher retired. my school engraving kit existed of no more than 3 push gravers, a piece of plywood to nail a plate to (we had these tiny brass nails to do that with) and a leather pillow to spin that piece of wood on. and it was essentially all that was needed to cut any work, as long as it was on a flat plate. this video has made me realize though, that there is a giant hole in my education (maybe because it was cut short, or maybe because we werent getting schooled to be engravers) that has kindoff left me struggling to grow any further. we never had any form of engraving design or anything like it, i guess ill have to pick up the pencil and teach myself. not the first time ive found myself thinking my education is too technical and not enough design oriented

[@absalomdraconis]

I'd say pick some simple-looking flower to engrave, and keep some notes of everything else that you think of to engrave while you're working on it.

[@thegrayjedi5202]

I’ve sketched all my life, and I’m entering my 2nd year of woodworking. Now that I’m looking at doing metal work, it’s amazing and quite a relief to see how well one’s practice in an area like sketch or wood chisels, can translate to another skill. For you folks that’s just starting out, practice on one thing will actually carry over to these other skills and it’ll build your confidence and experience. I can’t wait to make my first set of gravers!

[@ArchEdge]

Morning Chris! Thanks for the great video. Aside from doing your own projects, there is something very satisfying about watching someone create beautiful work - so thank you, your videos are much appreciated.

[@scottsammons7747]

Leather craft makes for some very nice patterns.the tools are different, but cutting leather with a knife then using the various impressing tools helps visualize some nice designs.

[@Chriss120]

that really gives a scale of how much work you put into these projects.

[@eric1393]

Oh no. I was recently tempted by this rabbit hole myself. This surely won't help me avoid another hobby! Excellent timing!

[@markfryer9880]

Whoops! Here we go again!

[@KevinWoodsWorkshop]

Hi Chris, you make engraving look easy but then you are a true craftsman. Everything you do is high quality and I can understand why you would want to get into engraving. Thanks for sharing.

[@jdavidbaxter]

Ron Smith is great. I had the chance to meet him a few years back and he gave me pointers before I got started in engraving. Incredibly humble for a man with so much talent!

[@HanstheTraffer]

I'm 70 yrs old now. I wish I would have been able to see your videos when I was 14 yrs old. I would be a different person now.

[@cockedhat1]

Morning Chris, thanks for another great video which will surely get me dirty handed soon. I was bitten by the engraving bug several years ago and have been through the stages you recommend. My trouble is I'm just so cheap! having start with hammer and chisel, all home made, I ventured on to trying to make an air powered tool. I eventually made three. None successful. Then I decided to make an electrical one, this powered by a brushless motor, hitting ball bearings against an anvil. Again unsuccessful, but I did learn a lot about motor drives. Other home made efforts ensued, carbide gravers, handles, sharpening disc, rotary foot powered vice, microscope, etc etc. Following all this the only thing I have ever successfully engraved is the name plate on my snooker cue. Hand made of course, and now I see, dated 1997. However you have inspired me and I will be re-visiting said hobby. Thanks again, I think! Tony, UK.

[@SomeGuyInSandy]

"Putting in the work" applies to any skill you wish to acquire. Great video, and message!

[@iteerrex8166]

Great idea to learn to sketch well first, and then transition to engraving. Similar to sculpting with clay before moving onto stones.

[@guyloughridge4628]

Chris, thanks for this video. You are a life-long learner; willing to spend the time acquiring a new skill.

[@dsloop3907]

Can you make a $100 bill plate?

[@BobWidlefish]

He made an antikythera mechanism from scratch. Of course he can make a minting press plate!

[@first_namelast_name4923]

How do you think people can afford to plonk down $1500 for a semi-professional setup, such as shown in video? Go ahead and check the prices. ;-) Seriously, plates for money are engraved using doodling machines for patterns, exactly to prevent people like Chris from making their own plates. Look up videos, it is fascinating.

[@dsloop3907]

@@first_namelast_name4923 I watched a counterfeiter story on YT last night. He was good and just got too greedy.

[@23Kolobok]

No, officer, i can't

[@ChuckThree]

Why, what could you ever do with that?

[@stevedebusk6034]

what a great road map. outline and time frame was very helpful

[@fazzlevy4426]

Chris, this is my first ever KZbin comment after many many years. You are an absolute legend and I love everything you do. This video is a stand out, your meticulous eye for detail and determination is something to savour. It truly is a pleasure to watch. Thank you.

[@Clickspring]

Thank you mate, terrific to have you watching :)

[@jeffarmstrong1308]

When we see a finished project and the apparent ease of the engraving process then one of the great questions asked about work of this standard is - "How long does it take to develop this level of skill?" We can get a strong clue from the "... at least one hour per day for the first six months ..." comment. The pictures showing the sketches that have been conveniently dated with dates that are in late 2018 four and a half to five years before this video was made.

[@AlphaKnight-hg2jq]

Great timing, i just started engraving yesterday using the engraver design you showed us in the antikythera mechanism video

[@giovannifontanetto9604]

Really nice, I'm doing leather work because it's what I can do in an apartment, and many of the artistic lessons in this video can be applied for leather engraving.

[@JackGladstoneHolroyde]

Next week 'Hi this is Adam Savage here from my cave with a show and tell about a rabbit hole I've fallen down lately: ENGRAVING'

[@thomascaldwell184]

Your videos are always so stunning. The quality of your craftsmanship of what you make, to include the video shooting and production, are precise and beautiful. Thanks for your channel.

[@jamesperkins9833]

Took my plunge into engraving at 59, absolutely love it!

[@whatme3473]

I don't think a beginner's guide and how to could have been explained as good as that. Awesome 👌

[@dankplank]

Repeatedly you show us what an incredible learner and craftsman you really are. Your skill is stunning!

[@allanjacobs977]

So much talent and hearing your enthusiasm makes me understand why you have the talent. Thank you for sharing these videos.

[@sephalon1]

I've been watching Clickspring videos for years and I only just now realized he's left-handed.

[@cipedead0777]

Love the look behind the shed door. You sound like me, you are never to old to learn something new. Love how explain the ways you go about thins end to end.

[@manythingslefttobuild]

Great video Chris, thanks for showing your early work and learning process.

[@AEFarnam]

I'm literally always astonished at the craftsmanship of Clicksrping

[@OneWheelDrive365]

Wow, it's incredible how fast you learn a skill. Linoleum is a nice medium to start with to learn carving lines. And it's cheap too.

[@terrytopliss9506]

Awe inspiring Chris.👍👍

[@johndilsaver8409]

This is excellent, thanks for posting. It's always so much fun to learn about a new area.

[@videogalore]

The take away for me (and many other too judging by the comments) is the circa 200 hours of drawing practice before you really stuck your teeth into making carved pieces. That's fantastic commitment of course, but also truly tells a story about what might be needed to be able to produce work of this quality. Fantastic video and a life lesson thrown in too!

[@Donorcyclist]

Amazing work! Great job picking up a craft like this and excelling!

[@mumblbeebee6546]

Thank you, very interesting insight into something I love watching you do but had never contemplated doing myself!

[@judelarkin2883]

Clickspring guy is my hero. For now, most of my time is spent at a decent but boring job and house improvements but some day I hope to spend a lot of time on awesome projects.

[@AvidDIYer]

Thank you Chris! I've been considering trying out engraving and it will be good to see how you started.

[@CustomFineMetal]

What a fantastic tutorial. Great insight into getting started.

[@mikepettengill2706]

Thank you for the extremely useful heads up on methods for attaining this skill!

[@VelveteenWoodworking]

I’m a woodworker and I seem to always glean something from your videos. I’ve been wanting to do some scroll work in a few pieces but have been very intimidated by the process! Thank you for some helpful tips!

[@sphandengraving5691]

Great video I throughly enjoyed watching

[@jeffreyyoung4104]

WOW! Thanks Chris! Very educational!

[@EleanorPeterson]

Lovely to see a skill that can still be completely analogue. Digital curves are made up of straight lines - albeit very small ones - whereas an analogue curve is infinitely smooth. I know an engraver often uses air percussion or a hammer and lots of potentially jerky tapping, but the tool point is still 'turned' gently round the bends by hand. It's rather like the business of sound recording (I'm a musician, of sorts). Digital audio is sampled thousands of times a second to recreate sound that's a series of exceedingly tiny square steps, whilst an analogue recording on vinyl or tape often sounds... warmer. Softer. Smoother. Sigh. I wish MY curves looked as smooth as those, Chris... 👙👀

[@ianeyolfson6525]

Luv everything you do ❤

[@ladykay8]

I wish there were a "double thumbs up" rating because that's what I would give every one of your videos! Lovely!

[@tomthompson7400]

outstanding results.

[@frfrpr]

The engraving is almost as good as his voiceovers. Lots of skills are on display on this channel.

[@markfryer9880]

Chris has so many high level talents across a range of different skill sets that if he wasn't a fellow Aussie, I might just end up jealous of him!😅

[@alierem4266]

Sir, your enthusiasm is unmatched. Great to see a fellow Oz man getting into it and mastering this highly challenging gem of artistic profession. Let us see some lettering work from you.

[@muddpuddle5197]

Wow! Great work!

[@DavidLeeKersey]

It's interesting that many of the scroll and leaf designs are similar to what is done with leather carving.

[@Poetofsilver]

Thanks for the video, really put things into perspective.

[@Splattertube]

"Eye-wateringly expensive." Imma use that one. Excellent vid, Chris.

[@girliedog]

You blow my mind.

[@whilliamblamet187]

I would happily watch hours-long videos of you engraving

[@makenchips]

Chris, I really enjoyed this tutorial on how to engrave for a new beginner. Your videos, no matter the subject, are always so well done! You're one of the few, and i mean a few influencers on KZbin that are at the top " How to " revealing instructional videos in my book! Keep up the great work, 👍👍👍 🤜🍺🍺🤛Columbus Michigan

[@beartastic-ftw]

wow, major dedication!

[@nixielee]

Great content as always

[@chrisleech1565]

Thanks for the great camera work you do so often.

[@Clickspring]

Thanks Chris, much appreciated :)

[@DiogoSalazar1]

That looks fantastic! 👏

[@williammorris1763]

This series is epic!🔥🙌💯

[@petercarioscia9189]

Honestly thought you studied under some old time master the first time you displayed your engraving on the Byzantine clock project. Amazed to learn you just picked up some books and DVDs, and learned on your own. I did similar with silk screening. I wanted to silk screen, picked up some DVDs, read some books, asked questions on online forums, learned by doing and made mistakes. Silk screening isn't as... visually impressive as metal engraving, but I was extremely proud of myself for my silk screening haha

[@a320214]

Very impressive 😊

[@me3333]

You sir have my utmost respect. That's beautiful. I couldn't even imagine attempting this with the correct 😁hand let alone with a left hand. My mother is a southpaw and she has a hell of a time doing craft things because of tools being made primarily for right-handed people but she has dealt with that all of her life. She also came from a time and background that being a lefty was frowned upon and was even seen as a sign of evil so she was punished (smacks with a scale on the top of the hand) for it as a little girl. In some ways we have come a long way... Others not so much...

[@babbagebrassworks4278]

Well lefties generally do have more artist talent. Mind you I always have trouble finding left handed hammers and screw drivers. I gave up on scissors 50+ years ago and had to learn the to use right handed ones.

[@mrporridge2304]

I love your use of the term "knock up"! Been watching your stuff for years and you don't just 'knock up' anything... even your scriber is exquisite! Oh and by the way, thank you for adding yet another line to my list of things I want to try but haven't got the time for! 😂 Keep up the good work and good luck cobba! 👍

[@contrapezist]

I've always been partial to bright cutting IE: straight line and rose engine. Art deco, hard edges, angles, geometric patterns... The equipment is in short supply so I've been doing it in CAD/CAM cutting with V cutters on the CNC machine. Also the "jeweling" or "engine turning" on more modern watches has always caught my eye. A book that sparked the interest for me was Herbert Maryon "Metalwork and Enamelling".

[@theinfernalcraftsman]

I have a friend that engraves drums and is extremely good at it and was a drummer. I do not have the patience for it but I enjoy watching it. Also just got back from Greece and went to the museum finally and saw the Antikythera. It was not as big as I thought it would be and there were a number of recreations around it on display as well. Got a few pics but they had a polarizer in front of it to bring out the details which made it hard to get a good pic from the front but you could get from the sides some. IIRC the ticket price was like $8euro. Nice museum and it's going to be really big after the expansion they are about to start is done.

[@MASI_forging]

Great video as always 👍👍

[@CraigLYoung]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@6NBERLS]

Most excellent.

[@DogsaladSalad]

Excellent vid.

[@IOUaUsername]

That's a good idea for a video actually. Making an engraver. ThisOldTony made an air powered chisel on his lathe and mill, so I imagine the engraver is just a teeny tiny Sherline-sized one of the same. Smaller mass inside means higher frequency and lower amplitude.

[@cyrilcartier675]

Nice... Very nice. Again!

[@derekrussell9925]

Great job!

[@Forheavenssake1ify]

GRS uses an air pulse and spring. Alternatively, the tool can create the pneumatic pulse- Steve Lindsay and his AirGraver.

[@stevehignett5701]

Have you ever thought about trying to tattoo yourself, or someone else? Im not a tattooist, or even thinking about one, but the dedication you have already put in would leave you in a good place to understand the nuances and design of art on the skin. That or at least get a self-designed piece for yourself!

[@Arbys626]

You and Uri Tuchman need to make a video together. He's a master at this kind of engraving but I think he appreciates your precision abilities. Would be great to see your talents come together.

[@Raeilgunne]

In USD $ a bit over 2000 for the power graver, 500 for the handle, 500-1000 for the vise, 3000 for the microscope and stand, 30 for one graver and toolholder, 1000 to 1500 for the hone. Professional kit is definitely an investment.

[@billboleggings2853]

Amazing

[@midimidori4699]

I feel like I speak for all of us when I say it's a little daunting hearing you call yourself a beginner. We've seen your Chris Ramsay video

[@godevskii]

Hats off!

[@Oldtanktapper]

I’m (very slowly) trying to teach myself engraving, mostly for jewellery and enamelling applications. I’d say that along with lots and lots of practice at drawing and engraving , getting the sharpening of tools right is extremely important. It’s far easier if you’ve got a fixture to help get the angles absolutely correct, crisp and above all sharp. Doing it by hand is possible but a very skilled operation. I’m going to make a similar jig to the Lindsay sharpening template system, it’s easy and cheap to put together, is accurate, and can be used on just about any sharpening stone, diamond plate or even with something like the GRS power hone. Steve Lindsay’s engraving equipment is second to none, unfortunately along with the superb quality comes an eye watering price tag which gets even more ruinous when you convert to Aussie dollars and add postage. I’m going to have a go at making my own version of his pneumatic hand piece with my new lathe, I’m sure it won’t be as good but it’ll be a fun and educational project!

[@machinist_matt]

Great stuff 👍 I'd love to give engraving a go sometime. 😎

[@helloarigato]

This is great Chris, thanks so much! I always wanted to know how you got started and developed your engraving skills. I'm definitely going to give this a go, especially the drawing because that's a skill I'd love to have in and of itself. Cheers from Geelong!

[@KnowArt]

thumbnail gave me hope for an Uri Tuchman collaboration

[@glennlopez6772]

Thanks for the video! A versatile guy who knows how to keep going on the job! Sound advice, good sound/video and pleasing voice/axcent! Not sure, could be Australian?

[@tommiller1315]

Always wondered how long the ornate designs on ancient and modern shotguns took to engrave. Not something I am going to get into now, but thoroughly enjoyed your introduction here. Thank you.

[@mitchellknott3527]

I was just thinking to contact you via your channel to ask how to get started on learning engraving, looked up your channel, and here was this video. That's some expensive gear! Think I'll start with a chasing hammer hahaha

[@REKLESSWOLVES1]

Brilliant, such skill. Amy update on the antikythera machine yet, i found that build series extremely fascinating as i`m big into ancient architecture and technology.

[@keldsor]

HI - just the video i've longed to see ! It turned me on again but to make my own power tool hammer/engraver i the first place because I think it's "the motor" of the whole process - and I love to make tools I can use later.

[@jerrymanges2489]

Thanks so much for your video... very informative. Do you have any longer videos of the sketching process?

[@andreguilles4919]

Show de bola!

[@zombiemann]

There appears to be a good deal of overlap with leather tooling, as far as design goes.

[@perrylc8812]

I’m so untalented that I can’t draw a straight line with a ruler plus have no imagination. So this is really impressive.

[@raidensnake9471016]

I finally met my twin brother 🫂

[@vintageludwig]

Notice there wasn't a single straight line that wasn't on a practice piece so you should be good

[@MrPossumeyes]

@Claudio and I stand shoulder to shoulder with you, brother. I envy those with talent, for I have little.

[@DeGuerre]

Here's the secret to drawing a reasonably straight line: keep your eye on the destination point. Don't look at the origin point, don't look at the pen or pencil, just look at the destination point. The initial big hurdle in drawing is not learning to draw. Anyone with a working hand can draw. The problem is learning to see. We don't realise just how much interpretation our brain does when we look at things. The part of your brain that thinks it knows what faces or buildings or trees looks like needs to get out of the way, so you can see things as they actually are. When you are looking at the destination point, you're not focusing on what the drawing implement is doing, or what a straight line should look like. That, right there, is half the battle won. There's an old forger's trick, which of course you should never use for illegal purposes. If you need to copy someone's signature, turn the paper 180 degrees and copy it upside-down. When you do this, it no longer looks like writing, so the part of your brain that thinks it knows what letters look like will get out of the way. Now, you're looking at abstract shapes rather than letters, and the copy will be much more convincing. All of the other stuff (e.g. shading techniques, constructive anatomy, using colour, etc) can come later. This is the foundational skill you need to learn. I strongly encourage you to learn it.

[@andrewnicon]

I mean, look at Clickspring's early practice, he was terrible and a few years later he can do this stuff. So I'm sure you could improve if you tried.

[@Halinspark]

After seeing those prices, I think I'll probably just CNC any rare engraving jobs I ever do. It's not as sexy as hand engraved work, but at least it would utilize tooling I already want to acquire for a shop, and education I already have.

[@huntz3215]

Started a Family Coat of Arms in wood 12mths ago, hard on the hands. Perhaps metal engraving is worth a go awesome insight into techniques... thanks.