HOME
What will this site tell you you about engraving? Well for the novice engraver using any type of machine there is general help and advice about layout skills, graphics and file formats. Advice about many aspects of pewter and silverware, plus useful tips for your workshop. For the engravers who use Newing Hall machines, there is specific help on many aspects of using TLC and Apex controllers. This information first appeared in a series of articles in the ARA Recognition Express Magazine. I would recomend that new engravers with limited money first join the Engraving Etc on line engraving community, at $99 a year you will get that back within the first two months with time saved. After that consider a subscription to the American 'Engravers Journal' as this is the best magazine, finally, for those with money to invest in your future trade, join the American ARA
New for August 2006, I have added extra pages with photographs of the Kirba / Newing Hall machines. For those engravers who have the American or British version of the NH, they may find the Kirba version interesting as it has some useful features illustrated.
New for October 2006 . Been having trouble with your Apex controller 'jumping' then follow this link
October 2007. I am back....anyone logging on since January, my sincere apologies. I had a close family bereavement which meant time off work. The web site took a back seat I am afraid. I will be back onto EngravingEtc forums for November.
By way of very quick introduction, I have worked as a trade engraver in the Sheffield (UK) Pewter and Silver industries for 25 years. Initially pantograph machines were used, Gravograph TX3 and German Kirba’s, I went computerized in 1990 and currently use 4 Newing Hall machines, two each TLC and Apex, although my cylindrical/base unit is probably different to that available in the USA.
One thing I have learnt since starting my vocation, is that whilst many engravers usually end up adopting similar techniques to achieve the same end result, the learning curve and content is variable, there are always subtle differences. So I make no claims for originality, my comments and opinions are there for the benefit of novice and experienced engravers alike.
If you have questions or a problem you may be seeking advice on, please feel free to send me an e mail, the contact details appear on the links page
........."The path forward is wide, so avoid narrow tunnels". You may start off as a one man band working in a basement, but you know that you are better than that !
Zelmon November 2007 |
