How to Make Gravers for Engraving
Many people spend large amounts of money on sets of shop-bought gravers, which are metal tools with sharp tips that are used to engrave on a range of materials. Although they are not expensive to make, they are seen as a specialist item, which means you pay a premium when buying premade gravers. Make your own gravers using only some metal or old tools and moderate strength.
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Things You'll Need
- Tool-strength steel rods
- Saw
- Grinding wheel
- Sharpening stone
- Oil
- Sandpaper
- Handle
Instructions
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1
Measure a steel rod, and cut it to be 3 inches long and about ¼ inch wide by ¼ inch deep. This is the standard graver size, although you can make bigger and smaller versions for different purposes.
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2
Use a grinding wheel to shape one end of the grinder. Hold the rod so that half of the tip is sharpened into a knife-like blade. Dip the rod in water occasionally to speed up the process.
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3
Oil a sharpening stone lightly, and place it on a smooth, flat surface.
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4
Rub the tip of the grinder against the stone in a repetitive action until it becomes scratch-free and sharp.
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5
Polish the rod with sandpaper to remove marks and make the rod look professional. When the rod becomes shiny and reflective, it is fully polished.
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6
Slide the rod into a handle, and store until you need to use the graver.
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Tips & Warnings
If you don't have any steel rods, you can use old tools, such as screwdrivers.
Always use appropriate protection equipment when using machinery.
