Thread: How to engrave scales?

I have a couple that look like they are engraved with a nail or similar object.... But I think that you want a plate of some kind of metal.
If so I would find the shape and metal that I want and engrave it first and then inset.

If you didn't like the way that the engraving turned out then you could make another without removing the plate.

If they are a vintage scale with an already installed plate I would make sure that I gave it to someone that I trusted to do the engraving.

I was trying to think about the right term... Are you talking about an escutcheon plate?

Gents, I think I have the correct terminology.

I want to do this myself, thus I'm looking to learn how to do it and which tools are needed.

I want to inlay a metal shield that can be engraved. The key will be using some router type tool that can allow very fine edges so the shield looks good once installed.

If you already have or have access to a router or want to do 1,000 scales that would be the way to go.Otherwise I would do it by hand.

What material are the scales that you are going to inlay made of?

This might be what you are looking to do.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/custo...sears-son.html

V/R
Tim

Originally Posted by 32t

If you already have or have access to a router or want to do 1,000 scales that would be the way to go.Otherwise I would do it by hand.

What material are the scales that you are going to inlay made of?

Dremel has a router attachment, but for a fine fit and finish, it has to be completed by hand.

I have and use a Dremel like tool and they have their place for sure. The main issue I have is that if you make a mistake/OOOOPS the piece is ruined.

Working by hand you will still make mistakes but they probably won't be as large and then you can repair or cover them...

They old school escutcheon plates have posts soldered to the back of them and they are inlaid into the scale, the post go through holes and are then peened over on the inside. I think it would likely be easiest to get it all fitted, have the plated engraved and then installed. We also have a ton of really great glues now that could make the post system unnecessary. Hand engraving letters on a silver or brass plate is really not as easy as it looks, unless you are planning this as an ongoing technique that you want to learn and continue to produce, likely getting the engraving will be easiest. What tools to use for making the recess for the plate with depend on the material. Hard materials like shell, bone and ivory need special chisels. Horn can can be worked with wood working chisels.