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7.1 General Instructions & Safety Precautions
It is recommended that eye protection and a face mask
should be worn when operating the engraver.
Changing the Engraver Point
Select the appropriate working point and insert in the chuck. Do not over
tighten. This specially designed universal chuck will accommodate both
engraving points and carving chisels. When you wish to change points or
chisels, unscrew the knurled sleeve and press the tool back into the chuck
to release the tension in the brass collet. The point or chisel can then pulled
out without difficulty
(Fig 7.1)
. To fit a replacement engraving point, simply
insert the point in to the brass collet and tighten the knurled sleeve. Take
care not to over tighten the knurled sleeve as this may cause damage to
the brass collet or the locating thread. Check that the point is fully secured
by pulling it away from the chuck. If any movement is detected, tighten the
knurled sleeve slightly.
Setting & Testing
Adjust the stroke control to obtain the required length of stroke at the point.
Turn the knob clockwise for a heavy-duty longer stroke and anti-clockwise
for a finer stroke. A fine stroke is recommended for all work on glass. A
heavier, longer stroke is recommended for engraving on hard surfaces and
carving work
(Fig 7.2)
.
Switch on the engraver and hold it in the same way as pencil or ball point
pen. For optimum control and results, let it rest between your thumb and
index finger
(Fig 7.3)
.
The engraver operates at 6,000 strokes per minute to engrave a series of
dots. Move the point about freely to obtain a dotted shading effect and
move it slowly and precisely to obtain a strong line.
Before tackling a major project, it is advisable to practice on waste material
in order to familiarize yourself with the different stroke settings required for
engraving different materials.
General Operating Instructions
For identification marking on flat surfaces, use a transparent template
and draw by simply following the letters and number. For curved surfaces
transfer the inscription on paper using a pencil or ink, place the paper strip
on the object and engrave though the paper into the work. When using
transparent materials, you can transfer the design onto the reverse of the
work and view it from the front.
Your Record Power engraver has been carefully designed to enable
beginners to obtain good results. As you become more experienced in the
use of the engraver you will be able to carry out more difficult work.
We have a large selection of additional engraving tips available.
Clamping of Work Piece
Where possible the work piece should fully supported whilst being engraved.
Large items should be placed on a bench or solid surface and clamped to the
work surface by means of a G-clamp or similar.
Smaller work pieces may be held in a bench vice using soft jaws to prevent
damage to the finished piece.
Very small items (such as pet identity discs etc.) can be held securely by
being pressed in to modelling clay on a hard surface with the surface to be
engraved facing upwards.
Certain work pieces made of glass or ceramic material cannot be clamped or
held in a vice. In this instance, the work piece should be placed on a non-slip
rubber mat and supported on a bench or solid surface.
Limitations on Size of the Work Piece
There is no limit to the maximum size of work piece that can be engraved.
Never attempt to engrave a work piece that can only be held by hand or that
is too small to be held securely.
7.2 Glass Engraving
When engraving glass, examine the material carefully for internal faults
which might cause breakage. In order to absorb shocks when you work
on fragile materials e.g. wine glasses, you should fill the glass with cloth.
Lightness of touch is essential to reduce the chance of fracturing it and,
accordingly, it is best to use the shortest possible stroke that produces the
desired effect.
Sit comfortably at a table or desk and allow yourself ample room in which
to work (normal writing area sufficient) and exert about the same amount
of pressure on the tip as you would if you were writing on cardboard with a
hard pencil.
Place the glass sheet or article to be engraved, on a soft shock absorbing
surface such as a felt or rubber pad or with the pattern underneath the glass.
In applying designs to such fragile articles as wine glasses, pack the inside
with cloth or newspaper.
Trace the outline with the A2 Point provided.
Designs may be transferred to non-transparent glassware, such as mirrors or
applied freehand by means of coloured felt tipped pen, or chinagraph pencil,
which will visibly mark on glass and also ceramics.
The shape of abrasive point can be preserved by occasionally turning it
slightly in the chuck. Some users however will prefer to allow the point
to become somewhat flattened, thus affording a large abrasive area for
frosting work.
7. Instructions for Use
Fig 7.3
Fig 7.2
Fig 7.1
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To prevent overheating during prolonged use, the engraver
should not be used continuously for more than 15 minutes.
Allow it to cool for a short period before restarting work.
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Engraver Manual 3.4.indd 7
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