Wellman's journey into gunsmithing and technical arts reminded me of something I truly enjoy but haven't had time to pursue in a few years. Maybe some day, I'll get back into it, but for the moment, the tools (and skills) are on the shelf.
I have always been in awe of hand-engraving, such as the fine scroll work and game scenes on fine shotguns, firearms, and knives. After a lot of effort, I found that I could cut reasonably well, but the artwork, creating scrollwork that is attractive, is by far the hard part.
Engraving can be done with hammer and graver, or one of the more modern pneumatic tools. I selected a tool engineered by Steve Lindsay, a marvel of technology called a PalmControl. Check out Steve's work, and be blown away...
![](http://www.5bears.com/picbin/palm01.jpg)
The graver bits are 5/32" square carbide. The shape of the tip is very specific, and makes or breaks the cut:
![](http://www.5bears.com/picbin/bits02.jpg)
![](http://www.5bears.com/picbin/bits03.jpg)
To sharpen these accurately, I created a very special 3-axis sharpening rig that applies the carbide to a slow diamond wheel.
![](http://www.5bears.com/picbin/dafix04.jpg)
I have always been in awe of hand-engraving, such as the fine scroll work and game scenes on fine shotguns, firearms, and knives. After a lot of effort, I found that I could cut reasonably well, but the artwork, creating scrollwork that is attractive, is by far the hard part.
Engraving can be done with hammer and graver, or one of the more modern pneumatic tools. I selected a tool engineered by Steve Lindsay, a marvel of technology called a PalmControl. Check out Steve's work, and be blown away...
![](http://www.5bears.com/picbin/palm01.jpg)
The graver bits are 5/32" square carbide. The shape of the tip is very specific, and makes or breaks the cut:
![](http://www.5bears.com/picbin/bits02.jpg)
![](http://www.5bears.com/picbin/bits03.jpg)
To sharpen these accurately, I created a very special 3-axis sharpening rig that applies the carbide to a slow diamond wheel.
![](http://www.5bears.com/picbin/dafix04.jpg)
![](http://www.5bears.com/picbin/dafix03.jpg)
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