An Adjustable Support for the Engraver's Block

For a number of years I have wanted to build an adjustable support for my engraver's blocks. The support would allow me to work standing using my surgical loupes or to work seated using my B&L zoom stereo microscope. Comfort while engraving is important.

Left over from a number of other projects I had the required steel for the proposed adjustable stand. In addition I had an old Gorton 3U pantograph adjustable table which had been sitting out in the weather for years. All I would require for this project would be four casters, a handful of bolts, a welder, and some work. After removing years of rust, I ended up with this for my adjustable support. (The engravers block shown below is a massive GRS Magnablock).

Here it is in the "up" position.

And here is the support in the lowered position.

I also have an aluminum tooling plate which can be mounted for larger work.

Here is a better view of the lift mechanism.

Before I do the final derusting, cleaning, and painting, I will use the support a spell to put it through its paces. With its mass it feels like it will work perfectly.

BTW - when I am not engraving metal, this new support is perfect for my Tippmann Boss heavy leather (up to 3/4" thick) sewing machine.

The Boss bolts on to the table.

Now, back to metal engraving ...

The table for the stereo microscope has been completed.

The plastic box contains several sets of eyepieces for upping the power from the normal zoom range.

This setup is going to be sweet.

I am far from the world's greatest metal engraver but I do enjoy working with my hands and find engraving to be relaxing. Here are a few examples of my attempts at metal engraving - some belt buckles.

The gravers used are either hand powered or air powered by an original GRS Gravermeister.

CNC work or pantograph work are avoided due to the "mechanical look" of the cuts done by that technique. Only hand work can create the desired bright cuts.

In order to engrave the metal an assortment of gravers is required. The number and types of gravers required depends upon the type of work to be done. Here are an assortment of hand gravers that I like for such work.

In addition to the mounted gravers shown above, I have a large selection of unmounted gravers for special effects or detail work. These are stored in a maple block. I either mount these in mushroom handles as shown above or in my pneumatic hand pieces.

And a close up of these gravers ...

The next problem to be considered is how to hold the item to be engraved. I prefer to use an engravers block or vise. Shown below are several from my shop. The first is from about 1850 and still works perfectly.

The second block is from the same era or slightly earlier. It also works as well as when new. Below it can be seen gripping a copper cup for engraving the bottom.

All of the engravers blocks feature top jaws with an arrangement of small holes. These holes are to hold various attachments to aid in gripping oddly shaped items.

Here is a typical attachment set for an engravers block.

A block and its attachment set ...

Here are cup holder jaws securing a cup for engraving the bottom. Other attachment jaws are used when engraving the sides of the cup.

This a new style very heavy duty engravers block (GRS Magnablock) for use with pneumatic tools. The top jaws have been removed for holding a small metal plate to be engraved.

In order to do quality engravings the engraver must be able to accurately sharpen the gravers. Shown here is a traditional style graver sharpener. It is used with varying grits of stones - ending with an Arkansas stone for the final polishing grind. You can see that the angles may be easily adjusted.

A newer style of graver holder for sharpening on a diamond hone is shown below. This is adequate for many needs.

The ultimate graver holder is shown below. All angles may be adjusted with ease. This is to be used with a powered diamond home.

More to come - as I find time.