How to make engraving on metal at home with your own hands

How to make an engraver with your own hands - Metals, equipment, instructions

Applying a pattern to various objects by removing a substance from its surface has been known to mankind for many millennia.

With the advent of new materials, the need arose to develop working methods that allow engraving on objects that are much harder than wood and stone.

New technologies make it possible to fully automate the engraving process when applying a design to a metal surface, but for a home craftsman, the most suitable option is to master the manual method of applying a design.

Do-it-yourself metal engraving is possible at home, if you have the tools and a suitable room to perform this type of work.

What is needed for engraving

For manual engraving at home, you will need the following tools and materials:

Stichel.
Metal blank.
A vice or similar device for holding a workpiece stationary.

The blank for applying the pattern can be used from any metal, but for beginning craftsmen it is better to use aluminum or copper.

The graver is a rod up to 120 mm long. One end of this tool is cut at an angle and sharpened, the other is installed in a handle made of wood or plastic.

The graver can be of different shapes and also differ in the width of the working surface. If you do not have this tool, you can make it yourself if you have materials suitable for this purpose.

Making your own gravel

To make a gravel, it is necessary to use tool steel. The metal used in springs and ball bearings is excellent for this purpose. To make a cutting surface, you can use old files and needle files, as well as various cutters that need to be cut into thin strips.

The ideal material for making an engraving pen is P18 steel. From old circles for circular saws you can make a large number of blanks for the production of gravers at home. Next, the working part of the workpiece is sharpened at an angle that will make it possible to make a notch of a certain width on the metal surface.

The handle of the gravel is made of hardwood, and should be of such a width that the master can comfortably hold the tool in his hand. The recommended length of this part of the gravel is usually 50 mm.

A mushroom-shaped handle is the most suitable for making this tool, but you can experiment and make several different options, and in the process choose the most suitable option.

Preparation of the workpiece

First of all, you should select a blank on which the drawing will be displayed. The selected product must be free of rust and chips. To prepare the surface you will need:

Sandpaper P400.
GOI paste No. 1 or No. 2

First, the workpiece is polished using sandpaper. Then final polishing is carried out using GOI paste.

To avoid damage to the surface, when carrying out polishing work with GOI paste, it is recommended to use this product only No. 1 or No. 2.

You should also do the following before finishing polishing with this product:

Prepare a flannel cloth and moisten it with white spirit
Pour GOI paste onto a dampened cloth.
Wipe the unwanted area of metal with a cloth to remove large pieces that could scratch the surface.

After such preparation, the workpiece is polished using uniform circular movements. After completing the polishing activities, the metal object must be rinsed in kerosene and dried at room temperature.

The process of engraving on metal

If you are engraving a metal surface for the first time, then before you start applying the main design, it is recommended to practice on an unnecessary piece of metal.

The ideal option for such training is to use a copper plate. A piece of copper should be securely fixed to a wooden board using self-tapping screws with wide heads. When the workpiece is secured, the board is laid on the table, additional lighting is turned on if necessary, the cutting tool is clamped in the right hand, and an even notch is made on the metal surface.

To prevent the hand from slipping when making a straight line, on the surface of the metal plate the thumbs of the left and right hands should be connected and touch the plate where the drawing is made.

The index finger of the right hand, at this time, rests on the tool’s cutter and completely controls the process of drawing lines. It is recommended to first make several straight parallel stripes on the workpiece.

When the smooth areas look good, you can move on to making semicircular lines.

When your hand is already a little full, you can begin to engrave the design on the workpiece. To carry out this work, the metal object must also be securely fixed. For this purpose, a device similar to the self-tapping locking mechanism described above should be made.

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To engrave simple figures, initials and other simple images, you can begin immediately after securing the metal object. If you need to make a complex drawing, it is recommended to first transfer the image to the workpiece.

Transferring a complex image to metal

The original method of transferring an image to a metal base is carried out in the following sequence:

Varnish is applied to the surface of the metal being processed.
Using a soft graphite pencil, an image is drawn on a polyester film that will be engraved on the workpiece.
The drawing is covered with tape, pressed over the entire area to the film and carefully removed from it. In this case, the image drawn earlier will remain on the sticky surface of the tape.
When the varnish dries, the tape is attached to the metal surface, smoothed with a roller or other soft object, and then removed.

After correctly performing the described steps, a pattern will remain on the product, which can be used for engraving.

Other engraving methods

In addition to the manual engraving method at home, the following methods can be used to change the relief of a metal surface:

Chemical engraving is a method that can be easily done at home, even with regular table salt and a phone charger.
Using a drill is a great method for home use. The principle of metal removal by this method is similar to manual engraving, but instead of a sercie, a drill or similar device with a rotating thin drill is used.
Laser engraving is the most advanced way of applying a design to a metal surface, but equipment for this type of work will be too expensive. The use of this engraving method is justified only when the hobby of drawing designs on metal becomes a profession and brings in a constant income.

Conclusion

How to make engraving on metal and which method to master to perform this type of work, everyone must decide for themselves. To begin with, it is recommended to purchase a professional tool for manual work. After working with hand tools for some time, you can move on to mastering the equipment, which will significantly speed up the engraving process.

It is recommended to purchase metal engraving tools only in specialized stores. When making your own gravers, you should pay attention to the cutting surface of the tool, which must be perfectly sharpened.

A gravel that is not sharp enough and has knocked down corners will not allow you to remove the metal correctly. When working with the tool, you must also be careful, otherwise you can seriously injure yourself.

If such a nuisance has already occurred, then the wound should be disinfected and bandaged.

By taking precautions and using high-quality tools, you can create real handmade masterpieces at home, which can be used not only for personal purposes, but can be sold at special online auctions for the sale of handmade items.

(15,00 out of 5)

Source: https://spb-metalloobrabotka.com/kak-sdelat-graver-svoimi-rukami/

Do-it-yourself chrome plating of parts at home: how it is, description of the technology

12Nov

articles

The coating not only protects the metal from certain chemical and physical influences, but also gives it an aesthetic appearance. This is especially true since you can carry out the procedure yourself. In this article we will tell you how to do chrome plating of parts at home with your own hands without any problems.

Why is it needed?

The method is often used by car enthusiasts to increase the life of the car. The second application is interior. Some surfaces and elements of an apartment or house can be given a decorative shine. Tasks and functions of the process:

Protection against sudden temperature changes and oxidation by increasing corrosion resistance.
Aesthetics – the outer layer of even an old metal element acquires shine.
Increasing the service life so that the surface resists abrasion longer.
Reflection. An excellent option to make your car more visible on the road at night.

Chrome plating technologies at home

You can order the services of experienced companies that carry out the procedure, or do it yourself, but in any case, the meaning of the operation is to clean the surface followed by treatment with current and reagents. The chemical laws of catalysis and oxidation are at work here, so you need to get a little familiar with this science. Below we will describe the technologies and talk about the processes.

Methods

There are only three ways to carry out the process. Factories use special machines, but we will not consider their work, since it is impossible to use them at home.

Galvanic method. It consists of dissolving chromium in an electrolyte followed by the precipitation of atoms onto a plane. This requires a powerful discharge of current.
Catalytic. The work will involve toxins, so protection is needed. The chemical process occurs through the interaction of reagents with the subsequent release of the required substance from the salt composition. In this case, the primary coating requires further polishing.
Diffusion. This is actually painting with a special galvanic paint. It is very convenient to use independently when you need to process a small element.

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To understand how metal parts are chromed, regardless of the chosen method, you will need to take into account a number of subtleties. Let's list each of them.

Preparatory activities

Associated with the choice of premises and proper chemical protection. We’ll tell you more about the workplace below, but we’ll immediately warn you that the procedure is not suitable for apartment owners, since you can poison yourself and your household with fumes.

Preparation also includes cleaning, purchasing equipment and the necessary set of chemical elements.

What to consider

Think ahead about:

good ventilation - use a hood. If it is not there, open the windows and create a strong draft. It is important that dust does not settle on the workplace;
a respirator to protect the respiratory tract, rubber gloves, old but durable clothing and shoes that completely cover the body;
method of waste disposal.

How to chrome plating aluminum or other materials at home

You will need a container that can hold the entire item. In this case, the walls of the vessel should not enter into a chemical reaction or interfere with it. For a small item, a glass jar is perfect. It needs to be placed in another container to create double walls.

Between them you will need to pour sand or lay mineral wool - this way you will achieve the effect of a thermos. For heating, you can use a regular heating element. It is also necessary to equip the entire system with a temperature meter. Close the lid tightly enough. The last thing you need are two electrodes.

The plus will be placed in the liquid, and the minus will be fixed to the workpiece.

Source: http://rocta.ru/info/hromirovanie-detalej-svoimi-rukami-v-domashnih-usloviyah-kak-ehto-opisanie-tekhnologii/

Do-it-yourself flocking: what is it, what is the technology for applying flock at home?

Flocking technology has been around for centuries. However, it became popular less than 100 years ago. Despite its popularity, there are many people who have never heard of it. What is this decorative technique? In what areas is it used? How to decorate a children's toy or furniture at home by flocking? What care do flocked products require?

What is flocking?

This term refers to the technological process of applying chemically treated textile fibers - flock - to the surface. The raw material for application is textile activated fibers, or monofilaments, crushed by chopping or slicing. It is made from materials of various origins - wool, cotton, polyamide, viscose, acrylic, etc. It varies in length, shades, thickness.

Flocked lettering on a T-shirt

This technology has been known since ancient times. The reason for the emergence of flocking was the desire to decorate clothes and increase the value of everyday items. In ancient China, craftsmen decorated various objects using colored fibers, creating intricate patterns. To attach them to the surface to be decorated, instead of glue, they used resin.

Stages of the flocking process:

Grinding of raw materials by chopping or slicing, resulting in flock in the form of fibers of the required length. Dyes are used if necessary.
Applying glue to the work area.
Application to the flock surface. This manipulation is carried out in several ways. Currently, textile fibers are applied under the influence of an electrostatic field, which is created in a flocator (these devices are manual and stationary). When electroflocking, the flock is subjected to chemical activation, i.e., treatment with special substances that conduct electric current. This procedure is necessary, because only the activated fibers in the electrostatic field of the flocker are laid perpendicular to the working surface - “hedgehog-shaped”.

There are 2 types of flock:

uncalibrated, or suede-like, which consists of ground fibers of different lengths;
calibrated, i.e. cut raw materials consisting of threads of equal length, which varies between 0.2–5 mm.

Depending on the origin and size of the textile threads used, flocking can be:

suede;
velvety;
felt

Flocking with velvet

According to flocking technology, there are:

continuous, when the glue is applied to the entire work area;
selective, or partial, which involves covering a certain area of the surface to be decorated with an adhesive composition.

Where is this technology used?

Flocking is a technology intended not only for decoration. It also allows you to hide various minor defects. Areas of its application:

Automotive industry. Flock is applied to the racks between the glasses and glass rubber seals. It helps improve the appearance of scratched and damaged ceilings, doors and other elements of the car dealership.
Decorating interior items , such as vases, candlesticks, lamps, picture frames. Flocking is often used by interior designers to create beautiful three-dimensional images on the walls.
Restoring or decorating pieces of furniture. This technique allows you to update the look of furniture that is tired, worn, or has lost its color saturation.
Souvenir industry. Today it is very fashionable to decorate gift products with flock: bottles, photo frames, notepads, books, notebooks, boxes, vases, etc.

Manicure. One of the fashionable trends in manicure is creating unusual patterns on nails using fabric, such as velvet.
Gadget decor. The scope of flocking is so wide that even tablets and smartphones can be decorated with it. This allows you not only to give the product an original look, but also to hide minor defects.
Decoration of clothes and shoes.
Decoration of fabrics.

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What will you need to flock fabric, objects, toys at home?

To decorate any product or material with your own hands using this technique you will need:

Flocking consumables

Flock. Fabric pile comes in different types: colored, long and short, with particles that glow in the dark, waterproof, special for furniture and nails. If you have no experience working with this raw material, it is recommended to buy universal flock.
Glue for flocking. The adhesive composition is selected depending on the characteristics of the surface on which the pile will be glued. Typically, such information is indicated on the packaging of the product. The glue may be suitable only for wood or metal, require preliminary sanding or priming, etc.
Brush, roller, etc. for applying glue.

Flocator

Flocator. For small one-time jobs, it is recommended to purchase a manual device. Stationary devices are suitable for flocking on an industrial scale. When handling such a device, you will definitely need grounding, since you will have to work with electricity.
An exhaust hood that prevents the fluff from flying in different directions.
Hair dryer.
Safety glasses and a respirator to prevent small lint from getting into the mucous membranes, eyes, nose and mouth.

How is this operation carried out?

Step-by-step operation:

Flocking Process

Prepare the work area. For spraying, the surface must be cleaned and degreased. If the product has defects (cracks, scratches, dents), it is recommended to eliminate them. If it is made of polypropylene, it should be primed.
Ground the table and the product by attaching special clamps to the unprocessed part.
Apply a thin layer of glue to the work surface, avoiding the appearance of bald spots and drips. When creating a pattern, you need to separate the working area from the rest of the area with tape. No more than 10 minutes should pass from the moment the glue is applied until the fibers of the material are sprayed.
Pour the raw materials into the special compartment of the flocator.
Take the device in your hand so that your bare skin is in contact with its metal handle. It must be held strictly perpendicular to the working surface at a distance of 10–15 cm.
Adjust the power of the flocker taking into account the shape and size of the product.
Apply the first layer of pile evenly. It is not recommended to shake the electrical device vigorously, otherwise the fibers will not stick into the adhesive base at a right angle, but will lie on it, interfering with the gluing of the remaining particles of the fabric.
Blow off excess particles with a hairdryer.
Repeat the procedure until a high-quality coating is obtained.
Dry the product thoroughly.

How to care for flocked products?

Flocked products require special care. This will allow you to maintain their attractive appearance for a long time. When cleaning them, do not use detergents containing solvents, alcohol or other chemical components that can damage the adhesive base. It is recommended to clean them with water-based products. They will not damage the structure of the glue and the surface of the product.

It is better not to wash flocked items. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust. Minor stains can be removed with a damp soft cloth. It is recommended to treat the surface with it from the edges to the center.

Source: https://protkan.com/rukodelie/flokirovanie-svoimi-rukami.html

Do-it-yourself chemical engraving on metal - Metalist's Handbook