Engraving Class content options:
Basic or beginners engraving class:
This is my entry level engraving class designed for novice beginners. This class is also for experienced engravers who want a refresher course or a different point of view from an experienced full time bench engraver.
In this class I teach:
- Graver making and sharpening
- Transfer methods
- Tool and bench set up
- Good cutting habits
- Good cutting form
- Lettering
- Intro to bright cutting
- Scroll layout
- Scroll cutting
- Background treatments
- Borders
- Decorative borders
- Scroll shading
This is an intensive engraving class and I cover everything needed to get started in basic engraving.
Students will cut four engraving plates in this class. A basic skills plate consisting of lines, circles, and spirals, a bright cutting skills plate, a script lettering plate, and a scroll/borders project plate.
This is the engraving class I recommend for first time engravers as this class requires no previous skill set.
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Intermediate level engraving classes:
There are a few options for intermediate level engraving classes. I teach a one week intensive class that covers a range of intermediate skills. I also teach three day workshop classes that divide the sections of the intermediate class and treat each one with more intensity.
All intermediate engraving classes require a previous skill set. Students must have enough tool control to be able to cut lines to a desired depth cleanly and evenly. They must be able to cleanly cut scrolls, leaves and borders. They must also have a good basic understanding of scroll shading
The one week intermediate class:
In this class I teach:
- Advanced scroll patterns (Intertwined scroll, Fine English scroll, etc)
- Wire and sheet inlay
- Flare cutting
- Advanced bright cutting
- Sculpted engraving
This an intensive engraving class much like the basic class but at a higher level skill set.
This class cuts several practice plates and a project plate that has sheet and wire inlay, Fine English Scroll, Intertwined Scroll, Sculpted scroll, and Flare cut scroll.
NOTE: each of the following three day engraving workshops can be made into five day week classes with more content and student bench practice time added.
Three day flare cutting workshop:
This is three days of intensive bright cutting and flare cutting. Bright cutting and flare cutting are real money makers for jewelers and engravers. These styles have a great sculpted look and can be cut quickly since they have no background or shading. This engraving class explores flare cut lettering, flare cut and bright cut borders, bright cut and flare cut florals, and various flare cut scroll styles.
Three day Inlay class:
This engraving class covers various metal inlay techniques. Sheet inlay techniques, wire inlay techniques, multicolor twisted wire inlay, raised inlay techniques, multi metal flush inlay, are all covered in this workshop.
What I supply for the classes:
I supply all of the tools and equipment used in the engraving class (airgravers, vises, vise stands, gravers, etc.) I even provide a student kit that includes a manual and a supply list for the class. I have GRS and Lindsay brand tools and students can try them out side by side. I have a camera that I run to a TV so students can watch what I am cutting on the screen. I also bring my own compressor. By furnishing all that I do, students can try engraving without the heavy, up-front, tool investment. It also allows students to test the various brands of equipment. If a student wants to pursue engraving, they can then go to the various suppliers and make an informed decision on which tools best fit them and their needs.
What I don’t supply for the classes:
The only things students need to provide is note taking materials and their own magnification. Optivisors work fine, dental loupes work fine, microscopes are great if they already have one. A camera to take pics of tooling, setups and such is also recommended.
Cost:
Five day (week long) classes
I charge $700 per student with a minimum of 4 students max of 8.
Three day workshops
Three day engraving classes cost $500 per student with the same minimum of 5 and maximum limit of 8 students.
Tool sales:
I do not sell tools. I bring what I need to teach a class but I am not set up for retail and I do not want to deal with the paperwork/inventories associated with retail. I also do not want any money or kickbacks to influence my opinion of a tool. I give a balanced fair evaluation of each tool on the market based on its value in service at the bench.
If you have any questions feel free to either email me at [email protected] or call me at 314-808-2508.