Full Version: Need to know how to Use
From: Kathe (KATHEW2) [#1]
11 Jul 2006
To: ALL
I'm in a pickle. My husband and I own an engraving shop. I have a regular job and he runs the shop. He passed away suddenly 3 weeks ago, and I'm trying my best to keep everything going until I can find a buyer that will take care of the customers as well as we did.
I have some orders that will have to be done on the pantograph. I understand the principal of the machine. Put the letter on one of the lines and you basicly trace the letters while holding down the lever that engraves or marks on the item.
My problem is the ratio's. I have some items that in my husbands notes state that I need to use a 3:1 ratio. Can some one tell me how to set the ratios. I have found two positions with numbers from 0 - 7 that operate on a slid on the arm used for tracing. I assume these are the ones I use, but which one is which. I can handle the computers and all the graphics, but this has got my puzzled.
Help please!
EDITED: 11 Jul 2006 by DGL
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#2]
11 Jul 2006
To: Kathe (KATHEW2) [#1] 12 Jul 2006
Kathe,
I'm sorry to hear about your husband's passing. My condolences.
Ratios represent the size of an engraved character, based on the size of your mastercopy (brass type or logo/design template).
As an example, using a 5/8" piece of type, engraved at a 5:1 ratio (5/8 divided by 5), your finished letter height will be 1/8" inch high.
Ratio settings on both sliders need to be set to the same number. Nothing tricky about it.
I'm happy to answer any more questions you may have, or actually do some of the pantograph work, if you get overwhelmed.
There may be someone closer to you, who may also be able to help you over the hump.
Edit: We have an "Employment Opportunites" folder. You may want to put the word out that you're seeking someone to run the business.
EDITED: 11 Jul 2006 by DGL
From: joyce (JLADY) [#3]
11 Jul 2006
To: Kathe (KATHEW2) [#1] 12 Jul 2006
I am very sorry to hear about your loss, this must be a difficult time for you.
As for the pantograph, you were right about the arms, they both need to be the same number so the letters are proportionate.
From: logojohn [#4]
11 Jul 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#2] 11 Jul 2006
.
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#5]
11 Jul 2006
To: Kathe (KATHEW2) [#1] 12 Jul 2006
From: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#6]
11 Jul 2006
To: Kathe (KATHEW2) [#1] 12 Jul 2006
I don't anything about a pantograph or your question.
By I did want to express my condolences for your loss. I am so sorry for you and if there is anything I can do to help you through this time, I would be happy to help.
Becky
From: Paul (JACKPETTY) [#7]
11 Jul 2006
To: ALL
From: John (ICTJOHN) [#8]
12 Jul 2006
To: Kathe (KATHEW2) [#1] 12 Jul 2006
Kathe,
I am really sorry to hear about your husband, I don't know anything about pantograph engraving but I can rotary & laser engrave anything if you need, I am only 3 hours away. My oldest daughter lives in Owasso, I will be going down soon, so let me know if there is anything I can do.
From: Kathe (KATHEW2) [#9]
12 Jul 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#2] 12 Jul 2006
That is what I did and I managed to complete the pen set and the two watch claps. What a learning experience. I have an appointment with a man who has wanted to buy this company for a while. I hope the meeting goes well. I can't keep up the two full time jobs much longer. I will really miss the engraving as it challenged my creative side.
Thank you so much for your help.
Kathe
D&D Engraving
Tulsa, OK
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#10]
12 Jul 2006
To: Kathe (KATHEW2) [#9] 13 Jul 2006
I'm happy to hear you got through your immediate jobs. Very impressive!
As simple as pantographs are to operate, as you probably noticed, there's knack, to developing a "feel" for even pressure, across the entire piece.
It's also very common for newbies to slip out of the brass templates. >.<
Hope the meeting with the prospective buyer goes well.