Full Version: Mickey Mouse Job (w/photos)
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#1]
5 Mar 2007
To: ALL
by David Lavaneri
If you're an engraver, you may not be as eager as the average person.
Why is that?
Occasionally, pocket watches are engraved on the outside of the case.
That's ideal; although, at some point, through a
customer request or due to the fact that some cases don't
have ample "clean" area for engraving, you'll be faced with the
task of engraving the inner side of the case.
This photo shows, when the watch is opened, the cover
of the watch doesn't open to a 90 degree angle.
Why is that important?
Due to the size of a pantograph's engraving spindle,
the effective engraving area of the watch is limited to the
travel between the spindle and the crystal of the watch.
In this photo, I've cheated the angle of the cover, by placing
the cover at an angle, in a standard New Hermes watch-holding jig.
A piece of light-tack painter's tape, protects the crystal from
incidental contact with the spindle.
The slight change of angle to the engraving surface isn't so noticeable
in the photo, but you'll see that the taped crystal is very upright.
That increases the travel of the spindle; not by much, but enough for this job.
All's well that ends well!
EDITED: 5 Mar 2007 by DGL
From: UncleSteve [#2]
5 Mar 2007
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#1] 5 Mar 2007
Mr. Lavaneri,
In accordance with the forum rules, please refrain from posting duplicate messages in multiple folders.
Thank you,
Uncle Steve
EDITED: 5 Mar 2007 by UNCLESTEVE
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#3]
5 Mar 2007
To: UncleSteve [#2] 5 Mar 2007
One folder isn't seen by people, other than moderators. Technically, the beginnings of this piece are in one folder. :-)
From: UncleSteve [#4]
5 Mar 2007
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#3] 5 Mar 2007
Oh, goody! Today I am a moderator!!!!! :-&
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#5]
5 Mar 2007
To: UncleSteve [#4] 5 Mar 2007
From: UncleSteve [#6]
5 Mar 2007
To: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#5] 5 Mar 2007
From: Mike (MIKEN) [#7]
5 Mar 2007
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#6] 6 Mar 2007
Nice work.
You've convinced me!
I have to sell this machine. I could never do that kind of work.
From: geebeau [#8]
5 Mar 2007
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#1] 6 Mar 2007
How cool is that!!!!!!!
Steve
From: UncleSteve [#9]
5 Mar 2007
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#1] 6 Mar 2007
From now on, I will send all my stunts to you foro engraving...
Seriously, a beautiful job on a tough CPM*... :D
*Customer provided material
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#10]
6 Mar 2007
To: Mike (MIKEN) [#7] 6 Mar 2007
That's one of the easier jobs. Not much different than engraving a 2" brass disc.
The difference is, not too many people will pay $25 for the same amount of engraving on a brass disc. :-)
It's the "fear factor" that makes people shy away from these types of jobs, not the level of difficulty.
I'll have to engrave a large silverplated tea urn this week. That will be much more difficult.
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#11]
6 Mar 2007
To: geebeau [#8] 6 Mar 2007
Steve,
It's much cooler, after the proof-reading is over and finding everything was spelled correctly. :P
EDITED: 6 Mar 2007 by DGL
From: Doc (GREAT_ATLANTIC) [#12]
6 Mar 2007
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#1] 6 Mar 2007
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#13]
6 Mar 2007
To: Doc (GREAT_ATLANTIC) [#12] 6 Mar 2007
Thank you Jim.
I have an extra-long spindle on that machine, (would have also worked with a standard diamond spindle) so I didn't have to lower it as much as possible, although I did have to keep the highest point of the watch away from the upper portion of the spindle housing.
EDITED: 6 Mar 2007 by DGL
From: gt350ed [#14]
6 Mar 2007
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#1] 6 Mar 2007
From: Dave Jones (DAVERJ) [#15]
6 Mar 2007
To: gt350ed [#14] 6 Mar 2007
From: gt350ed [#16]
6 Mar 2007
To: Dave Jones (DAVERJ) [#15] 6 Mar 2007
This won't be a problem. David just did not open the bezel cover far enough. I'm thinking 180 degrees...so everything lays flat. :O)
From: Doc (GREAT_ATLANTIC) [#17]
6 Mar 2007
To: gt350ed [#16] 6 Mar 2007
Would this require the hammer jig?
From: gt350ed [#18]
6 Mar 2007
To: Doc (GREAT_ATLANTIC) [#17] 6 Mar 2007
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#19]
6 Mar 2007
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#1] 6 Mar 2007
David,
I've never thought about engraving at a slight angle to gain better access to limited engraving areas. I learned something new today.
A have a big question I'd love to have answered. How does one remove a pocket watch cover? It can't be that complicated.
I've Googled the internet for information pertaining to the removal pocket watch lids and covers and have come up empty.
You could still charge the $25 because of the extra dis-assembly and re-assembly required, but it would be less risky.
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#20]
6 Mar 2007
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#19] 6 Mar 2007
I've never tried to remove the cover, mainly because there's a small spring to deal with.
I can imagine the spring shooting across the room, never to be seen again. >.<
Sometimes the pin in the hinge can be tapped through the opening, but they're often pounded flat or crimped somehow, to make the task more difficult than it would appear.
Probably quite easy for someone who works with watches and has the proper tools.
Timepieces are another lucrative area, where many engravers fear to tread.
BTW - The $25 was charged to a trophy shop client, who will probably resell the engraving for $50.
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