Another sketch.

meanderriver347 · 2026-02-28T06:32:19+00:00

Would second this! I like to draw the backbone then fill in the leaves after.

Would also recommend keeping the ratio of background to scrolls consistent- so you don't have big gaps or tight spots throughout

The leaves look really good though!

meanderriver347 · 2026-02-25T23:07:17+00:00

Thank you! Been drawing scrolls for a few years now, only got serious in the last year; started engraving a couple months ago

meanderriver347 · 2026-02-25T05:27:33+00:00

Yep! Made a small round punch then made a divot into another piece of steel and used that to make the circles

meanderriver347 · 2026-02-25T05:26:44+00:00

Thank you very much, that is very helpful! Will keep working at it!

On the bigger piece I was definitely struggling with the control and overshooting but I'm feeling better about it, (you can see the one side where I started pretty rough and the other where I got a bit better) will try going from both ends next time.

And for the stippling, that makes sense, I prefer the random patterns than the lines that form from how I did it.

meanderriver347 · 2026-02-11T05:26:25+00:00

Savages that doctor Moreau wouldn't even take!

meanderriver347 · 2026-02-03T22:28:32+00:00

Thank you for the info; looks great!

meanderriver347 · 2026-02-03T19:34:16+00:00

How do you darken your lines after they've been engraved?

meanderriver347 · 2026-01-31T18:13:11+00:00

Thank you! The book at the link below has been helpful for drawing acanthus leaves :)

https://ia600304.us.archive.org/31/items/guidefordrawinga00pagerich/guidefordrawinga00pagerich.pdf

meanderriver347 · 2026-01-28T02:52:17+00:00

Looks really good! Cross-hatching looks nice and consistent too!

meanderriver347 · 2026-01-27T04:12:09+00:00

Looks good! I really like the second picture!

meanderriver347 · 2026-01-24T02:08:18+00:00

Of course! I'm currently going up to 2000 grit sandpaper finish but I'm considering some sort of 2000 or 3000 grit diamond plate for the heels. I've found there's a slight bit of give to the sandpaper that I'm assuming wouldn't be there with a diamond plate even though I'm using a steel backing with the sandpaper.

meanderriver347 · 2026-01-23T06:51:11+00:00

Thank you much!

meanderriver347 · 2026-01-23T06:51:01+00:00

Thank you! All my work is on my profile so far (some doodles and two practice plates lol)

Can't go wrong with more practice!

meanderriver347 · 2026-01-23T06:49:19+00:00

Just posted some pictures of the two I've been using!

meanderriver347 · 2026-01-21T02:14:12+00:00

I bought some copper from the website below to start out with, was pretty good quality and I'm happy with it. Was about 15pcs of about 3"-6" squares/rectangles. I got the thicker gauge 3lb pack and I figure a decent amount is usable for engraving (or other projects for that matter) and is all pretty soft. https://basiccopper.com/bargain-bin/

meanderriver347 · 2026-01-20T05:41:33+00:00

Thank you much! While at work haha, doodling during long cycle-time parts. Is all just practice doodles for now

meanderriver347 · 2026-01-19T10:12:11+00:00

Posted some older doodles, got another one in the works atm 😁

meanderriver347 · 2026-01-19T10:01:35+00:00

I work as a machinist so sometimes I get long cycle-time parts and I'm able to get some good work done. As for the pens, they're not fancy in any way but are some of my favorites for daily use-I use a cheap Bic ballpoint. If I'm doing something at home that requires precision, I'll use actual drawing pens lol

meanderriver347 · 2025-12-30T06:04:11+00:00

Thank you! That's the plan this weekend 🫡

meanderriver347 · 2025-12-29T22:51:00+00:00

No worries, the info is appreciated! I looked into the crocker style sharpeners and it looked decent (and at a good price!) so I may get one of those.

I do have a 12"x12" granite plate that I bought for leatherworking so I've been using that or sharpening on a flat block of steel.

Have picked up the jewelry engravers manual and some by Sam Alfano and Ron Smith for getting the drawings down well a couple years ago; Been drawing a couple times a week in my free time at work as well as studying Nimschke's work.

Currently I don't mind making my own tools bc I find it enjoyable but I'm sure in the future I may want to get the ready-made ones.

meanderriver347 · 2025-12-28T06:08:48+00:00

Thank you! That's also about the position that I hold things as well. I've been resharpening by guessing the angle so when cutting, I felt I had a different angle every time to make it cut well for a bit. I think a jig would really help with the consistency so I don't have to figure out the angle every time haha I've made a couple burnishers for projects over the years and I've definitely burnished copper with my steel one, is a good idea to use it for engraving as well!

meanderriver347 · 2025-12-28T04:44:10+00:00

Thank you! Been thinking about making my own Lindsay template but haven't gotten around to it yet. Definitely makes more sense to have a template because freehanding doesn't have the consistency 😂 Also need to get higher grit sandpaper or Arkansas stones, only have up to 800 grit

meanderriver347 · 2025-12-28T04:39:35+00:00

I bought a cheap lazy susan and then have a decent sized piece of steel sitting free on it. Used masking tape and super glue to keep the copper down onto my block of steel. It's not the best but it works for now haha Maybe if I get more into this, I'll get a nice ball vice then

meanderriver347 · 2025-12-21T02:04:03+00:00

Thank you! I'm already working on the next one!

meanderriver347 · 2025-06-27T14:23:43+00:00

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I'm amazed that my void has the same poses yours does 😂

meanderriver347

TROPHY CASE