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Old 02-27-2013, 12:02 PM
redgreen redgreen is offline
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Join Date: May 2011
Location: TX, USA
Posts: 924
Default Re: Mike Dubber "Speitzer" Graver Point Template set

Hey Piper,

Your question is difficult to respond to as it appears you lack basic understanding of the purpose of heels. Having over 300 posts this seems odd, but I am well acquainted with the idea that how much you speak does not necessarily dictate the level of your experience. The simple answer is your heels are too long or your cutting at too low an angle if your dragging the edges on curves. The relief and heel grind is to allow greater lift and clearance for the graver to miss the edges of the engraving when turning the graver. If you cut the heels too long they provide a 'plane' for the heel to follow, this longer heel will defeat the true purpose of the heel. Your statement about how well the point cuts straight lines indicate your heels are far too long to cut curves. You may know that too short of a heel will offer less metal at the point and make breaking much easier so it is a balance of need and operator control, not something anyone can tell you as it will change with your need. I believe the experts do not want to stifle anyone from experimenting and finding what works for them, so they offer only basic advice on heels.

If your heels are 'normal' it may be your technique, do you plunge your graver in at a greater angle to start your cut? If so you may be cutting at too low an angle and causing your problem (this will also make you push down harder to hold it in the cut). If you start this way try to start the cut at your cutting angle and see if your graver bites into the metal or if the back of the heel is plowing in before the point, your cutting angle should be close to the angle where the 'flat' of the heel at the point is parallel to the work. Unless you are cutting very deep, cutting at this angle should offer all the clearance you need to not dig up the edge. Why not start a thread and show the point you are attempting to use and its result, perhaps those with greater knowledge will offer to help.

Bob
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