Help with Silver

[ddt]

Hi,
In the past I have done some small work with silver, mostly silhouette's. And they were for key chains or jewerly. Now I would like to go to the next step and try "ecting"(spelling) ,scribing, marking, or maybe it would be called carving? Anyway instead of cutting away the silver to make the picture, I would like to "draw" the picture on the silver piece. Any one have any ideas? Is there a jewerly forum? What tools can I use? Any and all thoughts will be greatly appriecated! Thanks ddt

[Mottles]

Hi, sorry I can't help you with your question, but I would like to welcome you. There might be a carver in our membership who maybe does etching on metal such as gunstocks? Another thought is www.wetcanvas.com they have a large selection of artists doing all manner of art mediums. Possibly there might be help for you there too.
Kathy

[GaryMc]

Sound to me like you are talking about engraving. check out this link: http://www.masterengraver.com/

GaryMc

[Claude]

Here's another link that may be of interest:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hobo_nickel

and this one:

http://www.chainmail.com/coinmall/coinindex.htm

Claude

[susieq]

You might also check out the art of repose'...not sure of the spelling. It is done on thin soft metals and you push it out from the back side with tools and then turn it over and work it from the other side so that it becomes something of a relief in metal. My mother used to do it with thin sheets of copper but I think silver would work also. Of course it would help if I could spell it for you but if you google it, you might come up with something. The tools are usually wood or metal and I had my mother's set for a long time. Good luck with your search.

[ddt]

Thanks for the "links". I guess I will stumble thru this,,hahaha! Susieq, I think you were maybe talking about "sheet" type metal. My silver is much thicker than a sheet. I guess I was thinking of something like a nail punch. Would it be hard enough to make lines on the silver? Or would an old chiesel work? I may try working like the scroll sawers do,,,,follow an outline,,,,leaving enough to hold it all together. I do thank you for the help, and IF you have any more thoughts, please, post them! Thanks ddt
I can cut this with a rotary tool,,,,,BUT,,,,,I do not think the Foredom or Dremel will follow a line. WELL let me say,,,,I do not think I can follow a line!!!!!!

[susieq]

You are right.... I did think you meant something thinner..sorry. But I bet you could google silver work and come up with all kinds of stuff. Good luck.