New Member.

[Damien Connolly]

Hi forum members, and hi Steve.

My name is Damien Connolly. I've been engaged in the field of building and embellishing firearms for nearly 35 years. I'm self taught in all fields, and it's been tough at times. Not much in the way of advice on these things in Australia. But, I've supported a family to maturity on the proceeds, and love my work more than ever. Can't get it out of my head and wish I didn't have to sleep at night. Just wish I could get the hang of being a capitalist though. I've tried, all my life, but the work just gets a hold of me and I can't let go till it's as I think it should be to be.....or the electricity goes off!

I use hand tools only for my engraving. I tried Steve's fabulous little machine at Reno '07 and was amazed. Got home to Australia, picked up the graver and realised just how hard it really was to do by hand, to push it through the steel on a rounded surface and not slip (much!) I decided then, that I just couldn't stand the thought of throwing away so many years of training the hand and mind. Not to mention that I have barely ever seen - let alone had the amount of money required to get one. I do admire the brainpower and determination that has gone into creating such a brilliant little device though.

And... that's just how engraving's going to be done in the future. I feel sad about that. I come from the most biased of viewpoints, with so much of myself invested in my way of doing things, but I have to say I'm in awe of some of the engraving turned out be the more original workers using the new tools. Truly beautiful!

Thanks guys....Damien.

[shovelrider]

Very Cool.....I love the little flintlock.

[SVD]

Great work!

I think my favorite is the pierced grips.

If you can ever swing it, do get one of Steve's little beauties. The PalmControl would be the best for you, although it is more expensive.

Get one and you'll find out that your engraving is now.... faster.

Phil Coggan just switched over in the last year or so and if you go back through and look at his work before, during, and after he made the transition you'll clearly see. Well, no difference I can see, other than him being able to do more of it.

Regardless of whether you go to the newer tools or not, please do post more of your work!

[Steve Lindsay]

Hey Damien

Paul Hamler hasn't been the same since we met you in 2007 and saw your work on the miniature. He has been building tooling day and night ever since to make miniatures. The engraving/sculpturing you're doing is awesome too.

[paulsph]

Wow, my congratulations Damien !! Your work is really amazing to see, and all that is made without any power tools ?! Keep it going and thanks for sharing! Kind regards, Paulsph

[Daniel Houwer]

Thats very nice work you are putting out Damien!
Thanks for joining the forum and showing your work.

[Damien Connolly]

Thanks for all your kind words guys, very nice of you. I meant to say in my initial post that the relief buff scene is a long way from complete. The bulino overlay is about half coverage so far, and then comes the setting of tonal values to give depth, distance, contrast and true directional light. The SS. rifle is a painting in guache, pastel and pencil.

Rather than a pierced overlay, the Colt grips are carved from a single piece of Australian grown English walnut, the background flattened and checkered 50LPI. Time consuming!

I've attached a couple more shots that I missed yesterday.

See ya.....Damien

[johnpilk]

truly beautiful work, .