advise on what to buy

[jAaron]

I am looking for advice on tools for working in copper and maybe steel. I am an intaglio printmaker and am frustrated with etching and would like the control and sculpting qualities of engraving. I have spent some time with hand tools. Unfortunatly I have found them to be very hard upon my hands and wrists. After a few hours of work I begin to have serious pain. I work on images that tend to be on a larger scale than the majority of work being done by the folks on this site. I would love any thoughts on what would work best for large format engraving.

[SEngraver]

Originally Posted by jAaron

Unfortunatly I have found them to be very hard upon my hands and wrists. After a few hours of work I begin to have serious pain. I work on images that tend to be on a larger scale than the majority of work being done by the folks on this site. I would love any thoughts on what would work best for large format engraving.

Hi Aron,

Steve L airgravers will solve that in no time ;

http://www.airgraver.com/Hand_Engrav...graving%20Sets

Choose a classic with foot control or palm control.
SE

[Dave London]

, go for the palm control, no pain you can cut for hours on end.I have had carpel tunnel surgery on both wrists .i engrave about 3 to 4 hrs per day no issues

[Kevin]

Buying an air powered system should solve your pain issues.

But if you are cutting copper or other soft metals by hand pushing, you should not have much problems if your technique and posture is correct.

I hand push and have arthritis in my wrist. Have to limit the time I spend per day engraving. Lately have found that I was doing some things that increased wear and tear on my joints.

Try to keep your wrist straight. I use an arm rest.

The more downward pressure you apply, the more force is required to push the graver forward, resulting in more strain on your body in addition to more slips. So try to use a minimum of downward pressure on the graver. (just learned this lately by cutting some fairly hard stainless steel)

Keep graver sharp.

Use a geometry that works for hand pushing. Wide geometries and steep face angles are hard to push through the metal.

Don't grip the graver too tightly, except when coming to a stop. Then tighten grip up when coming to a stop for better control.

Don't try to go too deep or wide in one cut or pass.