DIY Brass Engraving

Clean the brass thoroughly before use with a liquid metal cleaner and cloth to remove oxidization. Take a roll of frosted cellophane tape and cover the area to be engraved, making sure no gaps are left between individual strips. Press the tape down firmly to remove air bubbles and create maximum adhesion.

Use a sharpened pencil to draw a clear outline of the engraving. Push down firmly so the image transfers from the frosted tape onto the brass. Continue until the full outline is complete before removing the strips of frosted tape and discarding. Check the outline carefully to ensure the image is correct as mistakes cannot be rectified once engraving begins.

Clamp the brass down firmly onto a stable working surface, using cloth to create a barrier between the grips of the clamps and the surface of the brass to prevent scratching. Put on a pair of safety goggles and gloves before engraving begins to eliminate the risk of flying shards contaminating the eye and the sharpness of the graver piercing the skin.

Take a pneumatic graver fitted with a palm control device and position it firmly into the fleshy part of the palm. Ensure a good grip is maintained to help prevent slipping and activate the graver once it is positioned onto the brass surface. Do not lower the graver onto the brass while it is in motion as the needle can slip on contact and damage the surface.

Mark out the outline carefully with the graver, making sure the needle is positioned at a 90-degree angle to the brass surface. Maintain the angle as the outline is completed to ensure uniform engraving. Proceed slowly and wipe the surface of brass regularly to remove shards and promote good visibility of the outline.