The Harness Makers' Guide 



63 



must be converted into flat sculpers, and are much better to use 

 than flat sculpers proper, which, however, may be bouj^ht inste.id 



Lozenge Gra\i 



if preferred. The conversion of a lozenge graver to a flat sculper 

 is obtained simply by rubbing the under sharp edge down on the 



Flat Scui.pek convertkd from Gra\er 



oilstone from about lin. from the point to the required width. 

 _ All of the gravers when purchased will prob- 

 ably be found too long and too hard. The 

 graver is pushed by the handle, or haft, resting 

 against the palm of the hand, and the blade 

 Point of^Flat^Sculpkr j^^gj^ ^y the thumb and two first fingers of 

 right hand, just like a pen. When in this 

 position the point should not be more than about ^in. in front of 

 finger tips, or control is weakened. To properly temper the gravers 

 when too hard, they must be held in a gas jet until they get to 

 a straw colour heat, then suddenly withdrawn and dipped in oil, 

 not water. When made the proper length and temper, the gravers 

 must be given a " belly " or the points will be continually breaking 

 off in the metal worked upon, causing much annoyance and delay. 

 This is done by rubbing dawn on the oilstone each under-side of 



Belly made at Point. 



As Purchased 



the graver at the point. The points and bellies must be rubbed 

 on oilstone until perfectly smooth and bright, with a keen edge, 

 or they will not cut clean, but leave a burr each side of the groove. 

 Having now all necessary tools properly prepared, let the 

 beginner plant his sand-bag firmly on his counter, with a good 

 light right in front of him. If the light is artificial he had better 

 place a tissue paper shade between it and the pad. Place the 

 article to be engraved — we will say a dog collar — on the pad, and 

 with the dividers, or compasses, mark 

 the spaces for words, and with 

 the dry point, or seat awl, 



trace the letters required, thus: — . 



Now^ put the lens in the left eye, closing the right one. If it 



