BEGINNER’S COURSE IN MODERN HAND ENGRAVING by Sam Alfano

2 DVD SET – 2 hrs 17 min

This DVD contains many of the techniques and exercises Sam Alfano has taught in his group and private classes for decades.  He uses GRS equipment, and these techniques can be used with any type of engraving handpiece or hammer & chisel. Over two hours of instruction designed to cut the learning curve and get you up and running quickly.

Sam Alfano starts with the basics, showing his workbench along with a description of his tools, how they’re setup, and how to use them. You will learn to setup and adjust a stereo microscope, tune a GRS machine, and know how to keep your work centered under your microscope for fast and efficient use.

Sam Alfano uses the versatile EasyGraver 120 graver for all of the engraving on this video. He teaches you to easily shape and sharpen one from a blank, to keep it sharp, and how he uses it to add sparkle and character to his work. High magnification macro photos show you what to look for to identify dull and broken gravers.

Learn how to properly hold a handpiece to cut simple lines and curves, and then onto complex and fun designs. Practice designs are included that you can transfer to your practice plate and follow along as he walks you through each exercise and explains exactly what he is doing.

The video includes the following:

Tool setup

Microscope setup

Graver sharpening

Holding the handpiece

Cutting straight lines

Transferring printed designs

Cutting curved lines

Engraving basic leaves

Beveling cuts

Running wheat border

Laurel leaf border

Engraving scrollwork

Stippling backgrounds

Stippled Roman lettering w/brightcut

Engraving rosettes

Engraving realistic and ornamental skulls