engraving/ How to bring the picture to the object

[doesi87]

Hello you engraving gurus and everybody else :)

I plan a nice engraving for my case. The side panel of the case is aluminium and painted black.

I read some engraving guides on the web and now I'm not sure how to get the picture onto the side panel. I've read about gluing paper on the panel, using carbon paper and tracing the lines and using laser printer and thinner to bring the lines onto the side panel. I did some engravings to practice using the glue paper to the object method. Personally, I don't like this method because the paper is annoying and in me view so I can't see the panel properly.

So I'd like to hear your suggestions on this and your favourite method to bring the lines to the object.

EDIT: Used the carbon paper method today and it worked fine but please share your wisdom with me nonetheless.

[.Maleficus.]

http://www.bit-tech.net/modding/2005/06/17/Engraving_for_modder/1

It's for plexi, but it's interesting nonetheless. For metal, I'd probably just sketch something on with a regular pencil, and wipe it off later. But that's if you are a really good drawer, or are just engraving what comes from your mind.

[Spawn-Inc]

if its not to complex you could print out the picture and with a model knife cut out where you want etched then glue the paper like you were doing but you can see the plexi now.

[Luke122]

Or you could project the image onto the panel using an overhead projector. I've done this to paint images onto walls before.. would work the same on a smaller scale. You want to prevent movement though..

You could just project it on, trace the lines with a pencil or something, and then engrave.. less worry of movement and distortion this way. :D

[Spawn-Inc]

ya to what was said above do a light engraving and then go back over it to make it better

[doesi87]

thanks for the link .Maleficus.. I read the newer one on bittech but this one is more detailed.

Using a OHp or flash light construction, since I don't have access to an OHP might be worth a try. Will give it a shot next weekend.

Used the carbon paper method yesterday and it worked fine but my hands were hurting after tracing all these lines.

Thanks for your help guys.