Additional Images Of Struck/Coined Die Work

to the CCF. So, I take it your handle is also your occupation? You're an engraver, die maker? That's a rather involved, technical trade, to say the least! How did you get into it and will you show us some more?

Thank you for the welcome. I appreciate it.

I began by studying, and engraving. I had a natural ability to draw in perspective. My first experience with die making came through learning to acid etch steel. I wanted to learn this, to use with my work as a custom knife maker.
In 1980, I had accumulated enough parts of the equation, to feel confident that I could produce "Damascus Steel". While traditional smiths working then, were using power hammers (huge mechanical hammers which worked hot steel between top and bottom dies), I felt strongly that I could weld and stretch tha hot steel with a rolling mill. I built one, which I still use today. I later built my own power hammer (as that is actually faster then the rolling mill).

And so; I found myself with the ability to acid etch, and with a rolling mill. I can't honestly remember the spark that made me etch a plate, and run brass atop the die, through the mill. However; it worked beautifully! I was amazed. At 25, I was pretty sure I'd invented "sliced bread". As I continued to research and read, I learned that some creep in Belgium (about a hundred years before) was using "Roller Engraving" to ornament shotguns. Haha.
As I continued to read, late into each night; I decided to build a hydraulic press. And then a larger one. I build folding dies. Raising dies. Shearing dies. Then dies that would raise a form and shear shaped Windows in it. I used these in my custom knife work.
Becoming fascinated with raised Silver work such as seen in fine tea sets, I learned to produce fine Repousse work (where thin metal is driven from the reverse side, into high relief). I have at least a hundred dies for the purpose of creating Repousse shields, panels, and parts for Lockets, Pocket Cases, and all manner of jewelry.
Several of our children, in our combined family, went into military service. I came to know Challenge Coins. Just recently, I decided to make some of my own. It's been very enjoyable.
I would be happy to show more work. I'll try hard to not appear to be soliciting. I have 42 years of objects sent worldwide. There are a few here as well
Thanks very much for your interest.
Gary

That's gorgeous. I'm assuming the mermaid and her little habitat is some form of silver; the rest as well?

I'd love to see some of you coin/token work. I'll be away for the rest of today but will try to pick up this thread tomorrow.

About 25 years ago, I was approached to do a version of an iconic dancing skeleton, drawn by a monk ... The design is known as "Zen Bones". I have used the stamping on numerous objects. It always gets a smile.



Thanks for reading,
Gary

Grade 1 Titanium is a Jewelry Grade, and is purchased in an annealed condition.

For Die Steels I've used O-1, 5160, and W-1. Those are the more frequent allows I use.

Thanks for asking. Roller Engraving works best for Titanium.


Gary