Engraving brass on rifle or off

[ZUG]

I am getting to the point in the build that I will be doing my best at engraving the brass patch box and some of the other embellishments. In the past I have done this work on the rifle and have done OK with hammer & graver but have made some dents in some of the brass pieces being "heavy handed" with the hammer. I have since purchased the Lindsay Artisan Air Graver system and this will be my first "real" project (my rifle - so don't get worried) and would like to know how many of you do your engraving on the rifle or remove what can be removed and engrave off the rifle & why? Thanks for your input - .

[Red Badger]

I am getting to the point in the build that I will be doing my best at engraving the brass patch box and some of the other embellishments. In the past I have done this work on the rifle and have done OK with hammer & graver but have made some dents in some of the brass pieces being "heavy handed" with the hammer. I have since purchased the Lindsay Artisan Air Graver system and this will be my first "real" project (my rifle - so don't get worried) and would like to know how many of you do your engraving on the rifle or remove what can be removed and engrave off the rifle & why? Thanks for your input - .

My only advice on this one would be go with what you feel comfortable with ... My hat is off to you for being able to engrave anything at all!  If I tried It would be a disaster....

[Hawken50]

   I would probably suggest off the rifle but fully support the brass with an old piece of wood.But knowing that i have enough trouble just writing where people can actually read it my opinion may not be worth much. 

[CampbellClan]

I don't engrave, but I've seen it done plenty of times. Normally the patchbox is removed, but most smaller embellishments are left on.

[Dogshirt]

I would think it would easier to move around if it was off the rifle.

[hotfxr]

If I was going to engrave the brass, the first thing I would do is remove it from the rifle so it fits in the engraving machine down at the engraving shop. The only advice I would give is what was told to me, go slow. Of course after my mentor watched me he is the one that started naming engraving shops so there is no engraving on any metal on any of my guns.

[William]

Since the brass will have a little curve in it I would remove it from the rifle.  I would also get some dense foam and gently shape in roughly the same curve as the stock so that it is fully supported from the underside.  I would also use double sided tape or even contact cement to secure both the brass to the foam and the foam to the table.  No movement or slips that way.

Keep in mind that I've never attempted engraving myself, but after thinking about it and watching it being done, this is what I would do.  Your technique may vary as will your results, but I salute you for trying it and asking for advice beforehand.

[ZUG]

Thanks all for your answers. I have a can of engraver's pitch for the small stuff and I read that some people use automotive body Bondo for holding parts for engraving also. I guess I will have to experment and see what works the best for the patch box. I don't plan on dressing up the brass much as most of my work is just "chicken scratching" all I want is to reduce the plain brass look a bit - nothing fancy.

[CampbellClan]

Yes bondo is used to hold the brass in place and re-inforce it so not to bend. After the job is done simply heat the brass up slightly with a heat gun and the brass pops right off the bondo. I should have  said this earlier but I forgot.