Pantograph Engravers - come one come all!

[whoopy12]

I recently purchased a pantograph machine with the intent of engraving some custom fonts previously created. However, due to time constraints, I don't think I'll be able to learn how to use the machine. 

 

My question is: Are there any members here or on the other forums that are proficient with a manual engraver?

 

I know nightwatch is, + a couple others, but I'd like to find one in CONUS if possible...

[dbane883]

Wow.. congrats... but...  TPIWWP!

[automatico]

I have a friend who is a pro jeweler with 25 years in the business and he has an old Hermes pantograph that he still uses. It is hard to set up for jobs like numbers between lugs but he can do it to near perfection. The problem is he will not take time to do it because of the problems encountered in mounting the case in the machine...it's a hassle and he has a full time job to keep up with.

 

I have used these machines quite a bit but do not have one and all I can say to help is that you catch on pretty fast if you see it done a few times. It is slow setting it up but the learning curve is quick because it is basically a simple operation.

 

Off subject...

This guy and another jeweler I know have laser welders and it is hard to believe how good their gold work is. I had an old 14K Benrus with lugs badly chewed up by a flex band and one of them filled in the lugs using a laser welder and you absolutely can not tell it has been repaired. He fixed the watch with the movement out and the acrylic crystal still in it. The laser heats in cycles and only in the immediate area you are repairing.

I have a 1603 case back with a 10mm long space corroded where the gasket goes and I may see if one of them will weld it up. I'll take something to practice on first.

The catch is the welders they use are $20k or more.