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Topic: Reno and my REAL 1911 Pics Number of Responses: 4
It sounds like everyone had a great time and a safe trip!! I feel left out and I will not miss it next year - even if I must walk!!
As a first time attendee, what can one expect to see and how should I be preparing this early on? - # of exhibitors?, range of experience among exhibitors? and Would I get kicked out for displaying something I did??? (ha ha ha)
OK, Now I must post these pictures as an apology for the last photo I posted of this Colt. :) |
Posted by: Christopher Malouf - 2/3/2007 6:45:40 PM.
Most recent response - 2/5/2007 9:51:54 AM. |
Topic: A Kiwi Experience of Reno Number of Responses: 8
Hi Everyone
Well, what can I say. It was a real pleasure to meet you all at Reno. It was everything I thought it would be and then a whole lot more. The friendship and generosity of spirit you guys extended to me was beyond measure. I really can't express my gratitude enough. I felt as though I was meeting up with old family members that I felt really comfortable around.
As for the engraving side of things.........that was just out of this world. WOW can't even begin to describe it all. My head is still spinning from the shear talent of it all.
I'm sitting at John Barraclogh's place writing this as my first USA experience still isn't over. I head home on the 10th (USA time) We only got into the engraving side of things today and already my notebook is filled from the FEGA show and Johns wonderful teaching.
To everyone I met at the show I would like to say a big thank you for your hospitality and friendship. It means a great deal to me and will always be appreciated. I feel very proud to be an international member of FEGA.
Will I be back.................damn right. Wild horses couldn't keep me away!!!!!!!!!!
Very best wishes
Andrew Biggs |
Posted by: Andrew Biggs - 2/2/2007 12:36:31 AM.
Most recent response - 2/2/2007 10:30:58 PM. |
Topic: RENO 2007 Number of Responses: 3
| Still in Detroit waiting to get home due to some flight delays but Reno was GREAT!!! Displays were up, attendance was up and there was more great engraving than ever! Thanks to all that attended and helped out during the weekend! |
Posted by: Rex Pedersen - 1/31/2007 8:26:33 AM.
Most recent response - 2/1/2007 11:25:54 AM. |
Topic: Another Reno Delight Number of Responses: 2
| Lee Griffiths was not to be outdone... |
Posted by: Sam Welch - 1/31/2007 1:16:45 PM.
Most recent response - 2/1/2007 11:20:32 AM. |
Topic: Reno Delights Number of Responses: 2
| Here is a photo of Robert Swartley's '73 Winchester displayed at the Reno show. S |
Posted by: Sam Welch - 1/31/2007 1:13:49 PM.
Most recent response - 2/1/2007 11:15:39 AM. |
Topic: Thanks for the blueing removal tip Number of Responses: 3
I just wanted to get back to Martin Rabino and say thanks for the Lysol toilet bowl cleaner tip for removing the blueing. It worked fast and great. You saved me both time and money (and possibly some hair)
John S. |
Posted by: John Saville - 1/20/2007 11:52:21 PM.
Most recent response - 1/22/2007 3:22:24 PM. |
Topic: The rest of that 1911 I was working on.... Number of Responses: 6
A while back I posted a set of ivory grips with inlays for a Colt I was working on. I've finally finished the rest of it and have surfaced for air (from out of the dungeon) so I thought I would post it. I've got one photo here that I took and will add the rest when the Colt comes back from the photographer. Anyway, I've learned a great deal from this project being my first actual commission. It took a year but I wasn't about to attempt any stage of this project until I had complete confidence in exceeding expectations (no room for mess-ups).
Once again, it's a West Virginia "theme" which was inspired by the West Virginia "theme" chopper I helped build and engrave last year. The gold scenes on this Colt match those on the motorcycle: the capitol dome in Charleston, Seneca Rock, the New River Gorge bridge and the Cardinal (the latter two on the other side). The top has the state seal surrounded by scroll. I get asked why I chose those landmarks and animals as opposed to others. Well, those match the ones that we chose to put on the motorcycle. I've been asked why I chose a dark bluing over a charcoal blue. Basically, I wanted to keep the entire job here in West Virginia - being a WV theme. Many folks take great pride like that here in this state and being a W.V. theme gun I thought it would be proper to do it all in-state. The one and only full service gunsmith that I know of only does hot nitre blue at this time. Well, enjoy.
BTW, was hoping to go to Reno with this but I've signed up for another GRS class with Lee. Ha ha ha Lee, you have to put up with me for a whole week. It will be three years - I can't wait!!! |
Posted by: Christopher Malouf - 1/18/2007 1:48:03 AM.
Most recent response - 1/22/2007 8:49:16 AM. |
Topic: Reno and floor plate Number of Responses: 6
Hi everyone.
Well, here's something else I'll be bringing to Reno with me along with the "Mighty Morphin Power Shotgun"
It's a GRS practice floor plate. Which I must say is very nice metal to work on.
The birds in the scroll are nothing in particular except the one at the very top which is a stylised Kiwi. The bird in the oval is called a Fantail and you can see why. They are a native New Zealand bird about the size of a sparrow and they are quite prolific throughout New Zealand bush and forests.
The flowers are again another NZ native called a Kowhai (pronounced Ko-fy) and are a rich golden colour. The birds love feeding on them as in the middle is a delicate honey type substance.
Really looking forward to meeting you guys at Reno. I leave here in two days time to fly into LA to hook up with John Barraclough. I can hardley wait!!!!!!!!!!
And Sam....I'm looking forward to your photography seminar.
As usual your comments and critique is always welcome and appreciated.
Cheers
Andrew
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Posted by: Andrew Biggs - 1/18/2007 12:16:54 AM.
Most recent response - 1/19/2007 4:42:10 AM. |
Topic: MAGA BLOCK QUESTION Number of Responses: 0
QUESTION: I JUST BOUGHT A GRS MAGNA BLOCK. I FIND IT VERY STIFF AND DOES NOT ROTATE EASILY ON THE TIRE NYLON INSERTS. IS THERE SOMETHING I CAN PUT ON THE NYLON INSERTS TO MAKE IT ROTATE EASILY? FOR YEARS I HAVE USED A VIGOR'S BALL VISE WITCH IS MUCH LIGHTER AND SMOOTH AS GLASS. ANY IDEAS?
ED DELORGE
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Posted by: Edward DeLorge - 1/18/2007 10:27:13 AM.
Most recent response - 1/18/2007 10:27:13 AM. |
Topic: Hammer gun finished Number of Responses: 11
Happy new year to you all.
Well, the gun is finally finished, or I’ve gone as far as I’m going to go with it. It is after all, a practice plate. I first started drawing the shotgun action on paper six months ago and told John Barraclough that it would take about 3-4 months to complete. I think he’s still trying to stop laughing!!! Back then I had no idea how big a shotgun action really is. I do now.
It’s been a really cool project to do. There are 113 scrolls, over 1000 leaves, 7 rosettes and 2 birds.
There have been a lot of lessons learnt along the way. Remembering them all could be the problem!!!
Lessons learnt in no particular order………………………
1. The engraving is the easy part.
2. Metal preparation is everything……………
3. Don’t take a buffing wheel to the metal as it rounds everything off
4. Don’t take a blow torch to the metal as it creates deep pitting.
5. Draw everything first. By everything, I mean everything. And don’t stop drawing until it’s the very best you can do at the time.
6. Don’t deviate from the drawings by trying to make impromptu improvements or you’re guaranteed to bugger it up.
7. Keep your gravers sharp at all times. They dull off quicker than you think.
8. Think the whole process through before you start cutting.
9. Holding the awkward parts can be an engineering feat all in itself.
10. Have fun doing it
11. Shotgun actions are bigger than Texas under the microscope.
12. Engraving doesn’t hide scratches in the metal.
13. Some parts are incredibly hard to get to with a graver and require several angles of approach
14. Listen to what more experienced engravers are telling you.
15. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different tools.
13. There are a few more, I’m sure of it. I just can’t remember them!!!!!!!
As usual, your thoughts and comments are always welcome.
Very best wishes for 2007
Andrew
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Posted by: Andrew Biggs - 1/4/2007 4:53:16 AM.
Most recent response - 1/14/2007 6:25:37 PM. |
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