Has anyone had their GG items engraved or etched?

[subver]

Saw this:

And I'm blown away. I would seriously love to do something like this, or design my own and have it etched/engraved.
Where would I go to get something like this done?

That GGTS is beautiful... I love it!
If I can actually design something and get it engraved like that, a full wrap, I would have to buy multiple GGTSs for different designs!

Any suggestions? Preferably somewhere that would do it quick, so I don't have to part with my GGTS too long!

Thanks!

 

[TheSneakerHoarder]

Look for a good gunsmith...they are the best at that type of thing.

 

[subver]

A gunsmith you say? Interesting.. never would have thought. I wonder if I have one locally.

The one thing I'm curious about is how the pattern lines up perfectly. Obviously you would probably provide them some sort of graphic that is as wide as the GGTS circumference. But would there be a chance of the ends not lining up correctly? Or maybe I'm just not understanding how it's done. Definitely need to look into this further..

 

[anavidfan]

Years ago they would just "eye it" now they have templates they design by putting tracing paper on the item to make sure they have the exact measurements to allow for curves. Then they draw it out, or scan it, then maybe do the design on a computer CAD program. Then when they have the perfected drawing they print it on either paper or maybe a cling wrap type of thing and start the engraving on the metal, similar to tattoos now a days.

But yes either a gunsmith or a jeweler would be the only craftsmen that would still do this type of work. I would go with a gunsmith as Gun enthusiasts have this done on guns more than anything these days.

 

[subver]

I imagine that would be expensive (which I would be willing to pay, depending)
But what about CNC machines?

Also, does anyone know the story of the GGTS I posted at the top?

 

[Mata]

I think gunsmith are very expensive, i mean, that's a work that required many days of hand work. I was impressed too by that design, if you are a patient guy you could try yourself, a dremel engraver is cheap and you can rehearse on plumber tubes before you feel confident enough (it may requires months but it could become a relaxing and rewarding hobby). If you were a Reo lover it would have been much easier because of the flat surface, tubes are a completely different story. You might also need a revolving vice to make it more confortable.
You can print on transfer paper tattoo style (best) or you can draw the design on tube first with an ultrafine felt marker then follow the lines very slowly.
There are many techniques, with electric engraver (dremel), chisel, acid etched, take a look on youtube

 

[subver]

I think gunsmith are very expensive, i mean, that's a work that required many days of hand work. I was impressed too by that design, if you are a patient guy you could try yourself, a dremel engraver is cheap and you can rehearse on plumber tubes before you feel confident enough (it may requires months but it could become a relaxing and rewarding hobby). If you were a Reo lover it would have been much easier because of the flat surface, tubes are a completely different story. You might also need a revolving vice to make it more confortable.
You can print on transfer paper tattoo style (best) or you can draw the design on tube first with an ultrafine felt marker then follow the lines very slowly.
There are many techniques, with engraver, acid etched, take a look on youtube

Yeah I'd love to do it myself.. maybe I will look into it. I've got a dremel, so I'd have to look into engraving tips (unless I need a different type of dremel)

Will also look into acid etching.. thanks!

 

[RiverNut]

I imagine that would be expensive (which I would be willing to pay, depending)
But what about CNC machines?

Also, does anyone know the story of the GGTS I posted at the top?

I thought someone posted in the Gallery thread that it cost $2500 It does have stones embedded though

 

[subver]

Ok, well I definitely wouldn't spend that much haha. Ugh, it's so nice, I want it!

 

[RiverNut]

You have talent sub. Do as Mata suggests and do it yourself. Hell that'd be more satisfying anyway wouldn't it?
Might even create a little side work

 

[Skibadabomski]

You have talent sub. Do as Mata suggests and do it yourself. Hell that'd be more satisfying anyway wouldn't it?
Might even create a little side work

I agree totally. Do it yourself sub, if you have success and you enjoyed it you could do it for others.

 

[Skibadabomski]

Sorry double post again.. weird when that happens.

Anyway Sub, your an artist and you are very caring over your GGs so I'm sure you'll do the proper research before going for it on an actual GG product.

 

[TheSneakerHoarder]

I disagree--this NOT something to just "try'. I've many friends in the tattoo-machine building industry.

This is a project done by hand, with specialty chisels...DO NOT try it with a dremel--it WILL end bad.

 

[Mata]

The Dremel itself it's kinda heavy after some minutes of use but they sell an extender, the "Flex Shaft" that you can grab like a pen in your hand

it costs around $30

 

[Mata]

I disagree--this NOT something to just "try'. I've many friends in the tattoo-machine building industry.

This is a project done by hand, with specialty chisels...DO NOT try it with a dremel--it WILL end bad.

Of course you can't achieve the same result with no skills and a dremel. That requires years of experience and hand made chisels. But with some dedication and simpler designs you can get nice results. The only suggestion is : "Do not try on a GGTS!" lol, not until you feel really confident cheap iron tubes can be found at a near Depot store. Rehearse, try, try again...

 

[Mata]

I thought someone posted in the Gallery thread that it cost $2500 It does have stones embedded though

The engraved Chi_You was priced $2.500 i believe the GGTS costs much more. I wouldn't bother about those stones, those are cheap even if they were genuine Swarovski.

 

[Bubbertyboo]

I heard its up for $3.500 personally i dont like it but then i like my gg's simple.

 

[subver]

Thanks everyone. Yes, there's no way on gods green earth that I would even attempt this on a GGTS haha. Of course I would buy loads of pipes from Home Depot to try on. It would be a nice hobby, but I'll have to do some research before trying anything. I agree that a dremel would probably be too clunky for something intricate like the one I posted.. I'll have to think of something somewhat simple that would look good on a GGTS but I don't want to force anything just for the sake of engraving it. I really do like that one I posted but know it would take a decade or more of experience. Maybe I'll check out local gunsmiths if there are any and see what they think...
Thanks for the encouragement guys.