Metal Engraver

Also known as:

Engraver, Metal

Introduction

Metal engravers inscribe designs and lettering into all types of metals. Varying levels of skill are involved. Highly skilled hand engravers use a hand-held cutting tool (graver). Many engravers use machines, which are often computerised.

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Work Activities

Engravers inscribe designs and/or letters into metals including aluminium, stainless steel, brass, copper, bronze, and precious metals such as gold and silver.

Engravers decorate objects such as plaques, bowls, pieces of jewellery and clock faces. They also mark inscriptions or lettering for nameplates, trophies, cups and gifts. In industry, engravers produce signs and machine labels, control panels, dials and measuring scales for equipment.

Engravers cut into flat or curved surfaces, or use techniques to raise lettering or patterns from the metal. They follow customer requirements, which can involve copying existing patterns onto objects.

There are various techniques and methods of engraving. There are also different degrees of skill involved. Some computerised machines with specialised software require little skill on the part of the operator. On the other hand some hand engravers have enough skill to create their own designs.

Hand engravers use a cutting machine that removes a fine, V-shaped sliver of metal when pressure is applied. Objects are fixed into a vice to keep them still for engraving. Some engravers work freehand, others mark out the work on the object before making cuts.

There are three main types of machine engraving:

Pantograph machines are used to engrave all types of metals (and other materials, such as plastics and glass). The object is fixed into the machine. The engraver follows a template with a type of stylus that is connected to a cutting spindle on the machine.

The engraver can set the machine to scale the engraving to different sizes and to use various letter styles. Some pantograph machines are fully automatic and the machines are becoming increasingly computerised. Engravers can use computer-aided design (CAD) to produce images, designs and lettering.

Diamond milling is a type of machine engraving that involves the use of diamond cutting tools. It is used for ornamental engraving and produces a very shiny, glittering cut. The machine produces a flat, rather than a V-shaped cut. The level of skill involved is the same as for the pantograph machines.

Engine turning, perhaps the oldest of the machine processes, is a separate, and highly specialised, form of machine engraving. Engine turners use hand-held power-driven cutting tools and techniques similar to the hand engraver applying the tool to the object. This requires a great deal of skill and is used on individual items, such as jewellery and precious metals.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

The skills you need vary according to the type of engraving you do. Generally, you will need an aptitude for practical craft work. Most require a steady hand. An interest in art and design is necessary and for some engraving work creativity is essential.

You will need to work very carefully, so that you do not spoil or damage the objects you engrave. You need an eye for detail and the ability to concentrate for long periods.

If you enter hand engraving or engine turning you need to be exceptionally patient. It can take several hours to make a single flawless cut and days or weeks to finish a piece of work. You need to be consistent and persistent in order to achieve the required high quality standards. Accuracy is essential.

For all types of engraving you need good eyesight, co-ordination and hand skills. Machine engravers can spend a long time on their feet; others may spend much of the day sitting. You may work in dusty and noisy conditions and have to wear a face mask, safety glasses and ear protection.

You need good business and marketing skills if you are self-employed.

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Pay and Opportunities

Pay rates for metal engravers vary widely depending on the sector they work in and whether they are employed or self-employed.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Engravers working in high street shops earn in the range of £15,500 - £17,500 a year. Those employed in the decorative engraving industry earn £21,000 - £26,000 a year, rising to around £30,000 a year. Self-employed decorative engravers can earn in excess of £30,000 a year.

Engravers usually work a basic 40-hour week, however, late finishes and weekend work may be required.

Opportunities occur for machine engravers with firms in towns and cities throughout the UK, although these centre mainly around London and Birmingham, the major centres for the jewellery industry.

You may become self-employed as any type of engraver. Machines usually cost between £500 and £3000 depending on complexity.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Skills and abilities gained using your hands in a skilled way can be important. Some artistic ability is needed for certain jobs. A background in craft design and metalwork can be an advantage.

• 63% of people in occupations such as metal engraver are self-employed.
• 40% work part-time.

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New Developments

This occupation may involve homeworking.  Find out more about Working from home.