Anyone still using a Pantograph?

[DR_2297]

I’ve been using a DC power supply to electrochemical mark barrels but recently picked up this Pepe Pantograph and a few sets of Hermes plates. Made a V block and some clamps to hold barrels. Been tuning and practicing - definitely takes some getting used to to control the stylus in the letters. Was thinking of going to a 90 degree diamond tool since mostly working in CM and SS (barrels).

Any other tips and tricks?

 

[DaveTooley]

I use mine all the time. Rotary as well as diamond drag.

 

[LVLAaron]

I dont need one, but it's something I'd like to have, if a complete one showed up.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

I dabbled with a lower end laser for a bit. Had to make the decision, spend real money on a quality laser or go back to the New Hermes which has done many 1000s of barrels and probably has another million more in it. When back to the American iron rather than send more money to overseas. Your engraving looks fine. This is not a fine art LOL. I dont think anyone even looks at the engraving. MSC has a diamond tool I use. I will look it up. I dont have the best font for the power engraver. I just drag it.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

MSC# 00127910
Not familiar with your machine, if you cant find the right tool you may have to make something. But thats the tool I use.

 

[ridgeway]

I have several of these in different included angles. 130 degree worked best on barrels. Been using same one for bunch of barrels...few hundred and still going strong. They are cheap. Bigger included angle, they seem more durable. 90 wouldn't be good for barrels. 120, 130, 140 should work fine.

Diamond Drag & Rotating Engravers by J & M Diamond Tool, Inc.

 

[jkohler]

I’ve got a new hermes GTX that hasn’t been used in years since I got a laser. Don’t see me going back. I could never get the Rotory to work great on barrels just the diamond drag.

 

[Machinist John]

Oldie but a goodie.

Use a spring loaded tracer and you may engrave round things (barrels) perfectly.

 

[varminthunter1]

I’ve been using a DC power supply to electrochemical mark barrels but recently picked up this Pepe Pantograph and a few sets of Hermes plates. Made a V block and some clamps to hold barrels. Been tuning and practicing - definitely takes some getting used to to control the stylus in the letters. Was thinking of going to a 90 degree diamond tool since mostly working in CM and SS (barrels).

Any other tips and tricks?


View attachment 1608188View attachment 1608189View attachment 1608191

I would love to see the v block you made. How functional is it with various barrel contours?
Thank you.
Jeff

 

[msalm]

I use a Famco P1-2 pantograph machine, it’s worked very well.

 

[butchlambert]

I have a Hermes GTX if anybody needs one. No, I will not ship.

 

[Dave in WI]

I bought a used pantograph and got it set up and I’ve been playing with a little bit trying to teach myself. Not perfect with the rotating bit yet. Interested in trying the diamond drag. Here are some pictures of my machine, is that something I should be able to do? Sorry to hijack the OP post, but may answer some of his questions as well.

 

[butchlambert]

Looks like my GTX

 

[WSnyder]

Looks like my GTX

Hey Butch, I hate to ask but is Carl still around? Years ago I bought all of his remaining engraving plates.

 

[butchlambert]

No sir, he passed away a few years ago.

 

[WSnyder]

No sir, he passed away a few years ago.

I figured as much. Sad to hear, he was getting way up there in years. Very nice and helpful man. I enjoyed talking with him.

 

[DR_2297]

I would love to see the v block you made. How functional is it with various barrel contours?
Thank you.
Jeff

Really simple. 1x2x8 aluminum squared up then milled a 7/16” ish slot down the middle so that the 90 degree V carbine faced router bit I use to cut the V would fit in the slot so I didn’t get a step. Lopped 2” off to make it 6” long. Then cut that V in depth until I felt it was deep enough. I generally never do much larger than 1.25 OD and this seems to work fine.

The 2” I lopped off (was 8” long originally) I used for clamps. I didn’t cut the V very deep in those so I could be sure to clamp. I might have to go deeper.

I generally use 1 clamp so far and it holds the barrel very securely without much clamp load.

I put 4X #10 cbores in the V block and tapped the plate on the pantograph to affix and then put 4X #10-32 threads in block to accept clamps and c-bores in clamp blocks.

 

[spitfire_er]

Just bought a 60w laser, but have been using a motorized New Harmes with a 120 degree cutter. Has been working good for years, but I value my time so the laser should speed my work up. Takes a while, but it looks decent.

 

[urbanrifleman]

I have a Hermes GTX if anybody needs one. No, I will not ship.

We should have lunch.

 

[Backyard Precision]

I have a New Hermes I bought in here last year and never used it , if anyone is looking for one I would like to get the space back in my shop