Engraving in Slate Help Pls!

[creativeclare]

My MIL has asked my OH to engrave onto a nice piece of Welsh slate.(doggie died last week so bought a tree and wishes to put her name on a piece of slate to place at foot of tree)

We`ve got a practice piece but does anyone have any tips before we make a start?

OH will be using a dremmel tool.


Thankyou!

[Kiamyka]

I do some engraving on Gemstones and use my Dremel with the extension thing. I also have to use diamond tipped bits but I suspect slate may be softer than what I work with so you might get away with Tungsten Carbide.
Hope this helps :)

[two hoots]

I would think the dremel would work with the flexible extension thingy, but I would try and stop any dust if you can, lord knows what slate dust would do to your lungs. I know that when drilling sea glass or a shell that you are supposed to imerse it in water so that it is just covers the piece. This is used to stop dust and stop the piece getting to hot. Of course you must be careful with a mains supply drill, hopefully if there is a friendly lapidary expert out there on the forum that can help more. :)

[Kiamyka]

I immerse in water with a drop of washing up liguid if I am drilling holes but not when engraving - i think it would be hard to see what you are doing cos the drill makes the water vibrate. Let us know how you get on :)

[two hoots]

I never thought of that ! Cheers:D

[two hoots]

How do you stop that nasty dust though ?

[Kiamyka]

When engraving I find there isn't actually that much dust to be honest. Once you wet the stone it is hard to see where you have been as well so keeping it dry for me lets me see better what I am doing. Perhaps I should add I am no expert - everything I do has been self taught, trial and error and countless broken stones and drill bits :mf:. However, it is rare that I ever break either now ;)