Jewelry engraving is a delicate and complex craft. It requires a high level of detail and processing, but the burrs produced during the engraving process have a great impact on the work. Especially when engraving metal, burrs are a problem. Glitches are a real headache for people. They can ruin the final look and feel of your work. In this guide we'll show you how to deal with these pesky glitches using the right tools and techniques .
What is a burr and why does it occur?
Burrs are tiny, sharp pieces of metal that form on the edge of an engraving when engraving a surface. Because cutting tools work by pushing metal aside as they engrave, rather than shearing it off cleanly, these extra metal shavings stick around. Burrs can occur on just about any type of engraving, whether it’s hand, machine, or laser engraved. Metal burrs are just more noticeable and can be very unsightly, especially because they make the work look unfinished and can even cut into the skin. Here are a few common causes of burrs:
- Tool pressure: Using too much force when engraving will push the metal aside instead of making a clean cut.
- Dull Tools: Dull carving tools fail to make sharp cuts and instead leave rough edges.
- Metal Type: Harder metals like stainless steel are more likely to burr than softer metals like silver or copper.
Now that you already know the "causes", we should find the right remedies to solve them.
Tools You Need
To remove burrs with your hands alone, you need some specialized tools. To make your shopping easier, here is a quick shopping list:
- Needle Files: These small files come in different shapes (flat, round, triangular) and are great for tight spaces.
- Deburring tool: This tool is specifically used to remove burrs. You can think of it as an essential tool for smoothing edges.
- Rotary Tools: Add a grinding or polishing attachment to quickly remove burrs on larger surfaces.
- Fine-grit sandpaper: Use a high- grit sandpaper ( 600 to 2000 grit ) to remove smaller burrs or refine the surface .
- Polish and polishing cloth: for the final shiny effect. Rouge works wonders here!
Get started
Now that you are ready, let's get started. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Check your project
Before you begin, take a close look at your work. Find the location of the burrs. Some subtle burrs may require a magnifying glass or jeweler's loupe to find . They may be hidden in corners or around details. If you are not pursuing perfection, you can ignore them.
Step 2: Use a Deburring Tool
Let's start with the larger, noticeable burrs first. A deburring tool is your best choice, angle it slightly, and gently glide it along the edge. Don't use too much force—you're scraping the burr, not carving! Repeat until the burr is gone and the edge feels smooth.
Step 3 : File Them Down
For small burrs in tight spaces, you can use a needle file and file gently and evenly in one direction; filing back and forth may scratch the surface. Especially if your engraving is very detailed, go slowly and be precise.
Step 4: Sanding
Use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots that remain. You can wrap the sandpaper around a soft block or around your fingers for better control. Sand in small circular motions and check your progress frequently to avoid over-sanding.
Step 5 : Polishing
Once the burrs are removed, it's time to polish. Attach a polishing wheel to a rotary tool or use a polishing cloth by hand. Apply a polishing compound such as rouge to increase the shine. Polish gently until the piece is smooth and shiny.
Step 6: Clean the Jewelry
After all this filing and polishing, there may be some metal dust or residual polish on your piece. Clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush, rinse well, and then dry with a microfiber cloth . Your piece will be perfectly finished.
Tips for reducing burrs
Wouldn’t it be nice if there were no glitches in the first place? While you can’t completely avoid glitches, there are some tips that can help you minimize them:
Keep your tools sharp: Dull tools are more likely to burr. Sharpening your tools regularly ensures clean cuts.
Appropriate force: Excessive force during engraving will produce more burrs, and steady and gentle advancement will have a better effect.
Choose the right metal: If you're a beginner, start with softer metals like silver or copper, which are easier to engrave and less prone to burrs.
Practice your technique: the more consistent your carving strokes are, the fewer burrs you'll create.
Conclusion
Burrs can be a common annoyance in jewelry engraving, but they’re totally fixable with the right approach. Whether you’re engraving a delicate ring or an intricate pendant, a little patience and the right tools can go a long way. So the next time you’re engraving and those stubborn burrs appear, don’t worry! You’ve got it covered. With a little effort, your jewelry will look and feel like it came straight from a high-end boutique. Happy engraving!
