Marco, An onglette graver can be modified to increase the lift or
approach angle of the cutting face. You add a secondary bevel to
the tip, and increase the length of the keel of the graver for
straight cuts, decrease the length for curved cuts. You can make an
onglette cut almost perpendicular to the base metal. A square graver
can be made to perform the same task. Tool control is better, the
lower the graver is to the work. On curved surfaces, the secondary
bevel should be minimal, just a slight rounding actually. If you can
find a way to mount your work on a block of wood or a steel plate,
you can dispense with pins altogether. I’ve used 2-way tape, hot
glue, and home-made jigs to hold work without damage to the object.
The pressure of the vise jaws are on the block, not the work. The
engraving bits that are available are not the end-all when it comes
to tool selection. They’re just sizes that have been standardized
within this industry. Most engravers select and modify their tools
as a need arises. The “secret tool” is the one you are most
comfortable with using at the time.
Tim Adlam - Engraver