Amazing how many area people still ask where my home is so they can come by and bring something to be engraved. Obviously, they haven’t been on our website to see the business location. Most reading this probably work from home and that’s great. My last working at home was 1972, at the very beginning of my full time Calligraphy venture. That lasted about 6 months before I found a small space in a shopping area in Irving, Texas, to begin the business with a couple of part-time helpers. At that time the business was solely pen and ink Calligraphy and Gail’s artwork that we were reproducing as small art prints for decoupage. If you’re under 40, Google that word. Our helpers were packaging the prints for sale to craft shops.
This is a photo of the area in my Studio in McKinney, Texas, where I do the engraving. My table was custom-built by a crafty architect in 1970. When he outgrew his location, I bought the table and another one identical. Each is 38″ x 96″ and must weight 300 pounds. Sturdy, large, and perfect for what I do. The other one is in an adjacent room where I do work other than engraving.
Lots I could say about the setup but give me any questions you may have and I’ll answer those first. Please post below if you wish.
-Ken
My equipment arrived yesterday! I can’t wait for class to get started 🙂 !!!
I notice you have what looks like a custom holder for your drill. Could you describe it for us?
Is your table similar to a drafting table, meaning it will adjust in height or slant at a desired angle?
Do you have two engraving drill systems… One that stays in your office and one that you use for Mobil events?
Other than drill bits, what else do you store in the multi-drawer container on the table that may be useful?
Thanks!
Hi Mary……No, this was a fixed, flat, non-adjustable table Custom-made by an architect for his firm. Made to unfold large blueprints on for viewing. I added a 5 degree shim under each side to give it a slight slant.
The air line on the wall behind it is coming from a large air-compressor in the back room that is stationary. This system never moves. I have a second system in the two cases like yours to take to events.
The multi-drawer container on the table is primaily for new burs, sorted by size. A few of the drawers have small tools, Rub ‘N Buff, etc.
The cereal bowl at left has about 400 assorted burs of all sizes. When I have an engraving job that doesn’t require a new bur, I reach in, find the size I want in about 5 seconds, and then put it back in the bowl when done.
Other questions, anyone?