A Beginner's Guide to Glass Engraving

Rating:
Summary: Again S. Isenberg makes it easy ! Beveling and Engraving!
Review: In his latest book Seymour Isenberg takes on the mystery of making glass that sparkles in the light. In this teaching book, he covers glass engraving and beveling step by step. I learned from this book that correct preparation of the engraving equipment will be worth the time for the eyecatching results. Isenberg's well illustrated explanations of the shapes of the grinding wheels, how to mount them on the mandrels and comfortably manipulate the glass against the wheels make it easy to follow as one-two-three. The wide variety of effects achieved from five basic shaped wheels is amazing. There are many examples of the lines and shapes possible with explanations how to do them and patterns to try. There is a basic primer on how to score and break glass in preparation for engraving and beveling. Isenberg explains you don't have to do stained glass to enjoy stone wheel engraving. But if you need help in cutting glass, I highly recommend "How To Work In Stained Glass" 3rd edition to cover this in further depth. But I am surprised the Publisher has done this book a disservice by NOT INCLUDING THE WORD "BEVELING" IN THE TITLE OR BOOK DESCRIPTION. Almost all engraving is executed on beveled glass and here's the only book currently available that tells how to do it. With the new tabletop bevel machines available for hobby/small studio use, this book is an invaluable aid in learning the process. Again the photos are close-up to show exactly what is happening and how to avoid problems in making your own shaped bevels. The combination of both glass techniques--beveling your own shape and then engraving a design makes this hands on process very rewarding for the glass artist wanting total control. Seymour Isenberg's conversational style of teaching makes it easy to understand and enjoy engraving and beveling as another relaxing facet of glass work. Even though I haven't tried it yet, with this book in hand -- I think I'll be fine -- with some practice.