[Elecraft] engraving

[Helmut Usbeck]

Greeting-

Having restored my share of receivers, with many of them engraved
nomenclature on the front panel that needed renewing.

Following are the methods I've tried.  I've always wanted to run into
someone who worked on a production line to find out how the engravings
were REALLY filled in at the factories.

-Enamel, best I found is Painters One-Shot.  Float the enamel on with a
sharp brush.  Keep a soft cloth damped with thinner handy to wipe up
excess.  Takes some practice and can be tedious.  I was never really
satisfied with the result.

-Paint Pen, available at graphic arts stores.  Not all that good either.
A lot of clogging and lumps.  Attacks certain finishes and damages them.

-Flour and water, this one I got a real kick out of.  Mix some bleached
flour and water until a heavy paste is formed.  Fill in the engraving and
wipe level.  Let dry overnight.  Looks bone white and fills in nicely.
Only color available is white.  Great for filling in markings on knobs.

-Colored paint sticks, usually used by car detailers for accenting tire
logo's on cars.  Don't bother with this one.  Total crap.

-Crayons, yes, run into your kid's room and steal his box of Crayola's.
Rub in and wipe off excess with cloth.  Really works well,  I've been
using this one for a while now.  Like it the best.  Not authentic, but
then neither are the others.

Talk about off topic, end of lecture on fillings.

-Helm.  WB2ADT