Coin Carving Software

[Degs]

Just found this today.......

http://www.designscomputed.com/

Carving/engraving software, I think it's output is for a 3 axis engraving/laser machine. The demo version has the output disabled, but it will print. Nickel carvers or any one having a go at bas-relief may find it useful. I'm still playing......good fun......:D :D

Cheers

Degs

[monk]

i have a need to hold onto some of the primordial skills. machines can earn you quick bucks- but they can't deliver the fun and joy of doing some of this stuff by hand .we can all play a stereo- how many can play a harpsichord, a banjo, or a trumpet. ? maybe a guitar, a dulcimer, perhaps the minstrel bones ? i got a laser, but my nickel is strictly goin the old way.

[Degs]

Hi Monk.... I'm of the same mind...... I prefer creating my chips by hand, but the software would be useful as an aid to viewing.... say.. a photo rendered as a bas relief, thought it may be a good self teaching aid, free demo just outputs to screen and print. I play lead guitar, for a heavy rock/metal band....... far too loud, wife says I should know better at my age!!!!!

Degs

[Crazy Horse]

That's an interesting program, but I'd rather do it by hand. There's a certain personal satisfaction from making something out of nothing, using nothing more than your hands and your mind.

"Degs" if you have Photo Shop there is a feature that allows you to view any photo in relief and more.

[Steve Adams]

There is a place for technology in the world of engraving, but don't worry, it does not replace a true artist and craftsman. Human hands and the brain that guides them can do things that software and 3D engraving machines cannot. Technology is improving, is useful in production, but is not meant to take over a skilled craft such as hand engraving. There is no heart and soul in a computer and although the software engineer, and the Cad-Cam operator possess these qualities, the machine itself does not and is therefore limited. No 3-D axis can match an unlimited axis of the hand, or the improvising of our brain. Only a human can sit at a bench and select from hundreds of tools at their disposal and know exactly how to use them for a desired effect. 3D machines are in my field and have been for a number of years now. They are bennificial, but it still takes a hand guy to make a design come alive. Even if software and machines ever get that good, there will still be a demand for hand engravers by people who desire true art.

[Swede]

I think Degs referenced the software purely as an item of interest, and a curiosity - I don't think he's advocating using it and perhaps trying to pass it off as hand cut. There are two things that reveal machine vs hand... the first is that 98% of machines use either a rotating cutter which leaves telltale tool marks, or a diamond drag. The second is that the lines are too perfect. A computerized straight line is TOO straight. And of course, there's something missing, and that is the soul of the artist who did it by hand.

I've got a very tight little CNC machine that could easily clean up a hobo nickel field to perfection prior to hand work, but that too would be "cheating", and even if the machine cut field is perhaps abrasive blasted or otherwise retouched, it'd be detectable due to the perfection (flatness) of the field. I suppose if you were desperate to counterfeit a hand-cut field, you could probably program in very minor and random "errors" for the cutter, just enough to make it look like hand work.

Again, I think the intent of the post was just a "hey, this is cool software of interest" and not a promotion of computer coin carving as a replacment for hand cutting.

[Steve Adams]

I do agree that the software was the point, but it still brings up an interesting aspect of engraving, and one that has actually been debated for several years now. The moment you mention CAD-CAM in my field it brings up some pretty strong emotions one way or another. CAD-CAM probably doesn't relate to the gun and knife engravers very much or at all, is that correct? Die engraving is a big difference in that CAD-CAM is sweeping through the industry. I am happy to report however that a $250,000 software and machine set up is lacking in comparrison to a good hand die engraver. The ironic part is that a hand man is needed to make the computer cut dies cleaner and more detailed. " John Henry " is still the champ. Out of curiosity, how would the gun and knife engravers feel if people started having their work done by by a computer controled machine? I know this isn't likely to happen, just a what if, and sorry for straying off the subject. Computer art programs do amaze me. I just don't like mixing computers and craftsmanship.

[Tom Curran]

Some folks won't care HOW their product is made. That's the market to seek if you want to produce work with a machine.

Handwork is appreciated by those who do it, and by their clientele. I don't think this machinery is a threat to our business.

I have to say that it's pretty cool stuff. I have a machine shop and a cnc mill, and with the right software, I could do this too. Electronics and machinery have come a long way. Would it be fun? Not as much as hand work.

[Ray Cover]

Steve,

I see it as no different than prototype machining and cnc machining in industry. My father worked for most of his life as a prototype machinist. He is a very exacting and skilled craftsman who has no idea how to even aproach a cnc set up. Each has its advantages.

My dad can make a one part in about 10% of the time it takes a guy with a cnc set up to do the programing set his tooling up and make the one part.

However, The guy with the cnc set up can make a 1000 parts in 10% of the time it takes my dad to make 1000 parts.

Computer engraving is no different. I a customer is looking for a one of a kind gun his best investment and lowest cost is to get a hand engraver. If he wants a 1000 or more identical guns he is better off going to a computer aided set up.

Another thing to throw into the mix is this. We have discussed on here many times in the past how each individual engraver's work has its own nuances that are very hard for another person to completely replicate. It is even more difficult for an machine to replicate a hand engravers look. I suspect it always will be.

Ray

[Steve Adams]

Originally Posted by Ray Cover

Steve,

Another thing to throw into the mix is this. We have discussed on here many times in the past how each individual engraver's work has its own nuances that are very hard for another person to completely replicate. It is even more difficult for an machine to replicate a hand engravers look. I suspect it always will be.

Ray

Well said Ray. Steve