This is a preparatory class for the Heirloom tool class that will feature a Lie-Nielsen plane and a Bridge City Tool Try Square or is for anyone who wants to learn the basics of decorative metal engraving. Beginners will be guided through the processes of understanding how to design, form and grind carbide steel gravers for the metals in the Lie-Nielsen and Bridge City tools. Students will engrave pre-applied scroll and geometric designs on steel and brass plates. The class will include explanations of the various uses of engraving tools and how they are designed to cut a variety of metals and designs. Adequate time at the engraving bench will prepare the class for a more concentrated and gratifying week ahead. While the workshop is a requirement for beginning engravers, it is also an opportunity for advanced students to hone their engraving skills in preparation for the following week. Special engraving projects like copper and nickel silver bracelets and folding knives will be available to class members to choose from.