Imperial Engravers Review

MaybeStopCalling · August 3rd, 2012, 13:55

Well, I was going to put this off until later this weekend, but my airplane broke down and I'm stranded in Ottawa for at least a couple of hours. So, I figure I might as well write this now.

If you've seen some of my posts (You probably haven't and you have no idea who I am in all probability, but humour me.) You'll know that I am building a replica of a Colt Canada C8FTHB out of a WE M4 GBBR. Now, one of the distinct features of the C8, and most CF weaponry, are the trades, which are nearly never found OEM and thus must be custom engraved.

Dave @ Imperial Engravers was more than happy to do this. Imperial Engravers is located at Queen & Parliament in Downtown Toronto, and apart from engraving, they also do powdercoats. Stealthee and I happened to be getting our recievers done at the same time, so we split an order for powdercoat, which came out to about $10 a person. The reciever was sandblasted, recoated with the new powdercoat, and in my case, laser engravings were done. Total cost came out to about $100 dollars ($40 for powdercoat, $60 for Laser Engravings. Deep CNC Engraving is pricier, but available if required.) Turnaround was extremely quick. I dropped off my reciever on Monday, the proof was sent to me for approval on Tuesday, and I was able to pick up the finished product early Thursday.

This is the second project I've done with Dave, the first being a custom M9 pistol. I've been consistently pleased with the quality and professionalism of his work. The powder coat is tough as nails and the matte finishing reminds me of a parkerized finish. As for the laser engraving... I'll let you decide:

Dave can be reached at dave@imperialengravers.com

Basic-Wedge · August 3rd, 2012, 14:12

That's beautiful. I've been an admirer of their work for some time.

You started with a blank receiver, correct? I have the WE metal receiver with Colt trades molded in. I wonder if Imperial Engravers has a means of filling those in and etching over the resulting surface? I've looked, but I just can't find anyone selling blank receivers.

lurkingknight · August 3rd, 2012, 14:18

I was going to visit family in july and drop off a silencer to be done, but alas, work recalled me and I haven't been able to head down there. I'd really like to have them do my piece given their reputation, but I just haven't been able to get the time and shipping just a silencer is not worth it.

MaybeStopCalling · August 3rd, 2012, 14:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Basic-Wedge

That's beautiful. I've been an admirer of their work for some time.

You started with a blank receiver, correct? I have the WE metal receiver with Colt trades molded in. I wonder if Imperial Engravers has a means of filling those in and etching over the resulting surface? I've looked, but I just can't find anyone selling blank receivers.

That's correct, I started with a blank reciever.

leblanc74 · August 3rd, 2012, 14:50

Nice..

Ares · August 3rd, 2012, 16:14

That looks sweet. The next step in my C7A2 convertion is painting of the furnature and then the engraving. I will defenetly be getting Dave to do it.

Stealthee · August 3rd, 2012, 19:17

So you're Green Synergy!? Lol. I finished putting my carbine together. Will post pics later tonight. You'll be blown away, it looks so goood. This also my second time with David and his gang, I highly highly recommend him to all!

Boyso · August 3rd, 2012, 20:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Basic-Wedge

That's beautiful. I've been an admirer of their work for some time.

You started with a blank receiver, correct? I have the WE metal receiver with Colt trades molded in. I wonder if Imperial Engravers has a means of filling those in and etching over the resulting surface? I've looked, but I just can't find anyone selling blank receivers.

Just trade it for someone with a blank. Engraved ones are worth 200$, don't just fill those trades.

Basic-Wedge · August 3rd, 2012, 21:31

The other gas gun users on my team all have receivers with the Colt trades, so a simple swap won't work...

I emailed Dave at Imperial, and he replied, saying their sandblasting and powder coating will cover the old trades. I was stoked to hear that!

ARC-74 · August 9th, 2012, 12:30

Dave @ Imperial Engravers kindly sent this in progress photo of my G&G lower.
All I can say is WOW!! & it looks awesome!!
I can't wait to see this after the powder coat.

jordan7831 · August 9th, 2012, 18:35

Be sure to share the finished project when you get it ARC

Rommen · August 9th, 2012, 23:14

Wow with these results I think I'm going to have to contact him for my KJ M4. I know nothing about refinishing/engraving metals, can zinc aluminum alloy (pot metal) be done?

And keep the pics coming ; )

Kwokwai · August 9th, 2012, 23:44

I had my WE 1911 tactical done up by Dave a few years back as a Springfield Armories Operator. Good work overall.

MaybeStopCalling · August 10th, 2012, 01:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rommen

Wow with these results I think I'm going to have to contact him for my KJ M4. I know nothing about refinishing/engraving metals, can zinc aluminum alloy (pot metal) be done?

And keep the pics coming ; )

It's possible. I think everything here is pot metal

ARC-74 · August 10th, 2012, 12:36

A little teaser after the powder coating.
When I get it back, I'll post some more photos.
Is it monday yet?

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August 3rd, 2012, 13:55	#1
MaybeStopCalling Green Synergy Trader rating Join Date: May 2009	Imperial Engravers Review Well, I was going to put this off until later this weekend, but my airplane broke down and I'm stranded in Ottawa for at least a couple of hours. So, I figure I might as well write this now. If you've seen some of my posts (You probably haven't and you have no idea who I am in all probability, but humour me.) You'll know that I am building a replica of a Colt Canada C8FTHB out of a WE M4 GBBR. Now, one of the distinct features of the C8, and most CF weaponry, are the trades, which are nearly never found OEM and thus must be custom engraved. Dave @ Imperial Engravers was more than happy to do this. Imperial Engravers is located at Queen & Parliament in Downtown Toronto, and apart from engraving, they also do powdercoats. Stealthee and I happened to be getting our recievers done at the same time, so we split an order for powdercoat, which came out to about $10 a person. The reciever was sandblasted, recoated with the new powdercoat, and in my case, laser engravings were done. Total cost came out to about $100 dollars ($40 for powdercoat, $60 for Laser Engravings. Deep CNC Engraving is pricier, but available if required.) Turnaround was extremely quick. I dropped off my reciever on Monday, the proof was sent to me for approval on Tuesday, and I was able to pick up the finished product early Thursday. This is the second project I've done with Dave, the first being a custom M9 pistol. I've been consistently pleased with the quality and professionalism of his work. The powder coat is tough as nails and the matte finishing reminds me of a parkerized finish. As for the laser engraving... I'll let you decide: Dave can be reached at dave@imperialengravers.com

August 3rd, 2012, 14:12	#2
Basic-Wedge Trader rating Join Date: Mar 2010	That's beautiful. I've been an admirer of their work for some time. You started with a blank receiver, correct? I have the WE metal receiver with Colt trades molded in. I wonder if Imperial Engravers has a means of filling those in and etching over the resulting surface? I've looked, but I just can't find anyone selling blank receivers. __________________ * * * * * * * * * Rob Bye

August 3rd, 2012, 14:50	#5
leblanc74 Trader rating Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Coquitlam	Nice.. __________________ My Collection: Seller/Buyer Feedback

August 3rd, 2012, 14:18	#3
lurkingknight "bb bukakke" KING! Trader rating Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Ottawa	I was going to visit family in july and drop off a silencer to be done, but alas, work recalled me and I haven't been able to head down there. I'd really like to have them do my piece given their reputation, but I just haven't been able to get the time and shipping just a silencer is not worth it.

August 3rd, 2012, 16:14	#6
Ares Penn18 Trader rating Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Caesarea, ON.	That looks sweet. The next step in my C7A2 convertion is painting of the furnature and then the engraving. I will defenetly be getting Dave to do it. __________________

August 3rd, 2012, 19:17	#7
Stealthee a.k.a. cloaked Trader rating Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Scarborough, ON	So you're Green Synergy!? Lol. I finished putting my carbine together. Will post pics later tonight. You'll be blown away, it looks so goood. This also my second time with David and his gang, I highly highly recommend him to all!

August 3rd, 2012, 21:31	#9
Basic-Wedge Trader rating Join Date: Mar 2010	The other gas gun users on my team all have receivers with the Colt trades, so a simple swap won't work... I emailed Dave at Imperial, and he replied, saying their sandblasting and powder coating will cover the old trades. I was stoked to hear that! __________________ * * * * * * * * * Rob Bye

August 9th, 2012, 12:30	#10
ARC-74 Can't Aim worth a damn!! old lady gives me heck for missing the toilet all the time. Trader rating Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Montreal area & Tatooine	Dave @ Imperial Engravers kindly sent this in progress photo of my G&G lower. All I can say is WOW!! & it looks awesome!! I can't wait to see this after the powder coat. __________________ Insert name here:

August 9th, 2012, 18:35	#11
jordan7831 will always be Mike Litoris in our hearts Trader rating Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: North York - Toronto	Be sure to share the finished project when you get it ARC

August 9th, 2012, 23:14	#12
Rommen Trader rating Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Mississauga, Ontario.	Wow with these results I think I'm going to have to contact him for my KJ M4. I know nothing about refinishing/engraving metals, can zinc aluminum alloy (pot metal) be done? And keep the pics coming ; )

August 9th, 2012, 23:44	#13
Kwokwai Trader rating Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Mississauga, ON	I had my WE 1911 tactical done up by Dave a few years back as a Springfield Armories Operator. Good work overall.

August 10th, 2012, 12:36	#15
ARC-74 Can't Aim worth a damn!! old lady gives me heck for missing the toilet all the time. Trader rating Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Montreal area & Tatooine	A little teaser after the powder coating. When I get it back, I'll post some more photos. Is it monday yet? __________________ Insert name here:

Imperial Engravers Review

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