Question: Foredom power graver

[James Roettger]

I would save my money for top quality pneumatic tools and until then practice by hand pushing with simple tools. This way you can work on developing real manual control with the tool that will build your skills permanently as an engraver. I learned by hand pushing and still find at times that hand pushing gives me more feeling of control than any power tool. If I'm running into trouble on a line I often put down the power tool and pull out a hand push tool to save the day. I can still get a smoother line by hand than by power after 5 years of power tools. However I use the power tool about 98% to 99% of the time.
On inside ring engraving on rare occasion I'll retrace my power work by hand pushing if I really want my best work.
Manual engraving skills are a great and lasting asset whereas second rate tools eventually end up in a drawing collecting dust.

[griff silver]

[quote=James Roettger;67299]I would save my money for top quality pneumatic tools and until then practice by hand pushing with simple tools. QUOTE]

This is a good point a good ball vice would be my first purchase!!

[Haraga.com]

Stop this crazy talk about hand pushing. :}

[eastslope]

Yeah, that hand pushing is a lot of work. You gotta be nuts to fool with that, or built like a bull dogger. Don't you think Leonard? Just joking. Make sure that you keep your hand that holds the vice below the top of the vice so you don't push the graver through your hand when you slip. I've had to learn the hard way on that one, several times. Best luck, Seth

[Haraga.com]

Thanks god that there is a time delay on the bleeding. I gives you some time to open the band aid. What about the momentary shock when the graver sticks in the hand?

[RParks]

Thank you all for your input.

[nhcowboy1961]

Hi Rich. my first graver was the Foredom Power Graver, I did a lot with it actually and the price was right ($300.00 or so). I didn't know at the time that you can't control the speed of the graver; for instance it's always at full speed ahead when you press the pedal, like if your Toyota gas pedal revved the engine to full throttle no matter how little you pressed the petal (how's that for a current events simily?) You can adjust the stroke but the actual engraving is all on or off full bore, no variance inbetween. It got to where I would lay off the pedal all the way as I went around a corner, and would "pump" the pedal in little bits to get slower speeds. To me that's a major drawback in the design. It got me started though so I can't complain, and money was a limiting factor there. IMO you'd be better off saving the money you would spend on the Foredom and wait until you can get a real one from GRS, even keep your eyes on the for sale section in here. I still kept my Foredom in case my GRS ever needs repair but to be honest I don't think I could engrave with it anymore.
Paul

[Mike Cirelli]

Why don't you post in the buy and sell for an Ngraver they aren't bad and they can be adjusted. I'm sure someone has one laying around.

[monk]

THEmagnagraver, as stated above, is a keeper. even if you advance to the grs series of power assisted tooling. you can have 2 systems at the same time, up and running with 2 totally different gravers/ power settings !! not a shabby thing.