Help, please: Everything you need to get going?

[Barbara]

Hello there! I`ll firstly introduce myself. My name is Barbara Macleod and I`m a jewellery designer and maker from scotland. I`m new to this site and have been really enjoying the hints, tips and general banter in the forums. People seem too be very giving with their knowledge - which is great.

Basically I`ve been thinking about buying a Gravermax/Gravermach set up(on a tight budget) for quite some time now, but would like to run a few things past some of you experts out there!! - Really about the ideal set up for a beginner and beyond.

You can see my current designs at www.barbara-macleod.com. My work is inspired by decorative patterns, prints and detailings from various eras. I currently achieve pattern on silver by the process of photo etching, but this is quite limiting as this process can only be applied to a flat surface. I want to bring more form and a more sculptural quality to my work and hoping a gravermax/mach will be a route to this over time.

So from what I`ve been reading I get the impression that:

. The gravermax or gravermach (aT) are good choices of systems?
. So on top of that I need a handpiece and some of the tool attachments? .Would it be an idea to get a sharpenning tool?
.Does this have to be the "Power Hone" sharperner or could you just use a regular diamond grinder?
.Lastly do you think it`s possible to find this sort of set up second hand for around $1600 + shipping?

Your help and advice would be greatly appreciated. I look forward to some responses. Appologies for multiple questions.

[Ron Smith]

Hi Barbara,

Welcome to the forum. If you are going to get power tools, I would go for the latest and greatest tools. The gravermach is the latest of the two you suggested. Engraving requires consistant tool geometry, and so a power hone and sharpening system would be able to do that. Sharpening is a common, repeated task. There are some sharpening templates that work for the basic point of the graver and they will work fine, but a graver blank holder with the calibrated settings would be more versital.

The hand piece? that would depend on whether you are doing heavy work or fine. I use the magnum handpiece from GRS if you have their catalogue. I can do abut anything with it, heavy or fine. There are other ones that can do finer work, such as the monarch and they have other versions i.e. palm control etc. contact GRS and they will help you.

You will need several square graver blanks and quick change collets and you can add on to them later. that ought to set you up for practice and that is what it really takes to get control of these tools.

Good luck!!

Ron S

[ED DELORGE]

Hello Barbara, Ron is exactly right. My choice of hand pieces is the 901. So, now that you have got advise from the worlds two finest engravers, how can you go wrong?

Lots of laughs

Good Luck

Ed

[monk]

welcome. never used the max or mach. have used a gravermeister for eons. i can only say it was an investment that has repaid me many times over the years. i would say the grs brand accross the board is the same. my advice for spending your next dollar, is to purchase a sharpening system that is based on the use of diamond power hone, and a holding fixture for your gravers. this allows consistent tool geometry-- a must for good, quality engraving. the grs web site has these products new. if you are really on a budget, look at the top of this page-- there's a section for items listed for sale.
good luck.

[Gemsetterchris]

Hi Barbara,
If your mainly using silver i suggest trying by hand first.
A well sharpened graver cuts through it like butter and you can easily get the same result without the expense.

[sam]

Originally Posted by Gemsetterchris

Hi Barbara,
If your mainly using silver i suggest trying by hand first.
A well sharpened graver cuts through it like butter and you can easily get the same result without the expense.

I will have to respectfully disagree with Chris on this one. I seriously doubt you can easily get the same result unless you are a professional hand engraver who has experience with hand-pushing gravers. Handpieces and sharpening systems get you into the game quickly by reducing the learning curve by 90% or more. Not only that, but they have enhanced control which allows you to do things that are next to impossible with hand pushed tools.

My preference is the GRS 901 handpiece which I use for general purpose work. For the fine detail I switch to the Monarch handpiece.

[Kevin Scott]

Barbara, To add to the confusion I agree with both Sam and Chris. In fact I was going to post a reply similar to Chris's. One advantage of "pushing" is you find out how much you like engraving without as much of expense. Also since your "canvas's" you are working on are small, that also lends itself to push engraving since you are not removing great amounts of metal. But what Sam says about the learning curve, it seems everybody totally agrees. Still have to buy good sharpening equipment either way. Maybe talk to people that do work similar to what you do or want to do, and go from there. Good luck, Kevin Scott

[Gemsetterchris]

Barbara already hinted at the tight budget, i think we should be encouraging abit of common sense here.
Air tools are better (i just bought a palmcontrol), however the cost of a few hand tools and a grinder is a hell of alot more sensible to start with.
The level of dificulty cutting small designs in silver do not justify the expense of all the latest equipment..just yet.
By all means get one, but don`t break the bank over it as you can do fantastic work by hand for sure.

Plus you need a compressor or other air supply to your list?

[sam]

The debate continues...

You also must consider what your time is worth and how fast you wish to get in the game. There's absolutely nothing wrong with hand tools and a grinder. I started that way myself. Handpiece engraving is really expensive compared to buying a couple of gravers and a whetstone, but my experience as an engraver and teacher have shown me that students learn many times faster using pneumatic tools over hand gravers, and have more control cutting complex designs. Only you will know what's best for your particular situation. Weigh the options and decide accordingly.

Yes, you will also need a compressor. Oh, and then there's the microscope, and that cool turntable or positioning vise, and....

~Sam

[Gemsetterchris]

Originally Posted by sam

The debate continues...
Oh, and then there's the microscope, and that cool turntable or positioning vise, and....
~Sam

.....Your starting on my list now Sam

At least i just ordered a Tom White power hone, shaping a bulino point from a m42 or carbalt square blank by hand is no fun.

Good luck Barbara on the never ending tool wishlist.....