Newb to engraving looking for best set up

[browski]

Hi, i'm from sk Canada, and have been looking up lots on the art of engraving which led me here. I've use a hammer and chisel before but wouldn't say i'm good by any means. I'm looking to most likely get an lindsay airgraver. Ive heard nothing but good things about them. But i will need more tools and things like a vice and microscope. I'm not looking to spend a tonne of money but i realize that this isn't the cheapest of art hobbies and i'd wanna buy it nice instead of buyin it twice . The work that intrigues me most is motorcycle parts although i'd definately engrave on guns once i feel comfortable enough. I couldn't find a search function and I know this has probably been asked about a million times. If anybody could point me in the right direction or offer any help on what I need to get started that'd be seriously appreciated.

[tundratrekers@mtaonline.n]

Check thread below,Gun Engraving. Also, check here http:/forum/showthread.php?t=2070 best to you,mike

[Steve Lindsay]

Welcome browsi, Here are four threads that may be helpful.
Rank Beginner: Questions
It's been along since I've been here so heres a few questions
Still indecisive
Beginner, I think

An economical setup that is still versatile for going from gun to motorcycles would be the Artisan together with a tungsten piston. Here is a thread by Carl Bleile with the Artisan. Carl Bleile engraving with NEW PICTURES template tool & Lindsay Artisan


Here are various links around the site that may help you get started.
Did you find the resources page on the lessons site:
http://engravinglessons.com/Hand%20Engraving%20Resources.htm

11 hours of on-line videos thread
http://www.handengravingforum.com/showthread.php?t=2904

Sharpening geometry info:
http://www.engravingschool.com/priva...oint-Intro.htm

Sharpening fixture:
http://www.engravingschool.com/priva...0Sharpener.htm

On-line old engraving books

Must have book download (drawing Acanthus leaves)

[browski]

So things i need to buy are, The artisan airgraver and the tungsten piston, a vice that rotates, graver blanks, a sharpening system? is this all or is there other things needed a beginner would really benefit from?

What price range should I be expecting for the set up? and how much would you say the upkeep or engraving costs once you have your basic setup?

[Steve Lindsay]

You'll need a compressor. The handpiece is Teflon lined and doesn't require oil or lube. In fact it doesn't run as well if oil gets in it. You'll need to clean the handpiece every so often; More often if the compressor is older and putting out oil. In that case you should install an oil coalescing filter on it. It is around $75. Here is a list of the items:

Artisan AirGraver™ Handpiece $595
Foot control, idle adjust without regulators $179
Tungsten Dead Blow Piston $125
Goliath Engraving Vise $629

The Artisan comes with one presharpened CarbaltXD and three HSS graver blanks. There is a chart at the bottom of this page describing the various graver steels and the pros/cons of each. http://airgraver.com/graver-blanks.htm

Sharpener info: http://airgraver.com/sharpening.htm
Sharpener system with fixture, Universal template and the four diamond bench stones $225
The above sharpener comes with the 116 degree universal template that I would recommend as an all around V point.
If you'd like to try some other points these three templates would give a good range.
Flat-Knife combo
Detailing point
and maybe a 105 template.

For the handpiece, also consider the Classic
Classic AirGraver™ Handpiece $995

The difference between the Classic and Artisan is the stroke collar. The
stroke collar on the Classic provides the power of several sized handpieces
in one. It is similar to setting the back swing of a hammer hitting a punch.
It can be set at a short back swing or longer one. The PSI flow through the
foot pedal or PalmControl controls the power and speed within a given stroke
length setting. Think of it similar to gears in a car. Set it in first gear
(short stroke) and you have good low end delicate control... or set it in
fifth gear and you can cut much deeper than in first gear. We can still cut
delicate lines in fifth gear but it is easier to cut delicate lines in first
gear. If thinking about this analogy with a car, then the Artisan is fixed
in 3rd gear.

[browski]

Well steve you made my christmas list right there! haha The classic I just can't justify the price right now, just for how new I am to the engraving scene. If and when I am good enough to make some money off this hobby i'm sure I could see more reason in the classic. Kind of a bummer that i'll be able to have a few of the pieces soon but not everything right away to get started, but thats how the cookie crumbles.

I have heard that these lindsay tools are the best of the best and that nobody will sell them used. If anybody has upgraded there system and have any of these parts to come up 2nd hand it'd be perfect so i could start engraving ASAP!!