Help in finding italian air engraver to try !

[Gatto]

Hi,

I've searched the forum also in network but without success in finding out an italian owner of air engraver.

Can somebody help me ?

And more, I'm interested in starting hand engraving, here some few questions ...

- Is better to start with air operated or with hand tool and hammer ?
- I spent some time on the shop but I was not able to find something like a "starting kit" complete with tool vise etc ..
- If I buy first a foot operated one, is there some possibility to upgrade it ? Is there a second hand market for air engravers ?


Many thanks,

Miao

[rbaptiste]

Welcome Gatto,
Is easier to start with airgraver and more with palmcontrol
You can order all in Steve lindsay shop by internet
You can buy classic airgraver and update it after no problem.
Don't hesitate if you are any questions.

[Gatto]

Originally Posted by rolandbaptiste

Welcome Gatto,
Is easier to start with airgraver and more with palmcontrol
You can order all in Steve lindsay shop by internet
You can buy classic airgraver and update it after no problem.
Don't hesitate if you are any questions.

Many thanks,

about vise what do you suggest ? I plan to engrave mainly lighter knives rings and watches.

Miao

[rbaptiste]

You have the choice.
I think it is preferable to have a good weight to evitate vibrations.
maybe these: - Standard Goliath vise
- Standard DoveTail but the jaws height for me are to small.
http://airgraver.com/4140_Series_Engraving_Blocks.htm
or if you have money the Large Glide-lock Vise ;-)
http://airgraver.com/Glide-Lock-engraving-blocks.htm
PS: Don't forget if you want to work with binocular to order a turn table ;-) (not with Glide lock vise)
http://airgraver.com/hand_engraving_vises.htm

[Gatto]

Originally Posted by rolandbaptiste

You have the choice.
I think it is preferable to have a good weight to evitate vibrations.
maybe these: - Standard Goliath vise
- Standard DoveTail but the jaws height for me are to small.
http://airgraver.com/4140_Series_Engraving_Blocks.htm
or if you have money the Large Glide-lock Vise ;-)
http://airgraver.com/Glide-Lock-engraving-blocks.htm
PS: Don't forget if you want to work with binocular to order a turn table ;-) (not with Glide lock vise)
http://airgraver.com/hand_engraving_vises.htm

Hi Baptiste,

how does "mass" of the vise affects the quality of engravings ? Are pulse of tools so powerful to move/vibrate a mass of 5 kg ? My first idea (due to the fact that all equipment is very expensive) is to try using a rotary table that I have for my CNC (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotary_table) I have fron 1" up to 10" and all can rotate freely if unlocked because mounted on precision ball bearing. I can use selfcentering vise mounted un rotary or independents locking tools.

Excluding vise, can you please give a list (and maybe links) of all I need to start engraving including engraver sharpener and so on ?

About microscope, considering that my eyes are 100% working, is really necessary for all or only for extrasmall details ?

What is a really good book for beginners ?

Sorry to bore you, but I want to know as possible before starting this new experience.

Thank a lot

Miao

[rbaptiste]

The weight depend the work you do and the part you clamp on.
Less you have vibration better it is and the weight of the vise help to reduce it.
Of course you can make diy but for the good work you must have a good tools and if you make yourself you lost a lot of time sometime to not arrive at a good result.
The list of tools, yes I can do it but is depend what you want to do, your budget and if you want to have easy.
If you don't sure, buy Classic with foot pedal and if you sure to want to engrave buy directly PAlmcontrol it is easier to learn with it.
for the different template point you can take the universal, the detailling and combo flat and knive. If you want to make goldinlay take the Roland Baptiste template maybe for little details the Phil Coggan template.
For sharpe the TW hone is better, you can do it with diamond stone but it very long time to do it
you can calculate the price and order all here. http://airgraver.com/Hand_Engraving_Tools_Overview.htm

[HollandItaliano]

Gatto,

Because you probably find a microscope too expensive (I'm also saving up for one) an Optivisor is a good alternative too enlarge your work.

Even with 100% vision you will be able to see much more and in detail what you are doing.

The cost of a an Optivisor is about 30 to 35 euro. Other types can be obtained for about 15 euro.

Best regards,

Marco