Lindsay Handpiece.

[G. Dee Milligan]

Howdy all, I've been telling Steve that I'd post some pics and tell my story so here goes.

In 1982 I had a vehicle accident which left me a quadrapalegic which means that all four limbs are paralyzed. I can use my arms but my fingers don't work. I'm 41 now and have made just about every kind of device imaginable to keep things in my hands.

I've always been interested in engraving and after trying an old N-Graver with some success I searched the internet and come across Steves site. A\fter a few phone conversations and an assurance of the 30 or 45 day return policy I decided to buy a handpiece.

For nearly 2 years I strapped the handpiece to my right hand, ran the foot control with my left elbow and all the while turned the vise with my left hand. After doing it that way for so long it was actually hard to get used to the palm control that I got when Steve released them.

As soon as I can get someone to take pics of the handpiece adaptation I'll post them. In the meantime here are some pics of my work. It's not very good but it's getting better over time.

Thanks for everything Steve, you're a savyor and a miracle man!!
Gaylan

[brandvik]

Hi Gaylon,
Congratulations on your new purchase! The Lindsay tool is amazing indeed. I just received my pc handpiece last week and am consumed with practise now. I am a complete beginner with big aspirations to become a passable engraver in time.

Your "can do" attitude is admirable and will be appreciated here on this forum. Your will to overcome your physical challenges is heartening. Thanks for sharing your story.

[G. Dee Milligan]

Thanks Jim. I can guarantee you many, many hours of fun, satisfaction and astonishment at your own progress now that you have your new handpiece. Congratulations!!

[G. Dee Milligan]

I couldn't upload pics to forum so I emailed them to Steve to post, I hope you got them Steve.

[Steve Lindsay]

Hi Gaylan,

You have been an inspiration to me the past few years watching how you have overcome the challange from the accident. Thank you for posting about it. I'm sure you'll be an inspiration to other members on the forum. Thank you Gaylan!

Steve

Here are the pictures from Gaylan

[Steve Lindsay]

Gaylan, I found some pictures that you had emailed when you were making a hand holder for the tool.

The 3d sketch you made when you were figuring it out shows you're an artist to start with!

[brandvik]

Wow Gaylon! Incredible work there. My hat's off to you, buddy!...

[Ken Hurst]

Well done Sir, You are far ahead of some students I have had over the years ---- you seem to have a natural flair/talent for the work. That is not to say that you didn't work hard to acchieve your level of proficientcy, obviously you do. Bog time congrats and please keep up the good work & keep us posted. Ken

[jacques herbst]

wow.with your attitude nothing will stop you.:thumbsup: hope to see more of your work.

[Tim C]

Great work!!!
In 2001 I was in an auto accident that broke my neck and back, I took up engraving to teach myself hand/eye coordination and got hooked bad.
Even with nerve damage in my hands and legs, I still love to engrave, even on bad days.
Steve's tools make it possible for me.
Tim

[John Barraclough]

G. Dee.
You're a miracle man yourself.
And a great inspiration.
Wonderful work.
John B.

[KurtB]

Wow... that's all I can say. You've overcome LONG odds to create objects of beauty... I salute you.

Kurt

[Dave London]

Excellent work keep cutting

[G. Dee Milligan]

Thanks everyone!! I want to say that everyone here has been a great inspiration to me...every time someone posts a picture of their work I print and engrave it.:yesnod: I'm like Tim, I'm hooked.
Thanks for posting the pics Steve.
Gaylan

[Ray Cover]

Gaylan,

I have to tell you this is down right inspiring. I have been battling with a fear in the back of my mind for a while now. My mother has rumatiod athritis really bad and it is hereditary. I already have days when my hands, knees and elbows hurt.

Your ingenious idea here has put a spark of hope in me. Thanks to your creativity I know that even if it get hit with it like my mom has that I will still be able to do some cutting for a long time in the future.:thumbsup:

Thanks for sharing this.

Ray

[Andrew Biggs]

Hi Gaylan

You truly are an inspirational guy. To overcome such adversity and come out the other end with such a "can do" attitude is simply remarkable.

I often think that it's not how good or bad at something we are, but how much we enjoy doing it that really counts the most.

Keep up the good work and keep enjoying it. Considering your circumstances your doing incredibly well. You truly are a shining light.

Cheers
Andrew

[G. Dee Milligan]

Ray, that definately makes it all worth while for me!!!
Thanks Ray & Andrew
CHEERS
Gaylan

[mckeenh]

Gee Gaylon, I guess I better get with the program. I have no excuses now. good work and keep it up. We all need more of an attitude like yours.

Neil

[PatP]

WOW, you are defiantley an inspiration to us all...to over come such adversity is remarkable to say the very least.