On Thu, 05 Aug 2010 23:00:09 -0700, in rec.crafts.jewelry Abrasha
wrote:


Here is the info you are looking for sharpening:
http://airgraver.com/graver_point_geometry.htm and possibly
http://airgraver.com/sharpening.htm, if you want to buy Steve Lindsay
graver sharpening system.

As Abrasha points out, Steve's work is just amazing, and his suite of web sites
an invaluable reference source. And it takes a lot to really impress Abrasha.
If he's impressed, you can bet there's a real reason... :-)

By the way, I strongly recommend Steve's sharpening system. I own a GRS power
hone and fixture, which I had prior to getting Steve's system. The power hone
if it's used at all these days, gets used with Steve's template system. Much
faster and more repeatably accurate. You're limited to grinding the point
geometries that the templates produce, but that selection is well chosen. You
seldom would need or want much else. And the bare bones level system with just
the universal template will do much of what many beginners would want. I tend
to use the detailing template more often, and also use the flat/knife template.
I've got a bunch of the others, but haven't needed them. I generally only need
the 2000 grit stone and the 260 grit coarse one. The intermediate grades are
nice to have if you want, but not really needed. So you can set yourself up
with this setup for a lot less than a power hone system.

Note that Steve's setup is designed exclusively for 3/32 square blank graver
stock, such as the Carbalt or high speed steel gravers that Steve sells and
uses. The system does not sharpen traditional graver shapes, only the square
stock types. But these, for the type of work they're intended for, are a
superior product in any case. You don't need a power assist handle like an
airgraver to use these. Just a holder. Both Steve and GRS sell plain (not
powered) graver handles for use with these types of engraving tools.

Peter Rowe