TOOL INFORMATION
The ability to exercise precise control under all operating
conditions is the most important feature of the
GraverSmith
.
Coordination of the throttle and handpiece is very similar to
steering your car while depressing the gas pedal.
Place the cutting point of the tool in position before depressing
the throttle. Stop the stroking action before repositioning the tool,
or at the end of a cut.
Use sufficient impact force to perform the cutting with a minimum
of hand pressure. If your hand or arm becomes tired quickly, you
are pushing the tool. Use only enough hand pressure to maintain
complete control over the cutting action. If the tool point slips out
of position and gouges your work, you are using too much hand
pressure, or the point is improperly sharpened.
INSTALLING TOOLS INTO THE HANDPIECE
GRS offers a full line of graver,
points, and tools. GRS QC
Gravers are preshaped and
ready to be sharpened and used.
Standard gravers normally used with wood handles (point, knife,
liners, etc.) may be used in all handpieces. The tang (or shank)
end must be modified by grinding to fit the chuck properly.
When inserting the desired tool into the chuck, it is not necessary
that it be aligned perfectly; however, it must be firmly seated
inside the chuck, on the face of the chuck, or on the ledge
provided in the chuck jaws.
The following sketch shows how the graver should be modified.
Do not use tool bits with a taper larger than the chuck will easily
accept. If the tool bit shank is so large that it will not “bottom out,”
the impact during use will wedge the tool into the chuck so tight
that it may damage it.
MORE ABOUT MODIFYING TOOLS
Removing the top/front of the engraver tip will allow a better view
of the area being cut and will permit faster sharpening as there is
less surface to be sharpened.
NOTE: When grinding a tool on a bench grinder wheel, do not let
the tool tip get too hot and burn. Burning means the tool metal
will turn blue, which takes the temper or hardness out of the tool
and it will not hold a cutting edge. To avoid burning the tool, do
not press too hard against the wheel; take your time. Have a
container of water that you frequently dip the tool into before it
gets warm in your hand.
Always be sure that the tool point is sharp. Refer to the TIPS
section for sharpening technique.
TOOL SHARPENING TECHNIQUES
While the
GraverSmith
is a tremendous aid in solving the most
difficult task in engraving or carving, it does not help in another
important area — the task of tool sharpening. In fact, it perhaps
even emphasizes that problem. You will be cutting faster and
deeper, and the need for proper point geometry and condition
will soon become apparent. Be prepared to go through a learning
period in tool sharpening. A few minutes spent with someone
who knows how to sharpen tools properly can save hours of
frustrating experimentation.
If a session with someone versed in tool sharpening is not
possible, read the following information and practice. In the end,
you must learn an effective technique so that when you put the
tool into the work, you know the result will be as you planned.
GRS Tools offers a Graver Sharpening Simplified Video
(#011-484) and a DVD called; The Expert’s Guide to Graver
Sharpening by Sam Alfano, Master Engraver (#022-375).
Various types of gravers
are used for different
types and styles of
cutting, but the square
and point (onglette) are
the most important in
metal cutting. Once you
master the sharpening
techniques for them, you
should have little difficulty with others.
In his book, The Art of Engraving (#002-164), Mr. Meek’s
excellent illustration and discussion of the importance of proper
tool sharpening technique and geometry is especially helpful. He
relates to this subject in chapters 2, 4, and 7. This subject is of
utmost importance, and this reference material is very helpful.
Gravers should be ground on the face first. An approximate
45-degree angle should be maintained. Keep the graver in the
handpiece for free hand sharpening. First, this will save time.
Second, the additional length provided is an aid in maintaining
the proper angle on the stone. A considerable amount of care and
practice is required to maintain the proper angle while sweeping
the tool point across the stone.
A common error in sharpening is the tendency to increase
the angle of the face
gradually each time the
graver is resharpened.
To help prevent this and
to reduce sharpening
time, it is helpful to
remove some of the
excess material near
the point with a
bench grinder.
GRS QC GRAVER
“READY-TO-GO” SHAPE
