getting set up

Newton Pens · Dec 25, 2013

hey everybody!

i fell off the face of the planet for a minute - but I'm back.

So I want to get the graversmith setup from GRS and the qc monarch. I figure something light duty will be plenty for engraving pens - and I like the shape of the handle.

QC Monarch - 004-921
Monarch Handpiece
(#004-921)

$269.00

GraverSmith - 004-895
(#004-895)

$795.00

Is there ANYthing else that I NEED to get going? I don't want to order this and then find out that I need a tiny part or some other filter thing just so I can USE it.
I already have an air compressor - as far as I know it's an oil free setup. I don't have to oil it. So...

Thanks!
Shawn

Sam · Dec 25, 2013

How do you plan to sharpen?

Personally I would go for the 901 handpiece but the Monarch might serve you well.

Newton Pens · Dec 25, 2013

I've got the grs multi angle tool already, and some stones, but they're not great. I've got some diamond things, as well - like these -
http://www.sharpeningsupplies.com/DMT-P6C24.aspx?gclid=COLUvOfyy7sCFTRo7Aod-SIAgQ
also not amazing by anymeans. My tools are already pretty sharp - so I figure a tune up on the wet stones every now and then should suffice, right?

Newton Pens · Dec 25, 2013

Okay - so looking at this -
http://www.grstools.com/mach-max-smith-handpieces/standard/qc-901.html

what's in the "kit" that I may need?
Includes QC #901 Handpiece, QC Hand Handle (#004-805), 6 QC Tool Holders, and QC tool tray

Do I need the qc handle? I don't care about the tool tray really...

diandwill · Dec 25, 2013

I use my gravermax almost everyday. I still have several dozen wood handled gravers, but have turned them into more specialty tip...very fine, narrow or whatever I need. I mostly use C-max gravers with the gravermax, and love having the handle (actually I have 4). I can put one of my gravers into a handle and finish up a corner, do almost anything that doesn't require power. No need to turn on the compressor for a tiny cut!

Newton Pens · Dec 25, 2013

So the handle that comes with the kit is just a handle to put the quick change pieces into to use them for hand push?
OH.

I don't need that.

Sam · Dec 25, 2013

The $279 kit will suffice. The 901 is much more versatile so I think it's a better choice over the Monarch. My opinion of course.

Newton Pens · Dec 25, 2013

Thanks! So that and the graversmith, plus my air compressor and I'll be all set up?
If that's all I need then I'm good to go.

Newton Pens · Dec 26, 2013

Wahoo!
901 and the smith are on the way.

Can't wait to get crackin!

Sam · Dec 26, 2013

There's no such thing as "all i need"

This should get you going though. The GraverSmith is an excellent machine and I can do my best quality of work with one if that's what I had.

dlilazteca · Dec 26, 2013

sam said:
There's no such thing as "all i need" This should get you going though. The GraverSmith is an excellent machine and I can do my best quality of work with one if that's what I had.

Oh your sooooooooooooo right! All I need, I wish that were true

Carlos De La O III

BrianPowley · Dec 26, 2013

Definitely the 901 over the Monarch.

mrthe · Dec 26, 2013

next step , if you don't have it,is looking for a good Vise

Newton Pens · Dec 26, 2013

Not sure if a vice would work for me or not.
When I get my setup going I'll take a vid to show how I hold and work.
Hopefully I can get some good advice...

Actually - what about those dental arms? I seem to remember a multi jointed light holder or rotary tool holder that would be perfect for this. I could make a mandrel that would fit the end of the jointed arm thing and put my pen parts on that. Hmmm.....

Something like this maybe...
http://www.phototools.com/product/2...oduct-search&gclid=CK3_hc3wzrsCFUho7Aod7lIAEA

Southtexas · Dec 26, 2013

You'd be more likely to have success with something similar to this concept...
http://hamlertools.blogspot.com/2007/07/fixture-for-engraving-ferruls.html
In addition to holding it so you can get to it... a major function of the vise is to add mass so there is no vibration or movement as you apply the tool. The barrel put onto a mandrel and then held in the heavy vise.
Cliff

Newton Pens · Dec 26, 2013

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8hcKXCcRT8/RqPdCUK-8gI/AAAAAAAAAEM/aco6OY8AQIo/s320/Open+ring+in+vise.jpg

This? Oh this is brilliant!

Now to find a vice..
hm... may have to sell a few more pens.

dogcatcher · Dec 26, 2013

Newton Pens said:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8hcKXCcRT8/RqPdCUK-8gI/AAAAAAAAAEM/aco6OY8AQIo/s320/Open+ring+in+vise.jpg

This? Oh this is brilliant!

Now to find a vice..
hm... may have to sell a few more pens.

I carve game calls, I made a set that works/looks like a 5C collet indexer that lets me rotate the call body between centers as I carve. But I cannot swing it around like a on a ball vise. Rotating that pen tube between centers and being able to rotate the entire thing on a ball vise would be nice, but I think keeping it clamped between those 2 cones will restrict the turning between centers.

As to getting all of the tools, I am sure this gig will be like penturning, there is always another tool you will want, you may not need it, but you will want it. LOL

Newton Pens · Dec 26, 2013

I don't think I'll need much more - except maybe the power hone. With penturning, I've pretty much got everything I need. Most of the parts I need I can make (taps and mandrels) and everything else is for the customer.

I'm sure the more I learn about this the more I'll want... oh my goodness...
Hopefully it will pay for itself, too...

Southtexas · Dec 26, 2013

Since you have the capability to make some of this stuff. Consider using a standard or a drill press vise with the adapter made for it and put the whole thing on a turntable for rotation. You can have the mass you need without spending big bucks on a ball vise (at least to begin with).
Cliff

I have a vise like this one, nice and heavy. And inexpensive http://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-in...p-00924083000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2
And I use the LapWorks turntables from Amazon, smooth and also inexpensive.

Ron Spokovich · Dec 26, 2013

You may want to reconsider using a DMT diamond stone product due to the many pockets and drops in the uniformity of the surface, which may cause the small graver point to bounce and thusly somewhat roll the point. You'd need a continuously flat surface with a somewhat uniform and even distribution of abrasive particles. The DMT product, as shown, is great for its intended use, but not too good for the graver sharpening task. There are much more suitable diamond stones, as well as conventional stones, more suitable for sharpening gravers.

getting set up

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