graver doesn't stay running

[Jesse Kaufman]

As i am new to engraving I have been having a problem keeping my graver running. I have a Lindsay artisian. It works well except it want's to stop running just as I'm about redy to start to cut. I have adjusted the regulator {idle knob} to the instructions given me. I CAN get it to stay running but it seems to then run to fast. Some evenings it runs perfect all the time. I come back the next evening and change nothing and I have problems. Can someone give me some advice. Thankyou. Jesse:thinking:

 

[mitch]

hi Jesse-

Steve Lindsay's forum is all Steve, all the time, 24/7/365. they LIVE to talk about him & his stuff over there. that's where i'd start.

 

[Ray Cover]

SOunds like you need a good cleaning Jesse. Pop the black rubber cap off drop the piston out the back and clean the bore with a Q-tip. THen clean the piston with a cotton ball and alcohol.

You may need some extra filtration on your air supply. Dirty air is the the bane of all pneumatic handpieces no matter what the brand.

 

[Cloudy]

You know about holding it point down then applying air to get it going????

 

[rhenrichs]

Sounds like it may be dirty.....clean it with a q-tip and alcohol....If all else fails call Steve Lindsay and he'll help you out...

Roger

 

[rsharrard]

You may have the idle set to low too, if you follow the instructions steve gives you, you can reset everything back to the way it was when shipped. I know if I set the idle too low some times I have to do as Cat said or just give it gentle shake and we're back in business.

 

[Jesse Kaufman]

Thank you all for the help. I will work on cleaner air as Ray said and clean the piston and barrel as well. I really appreciate you folks and your WILLINGNESS to always help out us newbies. Jesse

 

[mitch]

as an example of how important clean, dry air is, i've owned an early model airgraver that Steve specially modified at my suggestion (http://www.mrmengraving.com/images/bio4.jpg) almost a dozen years ago. it's ultralight piston allows it to run with only about 2.5 psi- it's a very, very delicate set up. i've used it for probably 5,000+ hours and have NEVER had to clean it. a really good set of filters on your compressor will solve a lot problems for both these & GRS machines...

 

[monk]

you may also want to insure your tank pressure is generous for the task at hand. i set the tank pressure to about 65 psi. i run the tool at about 50-55 psi for heavy stuff. when the tool is in your hand, rotate it vertically to about 45 left-then back to45 right. if you hear or feel the piston shift, it's clean to go. if the piston wont slide, or hangs up, cleaning is needed.
be advised-- the tolerance in the bore is extreme. if a single cotton fiber remains in the bore, the tool wont work !!