GRS Graversmith

[Nick martin]

Afternoon everyone,

Does anyone know of a good source for demonstration videos and tutorial videos, for the GRS Graversmith machine?

It's obvious what the machine does, but I'm struggling to find videos on the Internet of how it all goes together and how the gravers work in the handpiece etc.

Also if anyone knows of a reasonably priced second hand unit then please give me a shout.

Cheers,

Nick

[enigma]

Haven't they got any on Sutton tools site Nick?

[Nick martin]

I'll have a gander Sarah, but didn't notice any links. By the way.. don't know if you've seen it, but I've added to the Smiths Torch thread. Am fully up and runners now.. At last!

Nick

[enigma]

Oh missed that, will go and read thanks Nick!

[ps_bond]

You've seen the one from GRS on setting up?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eE7Xywb8ts

[Nick martin]

Yes Peter, seen that one which was useful. Suppose I'm just looking for proper idiots guide demo videos.

I know they work pneumatically, but don't grasp why there are different handpieces. They do however accept regular gravers don't they?

Nick

[ps_bond]

With the GRS system, they use different handpieces for different power levels (and a rotary tool too - dentist's turbine IIRC). Speed is set on the control box. They will accept a 3/32" shanked graver or the QR inserts GRS do; if you want to use e.g. an onglette, you need to either grind the shank of one down, grind a 3/32 square to shape or give up and buy GRS' preformed ones.

By contrast, the Airgraver varies speed (& power) on the tool itself; there's a drop-in tungsten piston that ups the power level.

[Gemsetterchris]

I know they work pneumatically, but don't grasp why there are different handpieces.
Nick

The tool doesn`t reciprocate, it`s the piston inside acting as a hammer at least on a lyndsay.
As Peter says it`s all based on the handpiece piston weight range / combination of adjustable speed & airflow.

It`s basically replacing hammer & chisel that old school engravers used in the past on steel work.
Since you have a benchmate, tighten it up so you are hands free & have a go...it does the same job, just not as posh but alot cheaper!

You`ll probably find a 901 handpiece suits best, the others are for heavier steel cutting or really fine work.

This one is the Enset, but it gives you a better idea how they work, all being similar but slight differences.
http://youtu.be/VTorbgayL04

[Nick martin]

Thanks Peter / Chris.

That's clarified a few points for me.

I've now realised that the Enset system is quite pricey, but it looks great. As does the GRS machine. The Airgraver looks a curious little device and the least expensive too.

I know that Suttons are the sole GRS importers here in the UK, but where's the best place for the Airgraver? Is it best to order direct from the US?

Peter.. Do you have an Airgraver, and if so then what are your thoughts on it please. Interested to hear how you rate it and whether you also use it for stone setting?

Cheers,

Nick


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[ps_bond]

Airgravers are direct from Steve or (rarely) second hand. AFAIK there are no dealers anywhere.

One of the main reasons I went for the Airgraver is it is compact - there is no control box, you don't need a second control box to add in touch-sensitive control. It's a beautifully made tool too, which always helps. I've got a Palmcontrol model (burl handle) and I use it quite a lot, primarily for setting. I've used the GraverMax a bit and it's a good bit of kit, I prefer the Airgraver mechanically. I've not used or handled the Airtact at all.

While there are some situations where having a foot pedal is useful, having the Palmcontrol makes the cutting more intuitive (from a hand-pushed engraving standpoint).

For your amusement... After a fairly animated discussion about GRS vs Airgravers, I was amused to see Jura is now using Airgravers instead :D

[enigma]

I presume you still need a separate compressor for the air graver?
I thought the graver smith was cheaper?
I used one in the engraving lesson I had as well as by hand and it certainly made it much,much easier, still on my wish list!

[Nick martin]

Just browsing the Airgraver info Sarah and I think you might be correct about the Graversmith being cheaper after all. Sorry.

Which model did you have a go with Sarah.. GRS one or the Airgraver?

Nick


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[enigma]

It was the GRS Nick, although Im not sure which model and as its the only one Ive ever used I don't have anything to compare to but it did make engraving very easy.

[ps_bond]

You need a separate compressor for all of them; I think there were some older GRS models had a built-in compressor, they crop up occasionally.
The Artisan Airgraver is the "budget" option from Steve - you can't vary the impact from the handpiece is the primary difference.

[Gemsetterchris]

Airgravers are direct from Steve or (rarely) second hand.
I've got a Palmcontrol model (burl handle)


You tart :D I made do with the neoprene.
When one comes up 2nd hand you wonder who died.

[ps_bond]

I know :D I had my arm twisted to deviate from my usual form-follow-function. I'd be tempted to go for a solid stainless handle if I needed an additional one.

Jo Ryalls is using a 2nd hand one from that source.

[Gemsetterchris]

He made some damascus at one time, probably more your thing..

[ps_bond]

I'd do my own... The extra mass on the stainless handle was interesting to try, seemed more positive in some ways.

[Gemsetterchris]

Nick & anyone else, don`t pressure yourself into getting an expensive toy you don`t *really* need.
You can do just as good job the old fashioned way & it`s far more beneficial to learn that first anyway.

I worked at least 20 years without & don`t use it all the time for everything..though yes it does make some things quicker/easier especially for harder than precious metals.

[johnmoto]

After reading up I am going to buy the Enset engraver but have not made my mind up do I buy it from walshes or save
£500. And order it from engravers.com in the USA , don't no of any other places that sell it unless any one else nows



diamondsetting4u.com

[Gemsetterchris]

After reading up I am going to buy the Enset engraver but have not made my mind up do I buy it from walshes or save
£500. And order it from engravers.com in the USA , don't no of any other places that sell it unless any one else nows
diamondsetting4u.com

http://www.syenset.com/401.html

That's about your only other option..from Spain.