Gotta agree with everything Peter Rowe said…
I have ALL makes and models of power assisted engraving tools in the
classroom for students to try out and “test drive”. I don’t sell
tools. I just teach. (And yes, hand pushed and hammer & chisel
instruction is also taught here, though less and less each year…)
Over the past 8 years of teaching hand engraving and stone setting,
95 percent of my new students who don’t already own a power assisted
engraving system and are looking to buy - after trying all brands -
choose one of the Lindsays.
I have been using them exclusively on my own bench since he first
made them available, and I tested one. Steve Lindsay is a
professional engraver, and you deal directly with the man who
invented and makes each tool he sells. No elevator music, no
secretaries, no salespeople. No sales calls afterwards. Just high
quality products and absolutely amazing service.
His inventions, patents, and the products that have come from them
have been light years ahead of the competition. Now that there are
tools that are better for what I do for a living, I definitely choose
those.
I have been engraving professionally for 38 years. 10 years hand
pushed, 20 years with GRS tools, and for the past 8 years with
Lindsay tools.
Some of the things I like best:
No clunky complicated control boxes that need electricity, no spring
on the piston, no “tuning” to do, stroke control is on the handpiece,
higher strokes per minute, no need to buy $4 collets for each and
every graver in order to have a true “quick change”, much lower air
consumption, much MUCH more portable in all models (PalmControl can
run off a small CO2 cartridge), no slippery handpieces,
interchangeable piston weights, ease of upgrading, etc., etc,. etc.
Prices between equal Lindsay and GRS systems are similar, but what
you get for your money - in my opinion - is a far better tool with
Lindsay.
Lindsays patented graver point sharpening geometry has increased my
studios productivity by 30 percent since we switched to it, and now
he has come out with a new “foolproof” manual sharpening fixture that
anyone can use - anywhere.
Take a look and decide for yourself. Usual disclaimer goes here…
Brian P. Marshall
Stockton Jewelry Arts School
jewelryartschool.com