New old guy

[GaryW]

In introduction, my name is Gary Perkins. I’ve been a jeweler/engraver for almost 40 years now. I’ve been lurking in the forum for the last few months trying to determine what equipment to buy. I am primarily a commercial jewelry engraver (mostly lettering on jewelry and holloware) working in gold and silver doing work for jewelry stores in the southeast region around South Carolina. Most of my work is in the fabrication end of the business, but engraving is steadily growing. At my age now, I would like to start slowing down on the jewelry end and just do engraving. The last gun I engraved was back in the mid 70's, and that was also the last piece of steel. Between arthritis and bursitis, my graver control is starting to wane, and I’ve been a push engraver all these years. Although all my work is in precious metals, I think that Steve's tool could help me regain the control I’m losing. I don’t have a suitable camera, but as soon as I figure out how, I'll post a scan of a picture of a couple of rings I did for the Altadis Cigar sales rep some time ago. The picture is only so-so, and I don’t have the ability that Steve and the other fine engravers on the forum have, but it will give you an idea of the type of work I do.
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[Dave London]

Hi Gary
Welcome to the forum, since you allready have the skills as shown by your work. I would suggest a Palm Control Air Graver , you cant go wrong if I remember right Steve has a 45 day test period. After about 15 min or less you will not believe how easy it is to engrave and control the Airgraver. Give it a testrun and you will never go back. Dave

[Zernike Au]

Welcome Gary, your engraving is very beautiful especially it is by push engraving, I like it. Would like to see more.....Thanks for sharing.

For the tools, why not give a try/test on them, I think it is not difficult for you to try them all before you make the decision. I have no luck as I bought other engraving system before I can find Steve's great Palm control. The PM is just a bit bigger than a typical push graver with handle, that's all and I can start engraving easily.

Further, I don't need to buy further "add-on" like different hand-piece for different task, or another machine for palm/finger or whatsoever control...

I just throw all my other engraving system (which is used for less than one month) to the trash because they are not suitable for me and I cannot return it!!! and cannot re-sell it!!!

Steve offer a 45 days for me to test his air-graver (of course I need to pay all firstly!), I hold the graver in my hand for a few minutes and then I can told him how I love his palm control.

My opinion, try on the tools available on the market and compare the difference and you will know which one is the best for you. I think you will know how one is better than the others especially you are well experienced engraver.

Good luck and look forwards to see more of your beautiful engraving:yesnod:

Zernike