Lindsay Graver Point Geometry

The Patented Lindsay Uniform Parallel point™ is a V shaped graver point with relieved heels that works with any width V graver point, from a narrow V to a wide V. The most noticeable feature of the geometry is parallel heels with two long secondary relief facets on the bottom of the point. U.S. Patent # 7,032,586

Benefits of the Patented Point Geometry
The five photographs illustrate the problem of heel drag with the traditional graver points, showing how the uniform point eliminates it. The photographs were taken through a scope. The cuts are on a steel plate. Click the photos to enlarge

The photo above is an overall shot of the plate. The two gravers that were used are lying on the plate rotated so that the heels of the gravers are visible. The upper row of cuts were made using the uniform point, and the lower row were made with a traditional point.

The two photos below are close-ups of the above plate traditional point cuts. Click photos to enlarge

The two photos below are close-ups of the above plate uniform point cuts. Click photos for more detail

The Uniform Parallel point™ is similar to having two flat graver points joined together to form a V. While engraving, lean it to one side or the other and it will cut wide like a flat point. This makes the point versatile and allows a person to vary the width of the cut from thin to thick easily.

The engraving to the right would have been difficult if not impossible to execute well without this point. Being able to vary the width of the cut using one point to create fine banknote lines and wide lines gives the artist the ability to express himself easily.

One pre-sharpened Carbalt™ graver with this point is included with each customer's first purchase of an AirGraver handpiece. The Lindsay sharpening system easily and accurately grinds the patented point.

Additional benefits
The heel relieving graver can go deeper into the metal than a traditional graver point using the same power level. The heel on the traditional graver point is actually giving more resistance as it is driven through the metal. This is especially evident around corners like those illustrated in the above plate above. While making a cut, the traditional graver tends to come up out of the metal, and it is therefore necessary to push straight down on the point itself to hold and keep it in the cut around the corner. This is why various books and instructions in the past advised engravers to hold their index finger on top of the point and push down to keep it in the cut when using a power assisted tool. This is necessary with the traditional graver, or it would be out of the cut and sliding across the work. The downward pressure, however, also contributes to casting a bur on the edge of the cut. The downwards push is trying to force the tip to do something it refuses to do. This will help raise burs, and may require sanding the surface of the engraving when finished. After engraving, the surface should not need to be sanded or re-polished. If sanding is necessary, there is something wrong with the graver point. Sanding takes away the grays that were achieved while shading, and will lighten the overall engraving. It will also leave white streaks in the grays of the shading. The patented point solves this by making downward pressure unnecessary.

The uniform parallel geometry has a shorter heel because of the secondary relief facets, and allows the cutting edge to go through the metal cleanly. The point more efficient in cutting, and required less power than a traditional point to execute a cut of the same depth. The cuts in the sample plate illustrate this by the dramatic increased depth seen in the cuts made by the patented geometry, given the same amount of power and impact frequency as the traditional point cuts. Since the point is cutting more easily, there is less force on it, and therefore the breaking of points is less likely.

Colored graver beads are good for several uses. Use them to help identify your gravers. Also set them at the proper distance for resharpening in the template sharper. Use the length gauge that comes with the sharpener to help you place the bead in the correct location on the graver. The beads are on the AirGraver site. They are free when placing an order with something else on the site. During checkout just write a note that you would like a bag.

Lindsay Graver Sharpener System

Simple, Quick and most of all repeatable dead-on accurate to reproduce the patented Uniform Parallel Point™

The system uses inexpensive templates to reproduce various points easily and accurately.
Click here for the Lindsay Graver Sharpening System page

Links to the graver sharpening information:
Sharpener instruction page
Tim Wells video of the process with a power hone.
Sharpener length gauge distances
Chris Botha video with the onglette template
Using a drill press for sharpening hone