I've recently completed a .600 caliber nitro
express double barrel using the Lindsay Classic AirGraver. I'm so pleased
with the Classic AirGraver It performed admirably during the 50 or so hours of
heavy engraving that took place on this barrel. I ran the Classic at 10 p.s.i.
at short stroke and porting virtually closed down. This reduced the overall
power by at least 20% I found it to have more than sufficient power even at
these settings to engrave in large format without any issue whatsoever. Meaning,
the tool at these settings operated very smoothly and was very conservative in
its air consumption. The Classic's feel has pleased me from day one and the more
I've used it for my general to heavy engraving, the more I realize just how
sweetly this graver performs. Even for fine shading this AirGraver scored high
points across the board. In all honesty, I cannot find a single thing about this
Classic AirGraver that I don't like. Typically, every other tool I've used, though
all were pretty good, have always had one or more things that I didn't like.
Usually it was in sensitivity and response in performance and overall feel. With
other engraving tools I've owned and used / tested, I always felt that
non-professional engravers had designed them. Please understand that I mean this
not as an insult but rather a personal observation. I just find their feel
improper to what my hand seems to demand. This is but one of many criteria I
look at when making a decision for my professional career. This tool will be in
my hands day in and day out and should feel as natural as if born to it. The
Lindsay gravers are all that and much more.
I realize I perhaps make many bold statements. I do so because I believe in
being up front and saying what I mean therefore meaning what I say! I offer my
information as opinion and nothing more, it is up to each and every individual
to address my comments as they see fit, and in turn make appropriate selections
in tooling based on their research prior to any purchase. When I use any
of the Lindsay made tools, the experience is one of pure satisfaction. Without
doubt one can clearly see and feel the difference of his design by comparison to
those of other manufacturers. I feel this to be largely due to Mr. Lindsay's
avoidance of mass production, commercial methodology. Instead, from my extensive
communication with Steve Lindsay over the past 2 years I know that each and
every AirGraver is treated as an art commission. When these tools leave his studio,
they leave as polished art pieces in the same manner that his High Grade
Engravings always have. This means with care, and pride. After all, at heart,
any true artist takes an enormous amount of pride in what they produce. All his
gravers are treated exactly in this manner.
When it comes to customer service, I feel there
is nothing lacking. Steve Lindsay's policy is to always have spare AirGraver
tools on hand just in case a client cannot wait 3 or 4 days while repairs take
place. If this situation should arise then a spare Temporary AirGraver
will be shipped immediately. There are always backup tools in case such a
situation should arise, that's customer service even before its required!
Clearly if it were all about quick dollars rather than support, then there would
never be a tool sitting on the side lines when even an older model as a
replacement tool could easily be sold to a potential client. Because he is a
professional engraver who deeply understands the needs and demands placed on
artists, he then treats his clientele in the same manner in which he would wish
to be treated should roles be reversed. Simply put, these AirGravers are
supported very well.
So far I have spoken about service,
and about the Classic AirGraver, but I have not mentioned as of yet that I have
been using an original Chasing AirGraver for 2 years now and a Classic AirGraver for
approx. 8 months. The Chasing AirGraver though designed for light work has
executed many engravings during that time span. It has seen close to 3,000 hours
of engraving and runs as well as when I first cracked open the package and put
it to use. Approx. every 50 hours or so I pop the handle off and pass a Q-tip
through the inner chamber as well as the piston itself to ensure it is perfectly
clean. This is not a full requirement, however, since much of my engraving
consists of micro fine detail work, I choose to ensure that it idles, and
performs by responding perfectly on demand. Bottom line I do not wait for
issues to arise, I prevent and inspect regularly to insure precision is
maintained.
I've inspected pistons and anvils carefully in my original Chasing AirGraver and
was most satisfied to find that there was virtually no wear to its components. I
would like to state that I have put this tool through extremely arduous tasks in
my initial tests. It has seen full throttle 60 p.s.i wide open stroke impacts
into case hardened steels shattering graver tips. Tests have been performed on
titanium in several grades, 01 tool steel, D2, 440 stainless, standard 416
stainless used in knife making and a whole host of more exotic gun alloys. The
Chasing AirGraver also was used to engrave several complete rifles with extensive
engraving as well as many knives and other items. Yet it only shows minor
internal indications that it was ever used. An updated new version of this
AirGraver has been ordered and from the specifications available, and once again in
direct contact with Steve Lindsay, I now know that the newer gravers are even
better all around. I have no intention of parting with my original Chasing
AirGraver, it now has its own bit of history and will serve me well whenever
another artist visits my studio, in this way there will always be available
excellent tools at hand. In closing, I wish to thank Steve for allowing me the
convenience of in depth discussions prior to any purchase. He has opened up with
me in a fashion that other businesses ought to follow by example. In my opinion
that is the best service anyone could ask for and his tools are backed with long
term dependability. I consider his services an advantage for those artists
and craftsman who are both fortunate and wise enough to know what they want and
where to get it.
