2
The GRAVERMEISTER fullls the need for a machine capable
of allowing rapid but precise cutting and carving of metal, stone,
and wood, as well as many other materials. The precise impact
control feature of the machine also makes it an ideal tool for stone
setting, stippling, matt nishing on jewelry, and stipple engraving
on crystal, etc.
The skills required to properly operate the GRAVERMEISTER,
while not within the ability of everyone, are easily mastered by one
who possesses certain obvious, natural skills.
The GRAVERMEISTER acts on the principle of an air-operated
hammer capable of delivering controlled impacts at speeds from
1600 to 2400 strokes per minute. The speed of the stroke is
varied by positioning an adjusting lever arm. The impact force is
controlled by depressing a foot pedal in much the same way the
gas pedal on a car is operated.
Because of both the large range of adjustments available, and the
precise control possible, delicate cuts can be combined with heavy
material-removal cuts for the desired effect.
To realize the full capability of the GRAVERMEISTER, it is
necessary for you to become totally familiar with both the operation
and proper maintenance of all the components of your machine.
It is also important to become familiar with various proven
techniques for use of the GRAVERMEISTER, and the wide variety
of tools used to produce the various effects desired. Tool geometry
and proper sharpening are as important as skillful use of the
GRAVERMEISTER. The rst section of this manual is intended to
help you avoid many of the difculties others have experienced
in achieving the desired results with the machine. This section is
worthy of frequent review until you master both the machine and
the proper preparation of the tool, or graver, that does the work.
This manual is broken down into the following four sections:
1. TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE USE OF THE GRAVERMEISTER
2. MACHINE OPERATION
3. MAINTENANCE
4. PARTS LISTING
TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE USE
OF THE GRAVERMEISTER
1.1 The GRAVERMEISTER provides an effective, unique method
for performing a variety of functions in many materials. You may
not achieve effective results with the machine at rst. In fact, your
initial attempts may be disappointing or downright discouraging!
Begin by expecting a learning period - whether you have had
experience engraving by another method, or are a novice. This
claim is also made: After the initial learning period, the results and
the satisfaction derived from use of the machine are fantastic!
It takes a little practice, some learning, and perhaps some re-
learning. It may seem awkward and ineffective at rst - like your
rst attempt to ride a bicycle - remember?
1.2 The easiest and most productive way to learn quickly is
to work with someone who is accomplished in the use of the
GRAVERMEISTER. If this is not possible, we hope the information
contained in these “TIPS” will be helpful. A most valuable and
useful information source is James B. Meek’s book, THE ART OF
ENGRAVING. We recommend it highly.
1.3 Most of the information in this section is directed toward
the task of metal engraving. Even if your purpose for using
the GRAVERMEISTER differs, this information is relevant and
helpful. The engraving of metal, especially steel, is most difcult
and demanding. When the principles of metal engraving are
understood, then other uses are easily acheived. We have never
known a person who could effectively carve a deep relief scene
in steel, who could not easily and effectively… set a stone…
orentine or engrave a ring… matt nish a piece of jewelry…carve
wood… or prepare a fossil.
1.4 Here are some reasons why you may not achieve effective
results with the GRAVERMEISTER at rst:
A. The concept of variable power applied to the tool holder, or
handpiece, seems strange at rst and must be experienced.
B. Coordination of power and tool cutting action with the foot
throttle might feel awkward, but a small amount of practice
makes it natural and automatic.
C. It seems strange and different at rst - but extremely effective
when mastered. Again, remember how easy it was to ride a
bicycle after you learned how. Successful cutting requires just
the right amount of forward pressure on the handpiece. Too
much pressure creates fatigue and impairs tool control. Too little
pressure quickly dulls the tool point.
1.5 Try these techniques - then review results and try them again:
A. Turn the machine ON, hold the handpiece in your hand, and
work the foot throttle to get the feel of the power variation from
light, short strokes to heavy, long strokes. You will begin to
anticipate the foot throttle position for the various power settings
desired.
B. Be sure the tool is seated fully and tight in the handpiece chuck.
(see OPERATING TECHNIQUES on page 9)
C. When cutting or engraving, hold the handpiece as you would
a table knife - not as a pencil. Place your index nger on
the graver, or chisel, as you would on a knife blade to exert
slight downward pressure. You hold it like a pencil only when
stippling, background matting, chipping, etc. (see How to Hold
the Handpiece on page 8)
D. Place the tool cutting point on the work piece before applying
power with the throttle. Attempting to enter the cut with the
power ON and the handpiece stroking will quickly dull the tool
point.
E. Apply power with the throttle only after positioning the tool on
the work. Use slight pressure to keep the tool point moving
forward into the cut. Both tool angle and downward pressure
control depth of cut. Too much downward pressure will tire you,
though.
F. Vary the power input with the throttle to control the speed and
depth of cut. Do not let the cutting action get ahead of your
ability to guide the tool. Stop the throttle action to reposition the
work. Leave the tool point in position in the cut.
G. Overcome the tendency to let the handpiece continue to stroke
when not actually cutting (by failing to manipulate the Throttle).
With practice, control of the Throttle becomes an automatic
response.
H. Use a stable vise, or heavy engraver’s block to hold the work. If
the work is not held solidly, vibration will decrease effectiveness
of the machine power and will more quickly dull or chip the
tool point. The GRS MAGNABLOCK is the most effective
work-holding block, allows the needed rotation of the work,
and was designed for use with the GRAVERMEISTER. (see
OPERATING TECHNIQUES on page 10)
I. Don’t push hard! If your hand becomes tired or cramped, you
aren’t using the power of the machine to do the work - or you
may not have the tool properly sharpened or heeled. (see 1.12
“B” page 4)
