Choosing a Power-Assist Engraving Machine
A power-assist engraving machine - often called a "pneumatic" in the trade - is a power tool that drives a graver or punch without you needing to apply much force by hand. This reduces the physical effort required and increases your tool control. It works by a reciprocal back-and-forth movement with a very short stroke length; essentially like a tiny jackhammer but much more refined.
It's possible to do great setting work without a power-assist machine - I worked without one for 17 years and was still getting great results - but there's no doubt they make many setting tasks easier and faster, while also giving you more control.
This course is focused on the use of this machine, and the techniques taught here can't be learned or performed efficiently without it.
GRS Graversmith with 901 handpiece
Currently, the two most popular machines are the GRS Graversmith, which requires a separate air compressor to work, and the Pulsegraver, which is a newer product that's entirely electric and doesn't need a compressor. Both are good machines and the collets are semi-interchangeable (more on this below).
Many people also use Enset or Lindsay machines, both of which also require a separate air compressor. Jura branded machines are also gaining popularity and have a built in compressor.
GRS
The main models of GRS machines are the Graversmith, Gravermax G8 and Gravermax AT.
The Graversmith is the least expensive, and in my opinion does everything that most people need it to do. My student benches are equipped with these machines.
The Gravermax G8 is my daily machine and has added functionality that I never use, and I expect you won't either. Some of the internal components are different to the Graversmith's but this seems to have no impact on performance. The only advantage is an extra air shut-off function that prevents the compressor's air tank from draining when the machine is switched off.
The Gravermax AT ("Air-Tact") is similar to the G8 but adds a palm control feature to the compatible handpiece, so that the handpiece power may be controlled by palm pressure rather than the foot pedal. This type of system is popular with engravers, but I don't think it provides any advantages for setters (although it will work fine if you're already accustomed to it).
GRS machines are considered to be reliable and give excellent control. However, the required air compressor and hoses can be inconvenient and noisy especially as the machines consume so much air even when idle.
All the GRS machines use QC Tool Holders (interchangeable collets) which are the de-facto industry standard.
While different handpieces are available for all the GRS machines, 99.9% of setters should get the 901 handpiece (or 901 AT for the Gravermax AT) and won't ever need anything else.
More details are available at GRS Tools and units are readily available from numerous jewellers' suppliers worldwide.
Pulsegraver
The Pulsegraver is an all-electric machine that has become popular in the last few years. The handpiece and control box are both lightweight, and the fact that it doesn't need a compressor is a huge plus for many people. Being all-electric, it can be set to perform in different ways (for example, you can choose for the speed to remain steady but the power to be controlled by the pedal, or vise-versa) so it can be made to function similarly to other brands of machine that you may already be used to. Its maximum power is less than that of a GRS system with a typical 901 handpiece, but I've used this machine on heavy bezels and have been able to get the results I want. As I often say to my students, "If you need to push that hard, you're doing something wrong."
While reports of faults are uncommon, the Pulsegraver is newer on the market and its peculiarities aren't as widely understood as with other brands. It's also more expensive than a complete Graversmith setup (including 901 handpiece and compressor), which may deter some people.
Pulsegraver
Collets are similar to those used in the GRS machines and are mutually compatible. However, the Pulsegraver handpiece has a collet alignment tab in a fixed position, so the tab on a GRS handpiece may need to be rotated 180 degrees if you want to share collets between different machine brands at the same time.
The pulsegraver also has a greater handpiece length than GRS, so you may need to use shorter gravers to compensate.
Compared to my regular GRS machine, I find the Pulsegraver to be a compelling alternative. Both brands provide a similar degree of fine control, and while I still marginally prefer the ease of adjustment and heavy-hitting power of the GRS machines, the "plug-and-play" nature of the pulsegraver and the fact that it doesn't need a compressor make it a better choice for many people, especially those working from home or in a small workshop.
Units are available exclusively from engraver.com.
Jura
Jura Tools is a leading brand in the stonesetting industry and their tools are often considered the best available. All graver models are pneumatic and contain an inbuilt compressor, eliminating the need for a seperate compressor unit. Units are more expensive than the competition, and wait times can be long as machines are made to order.
Graver machines by Jura:
Jura Graver includes pneumatic graver function only.
Jura Graver Plus includes pneumatic graver and micromotor.
Jura Graver Pro includes pneumatic graver, micromotor, hot air blower and cold air blower.
Machines are available at https://juratools.com/Machines-c148760573
Syenset
Enset machines by Syenset:
Enset Compact
Enset (original)
Enset Plus
Enset machine use their own collet system which isn't compatible with any other brand.
Although they have their die-hard fans, Enset machines are less popular in the industry that GRS units so the parts and accessories are becoming more difficult to source. The machine's creator has since gone on to develop the Pulsegraver, so I speculate (but haven't confirmed) that Enset production will be slowly phased out. An Enset machine will certainly do anything a basic GRS machine will do (and consume less air in the process), but unless you're able to pick up an absolute bargain I would advise you to stay in the larger and safer ecosystems of the other brands.
Enset machines are available from engraver.com and many other suppliers worldwide.
Lindsay
Engraving handpieces by Steve Lindsay have an almost cult-like following in the engraving community, and their quality and simplicity are renowned. The handpiece is connected directly to the air supply (via a simple pressure regulator) with no control box needed - tool power is controlled purely by hand pressure, or with a foot controller on some models.
Classic Handpiece
BenchJewel Handpiece
Lindsay handpieces can be supplied with or without an interchangeable collet system. If configured to use the collet system, the GRS collets will also work using an adapter. If configured with the Classic nose, tool bits are inserted and held in place with a thumb screw or other optional method.
Lindsay units haven't achieved quite the same popularity in the setting business, where GRS still dominates. I believe that a continuous-speed system with foot-controlled power (GRS style) is marginally better for stonesetting (compared to engraving), as it enables finer control when cutting up to stones and the ability to hand-push at will. It's getting a bit academic though, as any of the quality systems on the market will let you do anything you want to if you have the skills.
See more details and purchase at Steve Lindsay Engraving Tools.
Other brands
There are many cheaper (and sometimes "imitation") machines available online, and although they may look similar on the outside, they usually perform poorly. I've tried a few, and unlike with microscopes, I don't believe there is any value in buying these as "beginner machines". They don't allow you to learn or achieve what you need to, and starting with these is the equivalent of learning to drive in a car with a wheel missing. Buying good quality the first time is the only way to get started with power-assist.
Compressors
Most of the machines above require an air compressor (Pulsegraver and Jura being the exceptions). Compressors tend to be noisy unless you get a very expensive one. You may be able to add an extension hose and run it in a different room, but it's not practical to put it in a soundproof enclosure because the reduced airflow causes it to get hot. An affordable mid-range oil-free compressor like the one shown below emits around 50 dB when refilling, which is enough to interrupt a conversation or phone call, but less than the volume of the actual handpiece operating at full power. The handpiece volume itself also needs to be considered in your workshop environment.
Compressors will produce condensation inside their tanks, so need to be drained regularly to prevent moisture in the air lines and rusting of the tank and internal components.
Chicago HUSH20 oil-free air compressor
