Template System for C-Max Gravers

Matthew D · Mar 11, 2020

Hi, I am new to engraving and I have a hand piece that uses 1/8" round gravers. I would like to try the GRS C-Max V Point 120 degree graver as a first graver to practice with.

However, I would like a sharpening system that I can use with bench stones, ideally I would like to sharpen with something like the Lindsay template system. Does anyone know of an aftermarket sharpening system suitable for a beginner.

P.S. I originally wanted to go with the Lindsay gravers but unless I am mistaken they don't make them with a 1/8" shank?

Thanks and sorry for the newbie question.
Matt.

monk · Mar 12, 2020

lindsay uses 3/32" tool shanks. it would take some time, but you could establish a bit of a flat on the tang end. rotate 90 until you have a square shank that is 3/32'. no mater what, the round blank will have to have a bit of a flat on it to allow for indexing. otherwise repeatibility at each touchup will not be consistent. what kind of handpiece do you have ?
welcome to the forum. a good place to learn.

Chujybear · Mar 13, 2020

Steve makes bigger colllets for his template.
As monk was saying, I think.. you just need one flat for indexing

Sam · Mar 13, 2020

The GRS EasyGraver 105° and 120° fixtures are fixed geometry sharpeners that can work with bench stones. And since they are used on a toolpost, any length graver can be sharpened. You can also use any GRS sharpening fixture on the toolpost and sharpen on a benchstone or stationary diamond plate. Or with a rotating lap if you choose to upgrade later. The EasyGraver fixtures are simple, very fast, and extremely accurate. The GRS Apex fixture is fully adjustable and can make nearly any geometry you'll ever need.

tdelewis · Mar 13, 2020

Sam is correct. The GRS Easy Graver is what I use. However I recommend you start with steel gravers. I use both steel and C-Max. If you are new to engraving you will find that you may need to sharpen often with C-Max. The tip and the edge will chip easily. There are two things you can do to lessen that. One, dub the point with a very short and light stroke with the point on the stone. Two make sure that when making a curved cut always turn the vice, keep the graver going in the same direction and never turn your wrist into the cut.

Matthew D · Mar 13, 2020

Thanks for all the replies, Monk... I overlaid a 3/32" square and 1/8" round in solidworks and you are right, you only need to grind .004" from each corner to make a square shank fit a round hole. So that looks to be a good and relatively cheap way to get started, and the Lindsay system has those colored bands to help keep the tool length consistent. Although I should probably just invest in some GRS square holders... I have been hesitant to do this because I can't guarantee they will fit my chinese knockoff hand piece, but I think its worth a try, yet another option would be to ream out my existing holders to 3.4mm to fit the 3/32" square shanks.

The GRS systems would mean I wouldn't have to grind flats, and the apex system means I wouldn't need to upgrade to a better system later, but costs quite a bit.

Tough choice!

Tdelewis... thanks for the advice, I will steer away from carbide for now.

monk · Mar 13, 2020

Matthew D said:
Thanks for all the replies, Monk... I overlaid a 3/32" square and 1/8" round in solidworks and you are right, you only need to grind .004" from each corner to make a square shank fit a round hole. So that looks to be a good and relatively cheap way to get started, and the Lindsay system has those colored bands to help keep the tool length consistent. Although I should probably just invest in some GRS square holders... I have been hesitant to do this because I can't guarantee they will fit my chinese knockoff hand piece, but I think its worth a try, yet another option would be to ream out my existing holders to 3.4mm to fit the 3/32" square shanks.

The GRS systems would mean I wouldn't have to grind flats, and the apex system means I wouldn't need to upgrade to a better system later, but costs quite a bit.

Tough choice!

Tdelewis... thanks for the advice, I will steer away from carbide for now.

all forum members agree on 2 things. nobody likes pricey stuff. nobody likes the results when a cheap tool is put to the test. if a knockoff is purchased and lasts a long time, that's called luck. ltbb!!

Template System for C-Max Gravers

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