Graver sharpening system for stone setting

[optimist]

Hello experts
I am trying to set melee diamonds in a bead and bright cut setting (and doing it badly). I am having great difficulty in sharpening my gravers. I have the old fashioned gravers and have recently bought a set of the GRS ones and have now mangled the nice smooth edges they came with...
I would like to purchase a fool proof sharpening system for the three gravers I use, onglette, flat and round.
I am very confused by all the angles and don't really understand why it makes a difference
I am leaning against the Lindsay template system and more towards the GRS dual angle device. Do you think that is a good choice?
Or do you think I should go for the Apex system?
Finally, a honing machine adds a lot to the total investment. Do you think it's worth it given my limited use. I am just a hobbyist but I want to recreate antique rings..
Thank you for your time, I know the questions are very basic.

 

[monk]

if properly sharpened gravers earn money for you, the answer then is a resounding yes !!!! i use both systems but the grs is capable of all geometries. the lindsay requires a seperate template for each given geometry, and thus can be more expensive in the long run. correct geometry that can be easily repeated is essential (ithink) to any task a graver is required to do. this forum is loaded with info on geometries. look around, you'll be surprized at all that is here at yer finger tips. learn to use the search bar. good luck

 

[707chrisa]

The Expert's Guide to Graver Sharpening Instructor: Sam Alfano . Yes its a plug for Sam but its well worth it . Cheaper than the one template I now don't even use , get this first and save money.

 

[Aventuraal]

Assuming that you want to use the gravers you already have, (and just bought) you would have to use the GRS Dual Angle fixture or the Apex, as the Lindsay templates are for 3/32" square tools only. The Apex system from GRS locks you to specific geometries, so, given your yet-to-be-determined geometries, that might not be a good choice. I have both the Dual Angle and Lindsay templates, use both, and am not pitching either; both work very well; in this particular instance, the GRS Dual Angle would probably be the better choice, since you can configure any angle(s) you end up finding work best for your purposes. As to a power hone, if it's just a hobby (right now!), a good set of stones and a stable surface to work on would fill the bill. Caveat: a good set of stones is expensive, not as much as a power hone, but still expensive.

 

[Sinterklaas]

If you have a microscope or good visiors you can resharpen by hand. I resharpen my gravers (for micropave setting) under my microscope. I use the GRS/Edenta wheels that go in your micromotor/flexshaft.
They work fast and you get a high polish on all gravers, even sharpening carbide.

Resharpening is different from shaping.

For shaping a graver from a blank I would recommend the GRS dual angle. You can make all the shapes you like. And are not locked or limited by the templates or Apex thingys.

Diamond wheels for the powerhone are cheap on Aliexpress. You can also only buy the Dual angle fixture without a hone. But it will take you a very very long time to shape by hand.

Ones you have the gravers shaped or you buy them preshaped you dont really have to have any template or fixture. You can resharpen them with the GRS/Edenta wheels. Atleast that is what I do.

Also check the BUY and SELL section of this forum. Maybe you can find what you what for less $$.

 

[optimist]

Thank you for addressing my questions.
I already have the video which I bought a couple of years ago. I did not watch it past the first few minutes when I saw that it was only about sharpening on a GRS system with the powerhone, I guess it's called the expert's guide because you have to be an expert before you can use it.
Based on the responses, I will go ahead and sink another $1500 into this venture. I will then go back and watch the video carefully.
I am sure once my gravers are nice and sharp, I will then want an Gravermax.
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