Help, please: To Gravermach AT or not to Gravermach AT that is the question

[dlilazteca]

Im considering buying the gravermach AT because of the Airtact setup, I have several questions.

1. My mancave/shop is not climate controled I do have and A/C when needed and some portable heaters when needed but it's not completely sealed, need to update my doors, I currently own a lindsay classic and is very easy to disconnect and take with me, in the summer time here in Texas is can get up to 112 degrees consistently for weeks, thus you can only imagine the tempetures inside the cave must be higher. How well do you think the unit would hold, I would like to avoid carrying it in and out all the time.

The reason I was interested in the AT model is because its an all in one both foot and palm controlled into one, (less to carry if needed) but is this an advantage over buying the G8 and later adding the airtact control box.

2. What is your experiance with the life on these machines (please let me know what model and year your talking about, im looking for info on the new model)

you can always PM me or reach me at carlosdelao3@gmail.com

Thanks for your time

 

[sam]

Instead of PM or email, please post responses here for everyone's benefit.

Don't worry about the temps in your workshop. That won't be an issue. I've seen them running in horribly harsh conditions in factory workshops.

And I would guess the the AT will outlive both of us. They are very robust machines. I've been using them since they came out and have had no problems.

Buy the AT if you plan to use the palm feature. The G8's a great machine but using it with an outboard Airtact unit isn't nearly as flexible at the GraverMach AT system.

 

[Marrinan]

I have GRS GraverMiester 1979 model worked great with no problems until I added the speed increase kit-heating hand piece same as everyone. I also have GaverMach without Airtract Used daily for a couple of years now. No issues of any kind. I like the GRS products epically well over my Lindsay Classic. Have had no problems with the classic don't get me wrong. Have enjoyed every min of use. All my machines have been very reliable in heat, high humidity and South Georgia type cold. I had to get a new compressor and I wanted the SilentAir 50. At that time I was switching from the Miester as my primary machine and went with the classic all inclusive deal as it was most cost effective when you are making such a drastic changeover. I personally prefer the various GRS products for what I consider a major issue. Steve is a very nice and helpful guy and a very skilled tool maker. His products are as reliable and useful as anything GRS ever produced. He has been nothing but helpful when I have talked to him. I am sorry to hurt anyone's feels and don't want a tool war. He is a one man show and if anything or for any reason he left the production of his tools We would be in terrible situation. None of us is likely to out live our tools but I have a lot invested in engraving and relying on a one man show is not a wise decision. If he was suddenly missing I would be forced to infringe on his patens and make replacement parts in my machine shop myself. I would rather engrave. I do not have an AirTract but I prefer foot control. The Lindsay is great in that you don't have to invest or operate the GraverMach box. It is another piece of gear to move around and it does use far more air than the Classic but the hand piece cost half of what the Lindsay classic cost. IS it twice as good, twice as reliable, twice as useful or twice as complicated to build to? Maybe. I think you will have no issues with the Mach in your studio, I never gave.

Again let me state I don't want a war just stating my personal view and don't intend to justify or respond to any arguments. I simply think there will be no problem with GraveMach AT in the environment described.

Sam and support team, if there is any problem with anything I have said please delete my post at your convenience. Fred

 

[mrthe]

I agree with Sam , from my point of view is a very bad practice post a thread and ask answers by PM, the primary intention of a Forum is share knowledges, ideas and advices with all the others members.

If you have a Classic why you don't considere first upgrade to a Palm Control your classic?
Reading your post seem just what you need and if you want use the pedal instead the palm feature is just pull off and connect a little hose in the same regulator just 5 seconds.

 

[krisf]

i love my G8 at home, i have a AT at work and never use the palm anymore after the initial having to have the bigger newer gravermach. the only time i do switch it on is when my foot pedal works its way way under my bench and dont feel like digging it out just for a quick cut.

 

[LVVP]

I agree with Sam , from my point of view is a very bad practice post a thread and ask answers by PM, the primary intention of a Forum is share knowledges, ideas and advices with all the others members.

If you have a Classic why you don't considere first upgrade to a Palm Control your classic?
Reading your post seem just what you need and if you want use the pedal instead the palm feature is just pull off and connect a little hose in the same regulator just 5 seconds.

I agreed with mrthe and of course with Sam,
Thanks

 

[dlilazteca]

Steve is a very nice and helpful guy and a very skilled tool maker. His products are as reliable and useful as anything GRS ever produced. He has been nothing but helpful when I have talked to him. I am sorry to hurt anyone's feels and don't want a tool war. He is a one man show and if anything or for any reason he left the production of his tools We would be in terrible situation. None of us is likely to out live our tools but I have a lot invested in engraving and relying on a one man show is not a wise decision. If he was suddenly missing I would be forced to infringe on his patens and make replacement parts in my machine shop myself.
Fred

This is also something that has crossed my mind, nothing personal, all business. I have to view my purchases as all business, support, parts, and anything else for the long haul, I'm only 38, or is it 39, well either or. Hopefully Ill be doing this for many years.

@mrthe

Im not sure if you are aware or you forgot, I have learned in all my reading that not everyone can handle talking about tools and not get all worked up. (that is something I do not want)

The reason I requested a PM or email is so, anyone can be as truthful as and pressure free (not starting a tool war for example) as possible, tell me you don't see the logic.

Mrthe if it takes only 5 seconds do you mind making a 10 second video so I, let me change that, so WE can see how it works (you say to keep it open to help others, well here is a chance for you to help me and many that will follow), that would really help in my decision making, the reason I was thinking the AT model was because you basically flip a switch. Since I am getting better and find myself spending more time at the bench I would like the ability to stand and engrave, you know to change it up and get the blood flowing, I do not want to develop any health issues form sitting all the time.

I feel these are legitimate business questions (we have to keep our feelings out of this). After all we are running a business here aren't we? (for me that is my goal)



Thanks everyone for your reply.

 

[Southern Custom]

I'll throw my two cents in here. I'm using the Gravermax G8. I had considered getting the airtact but as I was starting a new business on a limited budget, each purchase had to be considered carefully. In the end I'm extremely happy with the G8.
While at the FEGA show in Vegas, I decided to try out Rex's airtact to see what I was missing. I assumed since I learned on push gravers years ago that it would be natural. Far from it. To be quite honest, I didn't like it at all. I supposed I've used the foot pedal for so many years that I felt out of control with the airtact. That's the best way to describe it. I felt as though I had much more fine control with the pedal. Rex did tell me he rarely used airtact as well.
I'm sure I could get used to the system and put it to good use but I'm of the opinion if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I haven't found anything I couldn't do with the G8.
I've also tried a friends Lindsay and it was very strange to me as well. Once again I'm sure time would change this.
Bottom line is that don't necessarily think that you are missing out on some grand, career changing technology by not using it. I'm sure many will disagree but I've also talked to quite a few folks that are of the same mind.
As for the GRS tools themselves. My original Gravermax is still cranking after 15 years or so and lives on my spare bench. The G8 is built like a tank. With regular maintenance I'm sure it will outlive me.
Layne

 

[fegarex]

I bought one of the original Gravermax machines in 1984 and it is still working fine. I did replace it as my main unit when the Gravermach AT came out for the option of switching from hand to foot. After 30 years of pushing a pedal I usually prefer the pedal but there are times when I like the hand control. The integrated unit of the AT is much handier and easier to use as it is just a matter of flipping a switch. I wouldn't worry about shop temperatures however it is ALWAYS good to make sure you have an air supply that is water and oil free. Good filters and a decent compressor will keep you from having issue with any air tool.

 

[dlilazteca]

Instead of PM or email, please post responses here for everyone's benefit.

Don't worry about the temps in your workshop. That won't be an issue. I've seen them running in horribly harsh conditions in factory workshops.

And I would guess the the AT will outlive both of us. They are very robust machines. I've been using them since they came out and have had no problems.

Buy the AT if you plan to use the palm feature. The G8's a great machine but using it with an outboard Airtact unit isn't nearly as flexible at the GraverMach AT system.

Sam

Thanks for your reply, what do you use, control wise, I know they're both good but what do you use with more frequency, foot or airtact

Carlos De La O III

 

[sam]

Sam

Thanks for your reply, what do you use, control wise, I know they're both good but what do you use with more frequency, foot or airtact

Carlos De La O III

The only time I use the foot pedal is when I stipple backgrounds or use a punch for sculpting, and that's because I hold the handpiece knob outside of my palm. It's safe to say 100% of my cutting is done with the Airtact. The convenience of flipping the foot/hand switch is very nice.

 

[mrthe]

Carlos no tools wars , just Info
this is the video that you have request:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-sWRb36z0E&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

[bildio]

Can the GRS handpiece use a 3/32" x 3/32" graver without modification, i.e., can the square be inserted in the hand piece?

 

[fegarex]

Bill,
The 3/32 square will fit right into the "standard" QC collet. They also make other sizes for special gravers as well.

 

[dlilazteca]

Carlos no tools wars , just Info
this is the video that you have request:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-sWRb36z0E&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Mrthe

thank you, very much I'm sure it will help many,

Thanks again for taking the time:thumbup:

Carlos De La O III

 

[mrthe]

Carlos just 15 seconds with my Iphone

 

[GTJC460]

The gravermach at is the way to go. Very handy to have the flip of a knob to switch over.

I used to have the outboard airtact and felt it was cumbersome and tied up bench space. It worked fine when tied into my old gravermax, I just like the all in one of the gravermach at.

 

[tim halloran]

Carlos: I Use the Gravermach AT daily and would not be without it. The unit can be switched from hand to foot by turning a knob and be ready to go. No unhooking hoses or any other modifications. You can buy the whole GRS system for less money and have a unit that will last a long time, and then you can sell it easily if you don't like it. Also you won't take a huge hit on the resale. I had a Gravermeister for 22 years, sold it to a guy in California for almost what i paid for it and it is still going strong today. I had an old style Gravermax for 18 years and sold it for three quarters of what i paid for it to a guy in CANADA and it is still going strong today. You be the judge.

 

[DKanger]

Your problem won't be with any machine that you buy, but rather with getting moisture in your lines from your compressor. Temperature extremes coupled with humidity are killers. I ranine thru 3 different water separators before they get to the unit. However, I did use a 5 hp, 60 gallon unit because I also run a variety of air tools and spray guns off of it. I finally got a smaller oil-less unit that is only a few feet away but still have water problems on humid days.....which is most of the time were I live.