My newest Lindsay AirGraver arrived several days ago and I must say that once again I'm impressed, this time even more so then usual.   Currently I own 4 of the Lindsay gravers and each has performed extremely well.   For those of you who've followed my previous reviews it has become quite clear which brand name I've selected for my professional engraving career as well as which I have decided to spend time reviewing.   Some may believe that by only reviewing the Lindsay line of gravers that I may have become somewhat biased.

Perhaps I have, then again consider that once the selection process has been made with a background of experience using other tooling then one must also consider that there is good reason beyond simple likes and dislikes.   I select what I perceive as being the best graver on the market, then risk my own monetary expenditure by putting the tool through a working hell before my words are served to public.   Since I am not an editor of a magazine and my career is not as a writer, my time is limited and any reviews I put forth are meant as an informational resource of my personal opinions to my peers.

When I initially planned to purchase the original ACG several years ago, I did so with reservation, as I was hardly eager to abandon the tools that had served me in the past.  I spoke with Steve Lindsay on many occasions and finally came to the conclusion that it was well worth exploring this engraving tool for myself since it was after all new technology.   I learned a great deal about its design, construction and functionality, making it virtually impossible for me to bypass the opportunity to test his AirGraver so early on.   Bear in mind that I did not have the luxury of reading written reviews by other professional engravers.  Therefore I relied on tooling specifications, Steve Lindsay's fabulous engravings, what I already knew of this man's integrity and of course all the things I totally disliked about other power gravers previously owned or tested.


There was much I disliked in competitor models, beginning with size, bulkiness, overall feel, flexibility, operational performance such as lack of smoothness, jumpy starts, air tubing positions and many other areas that I believed to be rather poor in design.   However in all fairness at the time I did not have a better model to measure against and I was less aware then I am at present.   Another area to consider is the engravers growth, I have personally become very demanding in my efforts to produce extremely fine detailed engravings.  Much of my shading work demands thousandth's of an inch spacing and a graver that can respond to every nuance that my hands could ever perform.

If I were to return to my previous equipment I would never be satisfied with the results and it is very likely I would return to dressing my engraving by push graver.  As much as I respect the efforts of other manufacturers I also respect the hard working engraver, who, after all only wishes to improve in their skills and make the best choices.   Many engravers save up for some time in order to purchase their dream graver.  I receive nothing more then satisfaction in knowing I have voiced my opinions as well as do justice to Steve Lindsay for all his efforts as I am fully aware of what costs he's incurred and efforts he's placed in creating his dream graver for all of us to experience.

Much time has passed since my initial ACG purchase as well as thousands of clocked engraving hours and once again I find myself publicly reviewing his latest model, The Ultimate AirGraver.  As pleased as I was with each major enhancement, I am simply in awe at his newest Art Production.  Yes you read correctly, I called it an art production and with good reason.   The styling, comfort, functionality, performance and diversity make this tool a virtual masterpiece of graver technology.

Cutting is silky smooth and the piston stroke adjustment is now on the exterior barrel of the graver making it possible to alter impact power on the fly without raising the graver from its cutting path if so desired.  The introduction of this exterior adjustment ring enables the impacting characteristics of the internal piston to be adjusted.  The result is a variable adjustment in the impact power ratio. 

The exterior ring also has the capacity of being variably adjusted during the engraving operation by simply re-indexing the ring using either thumb, index or middle finger.
In addition, because the variable adjustment ring does not require 'locking down' and is readily accessible it can be used in conjunction with the air regulator psi setting to increase or decrease engraving travel speed.
By adjusting these two areas independently the engraver now has the opportunity to slow down impact rates, travel speed and power in delicate areas and vice versa in less demanding ones.

The entire impact power system consisting of, Controller, Air Regulator and AirGraver now interact with one another with full versatility. In general, when a delicate touch-up or accent is required, a new length of stroke setting can be easily adjusted if desired.
However in earlier models this required time and more often then not the engraver would simply continue under the current settings even though they may not have been the most appropriate for the job.
The exterior stroke adjustment ring completely eliminates the human 'Laziness' factor by allowing perfect adjustments to be swift and simple exactly when needed thus resulting in a higher-grade end product.

The graver also delivers enhanced power, smoother operation, improved hand comfort and is now even sleeker in its design.   The new rubber handle is incredibly comfortable, better feeling then any traditional hand held graver.   This tool idles so well I could not believe the improvements from previous models and I believed those to excellent as they were.   Steve Lindsay has now integrated the dual regulators and needle valves into one easy mountable unit with its own shut off air valve.   Tubing has been reduced from previous models and overall tuning and responsive of this tool is simply exceptional.


I called Steve and discussed his newest modifications and told him what I am writing here.   Never have I experienced a tool that made me forget I was engraving metal.  I cut 416 stainless steel like it was butter and I was only set at a low psi and short piston stroke.   So many advancements have been made on this model that I believe it to be hands down the finest pneumatic engraving tool ever produced, period!  This has been my personal opinion as an evaluation of the Ultimate AirGraver. I would highly recommend it as a fabulous investment for both professionals and hobbyist alike.
 Adone T. Pozzobon

Visit AirGraver.com for specifications, pricing and ordering schedule.