[Barry Lee Hands]

Hi Nic, it's good to have you here.
Australia has a tradition of fine engravers including one of the best, Lynton MacKenzie.
Learning with hand gravers has some benefits. You will have to learn to sharpen your tools properly, and working by hand at first gives the advantage of insuring that you will have the proper knowledge when and if you choose to advance to airpower.
The advantages of using air assisted tool are numerous, and the new Lindsay Artisan is an economical choice for the jeweler and the gun engraver.
Of course the Cadillac of airtools is the Lindsay Classic Palm Control.
The PC will feel in your hand just like a push graver, but has the air advantadge which will give you infinite control for fine and heavy work. You will no longer stab yourself when you slip, and I know what that is like, having started with pushgravers myself.
An engravers life can be a rewarding one, welcome.
Barry Lee Hands
Bigfork, Montana