Phil Coggan reviews
of the
PalmControl AirGraver
 
Above photos - Phil Coggan
engraving/carving a Rigby Double Rifle with the PalmControl.
"It's now
been 11.5 years since a ventured out with the Palm Control, to be quite
honest, I wouldn't be without it as going back to hammer and chisel would be
hard work and with stress!
It does pretty much everything I want it to, from scrollwork to deep
carving, fine bulino type work is also possible, as it's very versatile.
I did decide to give it a new bore last week, but this is after thousands of
hours work, I think I have only cleaned the original bore and piston a
couple of times in all of these years, so the maintenance is almost none
existent!
There's only one thing I wish with the tool and that's that I had one a long
time ago. Phil Coggan"
 "The
Lindsay PalmControl is an extremely well-designed power graver. The workmanship
is of a very high standard, as is
possible to see from just a photo, but holding the tool in your hand confirms
it. The adjustable controls of the tool are another key feature. The idle
control allows the tool to start cutting when you want it to. The tool’s
adjustable stroke length allows one to cut very fine bulino lines, but by
rotating the adjustment ring and psi, these fine cuts turn into power chiseling
for removing deep background for carved work and the like. I am at the moment
carving the second gun of a pair using the PalmControl, the carving is 'deep'
but the PalmControl cuts the metal away like butter. It is surprising how much
physical effort is involved with work like this, but the PalmControl has greatly
reduced that stress level. Another adjustable feature is the small palm
resistance adjustment screw located in the PalmControl’s handle. Giving it a
half turn clockwise increases the tool’s resistance, which will satisfy those
who need a heavier feel. For competent engravers changing over from push to the
PalmControl there is virtually no learning curve, after under two hours’
practice I was straight into that second gun. For those who are learning to
engrave, the most difficult part of using a push tool is controlling the pushing
process and avoiding slips. With the PalmControl your tool works for you; you
only need to guide it! As far as I'm concerned, the Lindsay PalmControl is worth
every penny. Phil Coggan"
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