Lindsay Sharpening System

[J. Talbert]

As the result of a recent post of mine showing a blown up model of the standard square graver I got a request asking if I could provide any information on the Lindsay system.  While I do use the Lindsay Sharpening System, I can’t begin explain the system or illustrate it as well as Lindsay himself.  His web site has lots of illustrations and discussion of the system, including the advantages as he sees them.
Basically it will cost you $89.00 to get started with the Lindsay sharpening system excluding any bench stones which can be purchased for additional cost.  The system can be used with any type stone that can be set up with 0.5 inch height above the surface that the fixture glides over. 
On the left are two different handles, one made from an Xacto knife handle with the collet drilled out to fit the square shaft, the other made from a piece of steel rod.


Here are a few more pictures comparing the Lindsay point with a standard square graver point, but I recommend following the link and checking out Lindsay’s site for much more detail information.

Lindsay point on the right.







Top view


Bottom view


https://www.airgraver.com/sharpening.htm

Hope this helps,
Jeff

[Curtis]

The gravers used to engrave these were all sharpened with Lindsay templates purchased second hand from a member here.

[JBJ]

The System didn't do that engraving, Curtis did. That ability is a true gift. WOW!

Thanks, guys for sharing!

J.B.

[JTR]

The beauty of the Lindsay System is that it is dead simple to use, and that you get the exact same point every time you sharpen.

If you're learning to engrave, or like me, only engraving occasionally, with hand sharpening you might find the graver pulling to the right or left, or maybe just a different degree of sharpness. The Lindsay does away with that, and you'll appreciate the ease and consistency of sharpening.   

[J. Talbert]

The beauty of the Lindsay System is that it is dead simple to use, and that you get the exact same point every time you sharpen.

If you're learning to engrave, or like me, only engraving occasionally, with hand sharpening you might find the graver pulling to the right or left, or maybe just a different degree of sharpness. The Lindsay does away with that, and you'll appreciate the ease and consistency of sharpening.   

Absolutely agree 100 %.
IF you plan to get into this seriously, as opposed to just sampling the water, the Lindsay system is a great investment.  Highly recommend it.

Jeff

[DHouse]

Does the sharpening system allow one to make their own gravers if they want? If you wanted to make various sizes for chasing and just mount your own handle on it could you?. Or does it only work on their gravers that you purchase from them?

[smart dog]

Hi,
The Lindsay sharpening chuck accommodates any blank 3/32" square or less.  The other key advantage to the Lindsay template system is that it is so easy and mindless that you are inclined to sharpen your gravers often and when you should.  No need to adjust angles on some calibrated tool holder.  Do not underestimate that advantage because it is one of the keys to good engraving.

dave

[hortonstn]

I'm not a professional but I have Lindsey sharpening system it is Easley the best

[moleeyes36]

I learned to use the Linsey system in a class at  Canters Cave taught by Tom Curran.  Great class and great, easy to use system.

Don Richards

[TommyG]

I've been using the Lindsay system for a few years now.  I consider myself an amateur engraver at best.  But with the Lindsay system I can see my work improve on every gun (with practice beforehand of course).  Another benefit is you can buy different templates relatively cheap, just under $25.  I just purchased a round I need to play with.  Great system I highly recommend to anyone interested in engraving their guns.

[Joe Stein]

Lindsay also offers holders for 1/8" square gravers. With that you can make your own gravers from 1/8" lathe bit blanks. You use the same templates as with the 3/32" gravers.

"I learned to use the Lindsay system in a class at  Canters Cave taught by Tom Curran.  Great class and great, easy to use system. Don Richards"
I was in that class with Don. I agree about the Lindsay System and about it being a great class by Tom Curran. Also a great group of students.


-Joe Stein

[DHouse]

Wow, super neat. I'm sold! Getting one on order. Thanks to the guys that answered my questions, greatly appreciated!

-DHouse