Hi Shadowran,
Well I was in the same boat.
So I got a vise (ball vise) on ebay and registered and down loaded Steves method of sharpening gravers.
I do have some push gravers but I though it would be good to learn how the masters sharpen and try to do that first.
Steve has a great sharpening system that is quick and easy and that is a good and easy way to have sharp gravers. You have to keep them sharp.
That makes a big difference regardless or the tool.
Check out Steves Carbalt and M42 graver blanks. They have to sharpened much less than HSS and when learning you can really cut up some metal without having to resharpen much. (I am developing a nice scrap pile).
I searched this site for suggestions and learned quite a bit.
Looking at all the tools from various makers it was evident that most that bought power engraving tools wished they had seen the airgraver first so many were selling them to buy a airgraver.
I also want to buy the best tool the first time and not have regrets. So I saved then it was a choice for a Artisin or a classic foot pedel. I did get the classic and it is really a great tool. I am also just starting so from what I know and using the classic i will most likely never outgrow this tool. It is so advanced, compact and powerful it for me was the best out there.
Don't get me wrong all the power tools work well and are made to do the job my choice was to buy it once and know it is the best for just about any engraving I will ever do. I also know that it is more tool for my skill level but learnig is more fun with the top quality little jewel. A Few lessons are also helping... but I have a very long way to go.
If you want to save some money buy a new vise that just came on the market by Grizzly here is the link and a lazy susan. A few machine parallels and some wood and hot glue and you have a very stable workholding device for not much money.
Here are the links.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/Prec...ing-Vise/H7576
and
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA:IT&ih=008
Also Here is a site for Die sinking (engravers) chisel's ON page 4.
Cheap high end engraving chisels to go with the self centering vise and lazy susan. You will not get rid of these even if you get a power tool.
Here is the link.
http://www.falcontool.com/Falcon_Section10.pdf
A hammer would be good also (1" face).
This will save you a few hundred to put twards a airgraver.
I got these since I am also learning Hammer and chisel as basics and a heavy vise is better than a ball vise for learning. (balls tend to roll when they are hit with a hammer and chisel
It weighs more than a ball vise and works well with the lazy susan and when you get it, it will work well with your airgraver.
Well Ill let some other's give you more information.
Check out the thread on "inexpensive way to start" and many other threads on this great site.
Most Important is to try to get some lessons... Anywhere. This is the quickest way to start out right. I know since I just started and now some of my scrap pile isn't looking so bad.
Good luck and welcome.
AirAmp
Yes you can buy used