Electric engraver: what is it and what is it for?

What is an electric engraver and how does it work?

An engraver is used for fine processing of wood, metals, glass and even stone. It is also called a hand mini drill or drill.

The design of an electric engraver is similar to an electric drill. Inside the housing there is an electric motor with a cooling impeller, which transmits torque to the spindle. At the end of the spindle there is a removable collet chuck, into which attachments of various types and purposes are clamped.

The body has an elongated cylindrical shape, convenient to hold with one hand like a fountain pen. In addition, a flexible shaft with an attachment can be clamped into the chuck, and the device itself can be mounted on a tripod.

The best network engravers

Dremel 200-5

200-5 is the cheapest of the famous brand's engravers. Buying a Dremel at the price of its Chinese counterparts, of course, you will have to come to terms with a number of disadvantages. First of all, this is a poor set - there are few attachments, there is no flexible sleeve and no clamp-stand. Next, it’s worth blaming the inconvenient speed controller - the short-stroke slider is too tight, a rotating wheel would allow you to adjust the engraver more accurately and easily.

On the other hand, it has good power (125 W) and weighs just over half a kilogram, develops up to 35 thousand revolutions per minute, without bothering the user with excessive noise, overheating or vibrations. Such a tool will be useful for both the artist and the home craftsman - and a set of attachments and additional accessories can be selected in the future according to your own taste.

Main advantages:

• Extremely low price for a branded tool.
• Fits well in the hand and (with the exception of the regulator) is easy to handle.

Minuses:

• Poor equipment (5 attachments, wrench for collet).

Dremel 4000-4/65

Ergonomic high-performance engraver – short and precise definition for the Dremel 4000-4/65. Its 175-watt engine revs up to 35,000 rpm and has decent torque. Unlike cheap engravers, where the speed is regulated by reducing the voltage on the motor windings and with it the torque noticeably drops, here a full-fledged speed maintenance system is used - depending on the load, the voltage can automatically vary, and even at minimum speed the engraver pulls the tool perfectly.

In addition, there is an excellent scope of delivery: there is a flexible shaft, which many branded kits lack, a milling inclinometer, and a stand for sharpening various cutting tools. The only pity is that they are not made in the best way, and in fact, in most cases only a flexible shaft will be useful - but, unlike cheap Chinese ones, it does not overheat and does not play.

It is impossible not to mention certain problems with the build quality, or more precisely, with the installation of the brushes: many users noted either a strong floating of revolutions or a clear decrease in torque. However, this assembly defect manifests itself, if not immediately in the store, then in the near future, so if there is a guarantee, it will not cause problems, and at worst, we can easily fix it with our own hands. But it’s definitely not worth buying a Dremel 4000-4/65 on the Internet.

Main advantages:

• High speed engine
• Speed ​​stabilization

Minuses:

• Build quality is inconsistent
• Not the best set of components in terms of quality, but not in quantity

Models in the line:

• Dremel 4000-4/65 - includes a set of attachments (65 pcs), a linear router compass, a sanding platform and a flexible shaft
• Dremel 4000-1/45
  - set of attachments included (45 pcs)
• Dremel 4000-2/35
  - includes a set of attachments (35 pcs), an additional handle, a cutting guide
• Dremel 4000-6/128
  - includes a set of accessories (128 pcs), a linear router compass, an angle attachment for difficult work, a cutting guide, a sanding platform and a flexible shaft

Elitech PShM 170EZhK

For a tool with such a specific grip as that of engravers, ergonomics is one of the main selection criteria. Elitech is good in this regard - although the engraver weighs 0.75 kg (for a 170-watt device this is a bit much), it is quite comfortable in the hand and especially when installing a removable handle, which is definitely superior in comfort to solutions from other manufacturers.

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As for unconventional solutions, this is the only engraver we came across with a digital (!) RPM display. If the setting itself using the “plus” and “minus” buttons has already been found on the Dremel Micro, then no one uses the display anymore. It's up to you to decide whether it's a feature or a useful feature, but the performance of the digital speed controller really deserves praise. The delivery package is also quite good - there are many attachments and a flexible sleeve with a stand for hanging the engraver.

Main advantages:

• Good workmanship.
• Ergonomic additional handle.
• Digital speed controller.

Minuses:

• Not the easiest engraver.

BISON ZG-130EK H242

Quite a controversial engraver model. It is far from the most powerful (130 W) and not the fastest (rotation speed - 30 thousand revolutions per minute), nor the lightest (0.65 kg). On the other hand, compared to Chinese competitors, this engine has a much more reliable engine that does not overheat until the smell of burnt plastic appears, like the “Calibers” that are beginning to fill the Ryobi shelves.

All controls are located on a mini pistol grip. The decision is controversial, since in reality you can only hold onto it with two fingers, but when you hold it by the body, the power key ends up between your hand and the handle. The engraver is much more convenient when suspended on a rod and working with the supplied flexible shaft.

By the way, about the configuration: it was this that caused the price. Instead of the usual mini-case, the Zubr is packed in a whole suitcase, which also contains a huge number of different attachments. We have never seen a more complete “buy and start working immediately” set in our market. So, if we had a nomination for “best engraver for beginners,” “Zubr” could qualify for it.

Main advantages:

• The richest equipment

Minuses:

• Not the best design of the engraver itself.

Models in the line:

• BISON ZG-130EK H242 - includes a set of attachments (242 pcs), a flexible shaft and a tripod with a clamp
• BISON ZG-130EK H176
  - set of attachments included (176 pcs)
• BISON ZG-130EK H219 - includes a set of attachments (219 pcs), flexible shaft

VORTEX G-160GV

It looks bright and is inexpensive - we think it’s not worth specifying the country where this engraver was made? Therefore, the points that you need to pay attention to when purchasing are common to cheap engravers of “yellow” origin. Right away in the store, it’s definitely worth letting the engraver work at high speeds: let the insufficiently high-quality balancing reveal itself if the tool was released with such a flaw, and it’s better to put the “itchy” engraver aside. You can also feel the rapid heating in your hands.

If the particular specimen you come across does not have any obvious assembly problems, then it is quite possible to take it: its ergonomics are not bad, and the 160 W motor is enough for most work. The main thing is to remember to lubricate the flexible shaft, and it’s worth buying better quality attachments. Alas, miracles don’t happen “inexpensively,” although the author, who has been waiting for 10 years for the “Caliber” he bought literally “to sharpen once” to fall apart, wants to point out that China is not always so terrible.

Main advantages:

• Not a bad package
• The ergonomics are quite well thought out

Minuses:

• As always, you need to choose carefully.

Sturm! GM2317FL

Engraver Sturm! attracted attention with an unconventional solution for illuminating the work area - instead of an LED mounted next to the spindle, there is a removable mini-flashlight on a flexible base. In some cases this is really convenient, but the interfering backlight can always be removed.

With its 170 watts, the Sturm engine produces up to 32 thousand revolutions per minute, however, as on all models with primitive speed control, the torque drops significantly at low speeds. What no one will definitely like about the engraver is its weight of almost one and a half kilograms; it can only be used for engraving with a flexible shaft. The same shaft that comes with the kit noticeably plays and overheats under load, like most Chinese engravers.

So this engraver is best suited for small carpentry and plumbing work - drilling, cutting, grinding, but it is not suitable for an artist.

Main advantages:

• Affordable price

Minuses:

• Low quality of complete equipment.
• Heavy weight.

Types of engravers and their features

The main feature is compactness and low weight.

There are impact engravers for engraving on metal or stone surfaces. This is a highly targeted type of device. Rotational type devices are more functional and widespread.

Like any other power tool, electric engravers can be divided into two categories: devices for home use and professional devices.

Devices intended for domestic needs are designed to work with wood, plastic and soft metals (copper, aluminum and others). Typically this is a low to medium power tool with a very simple design.

Professional models, compared to “household” ones, have higher technical performance. Such engravers have high functionality and can withstand heavy loads. With their help you can process almost any materials.

general information

Engravers (also known as drills) in their operating principle are in many ways reminiscent of a simple electric drill, however, compared to it, due to the presence of a flexible shaft and compactness, they have more capabilities.

The device's energy source is:

1. Accumulator battery;
2. Household network;
3. Compressed compressed air;
4. Low voltage power supply.

Electric engraver attachments are small and have an active cutting surface. Thanks to this, you can produce figures, small parts or models with perfect clarity.

This tool can be used not only for home needs, but also in professional areas, for example:

1. During construction at the finishing stage;
2. In different industries;
3. In the production of non-standard advertising materials;
4. In the jewelry industry;
5. In dentistry; In car repairs.

Using a drill, the following actions are performed:

1. The surface is polished to a shine;
2. Using a cutter, recesses and grooves will be made;
3. Excess parts are cut off;
4. Small holes are drilled;
5. The surface layer is cleaned;
6. The cutting edge of the tool is sharpened.

Construction and use

Some brands of engravers can be used for a long time and will not need to be turned off periodically. They will not overheat, will work quietly, have a long service life, and the rotation of the nozzles is carried out as accurately as possible and no beating is allowed. But this only applies to premium and expensive models.

There is also a “household” series, which is intended for household work. For home craftsmen, such options are best suited; in this case, there is no point in spending money on expensive engravers.

But whatever the tool, it should fit easily in the hand and allow you to do all the work with one hand as accurately as possible. Those who use such a device at home often buy two engravers at once: one more powerful, and the second more accurate.

Electric engravers with a "barrel" design have a powerful motor with a hinge on the body for fixation, they are also equipped with a control pedal and a long flexible shaft. The torque is high, such devices are used when it is necessary to exert great effort at low speeds. The holder is lightweight, but the flexible shaft can be a little restrictive.

There are “classic” designs with an oblong “pot-bellied” body, inside of which the motor is located. They differ according to the following criteria:

1. Sizes;
2. Case material (it can be plastic or polyamide);
3. Head (polymer or die-cast aluminum).

Additionally, the case may include rubber inserts, an extension holder, and an LCD display. In addition, controls and switches may be placed in different ways.

Classification of mini drills

Depending on the design features and methods of electrical power supply, hand engravers are of the following types:

1. Percussion - in them, electrical energy becomes kinetic energy of impact. Inscriptions and drawings are applied using special attachments;
2. Rotary - work like a regular drill;
3. Rechargeable - do not require power;
4. Electric engraver with flexible shaft - runs on electricity;
5. Laser machines have the appearance of large-sized machines and can be floor-mounted or table-top. Depending on the material they work with, they are divided into gas and solid-state. Gas-based ones can work with any material, while solid-state ones are needed only for processing plastic or metal surfaces. Solid state machines are used for marking and inscriptions on equipment.

The most common type of equipment is the flexible shaft engraver.

A tool like this is a type of drill because it uses torque. Like a drill, it uses an electric drive, which is needed to create torque, as well as to ensure high speed of movement of the nozzles. But compared to a drill, a drill has more capabilities.

A flexible shaft is an integral part of not only an engraver, but also a drill or screwdriver. It has high torsional rigidity and low bending rigidity. It includes a core on which the wire is wound in several layers. And the presence of a special shell helps retain lubricant and protects the core from mechanical damage. This allows the flexible shaft to bend in the desired direction. At one end there is a special cartridge for the working attachment. The flexible shaft allows you to transfer torque from the engine to the part.

Equipment attachments

Depending on what kind of work is being carried out, electric engravers need to be equipped with different attachments of different materials:

1. For engraving and carving, burs and cutters based on high-speed steel or tungsten carbide are used; they are diamond-coated;
2. Mini flap-type discs, abrasive grinding wheels or “coat” tubes are suitable for smoothing and cleaning;
3. For cutting - cutting and diamond wheels, as well as with fiberglass reinforcement;
4. For polishing and cleaning, equipment based on rubber, felt, cotton, leather or felt is used. For this purpose, brushes equipped with bristles made of natural or artificial bristles, brass, copper or stainless steel are used;
5. For holes, use mini-drills or carbide needle burs;
6. For edging soft materials, cutting grooves, peeling or obtaining contours, decorative, straight, peeling or edging cuts are needed.

Functionality and application

The engraver is designed for work that is difficult or impossible to perform accurately with a standard tool. This is a universal device. With its help, you can drill small holes, grind and grind miniature parts, process surfaces in hard-to-reach places, make engravings and use them as a mini grinder.

An electric engraver is an indispensable tool in various fields:

• jewelry making: engraving and processing of jewelry;
• beauty industry: manicurists use special engravers;
• medicine: drill in dentistry, devices in operating rooms;
• hobbies: amateur radio, scale modeling and making various crafts;
• household: from minor repairs on the knee to work in the garage.

And this is not the entire list.

Famous manufacturers

The most famous brands of drills are the following:

1. “Ri;
2. "Energomash";
3. "Proton";
4. "Titanium";
5. Intertool;
6. Craft;
7. Ryobi;
8. Sturm;
9. Forte;
10. Skil;
11. Dremel
12. Proxxon.

Most of the listed brands have an assortment of no more than three models, but the Proxon and Dremel brands are key in this industry and have a huge range and additional accessories.

Regardless of the model chosen, the quality of work and workflow will be much higher thanks to the flexible shaft and other devices:

1. Various corner attachments for working in hard-to-reach areas;
2. Tables and stands for milling;
3. Telescopic tripods and vices;
4. Holders;
5. Stands for nozzles.

Components and consumables

For work, nozzles of various configurations and purposes are used. They can be solid or have replaceable working parts.

Drilling holes is done with ordinary drills. In your arsenal you must have a separate set for soft materials (wood, plastic) and a set for drilling metal.

For engraving, nozzles with cutting heads of various shapes are used. They have a one-piece design with no removable parts. Dental burs are often used as consumables.

Surface treatment is carried out using nozzles with tips made of abrasive materials of various grain sizes. For work, nozzles with cylindrical, conical, spherical or disk-shaped tips are used. The consumable element in such attachments can be a “sharpening” stone or an emery cloth.

Brushes (brushes) are used to clean surfaces. They differ in the shape and material of the bristles. Metal is usually cleaned with metal brushes, and for more pliable surfaces, brushes made of plastic and other similar materials are suitable.

Sanding is carried out using attachments with cloth, felt or other similar material. Such nozzles generally have a collapsible design.

An electric engraver can perform the function of a mini grinder. For this purpose, attachments with small cutting discs are provided.

Replaceable collet chucks allow you to use bits and drills with different shank thicknesses.

Features of the tool

In order for the job to be done perfectly, it is necessary to select the right attachments for each individual operation. In addition, the quality of consumables greatly affects the final result.

To increase accuracy, the workplace can be equipped with special devices for mounting the engraver. The use of a flexible shaft makes work convenient and allows you to do everything as efficiently and accurately as possible. Various stops and guides make machining much easier, increasing functionality and accuracy.

Reviews of the engraver Sturm GM2318

This tool has a power of 140 W. It belongs to the household grade and can be used for continuous operation for 20 minutes. The Sturm electric engraver will help:

• cut;
• mill;
• Polish;
• engrave;
• clean surfaces from ceramics to metal.

The device weighs 1.4 kg. The spindle speed can reach 22,000 per minute. Buyers like that the unit comes in a case. The kit does not include a flexible shaft, but buyers choose this model taking into account the positive features, including:

• easy change of attachments;
• rotation speed adjustment;
• multifunctionality.

You may be attracted by the light weight and small dimensions, reliability and excellent equipment.