Review of the best mini drills of 2021

An engraver, also known as a mini drill, is used for decorative processing of materials at home or in an industrial setting. The device is intended for applying ornaments on planes, repairing watch mechanisms, improving fishing gear, household needs, cleaning or polishing small parts. When choosing, take into account the power of the device, the maximum rotational speed of the spindle, the dimensions of the working shaft, the presence of a speed control function and the availability of attachments. In a home workshop, it is correct to use a device with a power of 100-200 kW; for professional work, it is better to choose more powerful and expensive equipment, suitable for a wide range of applications and characterized by a reliable design and abrasion-resistant parts. Ergonomics are important when working, so choose an engraving machine with a flexible shaft and light weight.

Before purchasing, we invite you to familiarize yourself with our rating of the ten best engraver models that are most popular on the sales market.

Photo: https://selhozauto.ru

Engraver Makita DGD800Z

Photo: https://market.yandex.ru

The straight grinder from the Makita brand GD0800C series is a professional tool for cutting, deburring, polishing, grinding and engraving. The maximum number of revolutions/blows per minute at idle is 28,000. The product has a reduced vibration level. Power of 750 W allows the equipment to withstand heavy loads and perform high-precision operations. The engraver comes with different heads, which can be changed using an open-end wrench to 13. The mounting size of the nozzle should not exceed a diameter of 8 mm. To fix the shaft, use a 19 mm wrench. The bearings are protected from dust. The device is implemented in accordance with the SJS system, which promotes a smooth start and blocks the tool’s kickback. The body of the product is elongated, which allows the master to work in hard-to-reach places.

Engraver Makita DGD800Z

Advantages:

soft cable
Japanese assembly
good quality

Flaws:

The device is not equipped with replaceable collets for different cutter diameters

Engraver VORTEX G-160GV new

Photo: https://market.yandex.ru

Beginners looking for an inexpensive but good engraver will definitely like this model. Despite its affordable price, it is highly reliable and easy to use. Yes, the functionality is not the highest, and the power is only 160 W, but this will be quite enough for small jobs and just an amateur. Thanks to the included case, carrying and storing the tool becomes as easy as possible. It’s nice that the engraver weighs only 0.67 kg - experienced craftsmen know very well that every extra ten grams leads to the fact that the hand gets tired much faster during work. The ability to lock the power button, adjust the rotation speed and lock the spindle makes work even more comfortable and safe. So, the model deserves to be included in the review.

Engraver VORTEX G-160GV new

Advantages:

light weight
Well-designed ergonomics allow the engraver to fit comfortably in your hand
affordable price
Flexible shaft included
low noise level
low vibration

Flaws:

low quality equipment
little functionality

What to make it from

On the Internet you can find a lot of video materials on making homemade models of mini devices. The most popular designs of mini drills are represented by the following list:

MD from an electric cartridge.
A complete analogue of the factory “Dremel”.
Drill made from a toothbrush.
MD from the printer drive.
Economical option without housing.
Second life for an old tape recorder.
Antiperspirant idea.

MD from an electric cartridge

Every home has an electric light bulb socket. The body can be made from it. There are standard sockets and housings for minion bulbs. Both of them are suitable for homemade products. It all depends on the outer diameter of the electric motor.

Manufacturing proceeds as follows:

The core of the fittings is removed.
Unscrew the back cover.
A motor is inserted inside the housing, the side surface of which is covered with hot glue or cold welding.
Adjust the shaft thickness to the size of the collet clamp hole.
A polymer lid from a plastic container is glued to the front of the case. A hole is first cut in the cover to allow the motor rod to pass through.
The cartridge is secured to the shaft with a transverse locking screw.
The motor wires are threaded through a hole in the screwed cover, which are then connected to the output terminals of the rectifier.
If you can place a microswitch in the back cover of the electric chuck, then using the drill will be convenient.

Note! The rectifier regulator changes the current and voltage, thereby increasing or decreasing the rotation speed of the functional attachment. At the same time, we must not forget that if the permissible current is exceeded, there is a risk of “burning” the motor

Complete analogue of the factory “Dremel”

A mini drill is often called a Dremel by name - the leading manufacturer of this type of power tool. It is almost impossible to make a homemade product completely similar to the Dremel model.

It all depends on the master in terms of selecting spare parts. Making homemade products in a home workshop can never compare with professional MD production. Although, with some effort, you can achieve some success in this direction.

Advice. There is no need to blindly copy an industrial production model. It is better to purchase a ready-made tool.

Drill made from a toothbrush

Those who have used electric toothbrushes know how quickly the cleaning heads become unusable, and new brushes are impossible to find on sale. If you have one lying around the household, then this is a suitable option to make a mini drill.

The difficulty of manufacturing is to remove the vibrator and install the cartridge on the engine shaft. The device is powered by a battery or an 18650 battery. Such a device will not have a large number of motor shaft revolutions. But the MD will serve well as an engraving tool.

Dynamo from printer drive

An old printer is an excellent “supplier” of parts for making a mini drill. The electric motor and power supply are removed from the device. If the electric motor shaft is too thick, it is ground on a grinder. The engine is turned on and brought to the abrasive. Regularly measuring the diameter, the turned rod is adjusted to fit the opening of the collet chuck. After completing all the work on installing the housing, attaching the cartridge, and installing the limit switch, the device is connected to the power supply. After this, all that remains is to install the desired functional attachment and get to work.

Engine from an old printer

Economical option without housing

In order not to search for a suitable product for the drill body, the motor is wrapped in 2 layers of shrink film. The heated coating tightly covers the side surface of the motor, thereby creating reliable insulation of the power tool.

Mini drill without housing

Second life for an old tape recorder

A thrifty owner can find an old tape recorder or player. If the sound reproducing device is made in a stationary form, then use a power supply, as in the previous case.

The engine from the player is also adapted to rotate the cartridge with the nozzle. The device will be mobile, since powerful AA batteries are placed in the power supply instead of batteries.

Electric motor from a tape recorder

Antiperspirant idea

The body of a used roll-on deodorant is quite suitable for making a mini drill. The advantage of this option is the shape of the plastic bottle. It is made so that it is comfortable and firmly held in your hand.

Roll-on deodorant body

Additional Information. When manufacturing the MD case, you should try to install the power button within the reach of the worker’s thumb. This will create an additional comfortable option for controlling the device.

Engraver ZUBR ZG-160EK

Photo: https://market.yandex.ru

Another very good network engraver at an affordable price, with a very solid build. It is equipped not only with a case, stand and flexible shaft, but also with a set of attachments, which significantly increases functionality, allowing you to perform almost all the same work as models that have a much higher price. The power of 160 W is enough to perform most jobs - both for beginners and masters. An additional advantage is a serious warranty period - as much as 5 years. This shows that the manufacturer is truly confident in the quality of their products.

Engraver ZUBR ZG-160EK

Advantages:

high functionality
serious power
convenient control
easy brush replacement
good equipment
high quality case
long warranty

Flaws:

some models vibrate strongly at high speeds

Engraver Dremel 3000-1/25 EZ

Photo: https://market.yandex.ru

If you're looking for a great tool and aren't too budget-conscious, this Dremel 3000-1/25 EZ is worth a look. This is a truly convenient engraver, the main advantages of which are high-quality assembly and excellent ergonomics. Although the power is not too high, only 130 W, it is perfect for doing small jobs. In addition, the rotation speed of 33,000 rpm is quite enough to work with wood, metal and even glass. The engraver is equipped with 25 accessories, making it perfect for artistic carving. With such a tool, a good master will easily complete any job.

Engraver Dremel 3000-1/25 EZ

Advantages:

good equipment
reliability in operation
no heating
suitable for fine work
great build

Flaws:

very expensive consumables

Dremel 8200-1/35

A review of cordless devices would be incomplete without mentioning the Dremel 8200-1/35, the average cost of which is 6,600 rubles. This model is characterized by low weight (0.6 kg), compact dimensions, convenient design, high spindle speed at idle (its value is controlled by a regulator within a range of up to 30,000 rpm). The engraver is equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which can only operate for 15 minutes at full load. But charging to maximum occurs in an hour. A Dremel can work for approximately the same time intermittently at an average workload level.

The basic configuration of the Dremel 8200-1/35 does not include an additional battery. His original is expensive. But the Dremel 8200-1/35 battery is compatible with analogues from Bosch (specifically the “green” series), the price of which is much lower. This factor allows you to carry out replacement without problems.

After turning off, the engraver attachment stops not due to the force of inertia, but due to the presence of a built-in automatic brake. This feature increases the safety of using the Dremel.

The flexible shaft is also not included with the product. But there is the possibility of installing it on a thread, which is hidden by a decorative cap located near the spindle. True, this option will require additional costs for the purchase of the shaft. You can also screw the handle included in the kit onto the thread. This possibility has a positive effect on the convenience of artistic processing of materials using a Dremel.

availability of fast-charging rechargeable lithium-ion batteries;
powerful electric motor;
the basic set contains 35 attachments most needed for polishing, cutting, grinding, engraving;
good ergonomics.

no replaceable battery included;
It is not particularly convenient to work with circles of large diameters for engravers.

Prices for Dremel 8200-1/35:

Engraver ELITECH PShM 170EZhK

Photo: https://market.yandex.ru

A very powerful engraver, perfect for large jobs. 170 W is enough to cope with even the most complex tasks - both for masters and amateurs. And the disk rotation speed of 35,000 rpm is enough to process not only wood and metal, but also glass. It’s nice that the network cable is very long – 1.8 meters. Experienced users know very well that a short wire is very annoying when working. An additional advantage is the very convenient digital display, which displays all the important information about the mode of use.

Engraver ELITECH PShM 170EZhK

Advantages:

equipped with many attachments
affordable price
convenient speed adjustment
high power

Flaws:

there is no protection against overheating, the engraver must be used intermittently
Poor quality assembly is quite common

Engraver Dremel 4300-3/45EZ

Photo: https://market.yandex.ru

If this is not the fastest engraver in the rating, then it is certainly one of them, the number of revolutions per minute is 35 thousand. To this it is worth adding high power - 175 W. At the same time, working with the tool is quite easy and comfortable thanks to its weight of 0.66 kg. So, in combination of price and quality, this model is one of the most successful. Illumination of the working area makes using the engraver truly comfortable and enjoyable - no need to worry about installing a special lamp or solving the problem in other ways. And 45 different attachments are a serious plus. Therefore, we can confidently say that this is one of the best engravers in terms of functionality.

Engraver Dremel 4300-3/45EZ

Advantages:

many attachments
increased power
high speed of material processing
stable speed maintenance
presence of backlight

Flaws:

not suitable for fine work, noticeable chuck runout

Dremel 4000-4/65

The top engraver is completed by the Dremel 4000-4/65 – an ergonomic, high-performance corded tool. Spindle rotation speeds of up to 35,000 rpm are achieved using an installed 175 W electric motor. The model technically implements a full-fledged engine speed control system. This function ensures that the speed of the electric motor shaft will change automatically depending on the load applied to the nozzle.

Even at the lowest speeds, almost the original torque is retained.

The basic Dremel 4000-4/65 contains a flexible shaft that does not overheat and has no play. The set also includes a milling protractor and a stand designed for sharpening various cutting attachments and tools. Model 4000-4/65 has some problems with the electric motor brushes, which negatively affects the rotation speed. If the Dremel is under warranty, then this defect is not particularly terrible: the engraver will be replaced in the store or repaired in a service center. It is not recommended for specialists to purchase Dremel 4000-4/65 online.

quite powerful, high-speed motor;
the presence of a good system for automatic stabilization of spindle speed;
normal equipment.

not always high-quality assembly;
some elements included in the set are of poor quality;
quite high price (about 9200 rubles).

Prices for Dremel 4000-4/65:

Engraver Bort BCT-72Li

Photo: https://market.yandex.ru

Quite a popular cordless engraver, characterized by its light weight and ease of use. A battery with a capacity of 1 A/h is enough to work quietly for up to three hours without stopping to recharge. It’s nice that the device is equipped with two dozen attachments - this makes it possible to perform a whole range of engraving work. In addition, this is the cheapest cordless engraver in the review. The high speed of rotation of the disk makes it easy to process not only wood, but also metal. It’s nice that the device weighs only 0.26 kg - this greatly simplifies the work, makes it more comfortable and easier. So, we can say with confidence that this is the best inexpensive engraver in the review.

Engraver Bort BCT-72Li

Advantages:

affordable price
light weight
It is possible to replace the battery
light weight and compactness
presence of backlight

Flaws:

under heavy loads the speed drops

The best cordless mini drills

If you need to work at heights or outside the premises (a monument on the street), then use cordless mini drills, the best of which are distinguished by high power and a battery that can provide long-term operation. The weight and number of attachments are also important.

Hammer AMD 3.6 - the most affordable with a large number of attachments

This mini drill costs 2,300 rubles, which is affordable for most craftsmen. At the same time, the model does not look like a budget one: the plastic case with a transparent lid contains attachments for cutting slots, abrasive cutters for working with wood, drills of various diameters, cord brushes and polishing attachments - 118 elements in total.

The mini drill is equipped with various collets for changing the thickness of the insert part. The battery produces 36 V and has a capacity of 1.3 A/h.

Pros:

adjustable speed from 0 to 18,000 per minute will allow you to select soft impact or active processing modes;
weight 945 g is convenient for long-term work;
36 month warranty;
the battery retains its charge even if the tool is not used for a long time;
The battery can operate for 30-60 minutes depending on the intensity of rotation;
at the bottom of the body there is a convenient narrowing for better fixation with the fingertips and more precise work;
the power and speed control buttons are soft;
three-color battery status indicator;
additional attachment with diodes for working in low light conditions;
118 attachments (brushes, abrasives, sanding wheels, drills, collets);
the case opens the transparent lid 270 degrees, which allows you to install the set in a convenient position for quickly selecting the desired element;
attachments from other drills are suitable.

Minuses:

Do not operate the tool while charging from the battery;
The light signals for battery operation may differ from what is written in the instructions (when charging, the green light should light up, but in fact, for some, when fully charged, all the diodes simply go out).

Bosch GRO 10.8 V-LI Professional - high speed

This is the best mini drill for high-speed grinding or polishing of stainless steel, due to the speed of up to 35,000 per minute.

The adjustment is carried out by a wheel, so you won’t have to press the buttons many times when you need to sharply reduce the rotation speed. The battery capacity is 2 A/h, which is enough for 60-90 minutes of operation. The weight of the tool is only 600 grams, which is suitable for long-term work.

Pros:

comes in a convenient case;
speed adjustment from 5000 to 35000 per minute;
3 year warranty;
low voltage consumption of the drill, only 10.8 V;
built-in LED lighting;
battery charging indicator;
2 batteries included for uninterrupted operation (while one is functioning in the tool, the second is charging);
noise level 80 dB;
the thin body makes it easier to hold and manipulate;
wide rubberized pads on top and bottom;
quick change of attachments in the collet by pressing one button;
fixation of revolutions so as not to keep the start key constantly pressed during long-term operation.

Minuses:

cost over 10,000 rubles.

Cordless engraver BOSCH PRO BOSCH GRO 12V-35

Photo: https://market.yandex.ru

A relatively compact engraver that allows you to easily work with any material, including glass, thanks to its high speed. It weighs 0.6 kg, which is relatively heavy for battery-powered models, but this is precisely what made it possible to significantly increase power. The removable battery can be easily replaced at any time if you purchase the right battery to keep you on the job. Overload protection ensures that an expensive tool will fail due to overheating. The backlight makes work much more comfortable, and a special case makes it easy to carry and store. Therefore, the model should definitely be included in the TOP of the most successful ones.

Cordless engraver BOSCH PRO BOSCH GRO 12V-35

Advantages:

serious autonomy
high revs
high quality engraving
high build quality
reliable overload protection
there is a backlight

Flaws:

The battery and charging unit must be purchased separately
Vibrates a lot at high speeds

Makita BGD801Z

In 9th position is Makita BGD801Z – a battery-powered model for domestic use. The shape of the instrument body resembles a dumbbell. The device weighs a lot (1.7 kg). The Makita BGD801Z chuck allows you to work with equipment with a tail diameter of 3-8 mm. And these are large attachments for Dremels: drills, cutters, cutting wheels, cutters. In general, the modification is a fairly good tool purely for plumbing work. This is facilitated by the fact that the product is equipped with an 18 V rechargeable lithium-ion battery. It shifts the mass of the model back, which causes stress on the fingers during operation.

Unfortunately, the battery itself and its charger are not included in the basic Makita BGD801Z kit.

The need to purchase additional spare parts increases the initial cost, approximately 5,300 rubles, significantly. Complete sets are available for sale, but their price is 3 times higher.

a good, capacious battery that allows you to work on one charge for quite a long time;
the power of the installed electric motor is sufficient to perform heavy operations with materials of varying degrees of hardness;
high-quality assembly;
adjusting the rotation speed of the working nozzle to its maximum value of 25,000 rpm;
the ability to block the power button;
Nozzles with several tail diameters can be used.

lack of a battery and charger in the basic configuration;
relatively heavy weight.

Prices for Makita BGD801Z:

Engraver Hammer AMD3.6

Photo: https://market.yandex.ru

If you don’t know which engraver is best to choose for performing a variety of jobs, then take a closer look at this model. One of the main advantages is the huge number of accessories - as many as 118, which dramatically increases the functionality of the device. The increased battery capacity allows you to comfortably work for several hours without thinking about the need to recharge. The tool can be used not only for engraving, but also for drilling wood and plastic, cutting wire, polishing various surfaces and for many other works. In addition, judging by user reviews, the engraver is distinguished by high-quality assembly.

Engraver Hammer AMD3.6

Advantages:

great functionality
Comes with charger and battery
long operating time without recharging
convenient to work
easy speed adjustment

Flaws:

not too high power

Examples for inspiration

Above we have provided the 3 most popular options for a homemade micro drill for drilling printed circuit boards. On the forums we found a few more original ideas that may inspire you to make your own, unique homemade product.

So, here is a photo of spare parts ideas for creating a mini drill with your own hands at home:

Glue gun handle for easy operation. The motor was taken from an old Canon printer. Power is supplied from a conventional charger.
Second life for a hairdryer. According to the inventor, this homemade product is assembled on the basis of a motor from an ordinary household hair dryer, which means it does not require special power supplies and has high power. However, do not forget about the danger of mains voltage, so a reliable housing and insulation of all connections are necessary. In a similar way, you can make a device from an old blender, leaving the handle untouched.
Toothbrush for drilling circuit boards. The next idea is to use a toothbrush as a mini drill. There are already batteries and a motor; you just need to cut off the top part and install the collet attachment.
A plastic bottle can also be successfully used as a housing for a homemade drill, and the collet chuck is perfectly replaced by a special bushing, an analogue of which is found in terminal blocks for wires.
Another option with a toggle switch for convenient control. In this case, to drill holes on the signets, you will not need to constantly connect the power plug to the outlet. In addition, a comfortable handle will make the drilling process more comfortable.

That's all I wanted to tell you about how to make a mini drill from a motor with your own hands. As you can see, there is nothing complicated, and there are a limitless number of ideas for assembly. We hope that our photo examples and video instructions were useful and interesting for you. In addition, you can assemble a micro drill yourself using an old DVD drive, a screwdriver, an electric razor, and even a motor from a washing machine!

Related materials:

How to charge a battery at home
How to become a real electrician
How to make an electrode boiler with your own hands

Engraver Dremel 8220-1/5

Photo: https://market.yandex.ru

Perhaps the most accurate of the battery engravers. The number of revolutions per minute reaches 30 thousand, which makes it possible to work with all materials, including glass. The battery capacity of 2 A/h is enough for several hours of continuous operation. Five high-quality attachments make it possible to perform a whole range of work, and the presence of backlight greatly simplifies it. True, the engraver weighs quite a lot - 0.66 kg, which should be taken into account when purchasing. But there is an engine brake function, speed control and a number of other equally useful options.

Engraver Dremel 8220-1/5

Advantages:

work area illumination
high battery capacity
long service life
serious power

Flaws:

significant weight

This concludes our rating of the best engraver models. Enjoy the shopping!

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