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.

Which company's engraver is better to choose?

The rating of engravers included products from the most popular companies on this market, which have a good reputation, have collected a large number of reviews and regularly receive excellent recommendations from experts in the power tool industry.

Here are the products of which companies are discussed in this rating:

• Whirlwind – the company produces electric and hand tools. She has few engravers, and they all work from the network. On average, their power is 150 W, so these devices are more suitable for home use than for commercial use. Their disks rotate at a speed of approximately 20,000 revolutions per minute. The body of the product is made of high-quality plastic, characterized by increased wear resistance.
• ZUBR is a well-known Russian supplier of high-quality electrical and manual equipment for home and garden. Devices of this brand for engraving are sold with two powers - 130 and 160 W. There are options with disk rotation speeds from 15,000 to 35,000 rpm. The company's kits are distinguished by their richness of components; on average, they include about 100 additions, which will definitely not be superfluous. This is one of the main competitors of the Vikhr brand. The manufacturer offers products with an optimal price-quality ratio.
• Bort is a German brand that produces hand and power tools for the home and garden. Her engravers are presented in the form of small drills that can not only cut, but also drill and grind metal and wood. The company always provides a long-term warranty for its products, at least one year. The weight of the devices is on average 0.7 kg, they are compact in size and easy to transport. What sets them apart from their competitors is their low noise level and high-quality housing materials.
• Sturm is a German manufacturer of construction tools at affordable prices, while it has good European quality. It has stood the test of time and is confirmed by the results of successfully completed product tests. Both amateurs and professionals can work effectively with the company’s devices. The company has provided a high level of service, which makes it easier to replace parts in the event of a device failure. Her products solve even the most complex problems!
• Dremel - engraving devices from this company allow you to engrave on various materials with maximum precision, which guarantees a professional result. They make it possible to control the cutting depth, and this improves the quality of work. The sets include several special attachments, which makes the device universal and multifunctional. This way you can save a little money by not purchasing other tools for sanding and drilling wood and metal.
• Hammer - the first instrument of this brand was produced in the 80s of the 20th century. The company's success is due to strict quality control, which is carried out in two stages. First, engineers monitor the creation of products; finished products undergo both automatic and manual testing. After it is delivered to the market, managers monitor customer reactions and complaints. In case of any negative reviews, an investigation is carried out and all measures are taken to correct existing deficiencies.

Each company whose products are described in this rating of engravers is worthy of attention. All companies offer products with good quality, numerous functions and affordable prices, with the exception of some specific tool models.

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.

Reviews about manufacturers

The modern market offers many engravers for sale, but professionals most often choose products from the following brands:

• DWT.
• Defort.
• Makita.
• Dremel
• Bosch.

Devices with modest technical characteristics, but quite high quality, are manufactured by the following companies:

• Sturm.
• Einhell.
• Skil.

As users emphasize, among domestic manufacturers it is better to pay attention to the following companies:

• "Energomash"
• "Bison".
• "Vortex".

Several factors may affect the price. For example, brand and functionality. The cost of professional models may differ significantly from the price of simple devices. Consider whether you want to pay extra for functionality if you simply don't need it.

You should also be careful when choosing an engraver whose cost is too low. Little-known companies today produce products that are not reliable or of good quality. In order to make the right choice, you need to consider several models, familiarizing yourself with consumer opinions about them.

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.

Selection tips based on processing material

Before going to the store, you should think about what you most often deal with: soft metals, wood or glass. In all these cases, a mini-drill with a low speed of up to 20,000 per minute will be sufficient. If the materials you are used to working with are steel, hard materials and precious stones, then an impact engraver is suitable.

A mini drill will do an excellent job with this task, but the rotation speed should be about 30,000 per minute. This tool must have a speed control option. This will allow you to configure the unit as accurately as possible, which is especially true when you have to do minor work.

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.

Tips for choosing ergonomics

An electric engraver must be selected taking into account the ergonomics of the body. You should not rely only on the opinions of consumers and experts about a particular model. After visiting the store, you should understand how convenient the equipment will be for you to use. This is especially important because you will have to work with the device for a long time.

It should be comfortable and should not cause fatigue during prolonged use. If you still don’t know how to choose an electric engraver, you should evaluate the quality of the body material and assembly. Switches should be located in a convenient location. This also applies to governing bodies.

Change working attachments. These manipulations should not take much time. Try installing a flexible shaft. You should be comfortable doing this. An important factor is also the noise level. Many consumers also appreciate the smooth operation.

Before choosing an electric engraver, you should consider whether it operates with jerks, whether you hear clicks and squeaks during operation. Evaluate the design. Working with a beautiful device will be more pleasant than working with unattractive equipment.

If you purchase a model from a reputable brand, you will hear almost no noise during operation. Your hands will not feel the vibration. Working with such a tool will not be tiring, you will not experience discomfort.

What you need to know about the specialty

The profession of an engraver by its type belongs to a qualified category of workers whose task is to perform engraving both manually and using special engraving machines. As a specialist, an engraver must be able to reproduce drawings of any complexity.

Hence the requirements that are presented to this specialist:

• must master the art of drawing using special hand tools, such as: gravers, cutters, various types of needles;
• be able to use different types of acids;
• be able to use an electric engraving machine;
• be able to create three-dimensional drawings on various materials, such as metal, plastic, wood, glass.

It is worth knowing that the most complex designs are applied by hand.

Reviews of the engraver "DIOLD MED-1MF 10015010"

This model costs 2600 rubles. and is a multifunctional tool that is used for processing different materials, namely:

• wood;
• metal;
• stone

The Diold electric engraver, according to consumers, is easy to use, because it is equipped with different attachments that are used to perform a wide range of tasks. The power of the equipment is 170 W. The kit includes a flexible shaft. The unit weighs only 0.5 kg.

The spindle speed is 35,000 rpm maximum. Overall dimensions are compact and equal to 230x55x80 mm. The size of the collet used can reach 3 mm. After reading reviews about an electric engraver, you can understand that among the additional advantages consumers highlight:

• fixing the power button;
• a large number of accessories;
• depth limiter;
• electronic speed control;
• forced cooling.

For convenient storage, you can use the case that comes included.

Reviews of the engraver "ZUBR ZG-160EK"

You can purchase this model for 2,000 rubles. It is used for grinding, engraving, polishing and cutting. The speed is regulated by an electronic system. According to consumers, this allows you to fine-tune the equipment for a specific type of work. The shaft lock allows for safe and quick accessory changes. The body has compact dimensions, a rounded comfortable shape and provides a reliable grip and hold.

Opinions about the configuration and capabilities

Buyers like that the kit comes with a case. The electric engraver “Zubr” weighs 0.79 kg. The size of the collets used can vary from 2.4 to 3.2 mm. Spindle speed is one of the parameters that quite often interests consumers. The maximum number reaches 35 rpm.

The kit includes a flexible shaft. After reviewing the detailed information, you will be able to highlight positive features for yourself, including:

• quick replacement of equipment;
• efficient engine cooling;
• comfort of the work process.

As for the long service life, it is ensured by ventilation holes on the case. Air circulation near the engine ensures that this part of the equipment operates without overheating. You may also be interested in quick replacement of equipment. The shaft blocking is responsible for this.

Reviews of the engraver with a flexible shaft "DIOLD MED-2-MF 250"

You can purchase this tool for 2,000 rubles. It is an equipment with 250 items. The design is equipped with a rubberized handle, which ensures comfortable operation. The device is equipped with attachments that increase versatility.

According to consumers, this electric engraver with a flexible shaft can be used to solve the following range of tasks:

• milling;
• polishing;
• drilling;
• engraving;
• cutting

The rotation speed can be controlled electronically. This allows you to configure the equipment to work. Thanks to the spindle lock option, accessories can be changed quickly and easily. The power of the device is 150 W. The collet size is equal to the limit from 1.5 to 3 mm. The spindle rotation speed reaches 32,000 per minute.

If you still don’t know which electric engraver to choose, then you should pay attention to the model described, which, according to consumers, has many advantages. Among them are:

• spindle fixation;
• easy access to brushes;
• rubberized handle;
• double insulation;
• case for transportation and storage.

If this list is not enough for you, then you may be interested in the fixed power button, which makes operation easier. For ease of operation, you can use a depth stop. Double insulation provides protection against radio interference. This improves the performance of the engraver. The design will be ready to last a long time, because it has forced cooling.

Reviews of the WIHR brand engraver G-150 72/4/1

This tool is quite inexpensive - 1,200 rubles. It is an electrical surface treatment equipment. With the help of the unit you can:

• Polish;
• polish;
• cut.

The tool is reliable, it has a metal gear housing. The Whirlwind electric engraver is popular among consumers for many reasons. Among them, buyers note:

• simple maintenance;
• engine cooling;
• ease of storage.

Additional advantages are low weight, wide range of work and the ability to lock the spindle. The power of the device is 150 W. A set of replacement nozzles is included. The equipment weighs only 0.63 kg.