15 best engravers
Beautiful and unique decoration of various surfaces is in great demand today. To meet the demands of demanding customers, you will need a special tool or equipment called an engraver. Since the materials have different densities, the approaches to processing are seriously different:
- The traditional way of creating pictures on wood, metal, plastic is mechanical engraving. Not only professionals, but also amateurs can handle such processing. A mechanical hand-held engraver is an electrical device powered by a battery or mains. The device is multifunctional, depending on the replacement tool, you can drill, mill, cut, grind. Modern computerized machines are capable of making ideal engravings, both for individual consumption and for mass production.
- The main competitor of the old classics was the laser engraver. This sophisticated device uses the energy of a light beam to process different types of materials. Depending on the strength of the radiation, it is possible to engrave materials with different densities. Simple laser engravers cannot work with PVC or pure metal, beveled edges. But a laser installation connected to a laptop will quickly transfer the image from the screen of the gadget to any object.
- Sand engraving is used for processing glass and stone. For work, it is enough to have a compressor, a gun and personal protective equipment. Most often, luxurious matting is done in this way. The advantages of sandblasting include a wide range of applications, depth and processing speed. And the initial investment is required less than when organizing other types of engraving.
Our rating includes the best electrical and mechanical engravers of various types. Review based on customer feedback.
The best engravers for hobbyists
For home decoration, inexpensive electric engravers are suitable. These are simple models of low power, with a minimum set of options. But they are quite enough to occasionally make engravings on various objects. There is a fairly wide selection of inexpensive electric engravers in tool stores.
4 CALIBER 160 + WH
An inexpensive set is designed for small jobs - engraving, drilling, cleaning, grinding surfaces. With the correct selection of the nozzle, work with most materials is allowed. The kit includes 100 attachments, which are packed together with the device in a convenient plastic case.
Thanks to the stand and flexible shaft, work is greatly simplified, it becomes more convenient and accurate even in the most difficult-to-reach places. The number of revolutions is not bad - from 8000 to 30,000 per minute. The device is lightweight, so the hand does not get tired of it, even with prolonged use. Operates only from the network, differs in moderate power consumption. This is a great budget option for a home with the richest equipment in this price range.
3 Hammer Flex MD050B
The easiest way to start engraving at home is with a lightweight and compact machine. Hammer Flex MD050B is the best choice to get your hands on and master the simplest machining techniques. With this inexpensive model, you can get to the most difficult areas. The device is comfortable to work with due to the low vibration level. A 220 V or 12 V network can be used as a power source. The necessary adapters are available for connection. A wide range of attachments is supplied with the device, from cut-off wheels to drills. With the help of the retainer, the shaft is quickly blocked and the attachments are changed.
Many engravers have mastered the basics of the profession with the Hammer Flex MD050B.They praise the affordable price, lightness, compactness and ease of management. Among the shortcomings, it is worth highlighting the non-centered clamping head, which makes it problematic to perform accurate processing.
2 Bort BCT-140
When the creation of masterpieces occurs sporadically and requires a model for the house, the inexpensive Bort BCT-140 engraver will do. This simple and convenient device allows you to perform grinding, cutting, drilling and polishing operations. The electric engraver can be called universal, as it is possible to decorate different materials with the help of a set of interchangeable attachments. Engine power is sufficient for most types of work, and smooth speed control and low weight make creativity comfortable. The set includes 40 bits for a collet chuck. With the help of the lock, it is not difficult to quickly change the tooling. A special bracket is provided for storing the engraver.
Home creators in reviews indicate such strengths of the tool as accessibility, resourcefulness, light weight and ease of use. The engraver also has its drawbacks, it is strong heating and the problematic handling of solid objects.
1 Dremel 200-5
The best electric network engraver for the home in our review was the Dremel 200-5. This model is the most affordable in the line of the famous manufacturer. For many engravers, the name Dremel has become a household name. If we compare with products from the Middle Kingdom for the same price, then the model loses in the configuration. The package includes 5 attachments and a wrench for the collet. But the engraver can boast of a good power indicator (125 W), light weight (0.55 kg), and revolving speed (35 thousand rpm). The device does not overheat during long-term operation and does not tire the operator with vibration. This tool is in demand by DIYers and artists who use their attachments.
Users are pleased that they managed to buy a high-quality electric engraver from a well-known manufacturer at an affordable price. It fits perfectly in the hand, it is convenient and comfortable to work with it.
The best mechanical engravers for professionals
Jewelers and professional engravers want tools that can handle heavy loads and are highly accurate. Moreover, the device should be light enough and easy to use.
4 Proxxon FBS 240 / E
The multipurpose handheld device is ideal for delicate work. Differs in wide functionality - it can be used to engrave, grind, polish, cut, drill, clean. Turnovers are adjustable from 5000 to 20,000 per minute. The tool can be installed in stands and clamps. You can work with any materials - metal, wood, plastic.
The device is delivered in a convenient plastic case along with a set of consumables - drills, burs and many others. In the reviews, users note the convenience of using the device - a compact body, rubberized inserts are provided in the grip area. Also, the advantages include quiet operation of the engine, lightness and long service life of the device. Many people believe that this is the best solution in terms of price, functionality and quality if delicate work is required on a regular basis.
3 Dremel 3000-1 / 25
The Dremel 3000-1 / 25 Engraver is an excellent tool for tackling particularly delicate and miniature jobs. At the same time, the device is sold at a reasonable price. Even jewelry and costume jewelry can be processed with it. The set includes 25 high-quality nozzles and an original flexible shaft. The tool can be stored in a convenient carrying case. The manufacturer has implemented the new EZ Twist function, which allows you to change bits without a collet wrench. Among the operations performed are grinding, cutting, abrasive processing, engraving, etc. The network device has sufficient power (130 W), adjustable speed in the range of 10,000-33,000 rpm. The soft grip reduces the strain on the hand for long-term comfort.
Master jewelers and engravers in their reviews note the high precision of work, convenience, lack of vibration. Users are dissatisfied with the flexible shaft and the speed regulator.
2 Tornado EP-2 / 6I
The drill is used for engraving, polishing, grinding work on any materials. You can engrave any material - metals, wood, stone, glass, plastic, bone. Thanks to high revolutions and thin nozzles, it is possible to process plastic without melting, brittle materials without chips, wood without arson, and metals without crushing.
In the reviews, users write that the device is very convenient when very delicate and precise work is required. For example, engrave small items such as rings, watches, and other jewelry. The device is very compact, it is convenient to hold it, hands do not get tired even during prolonged work. The attachments can be changed very simply and quickly, but they are not enough in the complete set - they must be purchased separately, depending on the type of work required.
1 Dremel 4000-6 / 128
When high performance and reliability are required from the tool, it is better to choose the powerful (175 W) and fast (35,000 rpm) Dremel 4000-6 / 128 Engraver. With this model, you can achieve high productivity with minimal tool maintenance costs. The network device is supplied complete with a capacious case, flexible shaft, holder, angle attachment, compasses. The set contains 128 high quality attachments to tackle any job. A distinctive design feature is the function of maintaining the speed. They change depending on the level of load, but even at low revs, powerful rotation is maintained.
Professionals in their reviews highlight the following strengths of the Dremel 4000-6 / 128. These are high power and speed, versatility and rich equipment. There are some craftsmen who are unhappy with the noise of the instrument during operation.
Best laser engravers
Thanks to the high precision and speed of engraving, the laser finds its niche in decorating and creating unique documents. Professionals were the first to appreciate the benefits of powerful optics.
4 Photonim P3040
The compact and cost-effective Photonim P3040 laser engraving machine is the optimal solution for start-up companies who want to produce quality products with a small initial investment in equipment. The engraver is perfect for the most accurate engraving on most materials except metal. You can work with all types of plastic, wood, leather, paper, rubber, glass, fabric. It is often used for the manufacture of seals and stamps.
The device is used in the manufacture of decorative items, business cards, notebooks, signboards, award boards and much more. Users of this electric laser engraver enjoy the high precision, even with high-speed processing and complex imaging. They also include a stable laser glow, intuitive control and the ability to work up to 24 hours a day among the advantages. The only disadvantages are the high cost.
3 Fargo 88920
The American company HID Global has created a unique and innovative device for laser engraving of plastic cards. With the Fargo 88920 engraver, you can apply durable protective elements to the surface. This is a relief image, microtext, lenticular engraving. The machine is compatible with printers, encoders and laminators. The equipment allows the production of a wide variety of human identification means in large quantities. The equipment is manufactured using high-precision parts and assemblies, a sturdy metal case ensures the reliability and durability of the laser engraver. The manufacturer recommends engraving on polycarbonate cards, using composite materials is allowed.
The innovative equipment can be used in a variety of areas where plastic cards are used.The high cost of the engraver is more than offset by the reduced risk of falsification and identification problems.
2 LaserPro Venus II, V12
The functional device is a LaserPro Venus II, V12 laser machine. One of the most demanded options in the device is 3D engraving. The device boasts other functionalities, for example, automatic focusing, a maximum resolution of 1000 dpi. With the help of this equipment, it is possible to produce stamps and seals, advertising and souvenir products. The machine is compact enough (620x435x460 mm) and lightweight (37 kg). The four-line display shows basic information about the current file, indicating power, speed, operating time and other useful parameters. The emitter is air cooled.
Office workers in the reviews note such advantages of a laser machine as ample opportunities, compactness, ease of setup, and cost effectiveness. The disadvantages of the equipment are the low power and speed of the laser.
1 Raytronic 3040
Chinese manufacturers have managed to create laser engravers at an affordable price. The best compact device was the Raytronic 3040. The equipment is equipped with software that allows you to automatically make accurate images of any complexity. Unlike other laser devices, the Chinese are easy to operate and cheap to maintain. At the same time, the maximum drawing and detailing of all details is ensured. The device is capable of continuous operation for a long time, maintaining a safe microclimate in the working area. Raytronic 3040 has such protective functions as a smoke extraction system, safe opening of the lid, and blowing of the table.
Buyers highly appreciate the capabilities of the laser device. It is simple and safe, efficiently and quickly copes with engraving. Among the disadvantages are the low power of the emitter and the limited size of the table.
Best cordless engravers
The presence of a battery makes the operation of the device independent of the mains. This is very convenient if you need to get to hard-to-reach places or have to work in a non-electrified room. Cordless engravers are usually compact and ergonomic.
3 Hammer AMD3.6
The cordless hand-held engraver from a well-known German company is designed to perform a wide range of work - engraving, grinding, cutting, drilling, cleaning small parts. It is used both in household needs and in needlework and other hobbies. A huge advantage over most models is the ability to adjust the speed in a wide range - from 0 to 18,000 rpm. This allows you to select the optimal settings for working with different materials.
The absence of wires makes work easier and more enjoyable. In this model, buyers are also attracted by the rich equipment - 118 different attachments are supplied in the case along with the engraver. Among them you can see drills, diamond burs, polishing tips and much more. The battery provides autonomous operation of the device for an hour. Another advantage is that the charge is not lost, even if the device is idle for a long time.
2 Dremel Engraver 7750-10
One of the most functional cordless engravers, allowing you to perform a wide range of different jobs - engraving, polishing, grinding, cleaning, cutting, sharpening. Thanks to the independence from the power grid, you can easily get to the most inaccessible places. The EZ Twist tip is used for quick accessory changes, which greatly speeds up the job.
In this model, the manufacturer has provided an ergonomic shape of the case with a rubber coating against slipping hands, a capacious battery, three speeds of rotation and a lock against accidental activation. The device comes with a charger and ten different attachments. In the reviews, users point to the convenience of the model for non-professional home use.Engraving machines of this brand are well known to specialists. In their opinion, they are one of the most reliable and durable.
1 Bort BCT-72Li
The inexpensive Bort cordless hand engraver is the perfect solution for your home. It has a compact size (only 21.5 cm long), equipped with a capacious battery that provides autonomous operation for up to 3 hours. The idle speed is 5,000 to 25,000 rpm. The device is very light, hands do not get tired even after prolonged work.
The package includes a charger and a set of 20 different attachments. The speed can be infinitely adjusted to your liking, which makes it easier to work with different materials. In the reviews, users also point to one useful addition - the highlighting of the working area. Despite the Chinese production, the model is quite high quality, durable and comfortable.
