Beautiful and unique decoration of different 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 processing approaches are seriously different:
Inexpensive electric engravers are suitable for decorating at home. These are simple models of low power, with a minimum set of options. But they are quite enough to occasionally engrave various objects. Tool stores offer a fairly wide selection of inexpensive electric engravers.
The richest set
The country: Russia (produced in China)
Average price: 2614 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6
An inexpensive set is designed for small jobs - engraving, drilling, cleaning, grinding surfaces. With the correct selection of the nozzle, it is possible to work with most materials. The set includes 100 nozzles, which, together with the device, are packed in a convenient plastic case.
Thanks to the stand and the flexible shaft, work is greatly simplified, becomes more convenient and accurate even in the most inaccessible places. The number of revolutions is not bad - from 8000 to 30000 per minute. The device is lightweight, so the hand does not get tired of it even with prolonged use. Works only from the network, differs in moderate power consumption. This is an excellent budget option for a home with the richest equipment in this price range.
A light weight
Country: China
Average price: 1299 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8
It is easiest to start engraving at home with a light and compact device. The Hammer Flex MD050B is the best choice to get your hands on and learn basic machining techniques. With this inexpensive model, you can get into the most inaccessible areas. It is comfortable to work with the device due to the low level of vibration. 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 nozzles is supplied with the device, from cutting wheels to drills. With the help of a lock, the shaft is quickly blocked and the nozzles are changed.
Many engravers have mastered the basics of the trade with the Hammer Flex MD050B. They flatter about 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.
The most affordable engraver for the home
Country: China
Average price: 1350 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8
When the creation of masterpieces occurs sporadically, requires a model for the home, an 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, since with the help of a set of interchangeable nozzles it is possible to decorate different materials. Engine power is enough for most types of work, and smooth speed control and low weight make creativity comfortable. The set includes 40 collet chucks. With the help of the lock, it will not be difficult to quickly change the equipment. A special bracket is provided for storing the engraver.
Home creators in the reviews indicate such strengths of the tool as accessibility, resourcefulness, light weight and ease of use. The engraver also has disadvantages, this is strong heating and the problematic processing of solid objects.
Best Network Engraver
The country: USA (Made in Mexico)
Average price: 2990 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9
The best electric corded 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. When compared with products from the Middle Kingdom for the same price, the model loses in the configuration. The package includes 5 nozzles and a key for the collet. But the engraver boasts a good power indicator (125 W), light weight (0.55 kg), speed (35 thousand rpm). The device does not overheat during prolonged operation and does not tire the operator with vibration. This tool is in demand by home crafters and artists who use their attachments.
Users are satisfied that they managed to buy a high-quality electric engraver from a well-known manufacturer at an affordable price. It sits perfectly in the hand, it is convenient and comfortable to work with it.
Jewelers and professional engravers require tools that can easily withstand heavy loads and maintain high accuracy. At the same time, the device should be light enough and easy to use.
Optimum ratio of price, functionality and quality
Country: Germany
Average price: 6000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8
The multi-purpose handheld device is ideal for fine work. Differs in wide functionality - it can be used to engrave, grind, polish, cut, drill, clean. Revolutions are adjustable from 5000 to 20000 per minute. The tool can be installed in racks and clamps. You can work with any materials - metal, wood, plastic.
The device comes 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 capture area. Also, the advantages include quiet operation of the engine, lightness and long service life of the device. Many believe that this is the best solution in terms of price, functionality and quality, if you regularly need to carry out delicate work.
The most accurate mechanical engraver
The country: USA (Made in Mexico)
Average price: 5922 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9
An excellent tool for particularly delicate and miniature work is the Dremel 3000-1/25 engraver. Moreover, the device is sold at a reasonable price. With it, you can even process jewelry and jewelry. The kit comes with 25 high-quality nozzles and the original flexible shaft. The tool can be stored in a convenient case. The manufacturer has applied a new function EZ Twist, which allows you to change nozzles 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 10000-33000 rpm. The soft grip reduces stress on the hand, providing comfort during long work.
Master jewelers and engravers in the reviews note the high accuracy of work, convenience, and the absence of vibration. Users are dissatisfied with the flexible shaft and speed controller.
Maximum precision, fine engraving
Country Russia
Average price: 7000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9
The drill is used for engraving, polishing, grinding work on any materials. You can engrave on any materials - metals, wood, stone, glass, plastic, bone. Thanks to high speeds and thin nozzles, it is possible to process plastic without melting, fragile materials without chips, wood without burning, and metals without crushing.
In the reviews, users write that the device is very convenient when very thin and precise work is required. For example, engrave small items such as rings, watches, and other jewelry. The device is very compact, it is comfortable to hold, hands do not get tired even during long work. Nozzles change very simply and quickly, but they are not enough in the configuration - you need to purchase separately, depending on the type of work required.
The most powerful and fastest engraver
The country: USA (Made in Mexico)
Average price: 13566 rubles.
Rating (2019): 5.0
When high performance and reliability are required from a tool, it is better to stop at a 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, a flexible shaft, a holder, an angle nozzle, a compass. There are 128 high-quality accessories in the set, allowing you to cope with any job. A distinctive design feature is the function of maintaining speed. They change depending on the level of load, but even at low speeds, powerful rotation is maintained.
Professionals in reviews highlight the following strengths of the Dremel 4000-6/128 engraver. These are high power and speed, versatility and rich equipment. There are individual craftsmen who are unhappy with the noise of the tool during operation.
Due 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 advantages of powerful optics.
Excellent functionality and compactness
Country: China
Average price: 198659 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8
The compact and economical Photonim P3040 laser engraving machine is the optimal solution for start-up companies that want to produce high-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 products, business cards, notepads, signs, award boards and much more. Users of this laser engraver enjoy high precision even when processing fast and complex images. Also among the advantages they include a stable laser glow, clear control and the ability to work up to 24 hours a day. The only disadvantage is the high cost.
The most innovative laser engraver
Country: USA
Average price: 4096937 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9
The American company HID Global has created a unique innovative device for laser engraving of plastic cards. With the Fargo 88920 engraver, reliable protective elements can be applied to the surface. This is a relief image, microtext, lenticular engraving. The device is compatible with printer-encoders and laminators. The equipment allows the production of a variety of means of identifying a person in large quantities. The equipment is manufactured using high-precision parts and assemblies, a strong metal case ensures the reliability and durability of the laser engraver. The manufacturer recommends engraving on polycarbonate cards; composite materials are allowed.
Innovative equipment can be used in a variety of areas where plastic cards are used. The high price of an engraver is more than paid off by the reduced risk of forgery and identity problems.
Best 3D Engraving Laser Machine
The country: USA (manufactured in Taiwan)
Average price: 538412 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9
The functional device is the LaserPro Venus II, V12 laser machine. One of the most popular options in the device is 3D engraving. The device also boasts other functionalities, such as auto focus, 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 quite compact (620x435x460 mm) and light (37 kg). The four-line display shows basic information about the current file, indicates power, speed, operating time and other useful parameters. The emitter is air cooled.
Office workers in the reviews note such advantages of the laser machine as ample opportunities, compactness, ease of setup, and economy. The disadvantages of the equipment are the low power and speed of the laser.
The best small laser engraver
Country: China
Average price: 118200 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9
Chinese manufacturers have managed to create affordable laser engravers. Raytronic 3040 became the best small-sized device. The equipment is equipped with software that allows you to automatically make accurate images of any complexity. Unlike other laser devices, the Chinese is easy to operate and cheap to maintain. This ensures maximum drawing and detailing of all details. The device is able to work continuously for a long time, maintaining a safe microclimate in the working area. Raytronic 3040 has safety features such as smoke extraction system, safe lid opening, table airflow.
Buyers highly appreciate the capabilities of the laser device. It is simple and safe, high-quality and quickly copes with engraving. Among the shortcomings, one can single out the low power of the emitter and the limited size of the table.
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 in size and ergonomically shaped.
The best equipment
The country: Germany (made in China)
Average price: 2499 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8
The cordless handheld 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 domestic needs, and in needlework and other hobbies. A huge advantage compared to most models is the ability to adjust the speed in a wide range - from 0 to 18,000 rpm. This allows you to choose the optimal settings for working with various materials.
The absence of wires makes work easier and more enjoyable. In this model, buyers are also attracted by the rich equipment - 118 different nozzles are supplied in the case along with the engraver. Among them you can see drills, diamond drills, polishing nozzles 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.
The most reliable and durable engraver
The country: USA (Made in Mexico)
Average price: 3550 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8
One of the most functional cordless engravers that allows you to perform a wide range of different jobs - engraving, polishing, grinding, cleaning, cutting, sharpening. Thanks to independence from the mains, you can easily reach the most inaccessible places. The EZ Twist tip is used for quick change of attachments, which significantly speeds up the work.
In this model, the manufacturer has provided an ergonomic body shape with a rubber coating against slipping hands, a capacious battery, three rotation speeds and a lock against accidental activation. The package includes a charger and ten different attachments. In the reviews, users point out the convenience of the model for home non-professional use. Engraving machines of this brand are well known to specialists. In their opinion, they are one of the most reliable and durable.
Engraver with illuminated working area
Country: China
Average price: 1904 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9
Bort's inexpensive cordless handheld engraver is a great solution for the home. It has a compact size (only 21.5 cm long), is equipped with a capacious battery that provides battery life up to 3 hours. The idle speed is between 5000 and 25000 rpm. The device is very light, hands do not get tired even during long work.
The package includes a charger and a set of 20 different nozzles. The speed can be smoothly adjusted to your liking, which makes it easier to work with different materials. In the reviews, users also point to one useful addition - the illumination of the working area. Despite the Chinese production, the model is quite high quality, durable and comfortable.
Electricity has given mankind a lot, and it is impossible to imagine life without an electric tool. The universal power supply allows you to create versatile tools, the need for which is amazing. One of the representatives of such universal electrical equipment is an engraver.
If you look at an electric engraver through a magnifying glass, it will turn out to be nothing more than a kind of drill. It's just that the size of the tool is much smaller, and the functionality is greatly expanded. Like conventional drills, engravers are equipped with a relatively powerful electric drive. The electric drive not only generates sufficient torque, but also a very high speed of rotation of the nozzle.
The main share of engravers is based precisely on the rotational principle. But there are also impact varieties in which electrical energy is transferred into the kinetic energy of impact. A special nozzle made of a sufficiently hard material knocks out particles of material, leaving a drawing or inscription necessary.
The main characteristics of engravers come down to a few:
The preference of the masters is given to a lighter tool, with a shaft rotation speed of up to 20 thousand revolutions per minute, with a set of a wide variety of nozzles. Usually the weight of the engraver does not exceed 1 kg. This is due to the fact that engraving work is done by hand, and tools heavier than 1 kg are difficult to work for a long time. A light tool is better to work for a long time.
A variety of nozzles determines the range of functionality of the tool. Therefore, this range depends on the number of nozzles proportionally. The list of nozzles can be:
In addition to nozzles, it is possible to attach flexible shafts, which allow, by lengthening the drive shaft, to perform additional work without experiencing discomfort.
For a home workshop, for domestic needs, an engraver with a speed of up to 20 thousand revolutions per minute and a power of about 200 watts is enough. Professional engravers have a speed of up to 30 - 35 thousand and a drive power of over 250 watts.
Electric engravers are produced by many companies with well-known brands: Dremel, Bort, Sturm, Einhell, Hammer, Bosh, Makita and many others. Such a serious attitude to such an unenviable tool is expressed in the constant work on improving the design and offering new nozzles.
Engraving work is always associated with special precision. Functionally, the engraver can drill, cut, mill, clean and polish, apply inscriptions and drawings. But all these works are connected with the jewelry of their execution. You can process wood, metal, various types of ceramics, glass and plastic. When using nozzles with diamond notches, the functional range of the tool is greatly increased.
Without an engraver, the work of jewelry workshops and enterprises for the production of souvenirs is impossible. Because in addition to purely technical purposes, an engraver can create works of art from metal, wood or other precious and decorative materials.
And the engraver's technical goals are at any industrial enterprise - from the restoration of parts to the creation of miniature assemblies that cannot be made with another type of tool.
When using nozzles with diamond notches, the functional range of the tool is greatly increased. But to work with such a tool, you need some experience and professionalism.
A good branded tool is worth the money paid. Manufacturers and their models that are included in this review have the best characteristics:
| Model | Rating | Characteristics | Rating indicators |
| Sturm GM2317FL | 1 | Power 170 W, rpm from 8000 to 32000, cartridges 1.6, 2.4, 3.2, weight 700 g, 120 nozzles and accessories | Home tool |
| Dremel Hobby Edition F0130290JJ | 2 | Power 35 W, rpm up to 6000, weight 310 g, 2 nozzles | needlework tool |
| Skil 1415LC | 3 | Power 125 W, rpm 15000 - 35000, cartridges 2.4, 3.2, weight 730 g, 25 nozzles and accessories | Quality-price ratio |
| Dremel 3000 - 1/25 | 4 | Power 130 W, rpm 10000 - 33000, cartridges 0.8, 1.6, 2.4, 3.2, weight 550 g, 25 nozzles | Performing precise work |
This rating list can be expanded, other manufacturers, other rating criteria can be added. The market of engravers, their functionality and main characteristics change almost every day. Each specialist can create their own rating list based on their needs and preferences.
When choosing such a tool, it is necessary to clearly understand the purpose of the application. It is necessary to take into account the quality of the processed material, the list of functional operations, the necessary and sufficient volume of nozzles and devices. First of all, you need to decide what you plan to do.
A mini drill differs from impact engravers in that it can be used for more than just engraving. With it, you can cut and drill, clean and polish. It is necessary to carefully get acquainted with the complete set, because for such work it will be more expensive to purchase nozzles separately. For hard-to-reach places, a model with a flexible shaft is useful.
You also need to decide how often the engraver will be used. If the work will be performed every day, then it is necessary to select the most reliable model. It can be Dremel, Proxxon or Foredom. And the power reserve for professional work is better to choose from 250 watts. The power reserve will allow, due to the large torque, to work at low speeds. For needlework and hobbies, Einhell, Hammer, Bort, Storm or Skil models are enough. Their declared power is in the range of 100 - 200 watts.
Important in the choice is the material with which to work. Glass, wood and soft metals can be easily processed with a mini-drill with revolutions up to 20,000. Precious stones, steel and hard alloy materials can be processed with a mini-drill with revolutions up to 30,000 and their mandatory adjustment. This will allow for fine tuning. Otherwise, you will have to use an impact engraver.
After determining the purpose of use, a tool is selected according to its technical characteristics - power, shaft speed and weight of the tool. And the selection is completed on such indicators as the noise of the tool, its ergonomics, workmanship and price. But, even without experience with an engraver, you can choose a tool according to the above criteria.
Sometimes certain types of work require a very subtle, in the truest sense of the word, approach. Modeling, jewelry making, engraving on various objects, grinding very small and fragile parts. All these works cannot be done with conventional tools. For example, how to drill a hole with a diameter of one millimeter with a simple drill?
Especially for such “delicate” operations, mini-drills or, as they are also called, engravers, are produced. A relatively small tool with a lot of potential. With it, you can drill, cut, grind or clean the smallest details and planes with a minimum surface area. Engraving on glass or metal is not difficult. An indispensable tool for the modern left-hander.
We have compiled a list of the best engravers based on expert opinions from experts and reviews from real customers. Our recommendations will help you make the best choice for your requirements and desires. There are many competitors on the global equipment market, but we have selected the best manufacturers and recommend paying special attention to them:
Budget / Inexpensive
Expensive/Premium
* Prices are valid at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice.
Minimum price:
Show all products in category "Battery"
Home / Inexpensive / Electric
For home / Inexpensive / Universal / Electric
Show all products in category "Cheap"
Universal / Home / Electric
Engraving, performed using special tools and electrical equipment, which is used as an engraver, dremel or dental drill, has been a popular type of decorative processing of products from various materials for many years. The quality and efficiency of such processing is largely determined by which electric engraver is chosen for its implementation. When purchasing such equipment for use at home or for professional activities, a number of its technical parameters should be taken into account.
Before deciding how to choose an engraver, you should have a good understanding of the design and principle of operation of such a device. Structurally, the engraver is a modified drill, all the components of which are placed in a compact case held with one hand.
Electric engravers, which work like a dental drill, have an electric motor, gearbox and spindle in a compact and easy-to-hold housing. The spindle can be used both for fixing the tool and for installing a flexible shaft, at the end of which a working nozzle with a tool is fixed. Cooling of the engraver's electric motor during operation is provided by a special fan that blows the drive mechanism through the air intake holes in the plastic case.
Serial devices, with the help of which such a technological operation as engraving is performed, work on the principle of a conventional electric drill. At the same time, the weight of their body, as a rule, does not exceed one kilogram, which makes it easy to hold them even with one hand. When choosing an engraver, pay attention to the following characteristics:
An electric engraver is a fairly versatile device that can be successfully used to perform various technological operations. It is suitable for both home and professional work, when the use of conventional power tools is not possible. With an engraving machine, for example, you can accurately and accurately drill holes with a diameter of 0.2–0.4 mm, as well as grind, polish, mill and cut off small parts. The most common areas in which engraving equipment is used include:
Various job-specific attachments, included or purchased later, allow you to expand the functionality of the tool
The versatility of electric engravers and a wide range of working tools with which they can be used make it possible to successfully use them to solve a wide variety of technological problems.
When choosing an electric engraver, buyers are guided by various criteria. Someone focuses on the reviews of more experienced users or on the rating of a particular model among professionals, while for someone an important indicator is the cost of the device or the brand under which it is produced. Meanwhile, it is necessary to choose a specific model of such equipment based on how intensively and for what technological problems it will be used. The required technical characteristics and equipment of the purchased electric engraver will depend on the answers to these questions. Naturally, for intensive daily use and for use several times a week, you need to purchase various models of electric engravers.
A wide variety of electric engravers are presented on the modern market, differing in their technical characteristics, functionality and, accordingly, cost. This allows you to choose a device that will cope with the tasks that you are going to solve with it. In this case, you should focus on the power of the purchased device. So, for domestic purposes and doing your favorite hobby, engravers with a power in the range of 100–200 W are quite suitable, and for solving more professional tasks, it is better to choose more serious units with a power of 250 W or more.
When evaluating electric engravers by their functionality, one should be guided by common sense and the real need for certain options that the equipment in question is endowed with. For numerous functions of a professional device, most of which you may not need, you will have to seriously overpay.
When choosing an electric engraver with which you have to work on your own, you should not just focus on reviews about a particular model. It is important to understand how convenient such equipment is for you, so before purchasing an engraver, you need to take it in your hands, evaluate its weight and ergonomics. It should be borne in mind that you will have to work with the engraver for a long time, so it should be comfortable and not cause fatigue during prolonged use.
When evaluating an electric engraver in terms of ergonomic parameters, pay attention to the following characteristics:
Naturally, you should not choose equipment that works with jerks, extraneous squeaks and clicks. The design in which the body of the electric engraver is made is also important. It is much more pleasant to work with a device that looks beautiful than with unattractive equipment.
Modern models of engravers, especially those produced under reputable brands, emit a very small amount of noise during operation and are distinguished by a low level of vibration. Working with such equipment, which is in good technical condition, does not tire and does not cause any discomfort.
On the modern market, there are products of many manufacturers of electric engravers. However, professionals advise choosing devices from the following brands:
High-quality equipment with more modest specifications is produced by Einhell, Skil and Sturm. Among the electric engravers from domestic manufacturers, you can choose the products of the Zubr, Whirlwind and Energomash companies.
A mini drill with attachments can be used where it is impossible to work with a conventional tool. This approach will allow you to work with even the smallest details. Visually, this is the same device that has less performance than its older brother.
An electric mini-drill can be called both a drill and a grinder. The attachments on this tool allow you to carry out numerous tasks such as polishing, drilling, grinding, milling, cutting, engraving, cleaning, sharpening and patterning.
Each mini drill is a grinder, and all the features that have been described are achieved through nozzles that are installed on the device. The main difference lies in the high rotational speed, which ranges from 10 to 30 thousand revolutions per minute.
In some models, a flexible shaft is installed, which allows you to work even in hard-to-reach places. How to choose a mini drill, read the continuation of the article.
If you want to pick up a high-quality device that will not hit your pocket, then hammer md050b will be the best choice.
With a power of only 8 watts and a torque of 15 thousand revolutions per minute, we can say that this device is worth the money.
Light weight, which is only 0.4 kg, will not burden your hands. Upon purchase, the kit includes a fairly wide selection of nozzles, as well as additional components that make it easier to work with various materials and surfaces.
Whirlwind G 150 is also rightfully considered a budget model, but it is often used even on an industrial scale. The power of this device already reaches 1500 watts, and 30 thousand revolutions per minute do their job as well as possible. Such a device is also considered an engraver, as it performs the same functions. The weight of the device is already 1.15 kg.
Another model that has the same cartridge, but more power, may already perform more serious tasks. But in general, the characteristics of mini-drills vary in the same range.
In some cases, when it is required to carry out a single job, you can not buy a device, but make it yourself. This does not require any knowledge or numerous details.
To create a homemade mini drill, you only need improvised components and an engine. For example, you can take the engine from under an old tape recorder, which is quite enough for small jobs. Let's take a closer look at how to make such a miracle technique.
Since the tape motor runs on 6 volts, a battery is needed that is built into the design. If you don’t really strain, then you can buy a collet chuck.
It is also better to come up with a certain case where the entire design of the future mini-drill will be assembled. The first thing to do is solder two wires to the engine. A drill of the correct size must be installed in the chuck. A cartridge must also be installed on the engine shaft.
By the way, the shaft can be of two types: 1.5 mm and 2.3 mm. At this point, the mini-drill will be ready, but it remains to connect the power and turn on the device. In general, such a device will keep fairly high rotation rates.
As a case, you can use an old antiperspirant, where the whole structure fits perfectly. Look at the photo of a homemade mini drill, you will understand how to assemble such a device.
The power button can be placed on the case, and the cartridge head can be carefully removed from the cap. On the other side, where the bottom is located, it is necessary to make a hole through which the power cable will exit.
When everything is prepared, you just need to place the entire structure inside. This approach has a lot of advantages: no additional costs for tool elements, a minimalistic compact body, convenient control and operation, as well as a peculiar appearance.
You can also find enough video instructions on the Internet if something is not clear. Such a thing will be very practical, as well as productive, moreover, no skills are required to create such an apparatus with your own hands.
