Working as an engraver on wood and other materials: video, choosing an engraver and caring for it


One of the options for decorative wood processing is engraving. The master cuts out drawings, makes inscriptions, and creates ornaments. Works manually or uses mechanical tools. With new technologies: milling cutter, engraver, laser, it has become easier for the carver to process wood. At the same time, the beauty and originality of the images were not compromised.

Carving on a block

Purpose and principle of operation of the engraver

The engraver, although universal, is still intended to perform highly specialized work.

Its most common type is an engraving machine with an electric drive, the working element of which is removable attachments that exert a mechanical effect on the surface being processed.

The laser version of this tool does not directly contact the part, but burns the material with a high-energy beam.

This tool does:

  • Engraving on stone, wood, metal and even glass. Similar operations are carried out in the manufacture of, for example, souvenirs. The corresponding attachment is clamped into the collet and the engraver can be used to draw on various materials.
  • Removing coatings, such as sanding paint and sanding small items or hard-to-reach areas using felt pads, sandpaper and abrasive wheels.
  • Making thin cuts, precision cutting in wood and metals. The tool is common among jewelers, as it allows for precise, accurate processing of materials.

In addition, the engraver applies markings, in particular on metal parts, makes seals and impact stamps, and cliches.

Mechanical and laser engraving is used by advertising agencies to apply text and graphics to a variety of materials.

Final finishing of products

To polish surfaces ready for final finishing, felt wheels are used, onto which a special paste is applied to achieve a mirror-like finish. After the work is completed and the required quality has been achieved, a thin layer of clear varnish is recommended for soft wood types. This will ensure that the model is insulated from moisture and will increase the durability of the product. After varnishing, you can polish the surface again until a uniform mirror structure is obtained. Hard grades do not require varnishing and allow you to enjoy the natural beauty of the material.

What material can the engraver process?

The engraver is used to process a wide range of materials with different properties, including glass, hard metals, ceramics, bone, and wood.

Plastic and stone were not left out.

Due to this, the tool is popular among car mechanics, furniture makers, designers, and model makers.

Also, the engraver is often used when carrying out repair and construction work, in production.

The laser engraver is capable of processing all materials, with the exception of some types of plastic.

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Types of engravings

When working as an engraver, depending on the desired end result, one of the following types of material processing is used:

  1. Deep (relief) engraving – used where high precision and detail of application are required. The final goal can be both aesthetic beauty and reusability of the processed product. Using laser equipment, application depths of up to 1 mm are achieved, and the detail remains at a high level.
  2. Shallow engraving - used for applying images, inscriptions and logos with high precision, mainly on metal products. For laser engravers, the burning depth of the top layer does not exceed 50 microns. Laser marking is performed to a depth of 0.5 - 3 microns.

To engrave on a surface, a parallel movement of the working element relative to it, and perpendicular, is necessary.

Working on a plane does not cause any problems, but for cylindrical products it is important that the same laser beam goes perpendicular to the tangent.

For this reason, engraving along the circumference (circular) is used here, which is found, for example, on printing rollers, rings, and dishes.

Its meaning lies in the fact that the workpiece is fixed in a special rotator, the movements of which are synchronized with the movements of the engraver’s working element.

From antiquity to modern times

Ancient Rus' is famous for its wooden architecture. Once upon a time, stone as a building material was in great short supply. Only churches and royal chambers in the capital were built from stone (hence the expression “White Stone Moscow”). The wooden huts in which simple peasants lived were entirely wooden. Boyars and nobles also lived in wooden towers. In those days, any home had sacred significance. The construction of a wooden house was approached very responsibly. Skilled wood carvers decorated with intricate engravings:

  • Triangular pediments of huts, reminiscent of friezes of ancient temples.
  • Platbands are decorative parts used to decorate window frames.
  • Entrance and interior doors.
  • Furniture in the interior of a mansion or hut: beds, cradles, tables.
  • Wooden bars that were placed on windows to protect against robbers and thieves.
  • "Skates" of sloping roofs.

Wood engraving developed in this direction until the eighteenth century. Since the era of Peter the Great, carved furniture decorated with intricate engravings has become fashionable in high society. European motifs appear in the subjects of the engravings . Now furniture in rich houses is decorated with skillfully carved scenes on the theme of ancient mythology, ancient Greek and so-called “Gothic” ornaments appear.

Engraving on Karelian birch is becoming increasingly popular, as this material is distinguished by its softness, pliability and noble color. Nowadays, carved furniture is still in fashion. However, the scope of activity of wood engravers has expanded significantly. Modern craftsmen work not only with wood, but also with materials of artificial origin, and engraving is performed not only from memory or a given ornament, but also from photographs. Sometimes a complete illusion is created that a black and white photo has been applied to the surface of the tree. This is achieved using modern equipment.

Device and characteristics

The design of engravers of different types is very different.

For example, laser equipment affects the surface being processed with a concentrated beam of light transmitted through a complex system of optical lenses, focusing on a coordinate area.

The elements of a laser engraver, in addition to the optics itself, include:

  • Transmission – moves the light emitter (laser beam) through three-axis servos.
  • Control system – ensures the coordinated operation of other systems through special electronics and sensors.
  • Mechanics – load-bearing units and mechanisms that form the basis of the engraver.
  • Cooling system – removes excess heat from the emitter. It is usually based on radiators and coolers.

As for the electric tool familiar to everyday tasks, its design is much simpler and perhaps resembles a miniature drill.

This is often an elongated housing, inside of which there is an electric motor with a shaft that rotates the cartridge.

The latter is necessary for installing all kinds of attachments.

The tool starts when you press the start key, and the spindle lock function is used to simplify tool replacement.

Material

An electric engraver is also known as a drill or straight grinder.

Its body is made of plastic resistant to mechanical and thermal influences.

Ergonomics allow you to comfortably operate the tool with one hand; most models have anti-slip pads made of elastic rubber.

The gearbox can be enclosed in either plastic or metal.

In the latter case, we are talking about powerful straight grinders designed to perform complex work.

Dimensions and weight

The length of a hand engraver is usually 130 - 340 mm, width 14 - 24 mm, and weight 0.3 - 1.6 kg.

Some models may have dimensions comparable to a hand drill.

Hand-held engravers are equipped with collet chucks ranging in size from 0.8 to 4 mm.

Engine type and power

A commutator motor is installed in the monoblock body of a direct rotary power tool, in which the spindle is essentially an armature shaft.

In other words, the gearbox is simply missing.

There are also geared models with high torque.

The power of the electric motor affects both the actual cost of the tool and the cost of its use.

Models with a power of up to 200 W are suitable for solving household problems, and for professional use – over 200 W.

The motor power can be 9 – 2000 W, depending on the specific tool.

Rotational speed

The spindle revolutions per minute of a hand engraver range from 3 to 40 thousand.

This parameter determines the efficiency of working with each specific material, as well as the possibility of performing a certain type of work.

The engraver is equipped with a function for adjusting the spindle speed, either manually or electronically, which allows for high-quality processing.

For example, when grinding and polishing, the speed should be low to avoid overheating of the surface.

It is necessary to sharpen the tool and cut material at high speeds.

For modern models, their indicator varies in the range of 15 - 35 thousand rpm.

Working time without interruption

The continuous operation time of an electric engraver depends primarily on the cooling system.

Professional models are designed for long-term continuous operation, while for household devices it is recommended to alternate 10-20 minutes of operation with 5-minute breaks.

Otherwise, the engraver may fail due to overheating.

Engraver equipment

The equipment of the electric engraver depends on the manufacturer.

The tool may be accompanied by the following additional elements, providing the ability to perform various types of work:

  • Flexible shaft – allows for precise machining using a relatively large engraver.


    Together with the shaft, a frame is needed, which, in essence, turns the hand tool into a miniature machine by means of its fixed fixation. Typically the frame dimensions are 500 - 650 mm. There are also stands on which the instrument is simply suspended.

  • Collets of different sizes. Often in the kit the buyer sees two collets for 2.4 and 3.2 mm.
  • Removable battery if we are talking about a cordless tool.

The kit may also include attachments that expand the scope of use of the engraver:

  • Circular nozzle for direct engraving. As a rule, it has a diamond coating.
  • Engraving cutter – for engraving and milling.
  • A polishing wheel, often accompanied by polishing paste.
  • A rubber roller with a replaceable sanding belt, or rather cylinders of sandpaper.
  • Cutting wheels with fastening pin.

In addition to the above-mentioned attachments, the kit may include drills, a stone for sharpening tools, stripping brushes made of metal wire and fishing line.

Additional functions

The engraver can be equipped with additional functionality that increases not only the ease of use, but also its reliability.

This includes overload protection, spindle locking, and the ability to change the speed of rotation of the equipment.

In the latter case, the tool can be equipped with either a slide switch between several fixed speeds, or a regulator for smoothly changing the spindle speed in a certain range.

Dremel 4000-4/65

Main characteristics:

  • Power 175 W
  • Disc rotation speed up to 35,000 rpm
  • Weight 0.66 kg

Housing and ergonomics. This engraver has an elongated body made of impact-resistant plastic with embossed rubber inserts for better contact with the hand. It has a steel loop for hanging over your work area and a removable side handle. All controls are located on one side of the device.

Functionality and capabilities. The tool connects to a household electrical outlet and consumes 175 W. It has a wide speed range from 5000 to 35000 rpm with electronic frequency stabilization, which allows you to perform any work. The EZ Twist tip allows for quick, finger-tight attachment changes. A collet clamp with a diameter of 0.8 to 32 mm is used here. For ease of switching, a spindle lock is provided.

Equipment. The set comes in a durable plastic case. It includes a flexible shaft for fine work, a milling compass, a platform for sharpening and grinding, and 65 small attachments for various purposes. The latest EZ package adds a plastic storage case for the engraver with a cord winder that can be mounted on the wall.


Plastic case with a groove for winding the cord.

Watch the product video

Pros of Dremel 4000-4/65

  1. High functionality.
  2. Ergonomic shape of the body and handle.
  3. Not a bad package.
  4. Case.
  5. Replacing attachments without using wrenches or other tools.

Cons of Dremel 4000-4/65

  1. Perceptible vibration.
  2. Not the most durable plastic.
  3. Expensive original consumables and additional attachments (if you have to buy them).

Types of engravers and their prices

Models of this tool are distinguished by design, technical characteristics and principle of operation.

But their main purpose is to perform engraving and related work.

The most expensive and technologically advanced device is laser equipment.

Laser engraver

It is a separate class of engraving equipment, designed, in fact, to perform engraving using a laser beam.

This technique is suitable for processing almost any material, and in turn is divided into:

  • Gas equipment – ​​used for cutting any materials and engraving non-metallic surfaces.
  • Fiber and solid-state engravers are devices that, depending on the type of laser, are used for engraving both metal and non-metal surfaces.

In the first device, the laser is an element of an optical fiber, and in the second, the active medium is a substance in the solid state.

The device, in which the work is performed by a laser beam, is either a desktop design or a full-fledged CNC engraving machine.

Both options are used in the production of outdoor advertising, various packaging, and artistic engraving.

The price is approximately 150 - 180 thousand rubles for the first and from 300 thousand rubles for the second.

Laser mini engraver

It has more compact dimensions and limited functionality.

The kit always comes with a software disc.

The approximate price of such models is 86,000 rubles.

The milling engraver is completely different in design and operating principle.

This is mostly a hand-held electric tool, the working element of which is various attachments (including cutters) driven by an electric motor.

Due to this, the tool can safely be called multifunctional.

Based on the power source there are:

Rechargeable

These are all-body options - powered by a battery, which makes such devices mobile.

This design allows you to work anywhere.

When working with wet materials, such a tool is considered the safest.

Price – from 2.6 thousand rubles.

Network

Models - powered from the mains.

Household options are suitable for simple tasks, often do not have effective cooling, have low power and require regular breaks in operation to avoid overheating.

At the same time, professional models are equipped with many additional functions and are designed for long-term continuous operation.

This also applies to mobile engravers.

The cost starts from 1500 rubles. reaches 12 thousand rubles and above, depending on the manufacturer, configuration and power.

The last of those listed by design are in turn divided into several more types:

Impact engraver

A tool whose operating principle is very similar to a hammer drill.

Most often used for dot engraving, sometimes, if you choose the right equipment, it is used for wood and metal carving.

Such devices make contour drawings on stones; it is possible to work with glass, however, in this case there is a risk of simply splitting the material.

The final result is a silky finish.

Solid body

A tool in which the handpiece and electric motor are located in the same body.

This is precisely a straight grinder, which is sometimes also called a multi-engraver or mini-drill.

This is the most common option, the principle of which is based on the rotation by a motor of a spindle with a chuck and an attachment inserted into it.

The versatility of this type of engraver is undeniable, since you can select several dozen units of completely different attachments for it, thereby turning the device into a small router, a drill, and a cutting tool.

The functionality of this portable equipment is further expanded by means of a flexible shaft and a special stand, which together turn it into an analogue of pendant models.

Hanging

A housing having a mount that allows it to be suspended on a stand, to which the tip is connected by means of a flexible cable.

The rotation speed here is regulated by a foot pedal.

Microengraver

A tool in the form of a pencil or writing pen, designed for fine processing of various materials, including jewelry.

Another option for an engraver is a pneumatic tool connected to a pneumatic line with suitable characteristics, including ordinary air compressors.

The work is based on the conversion of compressed air energy, and similar models are often called pneumatic cutters and pencils.

Their difference from power tools lies in their design simplicity and longer service life.

Engravers also include special machines for manicure and pedicure, the operating principle of which is similar to the cordless tool mentioned above.

Some models are made in the form of a separate power supply with various regulators, to which the “pencil” itself is connected.

Some CNC machine equipment designed for 2D and 3D engraving uses a conical engraver as a working element.

This is not an independent tool, but an attachment with one, two or three edges, through which various designs and patterns are applied.

Hammer MD170A

Main characteristics:

  • Power 170 W
  • Disc rotation speed up to 35,000 rpm
  • Weight: 2 kg

Housing and ergonomics. The body of this machine is made of durable plastic and equipped with non-slip pads made of thick rubber. Includes a steel bracket for hanging, a removable side handle for easy support, and a small attachment for precision work. The model weighs 0.7 kilograms, which is typical for such power and reliability.


Removable side handle.

Functionality and capabilities. The tool operates on a 220 volt network. It has a 170 W motor that provides shaft speeds ranging from 8,000 to 35,000 rpm, allowing it to perform a wide variety of processing operations. The speed is adjusted smoothly and automatically maintained at a given level. There is a spindle lock, which is used when replacing equipment. When installing consumable tips, collet holders of 3.2 or 2.35 mm are used.

Equipment. This model comes in a nice carpet-type fabric bag. It contains instructions in Russian, a folding rod with fastening to the table, a flexible shaft to reduce the load on the hand and 160 attachments of various shapes and purposes.

Watch the product video

Pros of Hammer MD170A

  1. High power.
  2. Large speed control range.
  3. Low vibration and acceptable noise level.
  4. Thoughtful ergonomics.
  5. Good equipment.
  6. Profitable price.

Cons Hammer MD170A

  1. Plastic thread for fixing the shaft and handle.
  2. Unreliable tripod.
  3. Problems with balancing the flexible shaft.

Which engraver should you choose?

The choice of engraver is based on the quantity, frequency and type of work performed.

For a home, an electric device with a power of 100–200 W will be quite sufficient, but with the condition of infrequent use.

For professional work involving intensive processing of hard materials, you will need a reliable engraver designed for long continuous operation, with a motor power of more than 250 W.

In general, high power is not always needed.

NOTE:

For decorating soft materials, 35 W is enough, and a 150 W device can handle almost any artistic decoration.

When buying a tool, you should pay attention to its functionality.

The ability to attach a flexible shaft will significantly increase the ease of use of the engraver, especially in hard-to-reach places.

A good tool always has a smooth speed control, not a stepwise one.

The presence of a large number of different attachments in the kit is another plus.

Important!

Make sure that the collets have a common size (2.4 and 3.2 mm), which will allow you to easily purchase suitable cutters and other consumables in the future.

In addition to the tool itself, you should also pay attention to the presence of a case or container that will provide convenient transportation and storage of the entire set.

Makita GD0603

Main characteristics:

  • Power 240 W
  • Disc rotation speed up to 28,000 rpm
  • Weight: 0.97 kg

Housing and ergonomics. This model has the appearance of a cylinder with a narrow working end, which improves the accuracy of the operations performed and provides access to hard-to-reach places. The plastic body with a rough surface is easy to hold in your hands. With a maximum diameter of 67 mm and a length of 289 mm, the weight of the device reaches 970 grams, which is slightly higher than most competitors. Equipped with front lighting and a bracket for hanging on a tripod.


Bracket for hanging on a tripod.

Functionality and capabilities. The engine of this engraver develops power up to 240 W, but has no speed control and is capable of speeds up to 28,000 rpm. The machine drive is mounted on four reliable bearings, which reduces the level of vibration and increases the accuracy of work. For operation under increased loads, a 6 mm collet chuck is provided.

Equipment. The model comes to the retail chain in a disposable box with a key and a pair of grinding attachments.


Equipment Makita GD0603.

Pros of Makita GD0603

  1. High-quality assembly, durable plastic.
  2. High power.
  3. High rotation speed.
  4. Double electrical insulation.
  5. Backlight.
  6. The start switch is located in a recess, which eliminates accidental starting.
  7. Affordable price.

Cons of Makita GD0603

  1. Minimum equipment.
  2. One speed.
  3. Relatively heavy weight.

What you need to know about engravers?

Electric engravers are used, as already mentioned, to perform the corresponding work manually.

Compared to them, laser engraving machines have a number of significant advantages:

  • Areas of the workpiece that are not subject to mechanical impact remain geometrically stable.
  • Extremely high precision and clarity of engraving, which is almost impossible to achieve using a classic hand engraver.
  • Cost-effective compared to conventional tools. Laser equipment consumes up to 15 times less energy.
  • There are no rubbing parts, and as a result – a high working life.
  • The ability to choose between stationary laser machines and mobile desktop models that can be installed in any workshop or even in the home.
  • Possibility of organizing mass production of decorative products in the shortest possible time and with minimal investment.

Of course, the most important advantage of laser machines is the accuracy of processing and the ability to perform a large number of completely identical operations.

Popular subjects for work

Each “experienced” engraver has his own professional secrets and his own favorite subjects for his work. As practice shows , the most popular are wood products decorated with the following subjects:

  • Abstraction - geometric and stylized floral patterns;
  • Stylized images of animals, birds and mythical creatures, such as dragons or griffins in oriental style;
  • Copies from photographs (portraits, landscapes and still lifes);
  • Copies from reproductions of famous works of painting and graphics;
  • Genre scenes (for example, scenes from village life).

For those who are just beginning to master the skill of a wood engraver, it is best to start with the simplest, rhythmically repeating patterns. They look very impressive on wooden dishes, children's furniture, cutting boards, and shelves for icons. Genre scenes are good for decorating cutting boards and making decorative panels. And round wall plates. And making gift photo portraits using wood or PVC engraving techniques can be a good source of additional income.

Wood engraving is a rather labor-intensive craft that requires a lot of time and effort to master. However, thanks to the use of modern equipment, anyone who has at least a little understanding of technology, good eyesight and artistic taste can master this rare type of needlework. The main thing is to start learning from simple to complex, and then success will not be long in coming. Wooden products decorated with engraving are in great demand among lovers of exclusive designer products.

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