An engraver, also known as a mini drill, is used for decorative processing of materials at home or in an industrial setting. The device is intended for applying ornaments on planes, repairing watch mechanisms, improving fishing gear, household needs, cleaning or polishing small parts. When choosing, take into account the power of the device, the maximum rotational speed of the spindle, the dimensions of the working shaft, the presence of a speed control function and the availability of attachments. In a home workshop, it is correct to use a device with a power of 100-200 kW; for professional work, it is better to choose more powerful and expensive equipment, suitable for a wide range of applications and characterized by a reliable design and abrasion-resistant parts. Ergonomics are important when working, so choose an engraving machine with a flexible shaft and light weight.
Before purchasing, we invite you to familiarize yourself with our rating of the ten best engraver models that are most popular on the sales market.
Photo: https://selhozauto.ru
Engraver Makita DGD800Z
Photo: https://market.yandex.ru
The straight grinder from the Makita brand GD0800C series is a professional tool for cutting, deburring, polishing, grinding and engraving. The maximum number of revolutions/blows per minute at idle is 28,000. The product has a reduced vibration level. Power of 750 W allows the equipment to withstand heavy loads and perform high-precision operations. The engraver comes with different heads, which can be changed using an open-end wrench to 13. The mounting size of the nozzle should not exceed a diameter of 8 mm. To fix the shaft, use a 19 mm wrench. The bearings are protected from dust. The device is implemented in accordance with the SJS system, which promotes a smooth start and blocks the tool’s kickback. The body of the product is elongated, which allows the master to work in hard-to-reach places.
Engraver Makita DGD800Z
Advantages:
- soft cable
- Japanese assembly
- good quality
Flaws:
- The device is not equipped with replaceable collets for different cutter diameters
What can this tool do?
A mini drill is often called a homemade drill, a grinder, or by the Dremel brand. Dremel is the first company in the construction tools market to recommend a high-quality mini drill as a universal household appliance.
Miniature drills are equipped with the following functional attachments:
- drilling tiny holes;
- milling;
- engraving, grinding and polishing with special attachments;
- cutting, sharpening, cleaning, finishing of materials;
- applying patterns.
Engraver VORTEX G-160GV new
Photo: https://market.yandex.ru
Beginners looking for an inexpensive but good engraver will definitely like this model. Despite its affordable price, it is highly reliable and easy to use. Yes, the functionality is not the highest, and the power is only 160 W, but this will be quite enough for small jobs and just an amateur. Thanks to the included case, carrying and storing the tool becomes as easy as possible. It’s nice that the engraver weighs only 0.67 kg - experienced craftsmen know very well that every extra ten grams leads to the fact that the hand gets tired much faster during work. The ability to lock the power button, adjust the rotation speed and lock the spindle makes work even more comfortable and safe. So, the model deserves to be included in the review.
Engraver VORTEX G-160GV new
Advantages:
- light weight
- Well-designed ergonomics allow the engraver to fit comfortably in your hand
- affordable price
- Flexible shaft included
- low noise level
- low vibration
Flaws:
- low quality equipment
- little functionality
How to insert a drill correctly?
To correctly insert the drill into the chuck, you need to know the following. The hole intended for clamping the tool is no more than 2 cm deep. The deeper the drill is set, the more securely it will hold in the chuck. There are two types of chuck clamping mechanisms:
- manual, tightened by hand;
- key, wrapped with a key.
In recent years, household drill models have been equipped with a manual (quick-release) chuck - it is simpler in design and quicker to operate.
To install the drill in the chuck you need to follow these steps:
- Turn the cartridge counterclockwise. The jaws should move apart to a distance slightly larger than the diameter of the drill.
- Insert the drill bit between the jaws until it stops.
- Smoothly turn the chuck clockwise, making sure that the drill is clamped evenly on all sides.
- Tighten the jaws by hand or with a wrench.
Video: how to insert a drill and secure it
When fixing the drill in the chuck, considerable force can be applied, especially if the drill has a large diameter. It should be remembered that you will then have to do the reverse operation to remove the drill or replace it with another one. When clamping the drill, look for the “golden mean”: fasten the drill securely, but so that it can be removed from the chuck without any problems. The required effort is easily determined after a little practice - muscle memory kicks in.
Engraver ZUBR ZG-160EK
Photo: https://market.yandex.ru
Another very good network engraver at an affordable price, with a very solid build. It is equipped not only with a case, stand and flexible shaft, but also with a set of attachments, which significantly increases functionality, allowing you to perform almost all the same work as models that have a much higher price. The power of 160 W is enough to perform most jobs - both for beginners and masters. An additional advantage is a serious warranty period - as much as 5 years. This shows that the manufacturer is truly confident in the quality of their products.
Engraver ZUBR ZG-160EK
Advantages:
- high functionality
- serious power
- convenient control
- easy brush replacement
- good equipment
- high quality case
- long warranty
Flaws:
- some models vibrate strongly at high speeds
Engraver Dremel 3000-1/25 EZ
Photo: https://market.yandex.ru
If you're looking for a great tool and aren't too budget-conscious, this Dremel 3000-1/25 EZ is worth a look. This is a truly convenient engraver, the main advantages of which are high-quality assembly and excellent ergonomics. Although the power is not too high, only 130 W, it is perfect for doing small jobs. In addition, the rotation speed of 33,000 rpm is quite enough to work with wood, metal and even glass. The engraver is equipped with 25 accessories, making it perfect for artistic carving. With such a tool, a good master will easily complete any job.
Engraver Dremel 3000-1/25 EZ
Advantages:
- good equipment
- reliability in operation
- no heating
- suitable for fine work
- great build
Flaws:
- very expensive consumables
Rack manufacturing process
From a pipe with a diameter of 40-50 mm it is necessary to cut a ring 20 mm wide.
It is cut lengthwise and nuts are welded to its edges.
The result is a clamp for clamping the drill body. He will clamp it in place of the removable standard handle. A thread should be drilled in one of its nuts.
The clamp is welded through a spacer made of a plate to a section of 20x20 mm profile pipe. The latter must be ground off the internal weld seam.
Next, you need to weld the L-shaped stand itself. Its sole is made of a 40x40 mm profile pipe with a length of 100 mm. The ends of the latter must be welded with plugs.
A piece of 15x15 mm pipe, 300 mm long, is welded to the edge of the sole at a right angle. The open end of the stand is also welded with a plug.
On the stand you need to mark the scale using a ruler. To do this, marks are first placed, and then cuts are made along them.
From a 20x20 mm pipe it is necessary to make stops for the sliding mount of the drill. To do this, 2 narrow rings are cut out.
They are drilled from the side and M6 nuts are welded into them.
The limiters will fix the lower position of the drill mount, and the upper position so that it is not removed. They will be clamped using wing bolts.
To make it easier to fix the sole of the stand itself, you need to weld a stand under it. It is made from a metal plate 100x100 mm and a channel 50 mm wide.
A piece of the latter is welded onto the plate. Then it is drilled and an M8 nut is welded into it.
You also need to make holes in the corners of the plate. Thus, you can screw the stand onto any surface and install the stand into it permanently.
As a result, we get a mobile stand that just needs to be screwed onto any flat work surface with self-tapping screws. Then the drill is clamped in the clamp, and the attachment is used for its intended purpose.
It is also suitable for drilling against walls or floors without using a stand.
Engraver ELITECH PShM 170EZhK
Photo: https://market.yandex.ru
A very powerful engraver, perfect for large jobs. 170 W is enough to cope with even the most complex tasks - both for masters and amateurs. And the disk rotation speed of 35,000 rpm is enough to process not only wood and metal, but also glass. It’s nice that the network cable is very long – 1.8 meters. Experienced users know very well that a short wire is very annoying when working. An additional advantage is the very convenient digital display, which displays all the important information about the mode of use.
Engraver ELITECH PShM 170EZhK
Advantages:
- equipped with many attachments
- affordable price
- convenient speed adjustment
- high power
Flaws:
- there is no protection against overheating, the engraver must be used intermittently
- Poor quality assembly is quite common
Engraver Dremel 4300-3/45EZ
Photo: https://market.yandex.ru
If this is not the fastest engraver in the rating, then it is certainly one of them, the number of revolutions per minute is 35 thousand. To this it is worth adding high power - 175 W. At the same time, working with the tool is quite easy and comfortable thanks to its weight of 0.66 kg. So, in combination of price and quality, this model is one of the most successful. Illumination of the working area makes using the engraver truly comfortable and enjoyable - no need to worry about installing a special lamp or solving the problem in other ways. And 45 different attachments are a serious plus. Therefore, we can confidently say that this is one of the best engravers in terms of functionality.
Engraver Dremel 4300-3/45EZ
Advantages:
- many attachments
- increased power
- high speed of material processing
- stable speed maintenance
- presence of backlight
Flaws:
- not suitable for fine work, noticeable chuck runout
Types of equipment
Threading or drilling of holes is carried out with special consumables equipped with wire brushes and cutting attachments in the form of a cone or circle. Not all attachments are suitable for a specific engraver model. Some companies often sell accessories that are not compatible with third-party mini drill models. It is better to immediately purchase those attachments that this or that company recommends. Grinding and leveling operations use cutting and grinding discs and other equipment. When cleaning and polishing you will need discs and bristle brushes. They are most often used when processing difficult-to-grow materials. Quite often, standard equipment is included with a mini-drill. They make it possible to immediately begin performing certain operations with the engraver.
Engraver Bort BCT-72Li
Photo: https://market.yandex.ru
Quite a popular cordless engraver, characterized by its light weight and ease of use. A battery with a capacity of 1 A/h is enough to work quietly for up to three hours without stopping to recharge. It’s nice that the device is equipped with two dozen attachments - this makes it possible to perform a whole range of engraving work. In addition, this is the cheapest cordless engraver in the review. The high speed of rotation of the disk makes it easy to process not only wood, but also metal. It’s nice that the device weighs only 0.26 kg - this greatly simplifies the work, makes it more comfortable and easier. So, we can say with confidence that this is the best inexpensive engraver in the review.
Engraver Bort BCT-72Li
Advantages:
- affordable price
- light weight
- It is possible to replace the battery
- light weight and compactness
- presence of backlight
Flaws:
- under heavy loads the speed drops
DIY mini drill
There are several popular ways to create a mini drill from scrap engines and parts. For example, a drill from an old tape engine is a convenient and simple mini device. Let's look at how to make such a mini drill with your own hands in more detail.
An element required for operation is a motor from a tape recorder of yesteryear. It runs on 6 volts, so you will need another battery for the design.
You need to order a collet chuck from any resource or turn it on a lathe (which is more labor-intensive). Also, the future drill needs to be assembled into something, so preparing a simple body would be great. Here's what they do next:
- Solder two wires to the motor.
- Place a drill of the required diameter in the collet chuck.
- Fix the cartridge on the motor shaft. The shaft comes in two diameters: 1.5 and 2.3 millimeters.
The simplest model is ready. All you have to do is turn on the power and the drill will rotate at a good speed.
A drill of small diameter (no more than 1-2 mm) is easy to break. Therefore, when drilling, try to maintain an angle of 90 degrees.
How to assemble the entire structure in an original and compact way?
An antiperspirant container will do. The motor with two wires and a collet, prepared earlier, will fit perfectly into the container shown in the photo.
Next, the homemade body can be easily equipped with a button to turn it on. For modification, a hole is drilled for the collet, or rather for the exit of the head itself from the container lid.
The bottom of the container is also drilled for a cord or wires. On the side of the homemade case, cut out a square for the switch with a knife.
Having prepared all parts of the structure, they assemble the modified homemade mini drill already in the body.
There are only advantages from such a homemade product:
- minimal costs for parts of the structure;
- small body;
- convenient use and management;
- individual and stylish appearance.
A very practical and simple model to make.
Cordless engraver BOSCH PRO BOSCH GRO 12V-35
Photo: https://market.yandex.ru
A relatively compact engraver that allows you to easily work with any material, including glass, thanks to its high speed. It weighs 0.6 kg, which is relatively heavy for battery-powered models, but this is precisely what made it possible to significantly increase power. The removable battery can be easily replaced at any time if you purchase the right battery to keep you on the job. Overload protection ensures that an expensive tool will fail due to overheating. The backlight makes work much more comfortable, and a special case makes it easy to carry and store. Therefore, the model should definitely be included in the TOP of the most successful ones.
Cordless engraver BOSCH PRO BOSCH GRO 12V-35
Advantages:
- serious autonomy
- high revs
- high quality engraving
- high build quality
- reliable overload protection
- there is a backlight
Flaws:
- The battery and charging unit must be purchased separately
- Vibrates a lot at high speeds
Structural elements
By studying photographs and drawings of stands for drills (homemade or factory-made), we can identify the main structural elements inherent in all machines without exception:
- Tabletop base;
- Vertical guide;
- Drill mount;
- Lifting and lowering mechanism;
- Handle.
The underlying base provides stability to the structure and dampens vibration from a working tool. It houses fasteners for the remaining elements of the rack, a vice and clamps for parts. It is allowed to leave holes in the base for through drilling of parts.
Metal or wood (solid wood, plywood) is suitable as a tabletop material. To combat vibration, it would be a good idea to add a layer of dense rubber under the base. The base must be massive, the minimum size in terms of 600 x 600 x 30 millimeters. You can make holes in it for attaching to a workbench - this will give additional stability when working.
The guide is a vertical rail that is installed on the base and holds the drill mount. The slats can be metal (pipe, channel) or wood (block, plywood). In some models (usually metal), the guide is combined with a lifting and lowering mechanism. Removable slats are installed on a bolted connection, the rigid connection is made by welding. The donor of the finished base with a guide will be the tripod of a failed photo enlarger or microscope.
The drill is mounted on clamps or brackets with a hole in the center. As with the rack, the mounts can be designed to be removable for different types of drills. The handle is placed on the side or on top of the structure, with its help the position of the cutter relative to the bed is adjusted.
Engraver Hammer AMD3.6
Photo: https://market.yandex.ru
If you don’t know which engraver is best to choose for performing a variety of jobs, then take a closer look at this model. One of the main advantages is the huge number of accessories - as many as 118, which dramatically increases the functionality of the device. The increased battery capacity allows you to comfortably work for several hours without thinking about the need to recharge. The tool can be used not only for engraving, but also for drilling wood and plastic, cutting wire, polishing various surfaces and for many other works. In addition, judging by user reviews, the engraver is distinguished by high-quality assembly.
Engraver Hammer AMD3.6
Advantages:
- great functionality
- Comes with charger and battery
- long operating time without recharging
- convenient to work
- easy speed adjustment
Flaws:
- not too high power
Recommendations for selection
Purpose.
To select the most functional device, you should determine the scope of its application. The smallest models are used in jewelry, nail polishing, and ship or aircraft modeling. In this case, the compactness and lightness of the tool comes first. When it is necessary to drill or cut hard materials (steel, stone), preference is given to powerful models.
Power.
All engravers are equipped with electric motors that have a certain power.
- To work with plastic, wood and other soft materials, a Dremel power of 30-140 W is sufficient.
- If the tool will have to process workpieces with high hardness, then in this case it is better to buy a mini drill with a motor with a power of 170-450 W.
Chuck rotation speed
. Due to the low power, Dremel manufacturers have to increase the rotation speed of the chuck. The maximum speed can reach 40,000. But to perform different operations you need to select your own speed limit. Therefore, it is more convenient to work with machines that have speed control. It can be stepped or smooth.
Power supply
. Dremels presented on the AliExpress site can be corded or cordless.
- For work in a home workshop or garage, it is better to choose a network model, as it is more powerful and reliable.
- Battery engravers come to the rescue in cases where drilling, cutting or stripping operations have to be carried out far from a 220 V outlet. But it is important to remember that they have little power, and the operating time is limited by the battery capacity.
Equipment.
The price of a Dremel in the AliExpress online store largely depends on the richness of the equipment.
- For beginners who have nothing to use with an engraver, it is better to purchase a full set of attachments. Even short-lived drills, cutting wheels, and grinding stones will help beginners master the tool. In the future, it will be possible to purchase better equipment.
- Experienced specialists place high demands on the quality of all parts. Therefore, Chinese attachments are unlikely to suit them. Professionals should not overpay for useless elements by ordering only the Dremel itself.
We have selected 9 of the best Dremels from AliExpress for review. All of them are currently being sold on the famous trading platform. When compiling the rating, the opinion of the expert community and customer reviews were taken into account.
Engraver Dremel 8220-1/5
Photo: https://market.yandex.ru
Perhaps the most accurate of the battery engravers. The number of revolutions per minute reaches 30 thousand, which makes it possible to work with all materials, including glass. The battery capacity of 2 A/h is enough for several hours of continuous operation. Five high-quality attachments make it possible to perform a whole range of work, and the presence of backlight greatly simplifies it. True, the engraver weighs quite a lot - 0.66 kg, which should be taken into account when purchasing. But there is an engine brake function, speed control and a number of other equally useful options.
Engraver Dremel 8220-1/5
Advantages:
- work area illumination
- high battery capacity
- long service life
- serious power
Flaws:
- significant weight
This concludes our rating of the best engraver models. Enjoy the shopping!
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