An engraver - also called a dremel or straight grinder - is a compact but multifunctional device with which you can not only engrave on metal or wood, but also drill, grind, clean and work in other ways with a variety of materials. An engraver can become a truly indispensable assistant for a home craftsman or needleworker. We will tell you how to choose this tool and which 4 engravers you should pay attention to.
CONTENT
- 1 What to look for when choosing an engraver
- 2 Top 4 best engravers
- 3 FAQ
What to look for when choosing an engraver
Food. Engravers can be powered by mains or battery. The first option is more productive and easier, but the power tool can only work near the outlet, and the wire tends to constantly interfere, especially during delicate operations. Cordless engravers are usually heavier than mains ones (after the electric motor, their heaviest part is the battery) and require periodic charging, moreover, with a low battery level, they tend to lose in power. Nevertheless, battery models are much more convenient than network models, and their mobility fully compensates for any shortcomings. The main thing is not to take an engraver on 3-volt AA batteries, otherwise you will not get a tool, but an electric nose pick for $ 10.
Power. The higher it is, the more productive the device is. The engraver is not one of the most powerful tools, this is not a Bulgarian for you. Here the bill goes not to thousands, but hundreds or even tens of watts. Typically, the power of engravers ranges from 200-300 watts, although even 30-watt devices can be found. But here it is important to remember that the main advantage of the dremel is not in power, but in accuracy, so if you decide to chase watts, it is better to buy a drill or angle grinder.
Battery voltage. In a simplified form, the voltage for cordless engravers can be called an analogue of the power consumption for network models. Generally, the higher the battery voltage, the more efficient the machine is. It is desirable that this parameter is 12-18 volts, not less. Well, we already wrote about 3-volt batteries above.
Weight. The engraver is designed for delicate work, so weight can be called a critical parameter for it. It is desirable that the dremel weigh no more than 1.5 kilograms, then it will be possible to work with it for a long time and not get tired. An engraver weighing no more than a kilogram is better suited for women and children. At the same time, among professional devices, you can often find 2-kg models.
Turnovers. A high engine speed is needed to work with hard materials: for example, engraving on steel is better for 20,000 revolutions or more. But for grinding, especially when it comes to capricious materials, it is better to use low speed so as not to overheat the surface. The ideal option is variable speed, which makes the engraver a truly versatile machine.
Flexible shaft. The working tool of the engraver - a rotating nozzle - not in every model is inserted directly into the body. To make it easier to work with hard-to-reach places, the cartridge into which the nozzle is inserted is connected to the electric motor using a special sleeve with a flexible shaft inside. For a battery dremel, a flexible shaft is not particularly needed, but it expands the capabilities of a network model very decently.
Chuck type. Two types of chucks are commonly used in engravers: keyless chucks and collet chucks. The first type is easy to use and allows you to quickly change nozzles without additional tools, although it is not able to provide 100 percent reliable retention of the nozzle. The collet chuck, in turn, holds the cutter with a bulldog grip, but it takes time to unwind and twist. In addition, there are collets designed for tightening not only by hand, but also with a special key - the least convenient, but also the most reliable way to keep the cutter in the chuck. The ideal option is replaceable cartridges for different tasks.
Chuck size. Keyless chucks and collets are usually designed for 1 to 3 mm shank bits, although both 0.3 and 4 mm chucks can be found commercially. One of the main advantages of universal keyless chucks is that one chuck can be used with attachments of different diameters. Collet chucks do not have such versatility.
Nozzles. Engravers are equipped with a variety of attachments: for metal, wood, glass and stone, for grinding and drilling, cleaning and polishing... The more attachments a Dremel has, the wider its capabilities. Sometimes even the basic set with the tool comes with several dozen cutters, cutters and discs. This is convenient, but it should not determine the choice, because out of the whole variety of attachments, you will most often use a maximum of a dozen. It is better to take a better quality engraver from a well-known manufacturer, and then buy the necessary attachments as needed, than overpay for a complete suitcase of unnecessary junk.
Top 4 best engravers
Best professional engraver
1. Dremel 4000-6 / 128
Dremel is such a well-known manufacturer of engravers that the brand name itself has long become a household name. This professional engraver, priced at about 12,800 rubles, fully meets the company's brilliant reputation. The power of the device is 175 W. The motor can spin the nozzle up to an impressive 35,000 rpm, and the speed can be controlled independently. The function of fixing the spindle, the system of stabilization of revolutions, and the blocking of the power button are provided. The device weighs only 660 grams. The set includes a handle for precision work, a linear milling compass, an angle attachment, a cutting guide, a sanding platform, a flexible shaft, 128 attachments and an aluminum case. The best engraver money can buy.
Price: ₽ 12 864
Dremel 4000-6 / 128
Best Network Engraver
2. Metabo GE 710 Compact
Not just an engraver, but a full-fledged, albeit compact, straight grinder with a power of as much as 710 watts. The maximum disc rotation speed reaches 34,000 rpm, which is enough to handle even the most difficult materials. The manufacturer provides the functions of overload protection, speed control, and blocking of the power button. The tool is quite heavy, 1.4 kg, but this is a payment for high power, which allows you to use this device not only as an engraver, but in general for any household needs. The price of the issue is about 10,000 rubles.
Price: ₽ 10 499
Metabo GE 710 Compact
Best Cordless Engraver
3. Makita DGD801Z
A powerful cordless engraver from a renowned Japanese manufacturer of professional power tools. Powered by proprietary 18-volt batteries, this makes the device a rather powerful machine capable of performing any task and doing it just as well as network counterparts. The maximum rotational speed of the disk is 26,000 rpm. The limitation of the starting current, protection against overloads, the system of stabilization of revolutions, the blocking of the power button are provided. A large weight of 1.7 kg is a reasonable price for mobility. The main drawback of the model is that for an engraver without a charger and battery, they ask from 9,500 rubles.
Price: ₽ 9 579
Makita DGD801Z
Best Budget Engraver
4. Hammer MD135A
This 600 gram toddler is a great example of how an inexpensive tool can be very worthy too. The power consumption of the device is 135 W, which is quite enough for most of the tasks facing the engraver. The maximum rotation frequency of the nozzle reaches 32,000 rpm. Provides for fixing the spindle, adjusting the speed, locking the power button. The set includes 40 attachments, a rod, a flexible shaft, a wrench and a case for storage and carrying. An engraver costs less than 3000 rubles - an excellent result with such parameters.
Price: ₽ 2 999
Hammer MD135A
FAQ
How can you lubricate the flexible shaft of an engraver?
Low viscosity industrial oil is best suited. Alternatively, regular engine oil or graphite grease can be used.
