Engraved decorative elements play an important role in the design of rooms. To apply patterns using this technology, special equipment called an engraver is used. Such a tool can be mastered by everyone, especially since there is a fairly wide selection of similar products on sale.
If you have not encountered such devices before, then this review of the best engravers of 2019 is just for you. We will talk about what this product is about, what to look for when buying it. In addition, we included in our article a rating of the most popular models.
Summary of the rating:
What characteristics are important for engravers?
By its design, the engraver is a compact grinding equipment, which is intended for the production of certain works related to the milling, cutting, drilling and grinding of products made of various materials. The basis of this device is an electric motor equipped with a collet chuck, where all the necessary nozzles are inserted. On sale you can find models equipped with a flexible shaft, through which torque is transmitted to the nozzle. Together with the device, up to hundreds of nozzles can be supplied. Thanks to the engraver, you can apply a pattern to presentations, souvenirs, jewelry. Today, there are units on sale that can work with absolutely any materials. The main thing in working with an engraver is to take into account the hardness indicators of the base and choose the necessary nozzle.
Dremel is a miniature analogue of a drill, while it has much greater capabilities. Most products use the principle of rotation, but there are devices that turn electricity into shock. Nozzles are made from sufficiently durable and wear-resistant materials. When choosing, be sure to look at the mass of equipment, as too heavy a tool will simply be uncomfortable to work with.
Professional engravers usually prefer lightweight products that can produce about 20 thousand revolutions per minute. It is advisable that as many nozzles as possible be supplied with the tool. The optimal weight should be less than 1 kg, otherwise, with thin processing of the material, your hands get tired almost instantly. A light tool can work for quite some time. Immediately take into account how often it is planned to use an engraver. If it will be used regularly, then pay attention to the reliability of the model with a power reserve of about 250 watts.
A very important point related to the type of material. If the bulk of the work is related to wood or glass, then an engraver with 20 thousand revolutions per minute will be most suitable, for hard metal alloys, steel, precious stones it is better to choose a product with a higher torque - 30 thousand revolutions or more. You can even purchase an impact engraver for such materials. Be sure to clarify what is the power of the tool, as it will directly affect the cost of production and its cost.
To use the device in everyday life or in the conditions of a small workshop, a product with a power of not more than 200 W at a speed of up to 20 thousand revolutions will be enough. More powerful designs are considered professional. Optimum will be a tool with an adjustable speed of rotation of the shaft. The number of revolutions directly affects the final quality of the processed surface - it is necessary to grind and polish the material at low speeds, otherwise the product will begin to overheat. Tools must be cut and sharpened at maximum speed. In modern models, this figure on average ranges from 15 to 30 thousand.
Upon purchase, check the equipment configuration - the presence of nozzles, their total number, whether a flexible shaft is provided. Often, masters prefer the most reliable devices to the detriment of the number of nozzles, and they are already bought in the future. Nozzles are very different depending on the material used and the characteristics of the work performed.
When developing our ranking of the best engravers, we relied on all of the above points, and also took into account user feedback and the ratio of price and quality of equipment. In this regard, only products available to most of our readers were included in the review. Now let's get down to a direct analysis of the performance of each tool.
Battery Devices
3. Hammer AMD3.6
This is one of the best value for money tools. It is equipped with a lithium-ion battery, which is practically not discharged during storage, so the user will not have to face such a situation when after a while you take out the tool and its battery is completely dead and you need to precharge it. The device is characterized by an expanded set of equipment - as many as 118 additional nozzles, but most of them are various kinds of cleaning and cutting wheels, there are several drills, diamond drills and so on. The design is placed in a plastic case, characterized by an ergonomic shape, which prevents the product from popping out of hands during operation. At the same time, the plastic itself is quite strong and reliable, able to withstand significant physical stress. The assembly is characterized by high quality, even with active use there are no extraneous creaks or backlashes.
A collet-type cartridge is installed here, holds all nozzles qualitatively, they do not fall inside and do not pop out during operation. The equipment can be used for a variety of purposes - stripping small parts, engraving, cutting, drilling, grinding, engraving. For professional use is not suitable, but at home it will be very useful. The number of revolutions is adjustable from 0 to 18 thousand, so the device carefully handles any materials. The absence of a power cable and complete autonomy allows you to take the product on business trips and other trips.
Benefits:
- Very ergonomic design;
- Insignificant overall dimensions;
- A light weight;
- A large number of different nozzles.
Disadvantages:
- Keep in such a way as not to block the ventilation openings located near the cartridge.
2. Dremel 7750-10
This is one of the most functional cordless devices, thanks to which it is possible to carry out a wide range of different tasks - sharpen a tool, drill holes, grind and polish surfaces. Due to the fact that the product is completely independent of the central electrical network, it can even be used to reach the most inaccessible places or work where the power supply is disconnected or not provided at all. In order to promptly and quickly change nozzles, a special mechanism is used - EZ Twist, due to which the speed of work is significantly increased.The body shape is ergonomic, it has a rubberized coating that does not allow slipping out of hands. The battery capacity is quite high, so this device can work out about one and a half to two hours without a break. In total there are three speeds of rotation, and they are switched in steps. To ensure the safety of use, there is a special system that reliably blocks equipment from being accidentally turned on.
The rotation speed ranges from 8 to 20 thousand revolutions per minute. On the surface of the housing there are special ventilation openings through which the engine will be reliably cooled, which significantly prolongs the life of the tool. The diameter is not very large, so it can be completely covered by hand, due to this, the accuracy of the work performed is greatly increased. It is worth noting the insignificant mass of the product, which, despite the presence of a battery, is only 420 grams. The battery capacity is 1.5 mAh, it takes about 1 hour to fully charge it, and the battery life is. The nozzle storage box is made of high-quality plastic, and there is also space for storing the tool itself and the charger. Along with the tool comes 10 different nozzles.
Benefits:
- Pretty decent power for such a compact battery device;
- The battery charges very quickly;
- Comfortable grip;
- Good performance;
- Attractive appearance.
Disadvantages:
- The battery may be discharged by itself during long-term storage.
1. Bort BCT-72Li
This is an easy and very practical model that can be used by both amateurs and professional engravers. With the help of this device it will be possible to produce fairly effective processing of materials over time. The battery operates smoothly, and the design of the device is characterized by carefully thought-out ergonomics. The overall dimensions of the device are small, so the tool fits comfortably in your hand. The case is narrowed and has a special coating that protects against slipping. This product is convenient to use in conditions of lack of lighting or in complete darkness - for this, a special LED backlight is provided in the design, which allows you to keep the entire work process under full control. This tool is perfect for craftsmen who work with small products.
The speed control lever is equipped with LED-based indicators, so you don’t have to get distracted, but you can change the number of revolutions without breaking away from the workpiece. A wide range of nozzles is supplied with the product, with which you can easily cope even with a rather difficult task. The battery is lithium-ion, has a voltage of 7.2 V. It is fully charged within three hours. The number of idle revolutions is in the range from 5 to 25 thousand per minute, the adjustment of this parameter is stepwise. The device has a long warranty period, which is 2 years. This model is equipped with a protection system against accidental startup. In stand-alone mode, the device is able to work about 3-3.5 hours. The mass of the device is less than 300 grams, so your hands will not get tired when working with the tool.
Benefits:
- The presence of lighting the working area;
- Long warranty;
- High build quality;
- A large set of standard nozzles;
- Long battery life;
- Reasonable cost.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Inexpensive network models
3. Hammer Flex MD050B
By and large, this tool is a cross between an engraver and a mini-drill, it has a quite acceptable cost. The power is not too high, but the overall dimensions are small, and all the tasks assigned to this tool are performed at a high quality level.The unit is delivered in a plastic blister, a case for storing equipment and accessories for it is not provided. Together with the engraver there are as many as 80 nozzles. You can power this product either from an ordinary network, or from the car's on-board network - for this, there is a special adapter inserted into the cigarette lighter. The engraver is characterized by a rather long supply wire - almost 2 meters, respectively, you will not have to use extension cords. The device itself has a small overall dimensions and light weight - its weight is only 200 grams. Thanks to these parameters, you can hold the structure like an ordinary ballpoint pen and perform work with high precision. In this case, the hand does not get tired in the process of using the device. Vibration is minimal here.
There is only one control button on the case, and adjustment of the number of revolutions is not provided here - this indicator is standard, it is 15 thousand per minute. The machine is equipped with a reliable collet chuck of a removable type, and four collets are supplied with it at once, the diameter of which is 1 mm, 2.4 mm, 3 mm and 3.2 mm. They change simply, it takes a minimum of time, the process does not require the use of special tools. There is a button that clamps the spindle and does not allow the collet to rotate, so it is very convenient to remove. The assembly is characterized by high quality, the case does not play and does not creak, the product functions without beating and vibration, there is practically no noise from the device. The engine practically does not heat up, but the manufacturer recommends working without a break for no more than 15 minutes.
Benefits:
- Small overall dimensions of a product;
- Good build quality
- Simplicity of the device and work;
- Comfortable to hold in your hand;
- Long supply wire;
- It functions almost silently.
Disadvantages:
- It is not possible to adjust the number of revolutions;
- There is no storage case either.
2. Bort BCT-140
The product is capable of developing a fairly high speed, the upper threshold of which is 32.5 thousand revolutions per minute. The appearance is very similar to a small sized drill. The design comes in a convenient plastic case in which the device can be stored and transported. A decent amount of nozzles is included, the collet is designed for a diameter of 3-4 mm, however, the socket for its installation is universal, respectively, you can purchase designs of larger and smaller diameters. The power cable is about 2 m long, while the apparatus itself is 24 cm long. The engraver is equipped with a wheel-mounted speed switch - the minimum rotation is 8 thousand revolutions. Switching occurs in step mode. The power of this equipment is 135 W - for home use it will be quite enough.
The device is universal, they can perform a large number of different operations. The mass of the product is not too large. In their reviews, users note the availability of this tool - almost anyone can afford it. The body of the structure is made of plastic, which will not slip out of your hands for a long time, the build quality is high.
Benefits:
- Reasonable cost;
- High rates of revolutions;
- Reliability;
- Long service life.
Disadvantages:
- Heats up a bit during operation, periodically it is necessary to give the device a rest.
1. Dremel 200-5
Another model released by a well-known manufacturer, and this design is the most affordable. Five nozzles and a special key are supplied with the product so that you can change the collet if necessary. The power indicator is quite suitable for home use of the product. The mass of the engraver is 125 W with a mass of 0.55 kg, the maximum number of revolutions when working without load is 35 thousand. Even during prolonged use, the tool will not overheat. Vibration during use is minimal, hands do not get tired of it at all.The speed switch here is mechanical, it has only three positions - off, low speed (15 thousand per minute) and high (35 thousand). There is a special metal loop for which the device can be hung for storage. The device is compatible with most commercially available accessories. In the immediate vicinity of the cartridge there is a special button that fixes it in one position and does not allow rotation.
This equipment is used not only for decorative work, but also during repairs. In particular, with its help it is possible not only to cut dowels, but also to polish their edges, the device perfectly copes with sharp ceramic tiles. The product can perfectly replace various tools if it is necessary to perform work in hard-to-reach places - in particular, it is able to perform the functions of a drill, angle grinder and so on.
Benefits:
- Reasonable cost;
- High maximum speed;
- Long service life;
- It easily replaces many tools in places that are not so easy to get to.
Disadvantages:
- Speed adjustment from just two positions.
Professional products
4. Proxxon FBS 240 / E
Another multifunctional that is perfect for precise and delicate work. The number of revolutions can be adjusted in the range from 4 to 20 thousand per minute. If necessary, the product can be fixed in clamps or racks. The case is made of plastic, there is an original insert made of high density rubber. This device is perfect for working with different materials - metal, stone, wood, polymer compositions. A very convenient plastic case is supplied with the device, where there are two compartments closed with plastic covers - they store drills, burs, drills and other nozzles supplied with this equipment. According to users, despite the wide functionality, this device is quite compact, its body can be wrapped around with one hand.
The rubber insert in the grip area can significantly increase the accuracy of the work performed. The design works very quietly, strong vibration was also not noticed. In addition, the service life of the product is quite long. Many say that among professional models, this tool has an ideal ratio of price and quality. All delicate work is carried out at a qualitatively high level, and you can use the device without a break for several hours. The engine, although it has decent power, will not overheat.
Benefits:
- Wide functionality;
- Convenient location of ventilation openings, they will not be closed by palms or fingers during operation;
- Long service life.
Disadvantages:
- The compartment in the case for storing the wire is small.
3. Dremel 3000-1 / 25
It has average electric motor power of 130 watts, which allows for a cartridge rotation speed of up to 33 thousand revolutions per minute. The diameter of the standard collet is 3.2 mm, however, if necessary, you can install a larger or smaller model. A decent length of the power cable is 2 meters. The construction is delivered in a case made of high-quality plastic, it has several compartments for storing the nozzles that are supplied with the set, and there is also a special protective screen that prevents dust from entering the eyes of the operator - this makes using the device even more convenient. The pencil case fastens with a reliable wide zipper made of plastic, which is insensitive to the ingress of dust between the teeth. The scope of use of the device is quite wide, this engraver can even sharpen chain saws if necessary. To make the engraving process as convenient as possible, a flexible shaft is provided.
The mass of the product is only 0.55 kg. The ability to adjust the speed provided - step.Ergonomic shape, closer to the cartridge the device is equipped with a rubber insert that prevents the hand from slipping off during operation and minimizes the likelihood of injury. The length of the product is only 19 cm - this facilitates both the use and storage of the device.
Benefits:
- Long warranty period - 2 years;
- Suitable for both fine and rather rough work;
- High quality manufacturing device;
- Wide range of use;
- The kit comes with a fairly convenient case.
Disadvantages:
- The power cable is hard, has a memory.
2. Tornado EP-2 / 6I
This device, which fell to the second place of the best engravers of the year in its section of our rating, can be used for a variety of purposes and materials. They can work on metal, stone, glass, plastic, wood and even bone. The number of revolutions is high enough to ensure excellent surface finish. Even for such a fragile material like glass, the engraving is very high-quality, not even the slightest chips are observed, there will be no noticeable signs of fusion on the plastic, and crushing on metal surfaces. As users say in reviews, this tool will become truly indispensable if there is a need to perform precise and delicate work. This includes, for example, engraving on rings, watches, and other small everyday items.
The product is characterized by excellent compactness, it is very convenient and easy to hold with one hand, and the brushes will not get tired even after prolonged use of this equipment. The highest idle torque is 470 g / cm. The maximum speed reaches 13 thousand per minute. Nozzles change almost instantly, but there are not too many of them in the kit, so you will have to purchase them additionally, depending on what type of work needs to be performed.
Benefits:
- The ideal machine for delicate work;
- High quality workmanship and assembly;
- Long period of operation;
- It can work with any materials without damaging them.
Disadvantages:
- Not as many nozzles in the kit as we would like.
1. Dremel 4000-6 / 128
The tool is delivered in a reliable and very attractive-looking box, which, by the way, is distinguished by good capacity and functionality. The instrument itself, the handle and the flexible shaft are located directly in its upper compartment. The lower part is a drawer, which stores all kinds of consumables, adapters and other items useful in working with the tool. The equipment itself is characterized by high reliability and performance. Its power is 175 watts with a speed of 35 thousand per minute. The device does not need special maintenance. In total, there are about 130 various nozzles with the device, each of which is of high quality - this, in turn, makes it easy to cope with any tasks. A distinctive feature of the design of this device is the ability to maintain a given number of revolutions, regardless of the load.
The device works quite noisily, however, this is not a serious drawback to refuse to purchase it. All buttons are located very conveniently, there is no need to be distracted by switching the mode or speed. The ventilation holes are large - a decent amount of air is suitable for the electric motor, which prevents it from overheating during operation. The case is plastic, the assembly is characterized by high quality, it is shockproof, it can withstand significant physical loads, and even after prolonged use it does not cause backlashes and creaks.
Benefits:
- A large set of quality items in the kit;
- Superior functionality
- Long period of operation.
Disadvantages:
- Decently makes noise during work.
In conclusion, a useful video
Our review of the best dremel is over. We hope that the information collected will be quite enough so that you can choose the best tool for yourself that will serve you faithfully for many years. If you still have any questions or ambiguities about this or that model - you can ask us in the comments to this article. We will try to quickly respond to your message and provide additional information. If you have experience working with such equipment - share it with us and our readers, we will be very grateful to you for this.