Engravers

About Engravers

Engravers are versatile handheld tools designed to permanently mark, etch, or inscribe text, numbers, logos, and patterns onto materials including metal, glass, wood, plastic, leather, and ceramics. Whether you're a tradesperson marking tools for theft prevention, a jeweller personalising precious items, or a DIY enthusiast adding custom touches to projects, engravers provide precision control in a portable package. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks trusted brands including Brennenstuhl, Dremel, Draper, and Sealey, with models ranging from simple electric stylus engravers to sophisticated variable-speed rotary tools.

Modern engravers typically feature either vibrating or rotating tips that scratch or etch surfaces. Basic models suit straightforward identification tasks, whilst advanced options offer variable speed settings, interchangeable diamond or tungsten carbide tips, and accessories for different materials and effects. Popular choices include the reliable Brennenstuhl Signograph range for workshop environments and versatile Dremel engraving tools for both hobby and professional applications.

Applications

Engravers serve diverse users across multiple sectors:

• Tradespeople and contractors: Electricians, plumbers, and builders marking tools with identification codes to reduce theft risk and improve asset management on construction sites
• Engineers and machinists: Marking component numbers, batch codes, and specifications onto metalwork and fabricated items for traceability
• Jewellers and metalsmiths: Creating hallmarks and engraving names, dates, or messages onto rings, bracelets, watches, and precious metal items
• Craftspeople and artisans: Adding decorative patterns, signatures, or custom designs to handmade woodwork, leathercraft, glassware, and ceramics
• Sign makers: Producing permanent signage, nameplates, and identification labels for commercial applications
• Schools and facilities: Marking valuable equipment, musical instruments, and laptops with identification codes for security
• DIY enthusiasts: Personalising gifts, marking garden tools, and adding decorative touches to craft projects
• Security professionals: Implementing property marking schemes such as postcode engraving on valuables

Choosing The Right Engravers

Power source: Mains-powered 240v engravers suit workshop use and provide consistent power for frequent marking tasks. Battery-powered models offer portability for site work but may have less power for harder materials.

Engraver type: Vibration engravers with oscillating tips work well for straightforward text and numbers on most materials. Rotary engravers with spinning bits excel at detailed artistic work and intricate designs.

Tip material: Diamond-coated styli provide exceptional durability for glass, ceramics, and hardened steel. Tungsten carbide tips offer excellent all-round performance on softer metals, plastics, and wood at more economical prices.

Speed control: Variable speed settings allow adjustment for different materials and desired depth. Single-speed models prove cost-effective for basic identification work, whilst multi-speed options suit professional applications requiring versatility.

Ergonomics: Consider weight and grip design for extended use. Slimmer pencil-style engravers like the Dremel Stylo+ offer excellent control for fine detail, whilst robust models suit heavier-duty marking. MyToolShed.co.uk offers complete kits with multiple tips, stencils, and templates for comprehensive requirements.

Safety Information

Eye protection: Always wear safety glasses when engraving, as the process generates small particles that may fly towards your face, particularly with hard materials like metal, glass, or ceramics.

Ventilation: Work in well-ventilated areas and consider wearing a dust mask when engraving plastics or treated wood that produce fine dust or irritating particles.

Electrical safety: Use engravers with properly earthed 240v UK plugs and check cables regularly for damage. Keep electrical components away from water and never operate with wet hands.

Secure workpieces: Always clamp items firmly to prevent slipping. Never hold small items in your hand whilst engraving them, as this creates injury risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials can I engrave with an electric engraver?

Most electric engravers can mark metal, plastic, wood, leather, glass, and ceramics. Match the correct tip to your material – diamond styli work best on glass and very hard materials, whilst tungsten carbide tips suit general metals, plastics, and wood. Always check manufacturer specifications for your specific model.

How do I mark my tools to deter theft?

Use your engraver to permanently mark your postcode and house number onto metal surfaces of valuable tools. This makes items identifiable if stolen and less attractive to thieves. Many UK police forces recommend property marking as crime prevention, and you can register marked items with services like Immobilise for additional security.

Do I need different tips for different materials?

Whilst some tips work across multiple materials, optimal results come from matching the tip to your application. Diamond-coated styli excel on glass, ceramics, and hardened steel, whilst tungsten carbide tips provide excellent general-purpose performance on softer metals, plastics, and wood. MyToolShed stocks replacement tips including Brennenstuhl diamond and hard metal styli for various applications.