Engraving Accessories

About Engraving Accessories

Engraving accessories are precision tips and cutters designed to transform rotary tools into versatile marking and personalisation instruments. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of Dremel engraving accessories, including carbide-tipped engravers for softer materials like wood, plastic and aluminium, diamond-coated tips for harder surfaces such as glass and ceramics, and high-speed carving cutters for more aggressive material removal. Each tip features specific geometries and materials suited to different applications, from fine jewellery detailing to bold lettering on metal components.

Quality engraving accessories deliver clean, accurate results whilst maintaining their cutting edge through extended use. Whether you're marking tools for identification, personalising gifts, creating decorative glassware patterns, or adding professional touches to metalwork, investing in the right tips ensures consistent performance and longevity. MyToolShed offers both individual specialist tips for dedicated applications and multi-piece sets ideal for those exploring different engraving techniques across various materials.

Applications

• Jewellers and goldsmiths: Personalising rings, bracelets and pendants with names, dates and decorative patterns
• Toolmakers and engineers: Marking tools and components for identification, part numbering and quality control
• Glass artists and glaziers: Creating decorative designs on glassware, mirrors and architectural glass
• Sign makers: Engraving lettering and graphics onto metal, plastic and wooden signage
• Tradespeople: Marking tools and equipment for identification on site, preventing losses and mix-ups
• Gunsmiths and knife makers: Adding maker's marks and decorative elements to metalwork
• Hobbyists and crafters: Personalising gifts and adding custom touches to DIY projects
• Model makers: Adding fine detail, panel lines and surface textures to scale models

Choosing The Right Engraving Accessories

Material compatibility is paramount when selecting engraving tips. Carbide tips excel on wood, plastic and softer metals like brass and aluminium, whilst diamond-coated tips are essential for glass, ceramics, hardened steel and stone. Using incorrect tip types results in poor quality or rapid wear.

Tool compatibility requires checking shank diameter matches your rotary tool's collet size. Most Dremel engravers use 2.4mm shanks, whilst standard rotary tools accommodate 3.2mm shanks. Always verify compatibility before purchasing from MyToolShed.co.uk.

Tip geometry determines engraving character. Pointed tips create fine, precise lines ideal for detailed lettering. Spherical tips produce broader strokes for shading effects. Cylindrical cutters excel at material removal for deeper engravings or carving applications.

Application requirements influence tip selection. Fine jewellery engraving demands different accessories than tool marking or decorative glassware work. Match tip design to your specific depth requirements and engraving style.

Safety Information

Always wear safety glasses when engraving, as the process generates small particles that can cause eye injury, particularly when working with glass, metal or stone. Work in well-ventilated areas or use dust extraction equipment, especially with materials producing harmful dust. Consider wearing HSE-rated dust masks when engraving treated woods or composites.

Secure workpieces properly using clamps or vices before engraving. Operating rotary tools at excessive speeds can cause tips to overheat or break—follow manufacturer RPM recommendations. When using 240v mains-powered tools, ensure proper earthing and regularly inspect cables for damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between carbide and diamond engraving tips?

Carbide tips feature tungsten carbide points that excel at engraving softer materials including wood, plastics, aluminium and brass. They're cost-effective for general engraving tasks. Diamond-coated tips have industrial diamond particles bonded to their surface, making them essential for harder materials like glass, ceramics, hardened steel and stone. Diamond tips cost more but are necessary when carbide won't cut effectively.

Do engraving accessories fit all rotary tools?

Compatibility depends on shank diameter and tool design. Most standard rotary tools accept 3.2mm shank accessories using appropriate collets. However, dedicated engraving pens like the Dremel 290 use smaller 2.4mm shanks requiring specifically designed tips. Always check compatibility before purchasing and ensure your tool has the correct collet to accommodate the accessory shank size.

What speed should I run my rotary tool for engraving?

Speed requirements vary by material and tip type. Harder materials like metal and glass benefit from medium to high speeds (15,000-25,000 RPM), whilst softer materials like wood and plastic work better at lower speeds (10,000-15,000 RPM) to prevent burning or melting. Start at lower speeds and increase gradually until achieving smooth, consistent engraving.