Types of engravers: features of tool selection

The engraver is a portable multi-tool. His other names: mini-drill, Dremel, straight grinder, drill. Using the device, they not only engrave, but also perform wood carving, milling, drilling, cutting, polishing, grinding workpieces, and also cleaning their surfaces from rust and old paint. Using special nozzles, you can process different materials: metals and stones of different hardness, glass, wooden products, leather, plastic, ceramics, bone and others.

Dremels are widely used in jewelry, in everyday life, in the production of gifts, souvenirs, furniture and other fields of activity. To find the best tool for home or professional use, it is necessary to focus on the principle of its operation, as well as on a number of performance indicators.

Engravers classification

Engraving machines are divided according to different criteria into separate varieties. So, according to the principle of material processing devices are of two types:

• milling;
• laser.

First by type of energyat the expense of which the work is performed (the nozzle moves), are divided into the following groups:

• electrical;
• pneumatic.

Milling Dremel in the form of the cutting edge of the nozzle are:

• conical (there are several types), allowing to perform various processing of different materials;
• sphericalused during relatively deep engraving operations;
• conical V-shapeddesigned for chamfering, milling, creating on the surface of workpieces made of fiberboard, MDF, wood, plywood, chipboard drawings, images, various ornaments with elegant, sharp lines;
• straight linesused to draw shallow lines on flat parts of large areas (mainly on a two-layer multicolor plastic), to cut sheets and plates.

By design, the milling machines are straight grinders.. A variety of operations performed with their help, is determined by the presence of a wide variety of nozzles. The direct grinder differs from engravers in the small weight of the latter and in the spindle speed: for units of normal size (for example, a Bulgarian under 125 disc) the speed reaches 11,000 per minute, and for Dremel this value is up to 35,000 per minute.

Milling devices by type of nozzle movement divided into two groups:

• rotational;
• drums.

In the first case, the nozzle rotates when the mechanism is in operation, and in the second, reciprocating.

Spindle axis location also serves as a classification criterion. On this basis, these types of engraving machines are distinguished:

• straight lines, where the axis of the cartridge is aligned with the center line of the tool;
• corner, in which between the axis of the spindle and a mini-drill there is a certain angle;
• universal, in most cases, representing a direct model, equipped with a corner nozzle, but there are devices with the ability to rotate the cartridge.

The most widespread devices are of the direct type: different nozzles can be adapted to them at an angle.

Corner engraver it is needed to produce sawing, grinding and other individual works, during the execution of which it is required to hold the tool in parallel or at a certain angle to the surface of the workpiece.

Engraving machines are equipped with a collet or cam chucks that can be twisted with a key or be of a keyless type, equipped with a swivel coupling. In terms of the reliability of fixing the working nozzle, the key ones are preferable, and in terms of the speed of its replacement - quick-clamping.

Electric dreamers

Electric engraving machines make up the largest group of tools. According to the power source, they are divided into two types:

• network operating from 220 V;
• rechargeable, functioning from pre-charged batteries.

Network modifications differ in bigger power (according to functionality) and compactness. They are cheaper, but when used, they need access to the power grid. Independence from sockets, mobility - these are the main advantages battery dremel. Also, it is much safer for them to carry out the processing of wet materials or to work in conditions of strong air humidity.

Recently, combined modifications have begun to appear that can function both on battery and on mains. They combine the advantages of both options.

With the help of electrical devices perform the full range of working operations for which the engravers. The scope of their application is very wide. They work with them both on metal (stone) and on soft materials. Battery and network models are well suited for plywood cutting and similar applications. With their help, you can drill holes with a diameter of 0.2-0.4 mm or process small parts.

The functionality of network engravers can be expanded by equipping a number of models with a cable with a lug and a separate stand. The result is a hanging machine, the weight of which does not affect the fatigue of the engraver: you can use powerful units. It is more convenient to work with a flexible shaft tool, because the tip is very light and holds like a pencil in hand.

Pneumatic mini drills

Pneumatic engraver allows you to perform drilling, engraving, grinding, polishing work on glass, ceramics, plastic, stone, PCB and other materials. Also, with its help, they clean the surfaces and cut the workpieces, process forged and cast parts.

In practice, pneumogravers are called pneumatic cutters, pneumatic pencils (pneumatic pencils).

The work of pneumatic tools it is based compressed air energy - it causes the nozzle to rotate. Therefore, an additional compressor is required.

Pneumatic devices used to grind or cut various materials have a greater service life, power, and also are easier to build than their electrical counterparts.

Laser engravers

A laser engraver is a CNC machine tool. Material processing is carried out by a laser beam. The process is different. high degree of accuracy.

By the method of installation the tool is divided into the following groups:

• floor;
• desktop.

The first group is characterized by large dimensions. Such units are designed for use in production conditions.

The laser for the engraver, according to the state of the active medium that forms the beam, can be of two types:

• gas (CO2);
• solid state.

The latter type also has variations: semiconductor and fiber-optic lasers. Also belong to solid-state devices, where the role of the active medium is performed by various special crystals or glasses.

Gas models capable of processing any material: leather, stone, acrylic, metal, glass, wood and others. It is convenient to work with them on rubber. They are distinguished by their universality, which is why they are used:

• to create small fonts for seals and stamps, to make door plates with numbers;
• in the manufacture of souvenirs, such as pens, named cigarette cases or lighters;
• to transfer images or photographs to the surface, such as wood;
• when creating medals, cups;
• if you need to make a logo or sign of the company, as well as when you need to decorate individual elements of the interior.

Fiber Laser Engraver (and generally solid-state) is focused mainly on work with metal and certain types of plastic. It is in demand in jewelry workshops, souvenir companies. With its help, at industrial enterprises they label products, letters on a keyboard from a computer, make various inscriptions.

At this time, the laser engraver is an indispensable equipment also for companies engaged in the design of outdoor advertising, performing engraving of monuments. In addition to flat images, the functionality of the machines allows you to create 3d pictures.

Mini engraver

Mini engraver belongs to a separate class because of its small size. This tool is quite popular among fans. It can be both milling and laser. Modifications of the latter type may be equipped with USB portstherefore, they can be connected to a computer or laptop. The functionality of the device is quite wide, but limited to low power. With the help of mini-engravers perform operations with not very hard materials: leather, plastic, wood, glass blanks. The tool is very convenient for wood carving.

3D engraving machines

Equipment capable of performing 3D material processing (volumetric) is almost a separate category of engraving tools with numerical software. It can also be of both types (milling or laser). Such systems function with computer. High-precision work takes place under the control of special programs without direct human participation in processing.

Through the use of three-dimensional engraving (laser) create unique images in crystal (natural or artificial) or glass. So make great souvenirs, awards, gifts with voluminous photographs, inscriptions or drawings.

Increasingly, 3D engraving is used in furniture and advertising areas. At the same time, wood and plastic are processed with the help of various types of conical engravers.

Conical engraver

Conical engraver designed for machine equipment with numeric software. It uses various of its models with their own characteristics:

• single edge;
• two-edged;
• pyramid (with three edges).

Conical engravers allow 3D and 2D engraving on the surface of soft and hard materials.and also preparations of average rigidity. With their help, small patterns and symbols are easily applied.

Shock engraver

The impact engraver functions, as a mini perforator. It is equipped with various nozzles, the depth of which can be adjusted.

The variety of works performed with its help is limited to dot engraving, creating inscriptions on metal surfaces. You can also make contour drawings on the stone, and with care on the glass so as not to break the pieces of material. At the same time on the treated surface mating effect is achieved, because of which such a device is also called matting.

The main criteria for choosing an engraver

To choose Dremel for professional or household activities, it is recommended to focus on the brand and the following features of the tool:

• power;
• cartridge size;
• spindle speed (revolutions per minute);
• weight (the more it is, the faster the worker gets tired);
• complete product;
• degree of autonomy;
• its view of the type of energy with which the work is performed.

The choice of the engraver should be made taking into account the volume of upcoming work:

• for home with infrequent use or just for a hobby, a Dremel with a power of 100 to 200 W is sufficient;
• if you have to perform daily versatile work operations, especially with hard materials, you need a reliable, professional tool (from 250 W), able to withstand significant operating loads;

• for artistic decoration it is enough that the power of the mini-drill is in the range of 100-150 watts.

 

For decorative decoration of soft material in general, you can use a hand engraver with a capacity of 35 watts.

Cartridge Size (collet) is determined by the diameter of the tail of the nozzle, which can be set to Dremel. This parameter ranges from 0.8 to 8 mm. The most common cartridges for shanks are 2.4 or 3.2 mm, and also designed for 2 of these diameters at once. It is good when there are several collets or one universal kit in the complete set with the chosen model, because then you can use more different nozzles while working. Cartridges of increased size (more than 3.2 mm and up to 8 mm) are used only in professional or highly specialized devices.

Masters work as a mini-drill, exposing spindle speed based on the hardness of the material being processed:

• for processing soft metals, glass or wood, a rotation speed of up to 20,000 rpm is sufficient;
• for work with stone, hard-alloy materials, steel it is required already for the nozzle turns to be from 30,000 to 40,000 per minute.

It is also necessary to take into account that there are dremel attachments that can be used only at low speeds, or only at high revs.

For these reasons, you should purchase a model with a large number of spindle revolutions, as well as with speed adjustment its rotation. It will allow to grind, cut, engrave materials, various on hardness, using at the same time the most different nozzles. When it is assumed that the processing of the material of only one type will be constantly performed, the best option would be to purchase a mini-drill according to its performance characteristics intended only for it.

When buying Dremel is also required to pay attention to its equipment.

1. It is good when the case (container) is convenient and made with high quality - this allows you to store and transport the product without any problems.
2. If there is flexible drivethen it simplifies the work, allowing the engraver himself not to be held in his hand, but to place it separately: for example, hang it on a rack or against a wall, or lay it on a table, while the mass of the unit can be disregarded.
3. The more nozzles for different purposes, the higher the initial functionality of the device, and also does not require additional costs for their purchase.

Accounting ergonomic parameters

Ergonomics determines the usability of any device. Therefore, before you buy a power tool, you also need to consider the following parameters:

• speed and convenience of changing nozzles;
• case design;
• quality of component parts and assembly;
• smooth operation (no vibrations);
• the amount of noise generated by the used unit;
• degree of convenience of the location of control buttons.

If the complete set provides for the presence of a flexible shaft, then it is necessary to take into account its quality, as well as convenience and reliability of the connection.

The purchase of an easy-to-use product allows you to work without overvoltage for a long time, which has a positive effect on general well-being and productivity, and ultimately on its quality.

For domestic use at the price and functionality of the best fit electric models Dremel. If you need high-precision application of drawings and other decorative elements, including 3d, it is better to use a laser engraver. When reliability, power, small weight, and also unpretentiousness to conditions of use and a big operational resource are important, then it is necessary to prefer the pneumotool. In some cases, there is no access to the 220 V network, then autonomy is important and battery rechargeable modifications are indispensable.

After determining the model of a mini-drill with your favorite model, it will not be superfluous to familiarize yourself with the reviews about it available on the Internet. In any case, it is recommended to focus on the opinions of specialists who regularly work with engraving equipment.

Overview of popular engravers manufacturers

Mini drills produced by many manufacturers. The most popular brands on the market are the following foreign brands:

• Sturm;
• Dremel;
• Skil;
• Bosh;
• Hammer;
• Ryobi;
• Einhell;
• Wortex;
• Makita;
• Proxxon;
• SPARKY;
• Kinzo;
• Ferm;
• Watt

So, an electric engraver from German brand bosh Traditionally takes the leading positions of popularity ratings.The company's products are of high quality assembly and parts. But at the same time she has a high price.

SPARKY - This is a Bulgarian company. Her power tools for engraving works on stone, metal, glass and other materials successfully combine high performance and an affordable price.

Domestic manufacturers are not far behind in terms of popularity due to affordable prices:

• Vortex;
• TITANIUM;
• Intertool;
• Bison;
• ENERGOMASH;
• Caliber.

Budget models from the considered manufacturers can be purchased to use in everyday life. Domestic firms also offer relatively inexpensive products with quality service. Expensive modifications from the reviewed companies are designed for continuous loads, which determines their professional purpose. A laser or a milling engraver from a well-known manufacturer is expensive, but at the same time it is distinguished by high quality, reliability, advanced functionality and long service life.

Dremels are universal devices that allow performing a large number of operations with different materials.They are convenient to work with small parts. This is due to their popularity among home craftsmen and professionals in various fields of activity. A wide choice and constant improvement of models allows you to choose a small cutter for price, quality, technical parameters, personal preferences and needs. You can also purchase an engraving machine if you plan to organize your own workshop. Such a device due to the high price of services will quickly pay off.