I’ve been wanting to try out these low cost micro engraver pens for a while because they seem precise. Recently, I found the chance to test it out for engraving glass and I wanted to give my thoughts.
First off, you can find these on Amazon here.
Quick Rotary Engraving Experiment
- Print Pattern– just like the hand-scribe engraved tutorial, I found some great sketch-type patterns, printed them to the size of the glass and taped it behind the glass.
- Rotary Engraved– then I simply traced over the sketching. You have to press the power button to keep it on.
- Finished engraving– I just wanted to test it out on a quick project so it didn’t turn out great but the engraver had good control.
Pros & Cons of this Micro Engraver
- Pros: it is inexpensive, seems to be of fair quality, precise, good control
- Cons: it is battery powered so it doesn’t last long
In the end, if you want to simply mark things or engrave a small glass from time to time, I think this could work. But if you want to engrave for long times, it is best to stick with a corded engraver that can be plugged into the outlet like this one.
Anyone else know of a good value engraver set for less than $50-100?
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The head of the engravers are hard to fine. They are 2/32 and most tips are 3/32. The first piece I did was great. The battery wore out quickly. Then then motor did not seem to have the same power, even with new batteries.
@Kim, that is interesting and good to know. I guess maybe they aren’t of good quality if the motor is wearing out that quick. They are still neat little things.
I feel that any engraving that battery powered seems to be a waste of time, I went through the dremel line and always seemed to be more trouble, so I just spent the money on 3 plug in dremel and flex shafts and I have never regretted it. I guess if you don’t want to spend alot of money this engraver will do, but if your seriously thinking about engraving spend the money your work will be more pleasing and rewarding when do
I mainly use micro engravers. I do own larger drills which get used for heavy duty stuff and polishing back but virtually all my work is done with Proxxon micro drills. I prefer their GG12 handpieces used with a transformer. The little inexpensive handpieces last about 6 months if I don’t attempt to do any heavy work with them.
You can see what I manage to do with them on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/sueglassengraving/
Best wishes to all glass engravers
Sue
Chairman and Associate Fellow of the Guild of Glass Engravers
@William- agree!
@Sue, I am still a big fan of your work!