An inexpensive rotary engraver I used with glass bits. Cost= $10
Engraving can be done from home without those expensive computerized engraver machines. In fact, you can sometimes engrave things quicker when done by hand. Setting up the equipment and using the computer takes longer in the beginning, and may only be worthwhile when you are mass producing multiple objects with the same artwork. Since most hobbyist are only looking to customize one glass piece at a time, you can easily use cheaper tools. Here are some of the tools you can use to engrave glass:
- Rotary Engraver Tool: This is a motorized tool with a abrasive tip that spins. To acquire different engraved styles, you can vary up the different shapes of the tips. There are many brands that sell this type of rotary engraver. Some people just use a brand called Dremel, that essentially is created for other mechanical things.
- Rotating Points: Another tool I have seen is a simple tool that rotates a carbide point. The tip is finer and more precise that the typical rotary tool discussed before.
- Chipping Engraver: I have seen others that dig or chip into the material.
All of these can be used to engrave glass from home without having to spend a bunch of money. You can begin with glass or other materials for as low as $20 dollars. Some are more expensive, but ones at Harbor Freight Tools are much cheaper.
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I not shure yet ,but i think a hand engraver is a lot cheaper than buying all that it take’s to sand blast, and do a better job on metal , wood, glass, all you realy need is the stencle’s
@Tony, hand engraving is definitely cheaper. It really depends on what you want to do though.
There are some amazing things that can be done with sandblasting. A lot of my advice shows how to get started with a low budget.