To begin engraving, you need a press, resists, stencils, scraper, spit stick, scorper, graver, chisel, knife, or burin. Choose good quality steel tools. Complete an apprenticeship or earn a degree to become an engraver. Maintain tools by sharpening, cleaning, and lubricating. Consider the material, design size, detail level, budget, and your skill. While a drill makes marks, engraving requires precision, so use specific tools.
Starting with Wood Engraving
To start wood engraving, you need a spitsticker, scorper, and graver. Other helpful items are a sharpening stone, leather sandbag, and tweezers. Start with quality tools, even as a beginner.
- Use soft, easy to carve wood like birch, cedar, pine or fir.
- Practice on scrap wood before engraving your final project.
- Use a laser engraver for the easiest way to engrave words into wood; ensure you use dark colored wood with the right grain.
- Secure the wood in the laser engraver, set the machine’s settings, then engrave.
Metal Engraving Essentials
What metals can be etched? Some tools are better suited for precious metals, such as a metal cutting saw or multi-tasking cutter.
- The recommended power for engraving metal with a laser is at least 50 watts of fiber laser power.
- Engrave as deep as the line width to create a flat finish.
- Yes, it is possible to engrave over an existing engraving to refresh it.
- Use specific engraving burins or gravers to cut designs into surfaces like copper plates.
Take an engraving class before buying tools to save money and increase your chances of success.