Engraving at home detailed instructions. Making an inscription on metal

Working as an engraver is a fascinating procedure with which you can create various patterns and inscriptions on the surface of the workpiece, grind and polish small parts, and solve a whole list of other tasks. In order for the results of the work of an engraver, which can be used as a typical drill, to be of high quality, it is necessary not only to understand why it is needed, but also to know all the nuances of using such equipment.

The engraver allows you to work not only with wood, but also with other materials.

Equipment selection

When choosing an engraver or drill, you must decide for what work such a device will be used, as well as what materials will be processed with it. Knowing this, you can choose an engraving machine for working on metal and other materials or a drill for wood carving (even considering the huge variety of such devices on the market today) without any problems.

The most significant characteristics of engravers that you should pay the main attention to are:

• the power of the drive motor, which determines the ability of the equipment to work for a long time under significant mechanical loads and process various materials;
• the number of revolutions developed by the working body in which the engraving tool is fixed.

Nowadays, there are plenty to choose from, each manufacturer produces several models of engravers that differ both in price and in functionality.

Very often, those who are going to purchase an engraver for their professional activity or for work at home, you have to make a choice between the two above characteristics. No matter how much one would like to effectively combine high power and speed, no modern engraving device from among the serial models is capable of effectively combining. That is why specialists who often have to use the engraver immediately acquire both powerful and resourceful models. Best Choice in such cases will be:

• powerful engraver, the working tip of which has a reinforced design;
• compact and lightweight micromotor capable of operating at high speeds.

For heavy work, a tool with an additional handle will be convenient, and it is better to apply fine engraving with a compact device.

For not too complicated work as an engraver at home, you can make such a device yourself, endowing it with exactly the functionality and characteristics that are needed. There is a wide variety of designs of homemade engravers and videos on their manufacture, so choosing an acceptable option is not difficult. For example, you can make an engraver that will be powered by an electric motor from old household appliances. However, in order to make it convenient to work with a home-made engraving machine, it is necessary to equip it with a flexible drive and a special nozzle in which the tool used will be fixed.

Using a home-made engraver at home, you can not only apply inscriptions and patterns to the product, but also perform different kinds machining parts made of metal, plastic and bone. It is also possible to carve wood with a hand-made engraver. Depending on the working tool installed in the nozzle of such a device, it can be used as a mini-drill, a small milling cutter, a compact grinder and polisher.

To choose production model An engraver who will effectively cope with all the tasks should be guided not only by the rating of such equipment among specialists, but also by its characteristics and functionality.

Serial models of engravers

Serial models of engravers, which are equally successfully used both at home and in the professional field, can be divided into the following categories.

These are powerful sleeveless devices with which you can successfully perform various technological operations, namely: drilling, grinding, milling, etc. Such units, operating at low speeds, are equipped with a convenient foot pedal and can be used in conjunction with both collet and quick-release chucks.

The power of technical drills allows them to be used for various operations with the help of additional nozzles and accessories.

The compact drive motor, which is equipped with this type of engraver, is mounted at the rear of the working head. Such small and high-speed engravers, not designed for heavy loads, are used mainly for the most delicate work. At the same time, the micromotor that these engravers are equipped with cannot be repaired, it can only be replaced with a new one. That is why it is advisable to use these devices for not too complex work, without subjecting it to significant loads.

Such drills are very convenient to use for engraving and fine carving. However, it should be borne in mind that the flexible shaft with which they are equipped reduces their power by almost half.

How to work as an engraver

In order for the work performed by the engraver to be more comfortable and efficient, certain rules should be followed.

The working surface on which the engraving is performed with a drill must be well lit, so it must be equipped with a powerful lamp that allows you to easily examine all the processed elements in great detail. If a paper template is used for engraving, then masking tape is required, with which the template is fixed on the surface to be treated. Sometimes a sketch of a drawing or an inscription to be engraved is applied to the workpiece with an ordinary felt-tip pen or pencil. The surface must be degreased with alcohol.

To perform engraving, various tools installed in the engraver are used. Each of them performs certain functions. So, a tool with a working part in the shape of a cone is needed in order to apply the contour of the picture, and a cylindrical burr is needed to create small strokes. Before starting work, all tools should be laid out on the desktop in the exact order in which they will be used.

The hand in which the working nozzle of the engraver is held must slide freely over the surface to be treated; for this, it is recommended to wear a fabric glove. Such a glove will also allow you not to leave marks from the hand on the degreased surface of the workpiece. In the event that you do not yet have experience in engraving, it is better to work at minimum speed. This will allow you to cut an even pattern consisting of strokes of the same depth, and at the same time not damage the workpiece.

All methods of engraving assume that the outline of the drawing is first performed, and only then its details are “drawn” with the appropriate tool. The made drawing should be processed with a felt roller, which will give it a neater look and remove all burrs left by the tool from the treated surface.

If the design of the engraver or drill that you use does not provide for a forced ventilation system, then after 10–15 minutes of operation, the equipment should be turned off and allowed to cool naturally.

It makes no sense to talk about applying inscriptions on metal with the help of special paints or varnishes. By the way, this is also one of the methods of engraving on metals. But how long will such drawings, symbols, icons last on the sample? They will wash off pretty quickly with any of the solvents, although due to banal abrasion, their service life will be short. There are more efficient technologies engraving of metals, which we will talk about.

But are they all suitable for independent performance, and even at home? When you just read about them, everything is clear and easy. But practical implementation is another matter.

Engraving with a laser beam

This method is considered the most effective, as it allows you to apply a pattern (drawing) of any complexity to the metal, “write” on it the thinnest lines, the smallest icons. But taking into account the fact that expensive equipment is needed to engrave samples using this technique, it is acceptable only for those who decide to make this craft their own business, that is, to put production on stream.

It is unlikely that anyone will want to lay out a tidy sum just to put commemorative inscriptions on a couple of teaspoons or on the blade of a hunting knife. The services of professionals in any workshop will be cheaper.

Mechanical engraving

With accessories, it is much easier here - you only have to purchase a set of required cutters and the engraver itself. Often, a drill is used for these purposes (who has ever visited a dentist knows what it is). As an option - drawing images with incisors.

The quality of the inscriptions will turn out to be high, but only on the condition that there is not only knowledge in this area, but also a lot of practical experience. This job requires a "sharp eye" and a steady hand. How many of us can boast of their skill? It turns out that quite a lot of time will pass from conceived to actually executed, which is necessary for acquiring skills. Who is satisfied with such a prospect? In addition, you still need to be able to and correctly sharpen the cutters (shtichel), if the work is done with their help.

Conclusion - for applying various inscriptions on metals at home, with your own hands, moreover, by an unprepared person (and such are the vast majority), the best option is electrochemical engraving. It is with this technology that it is worth understanding in more detail.

Consider the technique of electric / chemical etching for the purpose of applying inscriptions. She is from the category of the simplest, and those who were engaged in chrome plating of metal parts at home will immediately grasp the essence.

Engraving method 1

What will be needed:

• Glass container (according to the size of the workpiece being processed). Naturally, not a bottle with a narrow neck, but a jar, glass or bath.
• DC voltage source (up to 15 V). It should give a current of 0.5 A, at least. The best option is a battery charger for a personal car. The author just used it. Although some craftsmen for these purposes take battery chargers for household tools (screwdrivers and so on), and even cell phones.
• A couple of wires for connection and clips (for example, the "crocodile" type).
• Any metal blank(the same spoon), which will play the role of the second electrode.
• Salt solution. The concentration is determined by the "eye", so the general recommendation is this: for a glass of water - 2 tablespoons (teaspoons).
• Varnish. It will be needed to color the metal segment on which engraving is planned. In most articles on the electronic / chemical method, there are tips for applying the composition for nails. The author, in order not to "injure" his wife with such extravagance, used the so-called zapon-lacquer, which is well known to radio amateurs and electricians. It costs a penny, not a shortage, and is easily removed with a solvent.

engraving technology

Electrolyte is being prepared

Water is poured into the container, salt is loaded in the required amount (depending on the volume) and thoroughly mixed until the final dissolution. The quality of the engraving largely depends on this.

A part (product, sample) is being prepared for applying something

The dimensions of the inscription or drawing are known, so it is not difficult to determine the area of ​​metal coating with varnish. After the layer "grabs" a little, the required contour is drawn. What - a needle, a thin awl, a toothpick, a sharpened match, and the like - is up to you, dear reader. As it is more convenient to do the work with your own hands, so do it. The task is to “bare” the base metal along the lines of the pattern in order to ensure its direct contact with the electrolyte.

You can do it differently. Wait until the varnish is completely dry, and only then “scratch” the lines. But these are already details, and it’s easy to decide on your own how best to do it.

Next, the electrodes are placed in a solution

One is marked - any metal blank. It is connected by a wire to the “-” of the current source. The second is the sample on which the engraving is applied (to its “+”). The technology is similar to .

Voltage supply

Time technological operation determined visually. If the depth of etching suits the master, then you can turn off the charger. Usually, no more than 5 minutes are enough for engraving using this technique.

It remains to remove the metal product from the bath, remove the varnish, rinse the sample well under running water and wipe it dry. Everything, the engraving is done!

Drawing, inscription can be made convex.

To do this, it is necessary to apply varnish on the lines (stripes) previously drawn (with a felt-tip pen, pencil). And the rest, "uncoated" metal will be etched.

Engraving method 2

This engraving technology is somewhat more complicated, but for the reader to be more informed, it should also be considered. The difference is in the method of applying the image to the metal.

Plus - the ability to choose any pattern (pattern) of the most ornate inscription, regardless of personal artistic abilities. You don't have to reproduce it by hand.

Cons - they will become clearer in the course of the presentation, as well as what will need to be prepared.

Features of the method

Drawing preparation (inscription)

Everything that is required is easy to find on the Internet and copy. For those who own computer graphics - not a problem at all. The main thing is to have a printer at hand for printing.

What to consider:

• You will have to do a mirror image conversion.
• For this technology, only a laser printer can be used. Other type of device is not suitable.
• The paper you need is not ordinary, but thin glossy. As an option - a self-adhesive film. In this case, you need to refill so that the print falls on the substrate. You can also fix it on standard (office) paper with pieces of this film.
• The "brightness" mode of the printer - to the maximum.

After printing, the image is carefully cut out.

Attention! Work should be carried out with gloves to prevent contact of fingers with the pattern.

Metal preparation

It is cleaned of foreign fractions and degreased.

Fixing the stencil on metal

So that in the future it does not slip, it is desirable to fix it (at the edges) with adhesive tape.

heat treatment

It consists in ironing the stencil with an iron. The difficulty is that both the time and the heating temperature will have to be selected experimentally. General recommendation - no more than 2 minutes with the maximum heating of the iron.

Cooling

After the temperature of the metal drops to room temperature, the stencil is removed.

It only remains to add that there are a lot of engraving methods with your own hands - both with the help of solutions and without them. After all, the conversation was about metals, without specifying which ones specifically - steel, brass or something else. The above methods are one of the most common and affordable for do-it-yourself implementation. As a rule, they are used for engraving on steel products. Anyone who wants to master literally all the technologies practiced at home will easily find the relevant information.

Good luck with your engraving!

Comments:

A gift on which a commemorative inscription is made will undoubtedly be more pleasant than an ordinary gift that is no different from others. You can make a memorable inscription on a gift using engraving. Many people think that only specialists can do this. It should be noted that their services are very expensive. But engraving at home is quite acceptable for those who do not have the appropriate professional skills.

To create an engraving, you should use any sharp object, preferably an engraver.

It can be done on cutlery, on watches, on rings and so on.

Such a souvenir will be remembered for a lifetime. You can make an inscription or drawing on your personal jewelry, you can write a memorable date on it, some bright phrase or life motto. Engraving on wedding rings is very popular, which makes these necessary wedding attributes more meaningful and sincere.

How to choose equipment?

The engraver can be different: it can work from the mains or offline.

Making engraving at home is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. To do this, use any sharp object. But this lesson will take a lot of time, and the result will leave much to be desired.

In order for the process to be of high quality, it is necessary to acquire a tool specially designed for this - an engraver. Such a tool can be different: it can work from the mains or offline. In addition to such a tool, you also need to acquire drills. These instruments differ in shape and materials. This is because they are designed to work on different surfaces. Those who are just starting the engraving process at home can be advised to get two drills, one for glass and one for metal.

Engraving methods can be very different, below is one of the most common and affordable methods.

Back to top

Steel engraving technology

To create an engraving, you need to lubricate the product with nail polish, then make an inscription with a toothpick and leave to dry.

The most popular engraving is on various metal objects: spoons, rings, watches and locks. Metal can be different, steel deserves special attention.

To engrave on steel at home, you should take:

• the steel product itself;
• ordinary nail polish;
• water (it is recommended to pour it into a large mug);
• cotton pads;
• table salt;
• nail polish remover;
• charging device for mobile phone(you should use one that no longer works for its intended purpose);
• toothpicks.

The object on which it is planned to make an inscription or drawing should be liberally smeared with nail polish in the place where the engraving on the steel will be placed. Now you need to make the necessary inscription or drawing on it with a toothpick as soon as possible (until the nail polish is completely dry). This should be done carefully, after which everything should be left to dry (do not start the main work until the varnish is completely dry). Now you need to take a large mug (it can be made of anything, but not metal), put 2-3 tablespoons of salt there, pour water to the brim, after which everything is thoroughly mixed.

After you need to put the product and the charger in a glass of salt water and wait for the varnish to go away.

Now you need to take a charger for a mobile phone, cut off the plug from it, which is inserted directly into the phone. The wires should be stripped and the “+” wire connected to the steel object on which the inscription is planned. Then the “-” wire should be connected to another metal object. A steel object with an inscription or a pattern must be placed in a glass of salt water, and then the charger is connected to the network.

After the current is applied, a violent reaction should occur. It is as a result of this reaction that the etching process of the area on which there is no nail polish is carried out. In order for the engraving process to be of high quality, it is necessary that the charge of electric current acts on a metal object for at least 3 minutes. After the charge of electric current ceases to act on the surface, the nail polish must be carefully removed. This is done without much difficulty with the help of nail polish remover and a cotton swab. After the varnish is completely removed from the steel object, a commemorative inscription or drawing will be clearly visible.

Back to top

Features of engraving on wedding rings

The above method of engraving at home is suitable not only for steel, but also for other metal products. Very often there is a desire to make a memorable inscription on wedding rings. Doing this at home is quite difficult, but in this regard, some tips will be of great help:

1. The inscription on the wedding ring should be short and capacious.
2. It is recommended to engrave a wedding ring only after a preliminary fitting of the ring has been carried out. You need to make sure that the ring fits perfectly. The fact is that when correcting the size, you can easily spoil the engraving.
3. Rings must be selected in accordance with what kind of engraving is planned on them. If you plan to make a large inscription, then the rings should be wide. It's best to use the classic font that suits it best.
4. Engraving methods are different, for rings it is recommended to use diamond or manual way. Such engraving methods best tolerate the alteration of rings.

Comments:

Engraving on metal is always eye-catching. This craft has fed artisans since ancient times. And today it has not lost its relevance. Craftsmen can turn household items into real works of high art by decorating them with whimsical miniatures. Sometimes you can see whole paintings of considerable size, made by engravers. And few people know that absolutely everyone can do this business.

Photo 1. Souvenir engraved hunting knife, perfect good gift which can be given to hunters.

DIY engraving can be profitable and interesting business if you really want it.

You can decorate small metal objects by do-it-yourself engraving at home. This occupation will cause respect and envy of friends and acquaintances. In Zlatoust, thousands of craftsmen do this craft at home. Engraved things are expensive. Saber - about 300 thousand rubles, a hunting knife - up to 100 thousand (photo No. 1). Agree, this is good money. How to engrave on metal at home with your own hands? For this lesson, you need to prepare the simplest equipment that can be found in any house, in any apartment.

We start experiments

Decorative patterns are applied by engraving to plates, knives, pistols, sabers, medals, cups, apartment numbers. All patterns and inscriptions are preserved almost forever and do not require expensive and rare consumables and special equipment for execution. The pattern can be applied to steel, aluminum, brass, copper, metal alloys. The method does not pollute environment. It is impossible to wash off or erase the drawing by the usual methods and means.

Photo 2. Engraved wedding rings, they usually write the date of the wedding and the initials of the bride and groom.

1. Nail polish, which the wife does not really need.
2. Toothpick with sharp tips.
3. You may need an ordinary match.
4. Salt.
5. Charger for car battery. It can be successfully replaced with a mobile phone charger.
6. Glass or porcelain dishes in the form of a glass, mug or jar.
7. Nail polish remover.

The work is done in the following order:

1. A spoon is taken and covered with nail polish. The entire surface must be varnished very carefully, otherwise there will be a marriage in the work.
2. With a match or a toothpick, a pattern, a name, another image is scratched through a layer of varnish.
3. Pour 2 tablespoons of salt into a glass glass or jar. Some pour a spoonful of salt and a spoonful of soda.
4. Water is poured into the vessel, the salt is thoroughly stirred until completely dissolved.
5. We connect a car or other charger with a positive terminal to the workpiece, a minus - to any metal object that will be placed in a vessel with water. This object can be another spoon, a piece of thick wire, a metal plate.
6. The rectifier is connected to the network. Almost immediately, an etching reaction will begin in the glass with a darkening of the liquid. It lasts 1-5 minutes. It depends on the amount of current. The product is checked periodically. After reaching the desired depth of etching, it is removed from the container.
7. The varnish is washed off with nail polish remover. The result should look something like this (photo #3).

Photo 3. Named engraved spoons and what is interesting, engraving can be done on various metal objects in a simple home environment.

In this way, you can process any metal objects at home. If you make an inscription with varnish, then it will be convex on the etched background. For more quality work it is recommended to purchase a special tool - an engraver. It can operate from the mains and from built-in batteries. Drills are usually included different shapes. They can work on glass, plastics and other materials. Wedding rings with engraving is a great gift for newlyweds (photo No. 2). But you can do it yourself only when you are completely sure of the result of the work.

Back to top

Engraving on glass

Photo 4. For home engraving, you will need regular salt, nail polish, nail polish cleaner and a glass of water.

Do-it-yourself engraving on the glass surface is carried out by chemical and mechanical methods. The mechanical method involves the use of a nozzle, which is driven by an electric motor. Procedure:

1. With a dark marker, the drawing is transferred to the glass.
2. A damp sponge is applied to the image on the glass. This must be done carefully so as not to smear the drawing.
3. Protective goggles must be worn when working.
4. After completing the drawing, it is washed and viewed for gaps. If necessary, missed places are processed again.

Back to top

Engraving with a drill

The principle of do-it-yourself engraving can be seen in the dentist's office. The special tip is held in the hand in the same way as a regular pen when writing. The pattern can be applied to any object: a ring, a mirror, a motorcycle, a plate, etc. You can engrave a portrait and any other image. Do not forget that the color of engraving on glass, ceramics, stone, porcelain is always white. But it can be carefully covered with silver, gold and any other waterproof paint. The effect can exceed all expectations.

Drawings and patterns can be applied to a tree covered with a layer of paint, to plastic, silver, plastic. Handmade requires patience and certain skills that appear over time. The skill has been honed over the years.