Engraving Tools

Browse our collection of engraving tools online now at Cromwell. We stock a selection of high-performance engraving tools and engraving points to deliver the shape and finishing you require for your project. Manufactured from solid carbide, our engraving tips can be used on a range of materials, including hardened steel, glass and leather.

We stock engraving tools from well-known, quality brands like Burgess® and Chicago Pneumatic®.

What are engraving tools?

Power engraving tools are a small, hand-held stylus with interchangeable heads. These heads are powered with either a reciprocating or rotating action to achieve the results required on a range of surfaces. The engraving points or burs are the parts responsible for the shape and effect of each engraving and are available in various shapes to vary the finish of your design.

Why engraving tools?

In order to achieve a professional, lasting engraving, it's always best to use a specialist tool. Engraving tools are designed specifically for that purpose and will therefore deliver to an optimum level.

When are engraving tools used?

Engraving tools are used by a range of different professions, including jewellers and metalworkers. They're mainly thought of as a way of personalising an item or for creating intricate designs on a material. However, they're also used to label parts for identification and to repair damage on patterned joinery.

Engraving tool types

• Reciprocating engraver   -   This type of power engraver uses a light reciprocating action to chip away tiny pieces of the material

• Rotating engraver   -   These engravers scratch the surface if the material with a rotating head

• Pneumatic engraver   -   These pen-shaped engravers are lightweight and easy to use for simple mark making

Considerations when choosing engraving tools

• Grip - most engravers are ergonomically designed to ensure a comfortable grip, with a soft material coating allowing for better control of the machine.

• Operation - separate off and on switches make for better engravers, as they allow for easy and controlled operation.

• Settings - choose an engraver with adjustable depth settings to achieve different effects.

• Point materials - carbide tips are the most common for engravers and can be used on anything from metal, wood, tiles and plastic, while diamond tips are often reserved for glass.

• Health and Safety - safety glasses or goggles and a dust mask is a must-have when engraving, as dust and chippings can be hazardous when breathed in.

Engraving tools jargon buster

We want to make it as simple as possible for you to shop our range of engraving tools, so we've outlined some key terms to help you to better understand our range.

What is CNC engraving?

CNC stands for Computerised Numerical Control, which simply put, refers to the process whereby some engraving tools can be programmed by a computer to perform certain functions. Not all engraving tools have this capability and if this is something that you require, then it's best to check that your selected model can perform CNC functions.

FAQs

Is etching the same as engraving?

No, they're completely different processes but achieve a similar outcome. Engraving is the process of chipping out a shape into a material, while etching requires chemicals to burn marks into a metal surface.

Can you engrave wood?

Yes, most engraving tips can engrave wood too. With wood, however, it's often referred to as power carving due to the nature of the material. Carving wood can be done with both manual and power tools, but a rotary engraver is the best power tool to use with wood, like the Dremel for example.