DIY Hand Engraving

Engraving items such as glasses gives them a personal touch.

Hand engraving provides a personal touch to an item that is hard to duplicate with other methods. If you are interested in making an item personalized, this might be a good way to proceed. It requires a steady hand, patience and concentration to perform the task adequately. Any flaws that occur only make the item more personal. Hand engraving is best done for fine lines and lettering because of the tools that are used in the process.

Things You'll Need

• Item to engrave
• Black small-tipped permanent marker
• Safety goggles
• Dust mask
• Hand-held electric engraving tool with engraving bit
• Small soft brush
• Cotton balls
• Rubbing alcohol

Instructions

1. Draw or trace the engraving onto the item that you wish to engrave using a black small-tipped permanent marker.

2. Put on protective eye goggles and a dust mask.

3. Place the item on a level surface. Sit down to do the engraving so your forearm can be propped on the table to keep it steady.

4. Turn on the hand-held engraving tool and gently begin tracing the design or lettering onto the items surface. Keep your hand steady and the pressure even. You can always go back over it if the cut is not as deeply engraved as you desire. Stop occasionally to brush away dust with a soft brush, such as a makeup brush.

5. Use a cotton ball and rubbing alcohol to remove any traces of the marker that remains after the engraving is completed.