How to Use Engravers

You can use an engraver on glass, stone, ceramic and other smooth, hard surfaces. Most engravers use diamond tips to etch the surface in order to create artistic patterns and drawings. With practice you can achieve fast, professional results using an electric engraver.

Things You'll Need

• Glass plate
• Black-and-white line drawing
• Tape
• Electric engraver with various-sized removable diamond tips
• Safety glasses or goggles
• Plate-sized piece of black felt
• Soft cloth

Instructions

1. Find or draw a black-and-white line drawing or pattern that you like and place it underneath the a glass plate. Use tape to secure it to the bottom of the plate.

2. Attach a narrow, thin tip to the engraver. Use thin tips for outlining and wider tips for shading. If you are engraving a very large piece, you can use a wider tip for outlining and the next-sized-up tip for shading.

3. Put on safety glasses or goggles.

4. Hold the engraver like you're holding a pen. Angle the engraver at about a 45- to 75-degree angle to the surface you are going to engrave.

5. Turn the engraver on and trace the pattern with the tip of the engraver onto the concave part of the plate. Work from the outside of the picture inward. Press down firmly when outlining, use lighter pressure and a wider tip when shading.

6. Remove the picture after it has been traced and replace it with black felt. Use tape to secure it to the bottom of the plate. This will add contrast and make it easier for you to finish engraving the piece.

7. Continue shading the design, wipe away the dust as you work with a soft cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice on a piece of scrap glass first until you are comfortable with using the engraver.

• If you hear a squeaking sound, ease up on the pressure you are applying to the engraver.

• If you work too quickly you may get a dotted look to the lines in your design.

References

• Inland Craft: Engraving with the EasyMark Electric Engraver
• Picture Framing magazine: Faux Glass Etching