How to Engrave With a Rotary
The Society of American Silversmiths defines engraving as "[t]he process of cutting shallow lines into metal with a sharp graver, reproducing artwork which has been drawn on a metal article." Engraving is great for carving your name, initials or other identifying marks into your property to prevent theft or to help recover lost or stolen items. While engraving was traditionally done by hand, you can use a flex shaft or rotary tool with a flex shaft attachment to engrave your personal property.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Rotary tool with flex shaft attachment
- Engraving burr or tungsten carbide cutter
- Metal
Instructions
-
-
1
Sketch the design you want to engrave. Measure your metal to be sure the design will fit.
-
2
Clean the metal you want to engrave with acetone to remove dirt, grease and oil. Rinse the acetone off with distilled water. Water will run off the metal in sheets when it is clean. Dry the metal before your begin engraving.
-
-
3
Draw the design onto the metal with a felt-tipped permanent marker or transfer the design from your sketch paper. To transfer the design, place an ink-jet paper copy of the design, design side down against the metal and apply either heat from an iron or acetone to the back of the paper until the ink affixed to the metal. If you have a simple design, such as lettering, you may want to work freehand rather than transfer the design or drawing the design onto the metal.
-
4
Place the engraving burr or tungsten carbide cutter into the flex shaft or rotary tool with a flex shaft attachment so it is secured.
-
5
Pick up the rotary tool and burr and hold it in your hand like it is a pencil or pen.
-
6
Use the burr to cut the engraved design into the metal by sliding the burr across the metal with a light pressure. Let the burr do the work. Do not push down hard. You can vary the width of the engraved lines by rolling the burr on its side as you cut. Do not try to vary your line by digging deeper with the burr. Keep your pressure about the same as holding a pencil as you work. Cut curves and circles, if there are any in your design, in a counterclockwise direction.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Practice on scrap metal before beginning your project.
Wear eye protection when using a rotary tool.
Never loose clothing or jewelry when using a rotary tool.
