In terms of functionality, the use of an engraver is in many ways similar to the work grinder or drills. But there is one important distinguishing feature - it is used to process miniature parts.
Thanks to the use of this device in combination with a set of nozzles for the engraver, it is possible to perform such technological operations as grinding, milling, drilling, engraving, and so on.
The main features of the nozzles
The tool is designed for finishing a fairly large number of various materials. They can process ceramics, wood, glass and plastic products, solid steel.
To work with each of them, different nozzles with different design specifics are used.
Today, specialized companies offer a wide range of various nozzles necessary for carrying out operations with this tool. Their design contains two main components:
- the working part that performs the main function when interacting with the workpiece;
- a shank that fixes this element in the equipment chuck.
When choosing this device, they pay attention to certain points: the technological goal that needs to be achieved, and the material being processed, more precisely, its characteristics.
In addition, the equipment of some models of engravers is taken into account. collet chucks. For them, nozzles of only certain brands are suitable. To use such equipment, additionally acquire universal collets.
Among the most popular types of nozzles included in the professional kits are diamond burs. The basis of such equipment is made of tool steel.
At the same time, the working part coated with diamond powder. Thanks to the latter, the device is able to quite successfully cope with the processing of steel, glass, ceramics, natural and artificial stones.
The use of diamond burs is most expedient in the event of a need for fine-tuning a figured hole. They are usually sold immediately. sets of ten to twenty pieces, differing in shape and size.
The operation of burs must be carried out subject to certain rules to help prevent damage to the diamond coating. Typical models are equipped with a shank with a diameter of three millimeters.
Abrasive nozzles
Inexpensive options for this equipment include parts consisting of rubber and abrasive material. They are used to work with metal products and objects made of of stainless steel.
Sets of abrasive nozzles usually include five or six instruments with a different shape of the working part. The shank of such a tool is 2.3 mm.
Some companies are engaged in the production of abrasive nozzles different colors, thanks to which the user can quickly understand a particular category of instrument. For example, red abrasive powders are used to work with metal. They are made from aluminum oxide.
And here are the tools painted in green color, are intended for manipulations with glass, ceramics and a stone. They are coated with silicon carbide. To ensure the convenience of implementing various technological processes, working part of abrasive nozzles produced in several types of forms.
Abrasive devices allow you to perform the following operations:
- Grinding the surface of the part.
- Hole boring.
- Engraving, etc.
They are used for processing necessary materials at home. At the same time, professional craftsmen usually do not use such tools, since they do not have sufficient functional potential.
Polishing and grinding attachments
As already noted, engravers are used to grind objects made from different materials.
Typically, for this kind of work, felt nozzle, which is pre-coated with a special polishing paste that acts as an abrasive component.
Polishing discs can be used for both rough and final processing. They are also often used when needed. surface finishing having an irregular shape.
To select the most suitable paste, you must first determine the material properties of the product to be sanded. For processing hard metal surface, for example, it is advisable to use pastes based on polishing powder and paraffin.
And for wood finishing, mixtures made from diamond dust with various fractions of grains. They allow you to very effectively get rid of scratches on glass and wooden surfaces and bring them to a perfectly smooth state. At the same time, the most recommended powders are those containing 5/3 and 3/2 diamond fractions.
Felt nozzles for grinding can be used both when processing wood, metal, glass, and for equipping drills in dental clinics or the simplest hand tools.
Work kits for professionals
Equipment of the professional series is represented by a separate category of nozzles.
Good craftsmen usually have at their disposal sets of tools that differ in design, materials of manufacture, and the shape of the working part.
In most cases, such kits consist of the following components:
- Various cutters for the engraver.
- Abrasive, diamond and felt nozzles.
- Drill, thanks to which the installation can be used as a drill.
- Cutting discs.
- Wire nozzles used to clean the surface from dirt and corrosion.
All these components of the kit allow the specialist to produce accurate and high quality workmanship even very small details. To do this, of course, quite often it is necessary to change the tools used to select the equipment option that is more suitable in a particular situation.
But the end result is worth it. The presence of a master of a large set is often evidence of his professionalism and experience.
Most popular brands
Today's markets offer a wide range of engraver attachments. Thanks to this, you can choose exactly those tools that will meet the financial possibilities and the needs necessary in a particular case.
Speaking of equipment professional level, among the most popular and sought after brands are " Dexter and Dremel". The products of these companies can be effectively used for processing metal, wood, glass and other materials.
Although these devices are expensive, they are quite reliable and durable in use. One nozzle of these brands can last ten times longer than its Chinese counterpart. In addition, these tools have high processing accuracy.
As a budget trademark costs pay attention to the company "Zubr, offering for relatively a small amount buy a set that includes up to 180 units of various nozzles with different shapes, sizes and design features. Such sets are equipped with tools for drilling holes, milling, diamond and abrasive nozzles, cutting discs.
As for equipment from Chinese manufacturers, there is a very ambiguous opinion about them. Although they cost several times less than high-quality devices, however, such tools cannot boast of their reliability.
Moreover, the Chinese kits contain significantly fewer components than the branded versions. However, professionals in their field, in principle, will be able to cope with such equipment. True, you will have to change tools often.
Making nozzles with your own hands
To carry out simple engraving work at home, necessary tools can be made from improvised materials.
For example, the simplest cutter is made from a corrugated wheel from a lighter or a dowel on which the working teeth are pre-cut.
To make a grinding nozzle, it will be enough to use wooden drum equipped with a shank with sandpaper glued to its side surface.
Most of the hand-made nozzles do a good job with the tasks assigned to them. At the same time, their costs are minimal.
Which equipment option to choose depends entirely on from the requirements and capabilities of the master, whether it is a Chinese-made tool, a home-made or a professional device.
Bormashinka - a device designed for creativity and needlework related to carving, grinding. This machine is essential for drilling holes, carving plexiglass, wood, metal, sanding various surfaces, making engravings. Most often, all kinds of accessories for a drill are included with the device: drills, cutting wheels, polishing discs, felt, brushes, cutters. However, it is better to choose nozzles for beginners on their own in order to use them as comfortably as possible.
Bormashinka - a device designed for creativity and needlework
A drill can have several more names: a miniature drill, an engraver. Most often, such devices are multifunctional, as they are complemented by a huge number of different nozzles.
When buying a wood carving machine, you need to pay attention to the following characteristics:
- Shaft lock button and trigger must be close to each other. This arrangement will allow the artist to quickly change the type of activity without being distracted from work.
- The average power of the device should be 180 watts.
- The torque should be averaged in the range of 5000-35000 rpm. Many models offer the master a choice of speed. A device with a reduced torque function will be appropriate for making engravings.
- The mass of the device should not be too large, otherwise it will be difficult to use it for a long time. The optimal weight is 400-600 grams.
- If you want to work in a place remote from the outlet, you must select a model with a battery.
A certain degree of convenience is introduced into the device by indication of the battery charge level. This feature allows you to charge the device on time and not disrupt the deadlines. Therefore, in order to answer the question: which drill to choose, it is necessary to evaluate the direction of your creativity and its requirements. Based on these indicators, the device that is optimal in its functionality is selected.
Homemade drill (video)
How to make an engraver for small jobs with your own hands?
If the master does not want to purchase an expensive device, make an engraver for small jobs he can do it on his own.
Required accessories and their characteristics:
- A flexible shaft, as well as a working nozzle, which will allow you to fix the device in its clamping mechanism. A cable can be used as a flexible shaft, activating the car's speedometer. The working nozzle is made of a textolite bar: it is turned to the required size, equipped with a stepped hole on the inside. The diameter of the hole is selected based on the dimensions of the fixed area of the cable: it must be securely fixed in it. The front nozzle area is equipped with a tube, inside which is placed a freely rotating chuck, made of 2 halves, fixed to each other with a screw. A tool having a shank diameter of 2-5 mm can be inserted into a balanced chuck.
- Tools for processing.
- Drive motor - any motor that operates at a voltage of 220 volts: from a tape recorder, washing machine, electric toothbrush. The best option engine is considered sewing machine, as it is equipped with a rheostat that allows you to adjust the speed characteristics of the shaft.
In the course of work, you will also need electric drill, grinder, a set of locksmith tools. Do-it-yourself assembly of the device is based on the following drawings.
Drill assembly
After preparing all structural elements you can start assembling the device.
A homemade device is made according to the following instructions:
- First of all, a simple base frame is made. Such a base will allow you to securely fix all the elements of the device. In the process of manufacturing this element, textolite or thick plywood sheet. A piece of the desired size is cut out of the material.
- According to the layout of the elements, an electric motor is attached to the base, a bracket equipped with a clamp. The latter to do will serve as the basis for fixing the rear tip of the flexible shaft.
- To the electric motor shaft, the movable core of the flexible shaft, the pulleys removed from the unnecessary household appliances. To perform fixation, holes are made in the flange area of the pulleys, as well as on the shafts, necessary for placing the pins. You can make connections more reliable using epoxy resin.
- Then the future drill is supplied with a rubber belt. This element is installed on the pulleys of a flexible shaft, an electric motor.
- The motor is connected to the power supply.
- The working nozzle is fixed on the front end of the flexible shaft.
In order to work with the tool safely, a plywood casing is required for the electric motor and belt feed. Before starting work, it is necessary to test the serviceability of the manufactured device.
Principle, features of work
A hand-made engraver resembles a drill or a grinding machine. However, its main purpose is to process small parts. Homemade manual engraver allows you to do the following:
- drill;
- to mill;
- grind;
- engrave.
For processing, soft woods, hard steel, ceramics, glass with a high level of brittleness, plastic, bone can be selected. In the processing process, it is required to use various nozzles that are selected for each specific material.
The machine, made according to the instructions described above, will work according to the following principle:
- With the help of pulleys and a rubber belt, the electric motor rotation is transmitted to the flexible shaft area.
- With a flexible shaft, it is sent to the working nozzle.
- The working nozzle processes the fixed element.
You can make this tool in a different way. In it, it is necessary to connect the flexible shaft to the electric motor using an adapter coupling. Fixation occurs as follows: one tip of the coupling is mounted on the motor shaft and secured with a pin, the movable tip of the flexible shaft is fixed in a square hole located at the other end of the coupling.
Cones, nozzles, cutters: which ones are suitable for a beginner?
The working accessories used to work with the engraver are characterized by their wide variety. To do right choice When choosing nozzles, several factors must be considered:
- features of the processed material;
- technological tasks.
Engravers who work with the device constantly recommend purchasing a set of nozzles immediately, which includes objects of various sizes, types and purposes. At the first stage, a beginner engraver will need a small set of tools, which includes a couple of dozen elements of various types.
Diamond and abrasive burs
Most often, engraving machines are equipped with diamond burs. The main feature of this tool is that the main part of the body is made of tool steel, and its working surface is covered with a layer of diamond powder. Another name for this tool is a cutter. Diamond burs are essential for processing hard surfaces.
Most engraving machines are equipped with diamond burs.
Most often they are used when working with the following materials:
- glass;
- steel;
- ceramics;
- stones.
Most often, cutters are used for finishing curly holes. Basically, these items are sold in sets that include 10-20 tools.
More budget option are cutters with working surface rubber and abrasive material. They are used for metal work. It is necessary to use abrasive cutters for boring holes, grinding. The possibilities of these tools are optimal only for beginners.
Other nozzles
Cutters for beginners must be selected in a small size. With the help of them, the engraving will have a neater look. Most often, for beginners, sets of cutters are offered, consisting of 4-6 elements of various shapes: cylindrical, end, worm, conical, end. Large kits should be purchased only by experienced craftsmen.
Also in the process you will need a drill. This tool is necessary for cutting through the pattern. Most often it is used to make the outline of the picture and the main elements of the background.
If you need to make holes, you need to purchase a set of drills. This accessory will allow you to turn a drill into a drill. If the artist needs to regularly clean the treated surfaces from corrosion and other dirt, he needs to purchase wire nozzles.
How to make a drill with your own hands in 10 minutes (video)
A home engraving machine will allow you to make interesting engravings, as well as perform woodcarving. It is worth considering that the descriptions presented are suitable for assembling a machine for beginners. For professionals, you need to choose more powerful designs to control the speed of the torque. Also, for professional creativity, an extended set of tools is needed, each element of which will perform its function.
So, how it all started... When choosing an engraver, I saw something like this:
The picture shows that in addition to consumables, the kit contains various devices, six in number, of which construction stores I only saw a flexible shaft. Hence the questions "What is it?", "For what purposes?", "Is it necessary or just overpay for trifles?"
After looking at the package and evaluating the manufacturer's website, I found a store where such devices are sold separately and somehow was not impressed. It is very similar to disposable children's toys made of cheap plastic in the form of mysterious creaking and crunching device devices.
An alternative to Dremel at that time was considered by the Proxxon engraver, which, alas, cannot be found on every corner and in hypermarkets, but first I wanted to hold it in my hands and feel it.
I found a retail store that had almost the entire range of minitools and Supplies Proxxon (or as the manufacturer positions "Tool for Small Surfaces"), in which one could not only talk with the manager and look through the catalogs, but also look, touch and even try it live! Don't take it as advertising, but after Proxxon, the rest of the tool is a pathetic craft.
The younger models of engravers (perhaps with the exception of 12 volt ones, which is also debatable in some cases) outperform the flagships of other manufacturers in terms of quality and convenience, and even the variety accessories and the build quality is breathtaking!
For comparison with the previous picture, which shows a Dremel milling tool, I suggest simply comparing it with a similar one, which I bought with pleasure in addition to the engraver. Polished solid cast bed, reliable fastenings and adjustment...
At that time, at comparable prices, the choice was finally made in favor of the latest brand for quality and materials. I was especially pleased that the neck of all models of engravers from amateur to pro and industrial is standard, which means that devices can be used with any model if desired, unlike the same Dremel.
Therefore, I will describe what I felt and saw from this particular manufacturer.
Flexible shafts, like engravers, are available in two versions - either with a quick-clamping three-jaw steel chuck, or with a set of six collets with a clamp, so you can safely buy a model with a chuck, and a shaft with collets or vice versa and you will be at home full set for different occasions.
I liked it very much not met with others, but undoubtedly useful device- a pedal designed for devices with a power of up to 500 W, included in a break in the circuit or power supply, when using a 12-volt tool, made like the body of instruments made of fiberglass reinforced nylon - when both hands are occupied and you cannot tear yourself away from the magnifier or reach it to the stand (or holder) where the engraver is fixed - it helps out a lot!
Despite the fact that the line of engravers also includes the so-called angular engraver, the manufacturer did not ignore the users of classic units by releasing an angle nozzle, which simplifies work with certain types of consumables or in hard-to-reach places.
Undoubtedly, many will like the most diverse stands and holders of the engraver, capable of not only placing the tool rigidly at various angles, but also turning it into drilling machine, capable of even drilling at a given angle.
which are also universal and can be joined with each other in various combinations. So, for example, to the same drilling attachment, if necessary, you can install coordinate table(of which there are several to choose from), which in turn can be supplemented with a universal holder or vice, or a device for engraving, milling, etc.
Or conventional drill, it is only used for small parts and blanks. The engraver can perform grinding, drilling, as well as milling, engraving, etc. The range of processed parts is quite wide, ranging from wood to glass and steel. It is easy to guess that a wide variety of nozzles for the engraver are used to perform work of varying complexity and purpose. We will consider them in this article.
Some general information
Almost any tool boasts a large number of nozzles. They are made from various materials, have working bodies of different shapes, hardness and much more. But any drill or grinder can envy the engraver, because there are countless nozzles for him. On sale you can find both small kits consisting of several elements, and professional kits that have absolutely everything for successful engraving. But before we move on to considering the nozzles, I would like to note that not all of them are suitable for the engraver of a particular company. For example, many companies produce collets that fit only branded nozzles. That is why it is advisable to get a set of collets that are needed to clamp the nozzles. Well, after that you can proceed to the choice.
About diamond cutters
Diamond engraver bits are very popular. This is due to the high strength of the product. Such a nozzle can process strong mineral rocks and metals with high hardness. However, the cost of diamond cutters is quite high. They are usually sold in a small set of 10-20 pieces. All of them are used exclusively for finishing curly holes. But it is worth noting that the cone is made of tool steel, and diamond coating is applied on top of it. That is why, if you do not follow the rules of operation and use nozzles for other purposes, you risk damaging the coating, which will make the nozzle useless to some extent. As a rule, we are talking about technical diamonds, so a set will cost about 200-300 rubles. Standard shank diameter is 3 mm.
Abrasive nozzles
Often on sale you can find a set of nozzles for an engraver made of rubber and corundum. Often such products are used for metal processing, in particular stainless steel. The price of the set is 200 rubles, the shank has a diameter of 2.3 mm. The set consists of six nozzles with different shape. Very popular abrasive cutters company "Fit". They come in red and green color performance, which actually serves as a label. Reds are used for processing metal products and they are made of aluminum oxide. Green is used for engraving marble, glass and tiles. They are made from silicon carbide. Regardless of the color, the cutters have a shank of the same diameter, but the shapes of the nozzles are different, which allows them to be used more widely. In general, such a set of nozzles for an engraver is suitable for domestic use, while professionals need more advanced options.
Felt cutters and polishing paste for them
Often the engraver is used for grinding. Felt nozzles are excellent for such work. True, the material with which they can work is limited, but that is not the point. Usually a felt cutter works in tandem with which is also different. For example, for metal products, a paste of paraffin and polishing powder is used. This is the cheapest option - 40 rubles.
Wood engravers also exist. The same applies to materials such as glass. If it is necessary to remove scratches from the surface, and make the tree smoother, take diamond paste. Usually it is sold in a wide range, but it is best to give preference to 3/2 and 5/3 grit paste. The price of one jar is 70-100 rubles, depending on the manufacturer. By the way, an excellent company that produces high-quality paste is Superbrasive LLC.
Electric engraver: nozzles for professionals
If a professional works with an electric engraver, then most often he carries with him a special, relatively small suitcase. It has nozzles of any shape and material. Such a tool emphasizes the professionalism of the master and his great experience. The fact is that often when working with one material, different forms of nozzles are needed. Some of them are impossible to buy by the piece. Of course, there is such an option - to make it yourself, but this is only advisable if the work is done for yourself. Otherwise, it is better to purchase a professional set. There you can find felt, diamond, abrasive, as well as wire cutters, which are used to remove paint and rust from metal coatings. For example, it is quite difficult to find cutting discs for an engraver, but they are in the set. The same applies to a wide variety of cutters. Such a set will cost a lot, about 600-700 rubles (depending on the manufacturer). However, such an assortment allows the master to perform work of any level of complexity with any material.
Engraver Dexter 3 with attachments
The engraver from this manufacturer is quite well-known. In most cases, such equipment is preferred by professionals. This is due to several factors. The main one is the cost of the engraver. The second factor is the price of nozzles. It would seem that you can still spend money on an engraver, because you buy it once, but the high cost of nozzles is already too much. As a rule, we are talking about 300 rubles and more per piece. This is very, very much. And even many experts focus on this. Nevertheless, Dexter engravers are of very high quality and many consumers in their reviews recommend buying them not only for professionals, but also for amateurs. As for the nozzles, you can’t say the same about them.
Is it possible to buy Chinese nozzles?
But this question is really of interest to many. Someone will definitely say that Chinese products are no good and you don’t even need to look in that direction. To some extent, this is a correct statement. But there is one but. Kits from China are really cheap. Usually 5 or 7 times cheaper than the original cutters. Of course, if a professional is sitting behind the engraver, then there is no difference. Chinese fakes break much more often than original products, so the price will be the same. But if you are a beginner and still do not know where and how to use this or that cutter, then you better choose Chinese products. Firstly, you will be able to get a precious first experience, and secondly, it will be relatively cheap. Of course, you must understand that you can’t count on any strength and durability, but for starters, this is quite a tolerable material. In addition, Chinese products are sold in a wide range, which will allow you to choose nozzles for every taste with the required shank diameter.
Nozzles of the Zubr company
We have already figured out that Chinese cutters are more suitable for beginners. If you are already a more advanced user, then you will probably like the Zubr cutters. This domestic manufacturer offers very a good choice by relatively affordable price. For example, a set for engraving machines, consisting of 180 items, will cost only 1000 rubles. If in this case we talk about the piece cost of the cutter, then we get a ridiculous amount. In the set you can find nozzles of various grain sizes, for grinding, engraving and cutting work. The shape of the nozzles is also different. In addition, the attachments for the Zubr engraver are supplied in a convenient plastic case, which simplifies transportation and storage. All in all, it's easy perfect solution to perform work of any level of complexity. Cheap and cheerful, there is no other way to say it.
Only for professionals
If you are a professional engraver, Dremel cutters are the best choice for you. Of course, these are very expensive products. One nozzle usually costs 400 rubles or more. Nevertheless, it is able to replace 10 Chinese counterparts. It is possible to note both high accuracy and quality of work, as well as "cleanliness". Although all these parameters largely depend on the master, the tool also plays a role. In this case, the master can be sure that a sudden disk rupture will not occur during operation, which often happens with fakes. In addition, Dremel-made discs and cutters wear out much more slowly, so they are used by professionals. In general, the nozzles of the Dremel company, as well as the Dexter, are good, but the price makes you think. Therefore, they can only be advised to people who are engaged in engraving professionally.
About homemade cutters
IN Lately Increasingly, homemade nozzles are being made. The advantage of this solution is that it is relatively cheap. But, as practice shows, many people make cutters themselves not because of the price. It is usually a matter of durability, especially when it comes to low and medium quality tips. For example, all nozzles on a rubber drum break very quickly, so home craftsmen make them from plywood. Such a cone is more durable and practical. Again, homemade engraver attachments are unlikely to suit a professional, but for engraving at home, this is one of best solutions. In conclusion, I would like to say that you should not forget about personal protective equipment. The fact is that in the process of work it is formed a large number of fine dust, therefore it is necessary to protect the respiratory tract and eyes. Suitable goggles and a respirator.
