In search of the best machine, you can use for jewelry engraving?
Good! You have come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will give you all the information you need including:
- What is a jewelry engraving machine?
- What different kinds of engraving tools are in the market and what makes them different?
- What factors to consider when buying a jewelry engraving machine
- And a lot more!
Here is a list of the best engraving machines, keep reading to get more information about each of the items and also get a few tips for buying.
[su_table]
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
| Dremel Engraver Rotary Tool | Reputable Company
|
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3s6ezqc” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#ef412d” size=”4″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ icon=”icon: shopping-cart” rel=”nofollow”]ON AMAZON[/su_button] |
| GanGou Laser Engraving Machine | Accurate Cuts
|
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3JGHiYC” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#ef412d” size=”4″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ icon=”icon: shopping-cart” rel=”nofollow”]ON AMAZON[/su_button] |
| Afantti Electric Micro Engraver Pen | Value For Money
|
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3s1FEdX” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#ef412d” size=”4″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ icon=”icon: shopping-cart” rel=”nofollow”]ON AMAZON[/su_button] |
| Utool Engraver 24W Engraving Tool | Soft Rubber Grip
|
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/36iYQvi” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#ef412d” size=”4″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ icon=”icon: shopping-cart” rel=”nofollow”]ON AMAZON[/su_button] |
| Engraver Pen Set 2pcs Etcher | Pen-Like Design
|
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3s5lBeD” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#ef412d” size=”4″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ icon=”icon: shopping-cart” rel=”nofollow”]ON AMAZON[/su_button] |
| Easy Etcher Precision Engraving Pen | Tri-Lobal Grip
|
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3v0Xrnz” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#ef412d” size=”4″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ icon=”icon: shopping-cart” rel=”nofollow”]ON AMAZON[/su_button] |
| AxPower Electric Micro Engraver Pen | Quiet Tool
|
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3h0jIJV” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#ef412d” size=”4″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ icon=”icon: shopping-cart” rel=”nofollow”]ON AMAZON[/su_button] |
[/su_table]
Best Pick: Dremel 290-01 120 Volt Engraver Rotary Tool
- Portable
- 4 additional carbide points
- Includes 2-year warranty
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3s6ezqc” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#ef412d” size=”4″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ icon=”icon: shopping-cart” rel=”nofollow”]ON AMAZON[/su_button]
Of all the jewelry engraving tools I came across, my #1 pick had to be Dremel 290-01 120 Volt Engraver Rotary Tool .
Here is why…….
Dremel is one of the best sellers and this machine is versatile as well as can work on hard surfaces such as metals. This engraving pen has 4 carbide points as well as a stencil for all decorations that you may want on your jewelry.
This machine has a five-position dial that makes it easy to switch between surfaces. You can start on a smooth plastic piece and change to a metal surface by simply rotating the knob down.
This engraving pen tops my list because it can be used to engrave on multiple surfaces like glass, plastics, wood, porcelain, stone, and leather in addition to others. If someone wants to know the best engraving tool for jewelry, I would take a bullet for this one.
7 Best Jewelry Engraving Machines
There are a couple of quality engraving machines in stores. See below a list of a few of the best machines I came across. Keep reading to learn more about each of the products on the list as well as get a guide for buying.
- Dremel 290-01 120 Volt Engraver Rotary Tool
- Utool Engraver 24W Engraving Tool
- Afantti Electric Micro Engraver Pen
- The Original Easy Etcher Precision Engraving Pen
- Laser Engraver Laser Engraving Machine
- Engraver Pen Set 2pcs Etcher
- AxPower Electric Micro Engraver Pen
[toc]
What is a Jewelry Engraving Machine?
This is a very important tool that is used to draw on or decorate jewelry with symbols, words, or images. Engraving a piece of jewelry does not only make the piece beautiful but also makes it worth more as well as give it texture.
Engraving symbols and other decorations in jewelry has always been paramount for genuine metals such as silver and gold. Through engraving, the metals are labeled with serial numbers for identification purposes. Advanced technology has led to the development of different kinds of engraving machines. You will find those that use hand power, laser, drills, and other technologies.
RECOMMENDED: Best Jewelry Glues
Are Jewelry Engraving Machines Cheap Or Expensive?
Getting a jewelry engraving machine may cost you a lot more than what most retailers on the internet portray. If you are decorating your own jewelry, you can get an engraver with a few ten bucks. These in most cases will be handheld and utilize the simplest technology for engraving.
For someone who is into jewelry engraving as a profession, investing in a powerful jewelry engraver is non-debatable. To get such a machine you may go up to a 5-figure digit in cost. Currently, you can get a fiber laser jewelry engraver at about $10,000.
A machine costing that much and with that technology is not one you would buy for DIY engravings. If you want to use these tools for jewelry making alone, it would be ideal to get one that is cheaper. It is important to get a machine that is decent and provides value for money.
Buying a Jewelry Engraving Machine
Regardless of all the information you have about jewelry, engraving any jewelry piece is a lot different. You must to know what kind of engraving is best for hard and soft metals, precious and semi-precious stones, jewelry that is plated, and any other materials you are going to decorate.
There are so many jewelry engraving tools online that it becomes difficult to choose. Knowing how much it is going to cost only is something to think hard about. Here are some of the factors you should consider when buying a jewelry engraving machine whether for professional or personal projects:
Machine Size
Engraving machines come in different sizes; there are those which increase with additional features like CNC routers found in CNC machines. The size of the machine will depend on how much working space you have and whether you need any additional features on the engraver.
You need enough space when working with the machine of your choice. If you have a small working area, you may have to go with a smaller machine. It will also force you to forego some features that make the machine bigger.
For most products you see online, their manufacturers have a way of making them appear either smaller or bigger. Before ordering, look out for the measurements of the machine and compare them to your working space. If the machine fits, you can go ahead and buy it.
Source of Power Output
Power output is another important factor to consider when buying a jewelry engraving machine. The kind of jewelry material you are going to engrave will play a big role in determining how much power output you need.
For hard material engraving say marbles and stones, the ideal power output would be 40-150 Watts. Projects that need simple engraving or smooth materials would work well with power ranging from 20-50 Watts.
While power rating is important, it is good to keep in mind that this does not necessarily determine the quality of an engraving machine. Jewelry quality machine quality is dictated by a mix of several factors including machine technology, power output, and many more factors. If you haven’t done jewelry engraving before, with time you will realize that an engraver with high power output does the job with double speed..
Ease of Use
How the machine will be put in your workspace and how you hold it when working contributes to the level of comfort. For example, a portable etching jewelry engraving machine is easier to utilize for DIY decorations or long-hour projects.
However, engraving hard materials or large decorations with the same machine will prove a difficult task. If you buy a jewelry engraver that is hard to use, you will be running the risk of making inaccurate signs, symbols, or images. Choose an ergonomic machine to get a smooth engraving experience.
RECOMMENDED: Best UV Resins for Making Jewelry
Warranty
Like many other machines, jewelry engravers have some technical aspects, so you are better off checking the warranty. Most jewelry engravers are covered by a warranty that lasts a year, the expensive ones will have a longer period.
Some manufacturers choose to have their machines backed with a lifetime warranty. Warranty periods only are not enough, you should also check the terms and conditions. The terms and conditions should suit what you prefer for your engraving projects.
Price
This, over everything else, has to be one of the factors to be considered. How much are you willing to pay for a machine that decorates jewelry? The engraving machines and jewelry cutters in the market today have price tags ranging from $200 up to as high as $10,000.
Naturally, for professional projects, you most likely will go for costlier machines. Sometimes digging deeper into your pocket may not be worth it. There are some companies that manufacturer jewelry engravers of high quality and sell for affordable hundred bucks. The whole idea about price is to go for a machine that fits your budget.
Cleaning a Jewelry Engraving Machine
As you go about your projects engraving on wood, metals, plastic, or any other jewelry material, dirt and dust accumulate and settle on the machine.
When the dust remains in the machine, for example, a laser engraving cutter, it may make the jewelry discolor, distort or leave burnt debris on the jewelry. The good news is you can remove this dust and dirt from the machine using effective cleaning techniques. This ensures the machine remains clean and properly maintained.
The most basic rule is cleaning the machine every after use. Doing this saves time since dust will not collect on the jewelry material. You also maintain cleanliness by checking the machine’s ventilation spaces and monitoring the exhaust systems. Also, if you use other jewelry supplies and tools like jewelry pliers, cover all the unused places of your workspace and surface.
RECOMMENDED: Can Steam be Used to Clean Jewelry?
If you have a laser engraving machine, the trick is to reverse the direction of the engraving. By doing this, you prevent any dust from settling on the surface being engraved. In addition, the reverse direction makes you view the engraving results better since the axis does not make the results invisible.
In addition to all the above, ensure you take your jewelry engraving machine for servicing regularly. This will go a long way in increasing the lifetime of the machine and preventing unplanned downtime.
7 Best Jewelry Engravers
1. Dremel 290-01 120 Volt Engraver Rotary Tool
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3s6ezqc” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#ef412d” size=”4″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ icon=”icon: shopping-cart” rel=”nofollow”]ON AMAZON[/su_button]
The best on my list is Dremel 290-01 rotary tool. You can acquire this machine at its attractive price and use it to engrave leather, plastic, wood, glass, stones or any other surface.
When it comes to ergonomics, this tool is lightweight and has a comfortable handle. These two features make this tool simple to use for projects that require you to work long hours.
In matters warranty, Dremel offers you a two-year warranty for all the manufacturer’s defects. This machine has a 9929 diamond point for additional applications as well as a 9924 carbide point for normal engraving.
This tool may not come with many jewelry accessories but the engraving template with letters should be good for a start. If you have bought any jewelry tools in the past, you probably agree that Dremel is a brand. This particular jewelry engraving machine alone has more than 2,000 ratings on Amazon.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Dial can be adjusted for deeper engravings
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Limited accessories
- Frozen set screw
2. Utool Engraver 24W Engraving Tool
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/36iYQvi” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#ef412d” size=”4″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ icon=”icon: shopping-cart” rel=”nofollow”]ON AMAZON[/su_button]
This is a handheld engraving tool that has a soft and comfortable rubber grip.
This engraver has a 24W power rating making it ideal for decorating plastic, metal, wood, and other hard jewelry surfaces.
This machine works at a speed of 7200 rotations per minute. It is the best machine to use when marking any symbols on your jewelry, jewelry crafts and also makes a good birthday gift.
This handheld device is good if you have long-hour engraving projects since it features a rubber grip. The grip is comfortable enough to last long hours on the hand and allows for a smooth application. Utool offers its customers a 1-year warranty as well as a total refund in case the machine fails to work properly. The machine comes with a user manual that has all the other details about the product warranty.
The handle has a tool for adjustment that allows you to quickly and seamlessly switch between hard and smooth surfaces like ceramic and metal. There are 4 tungsten carbide points to handle different surfaces. The knob allows you to adjust the depths of engraving as well.
Pros
- Soft and ergonomic rubber grip
- 5 depth adjustment knobs
- 1-year warranty plus 100% money-back guarantee
Cons
- Noisy
3. Afantti Electric Micro Engraver Pen
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3s1FEdX” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#ef412d” size=”4″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ icon=”icon: shopping-cart” rel=”nofollow”]ON AMAZON[/su_button]
Are you new to jewelry engraving and want a machine that is just perfect for your level? This is it! Affanti Electric Micro Engraver is the ideal engraver if you are just starting out. Its budget is friendly too for starters. This pen is exactly what you have been looking for.
This machine comes with a high speed that can be adjusted between 3,000 and 20,000 rotations per minute, making it one of the best engraving machines. If you need fine-minute details, the machine comes with a scriber pen.
This machine is portable and has a comfortable grip. It is easy to use to mark fine jewelry like pendants, rings, and wedding bands for men among others. For your starting projects, use this engraving pen on metal, plastic, glass, ceramic, wood, stainless steel, and other surfaces.
A complete kit of Affanti Electronic Micro engraver Pen comes with stencils and 30 bits. Comprising the 30 bits is 11 flat bits, 10 circular bits, 4 jujube-shaped bits, 5 round bits, 4-number/letter stencils, and 4 graphic stencils. The stencils come in handy especially if you don’t know where to start with your engraving project and also good for DIY engraving projects.
Pros
- Portable
- Additional subscriber pen
- Versatile
Cons
- Does not work well on hard surfaces
- Short cord
4. The Original Easy Etcher Precision Engraving Pen
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3v0Xrnz” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#ef412d” size=”4″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ icon=”icon: shopping-cart” rel=”nofollow”]ON AMAZON[/su_button]
Just one look at this engraving machine and you would think you are looking at a regular pen. This is the tiniest of all the for engraving jewelry on this list.
Although it is small in size, this Original Easy Etcher Precision Engraving pen can put marks and decorations on several surfaces using laser technology.
One amazing feature of this pen is that it has a speed of 20,000rpm and works perfectly without shaking. With this kind of speed, you can complete many projects on surfaces such as bamboo, stone, metal, plastic, ceramic, wood, etc. this engraving kit comes with 10 stencils each with different designs from which you can trace.
This is a great tool for beginners, professionals as well as those who engrave jewelry as a hobby. The manufacturer offers a 6-month warranty and you get a full refund just in case this etcher does not meet your expectations.
This pen-like engraver has an aluminum frame that makes it very light. It features a great tri-lobal grip for handling the pen.
Pros
- Very light and portable
- Used on several surfaces
- Easy to use
Cons
- Has no knobs for adjustments
- Short warranty period
- Not very durable
5. Laser Engraver Laser Engraving Machine
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3JGHiYC” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#ef412d” size=”4″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ icon=”icon: shopping-cart” rel=”nofollow”]ON AMAZON[/su_button]
This laser engraving machine boasts 3000MW power with laser applications and grayscale printing. There is an offline engraver by GanGou, which you can use for DIY undertakings. This can help engrave different picture formats such as CUR, PNG, GIF, BPM, JPG, ICO, and DIB.
With this machine, you can engrave ant picture format provided you have software for editing images. You can use it through a USB disk or desktop application.
This engraver can be used on any material be it acrylic, IC cards, wood, and dark plastic. You can also use this tool on transparent surfaces, only that you must paint black beforehand.
The black painting is necessary since the laser technology used in this machine bounces off when used on surfaces that are reflective. The most appropriate laser welder for reflective surfaces is CO2 since the laser rays will penetrate through it.
For every laser machine you buy, you get a 1-year warranty and customer support for the entire lifetime of the machine. This is the machine you need when starting any professional engravings, custom engraves, or laser jigs.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Effective laser engraving
- Great design
- Suitable for several surfaces
Cons
- Somehow slow
- Issues with software
This is one of the best laser engravers on the market.
6. Engraver Pen Set 2pcs Etcher
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3s5lBeD” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#ef412d” size=”4″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ icon=”icon: shopping-cart” rel=”nofollow”]ON AMAZON[/su_button]
This engraving machine is unique since it is the only pair featured on this list. You can go with one to your place of work and leave the other at home or simply use one as a backup as and when needed.
This etcher comes with 8 distinct stencils and 30 drill bits. The stencils are both number and letter cuttings. In the kit are also 6 polishing bits each with a different style. Both of the etchers have a charger each.
The manufacturer also packs a pen for engraving that you can move around with. Instead of moving around with one of the machines, just slide the pen in your bag and be on the move.
The engraver’s speed can be set to either high or low making it the perfect machine for beginners and experienced jewelry engraving professionals. The high-speed setting is good for ceramic and glass surfaces while the low speed makes good marks on wood and metal jewelry. The etcher is powered by speeds from 3,000 up to 20,000 rpm.
The manufacturer of the engraving machine assures you of total satisfaction and gives a 30 day return period upon which you will get a full refund if by any chance you are not satisfied.
Pros
- 2 machines
- Pen on the move
- 30 day return period
Cons
- Power cord is short
- Not wireless
7. AxPower Electric Micro Engraver Pen
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3h0jIJV” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#ef412d” size=”4″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ icon=”icon: shopping-cart” rel=”nofollow”]ON AMAZON[/su_button]
The last item on our list but certainly not the least is AxPower Electric Micro Engraver Pen. This kit from Vibro has a scriber etcher, 6 polishing bits, 16 stencils, and 30 bits.
These accessories make the perfect combination for someone who is starting out with engraving activities. This engraving machine is a black, pencil-like, comfortable machine that can be used on both hard and soft surfaces.
This is the tool for small projects that can be completed at home. You can use this tool on jewelry pieces that need fine lines or deep grooves. In the kit, you will get accessories like flat bits, round bits, pointed bits, jujube-shaped bits, and graphic stencils as well as a head for polishing that has a standing ring. The machine also features a 2 in 1 speed button that also controls the ON/OFF functions.
Like most other machines with motors, this engraver produces sound too. However, the manufacturer made sure to include technology that controls the noise produced by the motors. This machine operates at a low speed of 3,000 rpm and a high of 20,000 rpm. This speed range makes it easy to engrave on both soft and hard surfaces. The rotary knob allows you to select which speed you want to use.
Pros
- Adjustable varying speeds
- Several accessories
- 2 in 1 rotary buttons
Cons
- Instruction manual not clear
- Power cord is short
Best Pick: Dremel 290-01 120 Volt Engraver Rotary Tool
We still maintain that Dremel Engraver is the best of them all. It is a professional tool that you can use to make beautiful designs on jewelry. The adjustment knobs make it easy to switch between, different work surfaces. Use it on metal, plastic, glass, wood, ceramic, etc.
The manufacturer gives you one of the longest warranty periods and the company trusts in the products given to customers. The diamond and carbide points can be used in alternating turns.
It is worth remembering that this engraver has a soft grip that will make it easy for you to work on your jewelry for a long time without straining your fingers or hands. If you want to engrave letters or numbers, there is a stencil available.