The Best Engraving Tools
Laser engravers are the perfect tool to help you personalize any item. Whether you’re looking to put initials on a wine glass, etch your favorite animal into a woodblock, or engrave a timeless quote onto your bike frame, a laser engraver can get the job done. There’s a different type of laser engraver for everything, which is why we’ve taken the liberty of researching the entire field to bring you this list of the best ones.
Dremel 290-01 Rotary Engraver
Leave Your Mark
Being able to personalize your items with a rotary engraver is an invaluable asset. From laptops to drinking glasses to bicycles, you can leave your mark anywhere with this highly affordable engraver. Dremel includes a stencil template with your purchase for cleaner writing, and the adjustable dial allows you to choose the depth of your engravings at will. This rotary engraver from Dremel is eminently easy to use, and we highly recommend it for those looking to do simple engravings on a budget.
Pros:
- Highly affordable
- Simple to use
- Adjustable dial to control engraving depth
Cons:
- Not as precise, easy to use, or detailed as laser engravers, but considering the price, we’re not complaining
Ortur Laser Master 2 Laser Engraver
Intricate Engraving
If you’re looking to make detailed, personalized designs onto any material you want, look no further than this one. Ortur’s laser engraver allows you to upload your designs into its software and bring them to life in 3D definition onto the material of your choosing. Whether you’re trying to engrave into wood, glass, leather, or plastic, the Laser Master 2 is more than up to the task. It does cost a pretty penny, but we highly recommend it for anyone looking to bring their designs to life like never before.
Pros:
- Highly detailed, precise designs
- It comes in three different sizes
- Compatible with different software programs
Cons:
- You may need to do two passes on certain designs
Uolor Engraving Tool Kit
The Complete Kit
It might feel a little intimidating to get into engraving because there are so many different options, but this complete engraving tool kit from Uolor really makes things streamlined for newbies. This package includes a high-quality rotary engraver, 24 stencils, and multiple sanding tools for finishing. Not to mention, Uolor provides a kit of numerous drill bits to help customize your engravings even more. Many rotary engravers are thick and unwieldy to handle, but this one is thinner at the tip, providing an engraving experience akin to writing with a Sharpie marker.
Pros:
- Wide-ranging accessory kit
- The engraver is easy to handle
- Includes a variety of drill bits to engrave with
Cons:
- It does not provide the meticulous detail and precision that laser engravers do
- The bits could be more durable
LaserPecker Portable Laser Engraver
Engrave on the Go
LaserPecker brings you the best of both worlds with this highly portable and precise laser engraver. Rotary engravers are portable but imprecise, and tabletop laser engravers are precise but hard to use. LaserPecker takes the best qualities of both and combines them to bring you this truly impressive laser engraver. All you have to do is connect to LaserPecker’s easy-to-use mobile app, connect your smartphone via Bluetooth, and start engraving on any material you’d like. For high-quality portable engravings, you can’t go wrong with this one.
Pros:
- Portable and precise laser engraver
- Connects easily via Bluetooth and easy to use mobile app
Cons:
- You can only make smaller engravings with this pick
GanGou Laser Engraver
Elegant Etching
If you’re looking to get a top-notch laser engraver that will provide you with flawlessly etched designs at record speeds, this beauty from GanGou is hard to beat. It operates on just about every material you can dream of (save for metal and glass) and engraves with state-of-the-art precision. This engraver is versatile in its scope, as it can handle small and large designs with equal precision. Unfortunately, it’s not compatible with Apple products, but if you’re a Windows, Android, or Linux person looking to take your engraving game to the next level, don’t hesitate to snag this engraver.
Pros:
- Precise and versatile
- Fast engraving speeds
Cons:
- It doesn’t engrave on metal or glass
- Not compatible with Apple products
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all of these engravers use heat or laser power to engrave?
No, some engravers use metal drill bits that vibrate rapidly enough to allow you to engrave things into woodblocks, metal, glass, and other materials. These engravers tend to be handheld, and they’re often far cheaper — although less precise — than tabletop laser engravers.
What materials do people most frequently use laser engravers on?
The most common material for laser engravers is wood. Any time you see a detailed animal carving in a woodblock or a complex engraving on metal piping, you can bet that the artist most likely used a laser engraver for it. Other than wood, common materials for laser engravers are plastic and metal. Before using your laser engraver on a material, be sure to find out if your laser engraver can be used safely on it.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.