All about carving machines

Engraving is an excellent decorative element that adorns any product made of wood, metal or even bone. Although the art of carving on any material has a long history behind it, it does not lose its connoisseurs in our time. Conversely, modern craftsmen are lucky because they can use professional tools. Special engravers and drills facilitate the work process, make it faster and better.

To achieve the desired result, you need to know and understand some of the features of the work process. Let's consider them in more detail.

The most important thing in working with this material Is to choose the right wood. For example, some types of trees have a dense structure, while others are loose. The denser the structure of the tree, the more clearly the executed figures of the pattern will be seen. The choice of tool and the complexity of the work also depends on this.

Before starting the process, the wood must be processed: dry, soak in resin. In addition, each type of wood can have its own internal pattern, stripes and color, and this affects the appearance of the future product. As stated earlier, the choice of instrument also plays a role. It can be a saw, a chisel or a plane, and special engravers with various cutters are often chosen.

There are several techniques for doing wood carving. For novice craftsmen, simpler techniques are suitable, without working out small details and using professional tools.

Hand engraving on metal less and less used nowas most workshops are moving to computerized or laser engraving.It takes less effort and time. Jewelry, souvenirs and other small items are decorated by hand.

The peculiarity of this work is that such engraving will be truly unique... And the product will be an excellent option for a memorable gift. For a high-quality result, you need to choose the right tool.

Bone engraving differs in that it is often work is carried out in a small area, therefore, the number of small parts increases... Carving can be done either manually using a needle or cutter, or mechanically using an engraver.

The main characteristics that you need to pay attention to when choosing a carving machine are are the engine power and the number of revolutions per minute. The device, which includes the ability to withstand high power and work for a long time, has not yet been invented. If you are going to develop in this area, you will need 2 tools: one will have high power, and the second will be able to work for a long time at low speeds.

The drills themselves have the following characteristics:

• the presence of a pedal for adjusting the speed of the cutter revolutions;
• the motor can be built into the handle of the tool, or it can be located in a separate block with power and adjustment buttons;
• each type of drill is suitable only for certain cutters (attachments used for threading).

There are several varieties of carving tools.

1. Drills for technical purposes... These tools consist of an engraver handle, power supply, foot control and connecting wires. They are suitable for such types of work as grinding, boring, drilling. The disadvantage of this carving machine is that it cannot operate at high rpm, although it is equipped with a powerful motor.
2. Low power micromotors. The advantage of micromotors over drills is that there is no flexible shaft in this tool, and the motor is located directly in the handle. This tool is limited in high power, but can reach high rpms. It is easy to work with such an electric engraver, because the hand does not get tired due to the large size or weight of the handle.
3. Mini drills with flexible drive. In general, they are very similar to drills, since only the handle of the tool with the cutter remains in the hand of the master. The motor mechanism itself is connected using a wire. This species is quite powerful, it can reach high revs. Also, mini-drills are very versatile, since they can change attachments, cutters and perform a wide range of engraving techniques.

On the modern market, there are many products from different manufacturers, so that each buyer can find a suitable option. Models differ in price category, technical characteristics and appearance.

Technical drills are presented as follows a domestic firm like Profile. A pedal is included with the instrument, which simplifies operation.

Also, this type of engraver is produced American firm Foredom... Drills of this brand are slightly more powerful than our counterpart, they can be used to change the attachments, which significantly increases the possibilities of work. Do not worry that this is a foreign-made model, because it will not be difficult to find spare parts or elements for it.

Budget version of the "DPM 25-2" micromotors is offered by a Russian company. The tool of this manufacturer has good characteristics and a low price. The handpiece of the micromotor is specialized, medical. Its disadvantage is that it cannot withstand heavy loads and may fail due to prolonged use.Since the motor is located in the handle of the tool itself, after a breakdown it cannot be repaired. You will have to change the engine or even the tool completely.

There are also models with higher characteristics, but their price will be rather big. it micromotors from the manufacturers Marathon and Strong... They are distinguished by their high power and number of revolutions. Such tools are purchased by those who intend to engage in carving professionally. You can also pay attention to the models of Korean manufacturers.

If you want to purchase a mini drill, then you should pay attention to a model from a Chinese manufacturer, it is called Hammer MD 135A. Despite the low cost, the package includes everything you need to get started: the tool itself and replaceable tips.

If you are a beginner craftsman or want to do carving as a hobby, you can purchase an inexpensive tool to get a feel for the work process, learn the intricacies. When choosing a drill, attention is paid to:

• tool motor power;
• the number of revolutions performed per minute;
• torque.

For starters, you can choose one tool, but in the process you will need two, since one will be responsible for the power, and the second for the speed of revolutions. Masters recommend not to buy an engraver with 30 thousand revolutions, because rarely anyone works at such a speed. 10-20 thousand will be enough.

Also pay attention to cutterswith which you will carve. They can be included with the drill, but sometimes you have to buy them separately.

Let's consider the basic rules for working with tools for carving.

1. For ease of drawing, it is recommended to use a stencil. You need to sketch the pattern first, and then start engraving.
2. The workplace should be well lit. This will make it easier to work out small details.
3. First, it is recommended to complete large parts, only after that you can cut out small ones.
4. If you are carving on wood, you need to choose varieties that have a dense structure and can clearly display the engraving ornament: linden, alder, pear, beech.
5. Before starting work, you need to select the cutting depth. If you are a beginner, it is best to practice beforehand on a rough piece of wood. After you have cut through the background, you need to grind it with sandpaper and start the main work.
6. After finishing the work on the wood, you will need to sand the drawing and cover it with wood stain.

You can see how wood carving with a drill takes place in the video below.