With the help of engraving, almost any item can be made unique. It should also be noted that products with inscriptions or images printed on them will be excellent gifts.

The popularity of engraving in the modern world

Many try to make personalized inscriptions on products that will remind of past events. Applying them to gold and silver jewelry is very popular. Wedding rings and family heirlooms are excellent examples.

Do-it-yourself metal engraving makes it possible to apply a variety of inscriptions and images on the surface. In addition, glass and plastic objects can be used for work. You can apply the desired image by using a laser, engraver or engraver.

What is needed to apply an image to any surface?

Engraving at home on a metal, glass or plastic surface can be done with a sharp object. The most common tool designed for this purpose is an engraver. It should be understood that all products that are necessary for engraving are produced by various organizations. IN this moment you can find such engraver models as autonomous and electric.

Drill bits can also be used for engraving. They work great on any type of surface. Boers can have different forms. Various materials are also used to make this type of instrument. In addition, drills are needed to perform various jobs. Diamond models are considered to be high-strength tools of this type. If you are a lover of engraving, then metal and glass drills must be present in your arsenal.

The technology of applying an image to any surface at home

In order for engraving at home not to cause any special complications, you need to know the technology for applying images. She is as follows:


After the contours are finally applied, it remains only to complete the smaller elements. When engraving at home is done, you will need to cover the sheet with a layer of varnish or wax.

What are the main methods of drawing images?

Laser engraving is the most common way of applying an image to any surface. Especially often it is used in the case of drawing is applied to the surface through the use of the latest equipment. Engraving is fast. But it cannot be called simple, since special equipment is required. In this regard, laser engraving at home, although it can be done, but with great difficulty.

It is also worth noting that this kind of drawing images is dangerous to human health. All care must be taken to prevent physical contact while working with the laser. In this regard, one more engraving method, which is less dangerous, should be noted. It's about about the use of special chemicals.

This method of engraving, in addition to safety, is also different in that it can create three-dimensional images on the surface of the part, which cannot be achieved using a laser.

Summarize

We are convinced that even with your own hands you can apply an image to any object. You can, for example, engrave a knife. At home, this is not so difficult to do, as can be seen from the review. The main thing is not to rush and approach this process thoroughly.

Art engraving on metal can give the object a special value.

Firstly, most often, such work is done individually, you become the owner of an exclusive item.

Secondly, the artistic engraving looks very beautiful.

Thirdly, you can do it yourself, at home. Engraving is the application (transfer) of a pattern onto a metal object.

How to engrave on metal at home, what tool or machine or machine is needed? What is the price of engraving accessories? You will learn about this in our article.

The execution technique is manual and mechanical (different equipment is used).

It is also subdivided into dashed and defensive:

  1. The line engraving technique is performed by applying contour lines and strokes to an object. The metal carving is not deep, it affects only the surface of the object;
  2. Obronnaya, otherwise it is called three-dimensional, mechanical deep technique allows you to achieve a three-dimensional pattern. See photo.

Cutter engraving is performed with a special tool - a chisel.

If you ask yourself how to make it yourself and where to buy these tools, then the answer is simple: this tool is sold in the same stores where you can find various art supplies.

The thinnest lines are made with a messer-engraver. If you need to make parallel lines, then they are made with a rapping tool.

To perform high-quality work, this tool must be sharpened; for this, a fine-grained bar is used, which is pre-moistened with water, or oil.

The engraver is brought “to readiness” with a leather product (you can take an old belt) coated with chromium oxide.

Manual processing small items at home, it requires the presence of a special pillow, it can be easily made with your own hands: two pieces of matter of the same size (round or square) are taken, sewn together along the edge, stepping back a little from it, but you need to leave a small gap so that you can fall asleep sand inside.

The prepared form is turned inside out, dried sand is poured in, the remaining hole is sewn up.

The engraving tool in the form of a pillow is ready.

How to hold the tool in your hand?

You need to do this as if you were holding an ordinary ballpoint pen: the index finger should be on top of the blade (this is the name of the metal part of the cutter), and the thumb should hold it to the side.

Work must be done by yourself.

In the case when it is necessary to change the direction of the drawing, the pillow with the object on which the element is applied is unfolded, but the direction of hand movement is not changed.

What else is useful to know about incisors?

To do engraving with your own hands at home, it is advisable to practice first so that the carving turns out to be beautiful.

It is better to purchase a set of tools: with a square section of incisors it is better to apply rounded lines, with a round section it is better to make straight lines.

When working, burrs often appear, which cannot be avoided, but they can be removed with a scraper.

You can make your own scraper. To do this, you need a file, from the edges of which you need to grind off a notch.

Before application, the surface must be cleaned with fine sandpaper and polished. For polishing, a special polishing paste is used.

The paste is easily replaced with chromium oxide (oil paint). The surface of the object must be thoroughly and vigorously rubbed. The paste is rubbed with a leather thick piece.

Stichel for engraving

Hand engraving at home requires:
— Stichel
- metal workpiece
- Something hard holding a metal workpiece, possibly a vise


A shtikhel is a rod, usually 120-130 millimeters in size. The tip of the engraver is cut at a certain angle and sharpened. The second tip is inserted into the handle, usually wooden.
Stichel for engraving are various shapes and differ in the width of the working surface. If this tool is not available, you can easily make it yourself if you have the right materials.
To make a chisel, you need tool steel. The metal used in ball bearings and springs is perfect here. To make a cutting surface, you need to use a cutter, needle file, file, cutting into thin strips.
best material to make a chisel for engraving - steel grade P18. You can also make a graver from the circles of circular saws. Then we sharpen the workpiece at an angle, which will allow us to make a notch of the desired width.
If we talk about the handle of the engraver made of wood, then it is necessarily made of hardwood, with a width convenient for the master to hold in his hand. The mushroom shape is the best option in our opinion.

Color engraving

In order for the drawing to look more clearly and beautifully, a glass-graph pencil or ink is used.

In order for the effect of using these tools to remain as long as possible, the surface is covered with a colorless varnish.

You can make the drawing clearer with the help of a needle and oil paints. Such a set allows you to scratch the auxiliary lines of the pattern, which are subsequently covered with paint.

The art color engraving allows to make a product color. To do this, those elements that do not need to be painted over are covered with a transparent varnish.

How to blacken a metal object? Special equipment is not used for this, but the following substances are needed: sulfur and potash (potassium carbonate) in a ratio of 1: 2.

This composition must be put on fire, for this it is poured into a tin can. The mixture must be constantly stirred, and the fire should not be large.

The mixture is removed from heat when it turns black. Before that, it will need to be ground in a mortar, after the fire it is also placed in a mortar and again ground (chilled).

Blackening occurs as follows:

  • Water (1:9) is added to the resulting mixture;
  • An object made of brass is placed in the solution;
  • It is heated until the product acquires the desired shade.

You can make the background dark before drawing the picture. Lacquer in this case is not needed.

The brown color of an object can be made by hand by soaking it in a solution of zinc chloride and blue vitriol with the addition of water (100g, 100g, 200g respectively).

Hand painted in steel gray is obtained from 1 liter of water, two grams of ordinary salt and two grams of a mixture of sulfur and potash.

Orange-red color is obtained from a solution of potassium sulfide: 1 gram of the substance per 250 grams of water.

At the end of the work, the varnish is erased.

The blackening of an object and the niello known to us are two different things. The technique that is used to create the niello is mechanical; it cannot be done with your own hands.

Engraving at home. Ways

Above, the general technology for applying a pattern to a metal surface was presented.

Engraving on metal at home can be done with any sharp object. Let's consider several ways.

Application is carried out using a special device

To create a high-quality drawing, it is better to use a tool called an engraver. You can purchase a whole set to create lines of various thicknesses (see photo).

Drawing on the surface of the object must be done, observing the following technology:

  • The pattern can be made on the subject yourself, using a pencil or marker, or you can use a copy sheet;
  • The next step is to apply a drawing with an engraver to the surface of the object. The cutters must be moved in one direction in good light;
  • The resulting result is fixed with a thin layer of wax or colorless varnish.

Drawing a picture using an improvised set of materials

What the set includes:

  • nail polish;
  • toothpick (match);
  • salt;
  • Charger for phone;
  • glass and nail polish remover.

The price of such a set is minimal, cutters are not needed.

The object is covered with a thick layer of varnish. With the help of a toothpick (match), the pattern is scratched. In a glass you need to put 2 tbsp. l. salt, add water and stir.

Charging from the phone is applied to the object with a plus, and with a minus - to any second metal object.

The second item is placed in a glass of water, and the device is plugged into an outlet.

You need to do this for five minutes (it can be a little less - depending on the desired depth of etching). At the end of the work, it is necessary to wipe off the varnish.

This method is good because cutters, paste or other tools are not used, only what is at hand and the price will be low. Thus, at home, you can make personalized spoons, forks, a decorative set, etc., and all this with your own hands.

Engraving can be done with a drill

This tool works on the same principle as the apparatus in the dentist's office.

The price of the device is about 5,000 rubles, so the machine is purchased when the products are planned to be made more than once.

In addition to the device itself, you need to purchase a set of nozzles, the average price of one nozzle is about 50 rubles.

It should be noted that to work with a drill for metal with your own hands, you need a milling set, and its price is also impressive.

The tool and machine are first tested to achieve a good result.

Metal engraving using various equipment

If you look into history, you can see that hand engraving on metal has been known to mankind for about five thousand years.

The general technology and methods with which you can engrave yourself can be discussed above.

Let's see what equipment can be used for this.

Laser engraving on metal is distinguished by its durability. In this case, a paste is used, which is applied to the object before processing. In this case, the paste is applied to the uncoated material.

The technology is as follows: the equipment directs the laser at an object that, under the influence of temperature, melts a little, changes color and evaporates.

With the help of a laser, you can make drawings of varying complexity and not only on metal. The price of laser engraved jewelry is high.

Diamond engraving allows the product to "play" in the light due to the formation of tetrahedral pits.

Diamond engraving is performed using a special cutter, which removes the top layer of metal, forming the same pits.

Diamond engraving is considered durable and is widely used in jewelry and souvenirs. The price of such products is not fixed, most often, it is negotiated individually.

You can apply a pattern to metal using a milling engraving machine, which you can not only buy, but also make yourself.

Milling in the form of such a machine is necessary in the case of small-scale production (own business). Otherwise, it will be an extra expense. The machine allows you to make an accurate drawing due to the rigidity of the entire structure.

Such a machine is suitable for various products: souvenirs, keys, key rings, etc.

In addition to metal, the engraving machine allows you to process wood, glass, MDF and other materials.

If we talk about small production, then such a machine will be simply irreplaceable, it is easy to use, the cutters move quickly and accurately. The marriage of the human factor is excluded.

Engraving using this machine is accurate and durable.

conditions on your own. After all, it looks very beautiful and impressive if you decide to give your friends or loved ones a valuable personalized gift with wishes that will never be erased or fade in the sun. The inscription will always remind a person of you, forcing them to remember the most wonderful moments spent together.

Let's watch the video and then move on to the process:

We will need:
- photo varnish for printed circuit boards Positive 20;
- product for engraving;
- glass;
- alkali NaOH;
- acid or ferric chloride; UV lamp;
- bone for etching;
- container for solutions;
- acetone, for removing varnish after etching.

A stencil for engraving is prepared in advance.


The stencil can be made using Adobe Photoshop. Just do not forget that after making the desired text or drawing in Photoshop, it must be mirrored horizontally so that this text is read as needed on the product. You can also use QuarkXPress, but don't forget to flip the image you created as well.


It is best to print a stencil on laser printer. Only plain paper is not suitable for this, you need to use a special film. If the toner is not dark enough, then you can take two identical stencils and carefully glue them together.


Engraving is done using photo varnish for printed circuit boards. You can buy it on almost any radio market.

The principle of operation is as follows.


A thin layer of photo varnish is applied to the product where it is necessary to engrave, which must first be shaken. Don't forget to put some newspaper on your desk so you don't get it dirty. After application, some time is given for it to dry well.


Then a stencil is applied to the product, with the desired text or engraving pattern. Turn off beforehand bright light otherwise flashing will occur. Then it is pressed with glass or a thin film, which can also be fixed to metal using small magnets, they should not overlap the inscription.


The assembled structure is illuminated ultraviolet lamp. Be sure to wear safety goggles to protect your eyes. Illumination time should be 5 - 10 minutes.


The stencils are removed and the metal is washed with a solution of NaOH alkali of the correct concentration or a sewer cleaner, observing safety precautions.


The illuminated varnish is washed off to the metal, after which you can start etching with acid or ferric chloride, depending on the metal from which the product is made.

Comments:

Engraving on metal is always eye-catching. This craft has fed artisans since ancient times. And today it has not lost its relevance. Craftsmen can turn household items into real works of high art by decorating them with whimsical miniatures. Sometimes you can see whole paintings of considerable size, made by engravers. And few people know that absolutely everyone can do this business.

Photo 1. Souvenir engraved hunting knife, perfect good gift which can be given to hunters.

Do-it-yourself engraving can be a profitable and interesting business if you really want it.

You can decorate small metal objects by do-it-yourself engraving at home. This occupation will cause respect and envy of friends and acquaintances. In Zlatoust, thousands of craftsmen do this craft at home. Engraved things are expensive. Saber - about 300 thousand rubles, a hunting knife - up to 100 thousand (photo No. 1). Agree, this is good money. How to engrave on metal at home with your own hands? For this lesson, you need to prepare the simplest equipment that can be found in any house, in any apartment.

We start experiments

Decorative patterns are applied by engraving to plates, knives, pistols, sabers, medals, cups, apartment numbers. All patterns and inscriptions are preserved almost forever and do not require expensive and rare consumables and special equipment for execution. The pattern can be applied to steel, aluminum, brass, copper, metal alloys. The method does not pollute environment. It is impossible to wash off or erase the drawing by the usual methods and means.

Photo 2. Engraved wedding rings, they usually write the date of the wedding and the initials of the bride and groom.

  1. Nail polish, which the wife does not really need.
  2. Toothpick with sharp tips.
  3. You may need an ordinary match.
  4. Salt.
  5. Charger for car battery. It can be successfully replaced with a mobile phone charger.
  6. Glass or porcelain dishes in the form of a glass, mug or jar.
  7. Nail polish remover.

The work is done in the following order:

  1. A spoon is taken and covered with nail polish. The entire surface must be varnished very carefully, otherwise there will be a marriage in the work.
  2. With a match or a toothpick, a pattern, a name, another image is scratched through a layer of varnish.
  3. Pour 2 tablespoons of salt into a glass glass or jar. Some pour a spoonful of salt and a spoonful of soda.
  4. Water is poured into the vessel, the salt is thoroughly stirred until completely dissolved.
  5. We connect a car or other charger with a positive terminal to the workpiece, a minus - to any metal object that will be placed in a vessel with water. This object can be another spoon, a piece of thick wire, a metal plate.
  6. The rectifier is connected to the network. Almost immediately, an etching reaction will begin in the glass with a darkening of the liquid. It lasts 1-5 minutes. It depends on the amount of current. The product is checked periodically. After reaching the desired depth of etching, it is removed from the container.
  7. The varnish is washed off with nail polish remover. The result should look something like this (photo #3).

Photo 3. Named engraved spoons and what is interesting, engraving can be done on various metal objects in a simple home environment.

In this way, you can process any metal objects at home. If you make an inscription with varnish, then it will be convex on the etched background. For more quality work it is recommended to purchase a special tool - an engraver. It can work from electrical network and built-in batteries. Drills are usually included different shapes. They can work on glass, plastics and other materials. Wedding rings with engraving is a great gift for newlyweds (photo No. 2). But you can do it yourself only when you are completely sure of the result of the work.

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Engraving on glass

Photo 4. For home engraving, you will need regular salt, nail polish, nail polish cleaner and a glass of water.

Do-it-yourself engraving on the glass surface is carried out by chemical and mechanical means. The mechanical method involves the use of a nozzle, which is driven by an electric motor. Procedure:

  1. With a dark marker, the drawing is transferred to the glass.
  2. A damp sponge is applied to the image on the glass. This must be done carefully so as not to smear the drawing.
  3. Protective goggles must be worn when working.
  4. After completing the drawing, it is washed and viewed for gaps. If necessary, missed places are processed again.

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Engraving with a drill

The principle of do-it-yourself engraving can be seen in the dentist's office. The special tip is held in the hand in the same way as a regular pen when writing. The pattern can be applied to any object: a ring, a mirror, a motorcycle, a plate, etc. You can engrave a portrait and any other image. Do not forget that the color of engraving on glass, ceramics, stone, porcelain is always white. But it can be carefully covered with silver, gold and any other waterproof paint. The effect can exceed all expectations.

Drawings and patterns can be applied to a tree covered with a layer of paint, to plastic, silver, plastic. Handmade requires patience and certain skills that appear over time. The skill has been honed over the years.