An engraver is a micro drill that performs the same work as a grinder or a conventional drill, only it is used for small parts and workpieces. An engraver can perform grinding, drilling work, as well as milling, engraving, etc. The range of machined parts is quite wide, ranging from wood to glass and steel. It is easy to guess that to perform work of varying complexity and purpose, a wide variety of nozzles for the engraver are used. We will consider them in this article.
A bit of general information
Almost any tool boasts a large number of nozzles. They are made of various materials, have different forms of working bodies, hardness and much more. But any drill or grinder can envy the engraver, because there are no nozzles for him. On sale you can find both small sets consisting of several elements, as well as professional sets in which there is absolutely everything for successful engraving. But before we move on to examining the nozzles, I would like to note that not all of them fit the engraver of a particular company. For example, many companies produce such collets, which fit only branded nozzles. That is why it is advisable to acquire a set of collets that are needed to clamp the nozzles. Well, after that you can proceed to the choice.
About diamond cones
Diamond engraving tips are very popular. This is due to the high strength of the product. Such a nozzle can be used to treat strong mineral rocks and metals with high hardness. Nevertheless, the cost of diamond cones is quite high. They are usually sold in a small set of 10-20 pcs. 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 spraying is applied on top of it. That is why, not observing the operating rules and using the nozzles for other purposes, you risk damaging the spraying, because of which the nozzle will become useless to some extent. As a rule, we are talking about technical diamonds, so a set will cost about 200-300 rubles. Shank diameter as standard - 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 set price is 200 rubles, the shank has a diameter of 2.3 mm. The set consists of six nozzles in various shapes. Fit abrasives are very popular. They are available in red and green colors, which actually serves as a mark. Reds are used to process metal products, and they are made of aluminum oxide. Greens are used for engraving marble, glass and tile. They are made of silicon carbide. Regardless of the color, the cones 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 tips are great for such jobs. True, the material with which they can work is limited, but that is not the point. Usually felt cone is paired with polishing paste, 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.
Polishing tips for wood engravers also exist. The same applies to a material such as glass. If it is necessary to remove scratches from the surface and make the tree smoother, take a diamond paste. Usually it is sold in a wide range, but it is best to prefer pasta with a grain size of 3/2 and 5/3. The price of one jar is 70-100 rubles, depending on the manufacturer. By the way, an excellent company that produces high-quality pasta is LLC “Superabraziv”.
Electric engraver: nozzles for professionals
If a professional works with an electric engraver, then most often he has 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 wide experience. The fact is that often when working with one material, different forms of nozzles are needed. Some of them cannot be bought individually. 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 kit. There you can find felt, diamond, abrasive, sandpaper, as well as wire cutters, which are used to remove paint and rust from metal coatings. For example, cutting discs for an engraver are quite difficult to find, but they are in the set. The same applies to a wide variety of cutters. Such a set will cost dearly, 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 nozzles
The engraver from this manufacturer is quite famous. 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 the nozzles. It would seem that you can still spend money on an engraver, because they buy it once, but the high cost of nozzles is already too much. As a rule, we are talking about 300 rubles or more apiece. This is very, very much. Moreover, even many experts focus on this. Nevertheless, the Dexter engravers are very high-quality and many consumers recommend buying them not only to professionals, but also to amateurs in their reviews. As for the nozzles, you can’t say the same about them.
Can I buy Chinese tips?
But this question really interests many. Someone will surely say that Chinese products are no good and you don’t even need to look in that direction. This is partly a true judgment. But there is one thing. Sets from China are really cheap. Usually 5 or 7 times cheaper than the original cones. Of course, if a professional is sitting at the engraver, then there is no difference. Chinese fakes break much more often than original products, so the price will turn out the same thing. But if you are a beginner and still do not know where and how to use this or that cone, then you better choose Chinese products. Firstly, you can get a precious first experience, and secondly, it will be relatively cheap. Of course, you must understand that you do not have to rely on any strength and durability, but for a start it is quite 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 diameter of the shank.
Nozzles of the Bison company
We have already figured out that Chinese cones are more suitable for beginners. If you are already a more advanced user, then for sure you will like the “Bison” cones. This domestic manufacturer offers a very good selection at a relatively affordable price. For example, a set for engraving machines, consisting of 180 objects, will cost only 1000 rubles. If in this case we talk about the piece value of the cone, then a ridiculous amount is obtained. In the set you can find nozzles of different grain sizes for grinding, engraving and cutting work. The shape of the nozzles is also different. In addition, nozzles for the Bison engraver are delivered in a convenient plastic case, which simplifies transportation and storage. In general, this is just a great solution for performing work of any complexity. Cheap and cheerful, otherwise it cannot be said.
For professionals only
If you are engraving professionally, then the Dremel company cones are best 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 can be noted and high accuracy, and quality of work, as well as "cleanliness". Although all these parameters are largely dependent on the wizard, the tool also plays a role. In this case, the wizard can be sure that there will not be a sudden rupture of the disk during operation, which often happens with fakes. In addition, discs and milling cutters of the "Dremelevsky" production wear out much more slowly, so they are used by professionals. In general, the nozzles of the company "Dremel", as well as "Dexter" are good, but the price makes you think. Therefore, they can only be advised to people who engrave professionally.
About homemade cones
Recently, homemade nozzles are increasingly being made. The advantage of this solution is that it is relatively cheap. But, as practice shows, many people make cones themselves not because of the price. Usually the point is durability, especially when it comes to nozzles of low and medium quality. For example, all the 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 nozzles for an engraver are unlikely to suit the professional, but for engraving at home - this is one of the best solutions. In conclusion, I would like to say that we should not forget about personal protective equipment. The fact is that in the process a large amount of fine dust is formed, so it is necessary to protect the respiratory tract and eyes. Suitable glasses and a respirator.