I'll be using this to sign stained glass and other items I make and hope to sell. I had tried an engraver that had a cord, and I've also tried using my Dremel with and without the flexible extension attachment, and I *much* prefer this one.
Of course, as with any diamond-tipped bit, using a coolant liquid or even water on the surface of the item being engraved, plus pausing very frequently to reduce heat build-up, will make the bit last much longer and put less stress on the motor, which will make both work better and last longer.
ADDITIONAL:
Well, it's now the end of August, so I've been using this nifty little widget for quite some time.
I'm currently using it with a diamond ball-shaped bit to drill screw-holes in some stainless steel project-parts.
Yes, it takes a while because hey, it runs on two AAA batteries, and doesn't have the power of an industrial angle grinder, LOL!
*HOWEVER*, what I like a lot is that, since it *is* small, I can actually *control* it, and use it on small parts.
- So, I still like it!
Such a great little tool! It's very light, the batteries seem to go a long way but I do wish the chuck was a bit larger to fit other standard size dremal bits but it still works fine for my purpose which is to carve plaster dry metal clay. I'm on my second because my first stopped working after 6 months but it's so economical and handy it was worth buying a second.
I use this to engrave my initials on my tools. Sure it's not as fast as a plug-in engraver. But what good is an engraver doing you if you never use it? I never feel like getting out the plug in engraver, unwrapping the cord, and then you have it out so you might as well engrave a bunch of thiings, right? No - this thing is as easy to use as a marker. It goes in a drawer with you pens, and doesn't take up much space. You'll love engraving because it takes no time at all doing it.
I am a school principal. I bought this to engrave my student's computers and their chargers to keep them from getting mixed up. There is no learning curve. You can use it right out of the box as easily as writing with a pen. It is cordless which helps with maneuverability.
It's a decent little engraver. I've used it to customise knives (one 1095 carbon steel, one stainless), lighters, plastics, aluminum, and wood.
The bit and the engraver themselves both stood up to them without any issue, and engrave at about the width of a medium point gel pen would write. Getting very deep engravings would take many a passes, and batteries. And that's where the fifth star's gone to.
While it does everything fairly well, the batteries (as perhaps expected) go really quickly. A few hours of use, and you'll be needing to replace the two triple A's it uses. If you intend on grabbing this and using it often, be sure to also pick up a good amount of AAA batteries as well.
Feature Product
- PROTECT AND IDENTIFY- engraving tool enables precision cordless engraving with permanent identifying markings by anyone; from DIYers to the professional technician
- ENGRAVING DIAMOND TIP BIT- using a standard 3/32-inch engraving diamond tip bit and safe fingertip controlled on/off switch
- ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES - endless applications include engraving tools, sporting goods, toys, phone chargers and the delicate personalization of jewelry, watches and glassware. Also practical as a wood engraver, or part of a metal engraving kit
- HOLDS LIKE A PEN- compact engraver has ergonomic tri-lobal grip and precise fingertip control; etching tool has a lightweight aluminum body
- POWER- Engraving pen has a 20,000 RPM Motor to engrave glass, metal, ceramic and plastic, only using two included AAA batteries
Description
This New And Exciting Tool Enables Precision Cordless Engraving Anywhere By Anyone From Professional Technicians And Mechanics To Homeowners And Diyers. Users Can Protect All Types Of Valuables With Identifying Markings And Even Perform Delicate Personalization Of Items. Designed In-House By Generals Engineering Team (Patent Pending), The Engravers Powerful 20,000 Rpm Motor Is Powered By Just Two Aaa Batteries And Enables Engraving In Glass, Metal, Ceramic And Plastic. An Aluminum Body Offers Superior Durability And The One-Of-A-Kind Tri-Lobe Ergonomic Grip Provides The Ultimate In Comfort And Ease-Of-Use. Features & Benefits : , Diamond Tip Bit , Precision Cordless Engraving Anywhere. Use On Metal, Plastic, Ceramic Or Glass Surfaces. Protects All Types Of Valuables. Uses Standard 3/32" Engraving Bit , Aluminum Body 20,000 Rpm Motor 2 Aaa Batteries (Included).
GENERAL TOOLS - THE PRECISE TOOL FOR DOING THE JOB EXACTLY RIGHT. Offering over 1,000 tools, we’re proud to provide tradesmen, craftsmen and DIYers around the world with a broad range of affordable, specific-purpose mechanical hand tools and precision measuring and inspection tools.
For inquiries, please contact our Customer Service Department at 212-431-6100. We strive to provide our customers with 100% satisfaction.
WORK SMARTER, MEASURE BETTER & BE MORE PRODUCTIVE WITH GENERAL TOOLS
General Tools gave great service when the first product I received was defective. They immediately sent out a replacement which worked right of the box. I was going to give a lower rating but Great Customer Service goes a long way with me. Thanks for your service and I will be shopping more often with General Tools.
I do a lot of glass engraving and use a Dremel engraving tool for most of my work. That is a vibrating type of engraver (vs other Dremel that I use that is a rotary). This tool is also a rotary and as a result can do bit finer work than the Dremel engraver. I was able to pick up on Amazon a set of the diamond bits that fit this (my Dremel takes larger bit) and so far very satisfied. You do have to push the button continuously when engraving. Not difficult but would be nice if it had a locking mechanism so you did not have to keep pressing if using for extended period. But that is minor item, at least for me. Have not tried using this on metals or surfaces other than glass so cannot comment on its use there. I find that for signing my work this is far superior to the Dremel engraver although care has to be taken in either case.
This is addition to my earlier review. I have a set of diamond bits to use with this tool but when I went to change the bit I found the original bit frozen and would not come out no matter what I tried. I called Amazon and got the phone number for General Tools. Before ordering a new one I wanted to be sure that the bits were removable. Seemed so since had a locking nut but wanted to find out for sure. Told them I was just over my one year in warranty and explained the problem. Told me they would be happy to send me a new one at no cost and today via UPS it arrived and this bit is easily removed. Cannot say how impressed I was at the service. Could not have been nicer on the phone. They did not want the old unit back saying that occasionally there is a bad unit. So am giving to friend who wants to try on marble in his professional art work and if works am sure he will be buying his own. Not often you find a company this responsive on an item like this one. As a result I would not hesitate to order other tools from them.
I bought this as a replacement for a similar items that had stopped working on me (don't remember who made the other one). Works great. My only wish is that I could find this item with a cord. I need to change the batteries before 1 project is done. I've been using it to etch glass.
Also, the first one I received was missing the bit, but that was quickly remedied.
I engrave all my tools and other long term belongings I have with this. Took me around 5 minutes to practice on the different types of surfaces (Metal, Plastic, Wood). They all have a different feel to them (generally, plastic was the hardest to practice for me) but once you get it, then it's smooth sailing. Very handy and comfortable. Not a hassle to use, just like a pen.
For big jobs, I have a corded Dremel, but if I just want to quickly put my initials on something, this is very convenient. It is well made, and altho not very strong, I did manage to bore a small hole in thin glass without much effort. It uses a standard 1/8 inch bit, which is well secured by a large set screw.
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