Getting Started: What’s in My Engraving Toolkit?

Written By Rinelle Manansala

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If you’re looking to take your calligraphy to the next level and dive into the vast world of engraving, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, you’ll find a comprehensive list of all the supplies you’ll need to get started. When I first started hand-engraving in 2019, I scoured the Internet for hours trying to find the right tools. So I put this post together so you wouldn’t have to do the same, and I truly hope you find it helpful!

Engraving Machine

  • The engraver that I personally use is the Mystisa 2 Micro-drill from Ram Products, Inc. It’s portable, compact, and relatively quiet. The Mystisa 2 is made with a brushless motor, which minimizes the vibrations of the drill and makes it comfortable to hold for a long period of time. It’s definitely an investment, but I’ve had tendinitis in the past (not fun!), and it’s important to me to prioritize comfort and ergonomics.

  • You can find more affordable alternatives on Amazon, such as this nail drill. I started with a similar drill, and I still keep it in my toolkit as a backup. Just make sure the speed can be adjusted up to 35,000 RPM. Also, bonus if the drill has an LCD screen to show the RPM! You’ll need different speeds to engrave different materials, so it’s helpful to see the setting on the screen.

Round Diamond Burs

  • You can find these on Amazon or Ebay and they come in various sizes. The sizes I use most are 0.4mm, 0.8mm, 1.0mm, and 2.0mm. These specific burs fit in my Mystisa 2 engraving machine, but double-check the shaft size if you have a different drill.

Bur Lubricant

  • I didn’t use bur lubricant for the longest time, and noticed a huge difference once I started. Bur lubricant prevents your burs from overheating and also helps them last longer. I drill into the tube before I begin, and every 30ish seconds to keep my lines smooth and my burs sharp. I’ve had this one for a couple of years and barely made a dent!

Drafting Tools

  • For quick drafts and simple guides, I use the Stabilo-All Pencil in white, red, or black. The upside is that it comes off easily with water; downside is that it also smudges really easily. Be careful where you place your hand while engraving or else your entire design will smudge right off! (Speaking from experience; lesson learned lol.)

  • For more intricate designs where I’m constantly wiping the dust away and repositioning the item, I prefer an extra-fine tip Sharpie Marker (comes off with rubbing alcohol) or Edding Pastel Pen (wipes off with water).

Color Fill

  • I use Rub ‘n Buff to make my engravings stand out! I get mine locally from Blick Art Materials, but you can also find them on Amazon. Use a cotton bud to apply the wax to the engraving, and a soft microfiber cloth (or cotton pad) to buff it off of the other areas. It dries quickly, so work in sections if needed.

  • Pro Tip: Use washi or painters’ tape to cover paper labels while you’re engraving. Rub ‘n Buff also sticks to anything textured or porous and shouldn’t be used on surfaces such as frosted glass or stone.

Protective Gear

  • Always wear a mask (preferably one with filtration) so that you aren’t inhaling the fine dust particles! I sew my own multi-layered cotton face masks and add a carbon or Filti Filter for extra protection.

  • My face tends to be quite close to whatever I’m engraving, and the engraving dust can cause dry, tired, and achy eyes. I wear Stoggles to protect my eyeballs! Stoggles are anti-fog and they also offer the option to add your Rx. Plus, they look cute! I learned about them from my nurse friend, and now I want them in very color. (You can use my link for $10 off!)

Micro-bead Cushion

  • A micro-bead pillow absorbs the sound of the drill, and protects your work area and the item you’re engraving. It’s also great for stabilizing irregularly shaped objects. I made my own with scrap fabric and weighted micro-beads from the craft store, but this one from Amazon would work just as well.

Cleaning Solution

  • I keep rubbing alcohol in a small spray bottle, and use it to clean the surface before and after engraving. I also use cotton buds, cotton pads, and/or microfiber cloths to apply my Rub ‘n Buff. I found all of these at my local dollar store.

Makeup Brush

  • Used for wiping away the dust while engraving! Doesn’t need to be fancy; just make sure the bristles are soft so they don’t scratch the surface.

Mini Vacuum

  • Okay, okay… not an essential but definitely a nice-to-have accessory! This Mini Desktop Vacuum will help keep your workspace tidy and dust-free. Plus, it’s the cutest little thing. :)

That’s all, folks! Those are my essentials for hand-engraving and most (if not all) the tools I use for in-studio jobs. My on-site toolkit has a few extra things — let me know if you’re interested, and I’d be happy to do a “What’s in my bag?” blog/vlog for ya! If you found any of the information helpful, please like, comment, and/or share this blog!

Always,
Rinelle

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Rinelle Manansala