Which mini drills are better, opinions. How to choose an engraver - a complete and comprehensive guide

A mini-drill, like most power tools, can be powered either by mains or battery. Before deciding which option is right for you, consider the conditions in which you intend to use this device. If you have constant access to the power grid, feel free to choose the first option. If you plan to work with a mini-drill outdoors or in rooms with no outlets, give preference to a cordless tool.

One of the most important parameters engraver is the rotation speed. Its size is various devices can vary between 15-35 thousand revolutions per minute. Mini-drills with minimum rotation speeds are intended primarily for polishing and grinding. If you need the device for sharpening and cutting, choose a model with the maximum number of revolutions.

On the modern market of power tools, you can find simple engravers with a constant rotation speed, which reduce the voltage of the motor during operation, and therefore are not intended for performing operations requiring high precision, and mini-drills with variable speed, allowing you to change the number of revolutions per minute as needed.

Avoid buying an engraver that is too small and light, no matter how convenient you may find it. The fact is that compact instruments do not have a cooling system, so they overheat very quickly. While using this mini drill, you will have to stop working every few minutes.

The most popular and reliable manufacturers of mini-drills are: Zubr, Kalibr, Energomash, Sturm, Dremel, Ryobi.

Mini drill attachments

Models that include a flexible shaft and a hanging bracket are not only more convenient to use. Also, these elements provide faster and better cooling of the tool engine.

Before you buy a mini drill, make sure that the kit includes attachments designed to perform various functions. For grinding, sharpening saws and leveling surfaces, attachments made of materials of different densities are designed in the form abrasive wheels and stones. For carving and milling materials such as stone, wood and metal, attachments in the form of sharp or, conversely, rounded cones and wire brushes are suitable. For cleaning and polishing, it is better to use disc attachments and bristle brushes with varying amounts of bristles.

Engraving, performed using special tools and electrical equipment, such as an engraver, dremel or dental drill, has been a popular type for many years. decorative processing products from various materials. The quality and efficiency of such processing are largely determined by which electric engraver was chosen to perform it. When purchasing such equipment for use at home or for professional activity, a number of its technical parameters should be taken into account.

Design features and main characteristics

Before deciding how to choose an engraver, you should have a good understanding of the design and operating principle of such a device. Structurally, the engraver is a modified drill, all constituent elements which are placed in a compact case, held with one hand.

Electric engravers, which operate on the principle of a dental drill, have an electric motor, gearbox and spindle placed in a compact and easy-to-hold housing. The spindle can be used both for fixing the tool and for installing a flexible shaft, at the end of which a working attachment with a tool is attached. Cooling of the engraver's electric motor during operation is ensured by a special fan that blows the drive mechanism through air intake holes in the plastic case.

Serial devices, with the help of which such a technological operation as engraving is performed, operate on the principle of conventional electric drill. Moreover, the weight of their body, as a rule, does not exceed one kilogram, which makes it easy to hold them even with one hand. When choosing an engraver, pay attention to the following characteristics:

• supply voltage;
• spindle speed;
• the presence of a flexible shaft and its length;
• possibility of adjusting the rotation speed of the working tool;
• the number of working attachments included with the equipment.

Areas of application

An electric engraver is a fairly versatile device that can be successfully used to perform various technological operations. It is suitable for both home and professional work when the use of conventional power tools is not possible. Using an engraving machine, for example, you can carefully and accurately drill holes with a diameter of 0.2–0.4 mm, as well as grind, polish, mill and cut small parts. The most common areas in which engraving equipment is used include:

• engraving on the surface of products made from almost any material;
• manufacturing and decorative design models;
• repair, production and decoration of watch mechanisms;
• production and design improvement of devices used for fishing;
• performing various household tasks with small objects and devices;
• polishing and cleaning of hard-to-reach areas on the surface of products.

Various accessories for specific work, included in the kit or purchased later, allow you to expand the functionality of the tool

The versatility of electric engravers and the wide range of working tools with which they can be used allow them to be successfully used to solve a wide variety of technological problems.

Criterias of choice

Choosing electric engraver, buyers are guided various criteria. Some rely on reviews from more experienced users or the rating of a particular model among professionals, while for others important indicator is the cost of the device or the brand under which it is manufactured. Meanwhile, it is necessary to choose a specific model of such equipment based on how intensively it will be used and for solving what technological problems. The answers to these questions will determine the required technical characteristics and equipment of the purchased electric engraver. Naturally, for intensive daily use and for use several times a week, you need to purchase different models of electric engravers.

The modern market offers a wide variety of electric engravers, differing in their technical characteristics, functionality and, accordingly, cost. This allows you to choose a device that will cope with exactly the tasks that you are going to solve with its help. In this case, you should focus on the power of the purchased device. So, for household purposes and practicing favorite hobbies, engravers with a power in the range of 100–200 W are quite suitable, but for more professional tasks it is better to choose more serious units with a power of 250 W or more.

When evaluating electric engravers by their functionality, you should be guided by common sense and the real need for certain options that the equipment in question is endowed with. For numerous functions of a professional device, most of which you may not need, you will have to seriously overpay.

Ergonomic equipment

When choosing an electric engraver that you will work with yourself, you should not simply rely on reviews about a particular model. It is important to understand how convenient such equipment is for you, so before purchasing an engraver you need to pick it up, evaluate its weight and ergonomics. It should be borne in mind that you will have to work with the engraver for a long time, so it should be comfortable and not cause fatigue during prolonged use.

When evaluating an electric engraver based on ergonomic parameters, pay attention to the following characteristics:

• quality of manufacturing and assembly materials;
• convenient location of switches and other controls;
• convenience and efficiency of changing working attachments;
• reliability and ease of installation of a flexible shaft, if provided in the design;
• smooth operation and noise level that the engraver creates.

Naturally, you should not choose equipment that operates with jerks, extraneous squeaks and clicks. The design of the body of the electric engraver is also important. Working with a device that looks beautiful is much more pleasant than working with unattractive equipment.

Modern models of engravers, especially those manufactured under reputable brands, produce very little noise during operation and are characterized by a low level of vibration. Working with such equipment, which is in good technical condition, is not tiring and does not cause any discomfort.

Which brands to choose?

The modern market offers products from many manufacturers of electric engravers. However, professionals advise choosing devices from the following brands:

• Defort;
• Bosch;
• Makita;
• Dremel

High-quality equipment with more modest technical characteristics is produced by Einhell, Skil and Sturm. Among electric engravers from domestic manufacturers, you can choose products from Zubr, Vikhr and Energomash.

An electric engraver (dremel, mini-drill) is a multifunctional, universal tool. It is practically indispensable when working with small-sized parts. It is used not only for engraving on glass, metal, wood, plastic, stone and other materials, but also for drilling, cutting, polishing, and grinding. The Dremel also allows you to create small tongues and grooves and finish two-stroke internal combustion engines. The choice on the market is represented by a large number of products from different companies. The entire extensive range of products based on power source is divided into battery and mains models. The 2017 rating of engravers based on user reviews will allow you to choose a reliable tool for both domestic and professional use.

The Sturm GM2317FL opens the rating - this is a networked electric engraver with a flexible shaft. It implements not the traditional method of illuminating the workplace using an LED, but Alternative option. The lighting comes from the little one, removable flashlight, located on a flexible basis. In some circumstances this is very convenient. And if the flashlight gets in the way, it can be easily removed.

With a motor power of 170 W, the spindle is Idling capable of reaching up to 32,000 rpm. But due to the primitive speed control mechanism, when it is reduced, the torque is significantly reduced. Sturm GM2317FL weighs 1.5 kg. For this reason, it is convenient to use when processing materials only with flexible shaft. At the same time, the part that comes with the Dremel has a lot of play during operation.

The flexible shaft itself overheats under load - this problem is typical for many Chinese mini-drills.

But the Sturm GM2317FL costs only about 2,750 rubles. This model is suitable for carrying out infrequent plumbing and carpentry operations at home: grinding, cutting, polishing, engraving, drilling. This power tool is practically unsuitable for artistic and decorative purposes.

• relatively low price.

• significant mass;
• The flexible shaft that comes with the kit is of poor quality.

Prices :

In position 9, Makita BGD801Z is a battery-powered model for household use. The shape of the instrument body resembles a dumbbell. The device weighs a lot (1.7 kg). The Makita BGD801Z chuck allows you to work with equipment with a tail diameter of 3-8 mm. And these are large attachments for Dremels: drills, cutters, cutting wheels, cutters. In general, the modification is quite good tool purely for metalwork. This is facilitated by the fact that the product is equipped with an 18 V rechargeable lithium-ion battery. It shifts the mass of the model back, which causes stress on the fingers during operation.

Unfortunately, the battery itself and its charger are not included in the basic Makita BGD801Z kit.

The need to purchase additional spare parts increases the initial cost, approximately 5,300 rubles, significantly. Available for sale complete sets, but their price is 3 times higher.

• a good, capacious battery that allows you to work on one charge for quite a long time;
• the power of the installed electric motor is sufficient to perform heavy operations with materials of varying degrees of hardness;
• high-quality assembly;
• adjusting the rotation speed of the working nozzle to its maximum value of 25,000 rpm;
• the ability to block the power button;
• Nozzles with several tail diameters can be used.

• lack of a battery and charger in the basic configuration;
• relatively heavy weight.

Prices :

8. Skil 1415 LC

In the 8th position of the top is a lightweight network model from Skil, which is attractive for its ergonomics. The body is covered with soft rubber pads . In addition to the flexible shaft, the product also comes with a clamp with a telescopic suspension and a handle with a flashlight built into it, the tilt of which can be adjusted. If such equipment is available, the product is inexpensive - on average 2900 rubles. The cheapness of Skil 1415 LC is caused by inconsistency good quality both assemblies and individual components.

The product power is only 125 W, which is a low figure for the category of network devices. But the spindle develops a rotation speed of up to 35,000 rpm. But at the same time, the speed controller leaves much to be desired: at minimum speed, even slight resistance from the material can cause the electric motor shaft to stop. Also flexible shaft this mini drill for long work practically unusable due to severe overheating. True, it can be replaced with an analogue from Dremel.

• good equipment - one set with the tool includes 25 elements, including 2 collets for equipment with shanks with a diameter of 2.4 and 3.2 mm;
• low cost;
• small weight (0.5 kg);
• ergonomic body;
• fit the model flexible shafts from Dremel as well as Fit.

• unpredictable quality of components, accessories and assembly;
• poor performance at minimum speed.

Prices for Skil 1415 LC:

7. BISON ZG-130EK H242

Model ZG-130EK H242 from ZUBR is a controversial power tool, ranked 7th among best models engravers. With a price starting from 4,590 rubles, the power of the Dremel is not high (130 W), and the speed is up to 30,000 rpm. The weight of the product is also quite large (0.65 kg). But in relation to Chinese counterparts, the BISON ZG-130EK H242 has a more reliable and high-quality electric motor, which does not overheat for a long time during engraving work.

The equipment is equipped with a handle that makes it look like a pistol. All control buttons are located on it. Because of this design feature engraver convenient to use, equipping it with a flexible shaft and hanging it from a rack.

The relatively high cost of modification is associated with a large number additional elements, including the attachments supplied in the basic set. In terms of completeness, it is practically impossible to find a better set on the domestic market.

For beginners and for periodically performing the most various works in everyday life, BISON ZG-130EK H242 is ideal.

• extensive initial kit.

• The design of the Dremel body is not very convenient.

Prices for ZUBR ZG-130EK H242:

6. Hitachi GP10DL

In 6th place is the GP10DL model from Hitachi - one of the most high speed dremels of these power tools available on the market. In terms of speed, this is the best engraver among battery products. It is forbidden to overload operating equipment by increasing pressure on it. Increased speed allows you to increase productivity when performing various operations without increasing the pressure force. But the device is equipped poor quality speed controller, which controls the voltage on the stator windings. As the speed decreases, the torque on the electric motor shaft also decreases.

Together with the battery, the Hitachi GP10DL weighs less than half a kilogram. At the same time, the lithium-ion battery, designed for 1.5 ampere-hours, allows you to operate the power tool for up to 40 minutes without recharging. It is also compatible with screwdrivers manufactured by Hitachi. But due to the design resembling the letter L, the battery upsets the balance of the product. This disadvantage can be mitigated flexible shaft connection, for which there is a thread on the body. The battery of the GP10DL model is inexpensive, but it lasts a long time while maintaining its original capacity.

• high performance;
• long operating time without recharging the battery;
• high number of revolutions, which expands functionality engraver;
• good balance between cost (approximately 5980 rubles), quality and functionality.

• It is inconvenient to perform work operations without a flexible shaft.

Hitachi GP10DL prices:

In the middle of the top is the Elitech PShM 170EZhK network model. Its ergonomics are better than many other corded electric models. The engraver fits comfortably in your hand. Despite the weight of 0.75 kg, it is comfortable to handle, especially if installed additional removable handle. The power of the Dremel (170 W) is enough for productive processing of surfaces of various materials.

The modification has a wide range of spindle speed adjustment from 8000 to 35000 rpm. In this case, the current speed value is displayed using a digital indicator. The initial set contains a rod, 2 collets for 2.4 and 3.2 mm, as well as another 120 different working attachments. The price of Elitech PShM 170EZhK with such characteristics is only an average of 2,700 rubles.

• affordable price;
• excellent ergonomics;
• equipped with a digital display displaying the rotational speed of the electric motor shaft;
• high-quality assembly;
• high performance;
• Possibility of use during operation of equipment with different diameters tail section.

• relatively heavy weight.

Prices :

A review of cordless devices would be incomplete without mentioning the Dremel 8200-1/35, the average cost of which is 6,600 rubles. This model is characterized by low weight (0.6 kg), compact dimensions, convenient design, high spindle speed at idle (its value is controlled by a regulator within a range of up to 30,000 rpm). The engraver is equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which can only operate for 15 minutes at full load. But charging to maximum occurs in an hour. A Dremel can work for approximately the same time intermittently at an average workload level.

Basic equipment Dremel 8200-1/35 does not provide for an additional battery. His original is expensive. But the Dremel 8200-1/35 battery is compatible with analogues from Bosch (specifically the “green” series), the price of which is much lower. This factor allows you to carry out replacement without problems.

After turning off, the engraver attachment stops not due to the force of inertia, but due to the presence of a built-in automatic brake. This feature increases the safety of using the Dremel.

Flexible shaft also not included with the product. But it is possible to install it on a thread that is hidden by a cap decorative look located near the spindle. True, this option will require additional costs for the purchase of the shaft. Can also be screwed onto the thread pen included in the set. This possibility has a positive effect on the convenience of carrying out artistic treatment materials using a Dremel.

• availability of fast-charging rechargeable lithium-ion batteries;
• powerful electric motor;
• the basic set contains 35 attachments most needed for polishing, cutting, grinding, engraving;
• good ergonomics.

• no replaceable battery included;
• It is not particularly convenient to work with circles of large diameters for engravers.

Prices :

Top 3 opens Dremel Micro 8050-35. This is the best cordless mini drill designed for artistic engraving work. Its average cost is 7,550 rubles. This engraver is compact. The Dremel Micro 8050-35 is comfortable to hold and easy to operate for a wide variety of work tasks. Due to the fact that the Dremel has a built-in 1 amp-hour battery, it must be charged entirely.

Good ergonomics and low weight (0.25 kg) of the Dremel Micro 8050-35 are complemented by sufficient high spindle speed, reaching up to 28 thousand rpm, the presence LED backlight, illuminating the processed area of ​​the material surface. The model is equipped with a speed regulator, the value of which is displayed on the LED indicator. The Dremel Micro 8050-35 should be handled lightly so as not to overload it.

The positive thing is that if the load level is exceeded, the electric motor will stop electronic circuit automatically.

The best attachments for mini Dremel Micro 8050-35 are considered carbide burs, designed to apply carving elements to bone or wood.

• excellent ergonomic characteristics;
• availability of protection against possible overloads;
• Built-in spindle speed controller.

• low torque on the shaft;
• The battery is built into the case.

Prices :

2. Dremel 200-5

Second place went to Dremel 200-5. This is the cheapest model from this brand, the cost of which on average is 2970 rubles. This price is related to poverty of the original configuration: no flexible shaft, no attachments, no clamp. Also, the Dremel 200-5 does not have a very convenient speed switch. The motor power of the model is quite good (125 W). At the same time, the engine develops up to 35,000 rpm, and there is no vibration, noise or overheating. The Dremel 200-5 is well suited for both living conditions home craftsmen and artists. All attachments and necessary accessories can be purchased independently without any problems.

1. Dremel 4000-4/65

The top engraver is completed by the Dremel 4000-4/65 – an ergonomic, high-performance corded tool. Spindle rotation speeds of up to 35,000 rpm are achieved using an installed 175 W electric motor. The model is technically implemented complete engine speed control system. This function ensures that the speed of the electric motor shaft will change automatically depending on the load applied to the nozzle.

Even at the lowest speeds, almost the original torque is retained.

The basic configuration of the Dremel 4000-4/65 contains a flexible shaft that does not overheat and has no play. The set also includes milling protractor, a stand designed for sharpening various cutting attachments and tools. The 4000-4/65 model has some problems with the electric motor brushes, which negatively affects the rotation speed. If the Dremel is under warranty, then this defect is not particularly terrible: the store will replace the engraver or it will be repaired in service center. It is not recommended for specialists to purchase Dremel 4000-4/65 online.

Conclusion

• the nature of future work;
• the required degree of their autonomy;
• ergonomic design;
• extensive basic equipment;
• possibility of using a flexible shaft;
• spindle speed;
• possibility of speed adjustment.

If you plan to perform artistic engraving operations, then it is enough to purchase cordless mini drill. When you have to grind, cut, polish various materials far from 220 V power sources, then you should give preference to more powerful cordless engravers.

The higher maximum speed electric motor, the larger the list of processed materials at the same power.

Application of flexible shaft will allow you to engrave more efficiently and efficiently using heavy Dremel models. The more various devices and nozzles in the set, the more convenient it is at the very beginning. But often the components are of insufficient quality: they are unsuitable for professional use. To ensure that any power tool lasts as long as possible possible deadline, it must be used strictly for its intended purpose, and it is better to install attachments recommended by the manufacturer.

Electricity has given humanity a lot, but to imagine life without electric tool impossible. A universal power source allows you to create universal tools, the need for which is amazing. One of the representatives of such universal electrical equipment is an engraver.

If you look at an electric engraver through a magnifying glass, it will turn out to be nothing more than a type of drill. It’s just that the dimensions of the tool are much smaller, and the functionality is significantly expanded. Like conventional drills, engravers are equipped with a relatively powerful electric drive. Electric drive not only creates sufficient torque, but also very high speed rotation of the nozzle.

The majority of engravers are based on the rotational principle. But there are also impact varieties in which electrical energy is transferred into the kinetic energy of the impact. Special nozzle made from enough hard material knocks out particles of material, leaving the necessary drawing or inscription.

The main characteristics of engravers come down to several:

• tool weight;
• motor rotation speed;
• number of universal nozzles.

Masters are preferred over light tool, with a shaft rotation speed of up to 20 thousand revolutions per minute with a set of a wide variety of attachments. Typically the weight of the engraver does not exceed 1 kg. This is due to the fact that engraving work is done manually, and tools heavier than 1 kg are difficult to work with for a long time. It is better to work with a light tool for a long time.

The variety of attachments determines the range of functionality of the tool. Therefore, this range depends proportionally on the number of nozzles. The list of attachments may include:

• collets, couplings, jaw clamps;
• engraving attachments;
• cutting and polishing wheels;
• miniature drills;
• burs of different configurations and sizes.

In addition to attachments, it is possible to attach flexible shafts, which allow, by extending the drive shaft, to perform additional work without experiencing discomfort.

For a home workshop, for household needs, an engraver with a rotation speed of up to 20 thousand revolutions per minute and a power of about 200 W is sufficient. Professional engravers have a speed of up to 30 - 35 thousand and a drive power of over 250 W.

Electric engravers are produced by many companies with well-known brands: Dremel, Bort, Sturm, Einhell, Hammer, Bosh, Makita and many others. This serious attitude to such an unenviable instrument is expressed in constant work to improve the design and offer new attachments.

Why do you need an engraver?

Engraving work is work that always requires special precision. Functionally, the engraver can drill, cut, mill, clean and polish, apply inscriptions and drawings. But all these works are connected with the jewelry of their execution. You can process wood, metal, different types ceramics, glass and plastic. When using diamond-cut attachments, the functional range of the tool increases many times over.

Without an engraver, the work of jewelry workshops and enterprises producing souvenirs is impossible. Because in addition to purely technical purposes, an engraver can create works of art from metal, wood or other precious and decorative materials.

And the engraver’s technical goals exist at any industrial enterprise - from restoring parts to creating miniature units that cannot be made with any other type of tool.

When using diamond-cut attachments, the functional range of the tool increases many times over. But to work with such a tool you need certain experience and professionalism.

Engraver manufacturers we trust + (Video)

A good branded tool is worth the money paid. The best characteristics The manufacturers and their models included in this review have:

This rating list You can expand, add other manufacturers, other rating criteria. The market for engravers, their functionality and basic characteristics are changing almost every day. Each specialist can create his own rating list based on his needs and preferences.

How to choose an engraver + (Video)

When choosing such a tool, it is necessary to clearly understand the purpose of use. It is necessary to take into account the quality of the material being processed, the list of functional operations, the necessary and sufficient volume of attachments and devices. First of all, you need to decide what you plan to do.

A mini drill differs from impact engravers in that it can be used for more than just engraving. It can be used to cut and drill, clean and polish. You need to carefully familiarize yourself with the equipment, because for such work it will be more expensive to purchase attachments separately. For hard-to-reach places, a model with a flexible shaft is useful.

You also need to decide how often the engraver will be used. If the work will be performed every day, then you need to select the most reliable model. This could be Dremel, Proxxon or Foredom. And it is better to select a power reserve for professional work from 250 W. The power reserve will allow you to work at low speeds due to the large torque. For handicrafts and hobbies, the Einhell, Hammer, Bort, Storm or Skil models are quite sufficient. Their declared power is in the range of 100 - 200 W.

The material with which to work is also important in the choice. Glass, wood and soft metals can be easily processed with a mini drill with speeds up to 20,000. Gems, steel and hard alloy materials can be processed by a mini-drill with speeds up to 30,000 and their mandatory adjustment. This will allow for precise tuning. Otherwise, you will have to use an impact engraver.

After determining the purposes of use, a tool is selected according to technical specifications– power, shaft speed and tool weight. And the selection is completed based on such indicators as the noise of the tool, its ergonomics, workmanship and price. But, even without experience working with an engraver, you can choose a tool according to the above criteria.