Glass Engraver - How to choose your box ? - UPDATE 2023

If you are new to the wonderful world of glass engravingThis guide will provide you with a list of the small equipment you will need to complete your projects. As you learn and begin to experiment with different techniques, you will be able to add to your accessory lineup with different burs, abrasives and polishers.

Why a Dremel for glass engraving?

First, you need to make sure you have a tool to attach your burs, polishing wheels and abrasives to.

A hand-held rotary tool such as a Dremel 3000 will do very well to start, and once you get the hang of it or have the extra budget, you can always afford a more powerful Dremel.

If you use a Dremel, a flexible tree will also be a good investment. In fact, it will allow you to hold your tool more easily, as you would with a pen or an artist's brush.

A Dremel multi-chuck will also be very useful. It allows you to easily change out mounted bits and tips and use a wider variety of bits with different sized shanks (this is the bit that goes in the drill that you will attach all your accessories to).

Useful note before buying a Dremel: if you want to use a wide variety of cutters, discs and bits for engraving, don't buy the Dremel 290. This particular model is only compatible with two Dremel accessories, a carbide tip and a diamond tip.

How to engrave glass with a Dremel?

Glass engravings are very pleasing to the eye. When you walk into a store and see a mug or champagne glass engraved with floral designs, you want to show it off in your dining room.

Although you may think glass etching is hard work, believe us, it's easier than you think, especially when you have a Dremel and the right accessories!

Dremel is an American brand known for its rotary tools designed for different purposes, including glass engraving. With such tools, you can make your own engravings at home!

Step 1: Steps to get started

You will need a Dremel rotary tool.

Before starting work, be sure to wear safety glasses, gloves and a mask. Engraving involves a lot of fine glass dust particles. Inhaling large amounts of such particles can cause serious damage to the lungs. Once the sharp particles enter the lungs, they cut the lung tissue and cause bleeding inside.

Make sure the glass object you choose for etching is clean and dry. Dirt and grease can prevent you from seeing clearly, and thus disrupt the etching process.

Step 2: Do some exercises

If this is your first time using a Dremel, it's a good idea to see how the tool works. Take an old mug or a worthless glass bottle to do a test.

Stick a few thumbtacks on your work surface and place the glass object on top to keep it in place. Set the Dremel to medium speed and make freehand patterns on the glass object.

Because of the dust particles that form during the process, you may have trouble seeing what you are doing. If this is the case, keep a clean cloth and a bowl of water near you so you can wipe off the dust particles.

Even if the pattern seems to disappear, it is still there and will be clearly visible once the surface is dry.

Note: Do not apply too much pressure during engraving. The tool works well with light pressure.

Step 3: Draw a pattern

Once you are comfortable with the tool, it is time to make a detailed design. Choose the design you want to engrave on the glass and print it. Cut it out of the paper and stick it inside the glass object. This makes it easy to trace.

Depending on the fineness of the details, choose the size of the tips and wheels accordingly.

Step 4: Outline the design

If you choose to work on a glass object that you cannot place your printed design inside, follow this step.

Print out the design you want. Instead of cutting it out, cover the design with a large piece of painter's tape. Use an Exacto knife to cut out the outline of the design to leave a silhouette. Carefully remove the tape and place the design on the glass object.

Note: For the interior details of the design, you will need to do them freehand.

The 4 best Dremels for engraving glass

The best Dremels for engraving are the Dremel, Dremel 4000 Platinum, Dremel 4000, Dremel 3000, and the micro Dremel 8050.

Each of these models has enough power to engrave even hard materials and comes with all the necessary accessories.

Having a variety of possible options is usually a good thing, especially when they all come from a well-established company with an excellent reputation, like Dremel.

However, all of these choices can be a bit confusing, especially when so many of them look the same but have slightly different power capabilities and accessories.

The best Dremels for glass engraving

Dremel rotary tools are multi-functional and versatile tools, capable of sanding, polishing, grinding, carving, cutting, drilling and much more.

Dremel, a power tool company, was founded in 1932 by Albert J. Dremel. Since then, the company has grown considerably and gained a reputation as an innovative manufacturer of high-quality tools.

Although the company is now a division of Bosch, the Dremel name has a reputation that precedes it.

In reality, any Dremel rotary tool can be used to etch glass, but the models listed below are the best possible choices.

Dremel 4300 High Performance Rotary Tool Kit

The Dremel 4300 is the cream of the crop of Dremel rotary tools. From simple letter engraving to highly detailed and complex designs, this tool will produce professional results every time.

This work tool is with Dremel's most powerful motor with built-in variable speed (5,000 - 35,000 rpm) so you can tackle any project at your own pace.

The electronic feedback circuit ensures precise control of the tool as It automatically adjusts power and speed as you work.

The practical swivel lighting device illuminates your project, allowing you to burn in small, dark spaces without the shadows getting in the way.

The redesigned airflow system helps prevent overheating and allows the tool to run smoothly and more quietly than other models.

However, its most remarkable feature is that this model comes standard with a universal and easy-to-use three-jaw chuck, which means that the entire range ofDremel accessoriesThe 4300 is compatible with any stem size.

Key Features:

Dremel 4000

Like the Dremel 4300, this incredibly versatile Dremel rotary tool also features a variable speed setting between 5,000 and 35,000 rpm and a built-in electronic feedback system for consistent, high quality performance.

The Dremel 4000 comes with several accessories: a circular/straight cutter, a multi-purpose cutter, a lawn mower sharpener/tool, a shaping platform and, most importantly, a flexible shaft.

The flexible shaft is an extension tool with a flexible cable that attaches directly to the main Dremel tool in seconds.

Simply hang the main tool near where you are working, attach the flex shaft and add the bit or accessory you plan to use directly to the flex shaft.

Smaller flexible shaft is ideal for accessing hard-to-reach areas of your project and to achieve the finest details.

Key Features:

Dremel 3000

The Dremel 3000 may have a slightly less powerful engine than the previously mentioned tools, but it is still more than capable of to meet your engraving expectations.

As long as you use the right bit for the job, the Dremel 3000 will be able to handle your glass etching jobs.

This model includes a versatile cutting kit and a shaping platform, but what is most appreciated is the EZ Twist tip that allows you to change accessories quickly and easily.

Unlike other models, No wrench is needed to change accessories while you are working. This tool also comes with fewer accessories.

Indeed, if you buy a Dremel mainly for engraving jobs, you don't really need all these accessories, so it's an economical option.

Key Features:

Dremel 8250 wireless

This Dremel 8250 wireless is powerful enough to cut metal easily, but it weighs only 500 g, which makes it incredibly comfortable to hold and easy to operate during glass etching.

Unlike the other models mentioned, this tool is designed to be held like a pen or pencil, a position that many engravers find ideal and more natural.

This micro-tool runs on an 8-volt lithium-ion battery and comes with a docking station for charging.

That means there's no annoying power cord - a huge advantage! A built-in LED indicator displays battery life and lets you know when it's time to recharge.

Speed is easily controlled The speed can be varied from 5,000 to 25,000 rpm using the plus/minus buttons on the front of the tool.

One of the best features is the LED projection lamp on the front, which makes it easy to see and accurate.

Shadows and dark, recessed areas will not be a problem at all when engraving with the lighting coming directly from the tool.

Key Features:

Video : Become an expert in glass engraving

Glass etching kit: in clonclusion

Once you enter the world of glass engraving, it can become a hobby or a profession. Do not hesitate to invest and equip yourself with the best tools and accessories. With Dremel quality, you'll enjoy making custom glassware as much as you want over time!

As long as you follow the safety instructions and handle these tools with care, you will be able to do this type of work safely.

The Dremel 4300 is the best choice for glass engraving. Its swivel light, which allows you to focus the light directly on the targeted work area, is a big plus, and the three-jaw chuck makes changing accessories a breeze.

Now that you've learned how to etch glass with a Dremel, why not showcase your very first etched item in the dining room?

Glass Etching Kit: Frequently Asked Questions

Pas le temps de graver vos verres ? Quelle solution pour obtenir un verre gravé ?

Avoir des verres gravés pour son entreprise est évidemment un atout pour travailler sa visibilité. Ils peuvent vous être utiles si vous proposez des dégustations, mais aussi si vous avez envie d’offrir un cadeau à vos clients les plus fidèles.

Maintenant, tout cela demande un peu de temps. Si vous avez un emploi du temps surchargé, rassurez-vous, il existe une solution. En effet, vous pouvez commander un verre personnalisé et même plusieurs sur internet. 

Si vous désirez déléguer cette tâche à un tiers, vous avez évidemment le choix dans les types de verres et leur volume. Ainsi, vous pouvez commander

• des verres à vin
• des verres à eau
• des verres à bière
• des shooters
• des flûtes à champagne
• des verres à whisky
• des verres à digestif
• …

Si nous prenons l’exemple d’un verre à vin, qui est le plus sélectionné, vous pouvez choisir une contenance de 290 ml, 320 ml, 460 ml ou encore davantage. 

Au niveau des tarifs, plus vous commandez en grande quantité et plus le tarif sera avantageux. Comptez entre 7 et 9 euros l’unité à partir d’une centaine d’exemplaires. 

Pour la gravure, vous pouvez choisir de la placer uniquement sur l’avant du verre, comme sur la face arrière également. Fort logiquement, vous pourrez télécharger votre logo d’entreprise ou simplement inscrire le nom de votre entreprise.

Vous avez aussi la possibilité de le faire graver en une ou plusieurs couleurs. Quoi qu’il en soit, vous pourrez contrôler le rendu avant l’impression avec le bon à tirer (BAT), afin de vous assurer que cela corresponde à vos attentes. 

Pour finir, nous vous invitons à prêter attention à la date d’expédition, surtout si vous êtes pressé de recevoir vos verres, afin de les utiliser ou de les offrir.