Engraving Drills

A newer version of this page exists: Engraving Drill Information

Essentially, we work with portable nail drills. A machine that reaches at least 35,000 RPM is preferable. I highly recommend a brushless motor drill if your budget allows, but a regular motor is just fine for a beginner starting out as a hobbyist. I also recommend a rechargeable (not wall plug-in) drill.

Learn about the difference between the motor types here.

Starting with my most recent purchase and working backwards, these are the drills I own and have used myself. Prices fluctuate, but I have listed what I personally paid for each. Keep an eye out, too– Amazon is always running sales and offering coupons. Hope this helps you when you’re shopping around!

All drills below work with these 2.35mm shank burs, except for the Dremel (which accepts 3mm shanks).

PROS

very affordable
35,000 RPM
pause button
minimal design (only one piece!)

CONS

loudest drill I’ve ever tried
power button very sensitive to the touch
too loud

It’s the only drill I’ve ever returned. I could NOT get over how loud it was compared to all the other micro drills I’ve used.

PROS

price
brushless motor
40,000 RPM
spiral cord
hand piece fits INSIDE body!!
often has Amazon coupons and discounts

CONS

price fluctuates, goes in and out of stock

PROS

STELLAR price point
35,000 RPM
brushless motor
comfortable hand piece (actually the same as my workshop drills)
simple design

*listed at $46.19, AND THEN there was an 50% off Amazon coupon!

CONS

no pause button
listing showed spiral cord, but arrived with a regular one
turns on easily if anything presses against the center dial

PROS

great price point
brushless motor
35,000 RPM
spiral cord
small footprint

CONS

currently unavailable on Amazon (last checked 10.23.23)
no pause button
price greatly fluctuates (saw as high as $99, as low as $30)

PROS

brushless motor
available in several colors
body of the drill is lightweight and slim
hand piece is slightly more weighted (my personal preference)
comes with a matching stand

*listed at $50 each, but avg. $65 with all taxes/fees

CONS

had to purchase from international wholesaler and pay shipping/taxes
non-spiral cord

PROS

brushless motor
40,000 RPM
can be used as a portable power source
sleek design
comes with a convenient storage stand

CONS

my model is a knockoff (didn’t know when I purchased!)
cord is not spiral (perhaps a pro for you)
hiccups in consistency

PROS

great price point for beginners
35,000 RPM
spiral cord
minimalist design

NOTE: I don’t recommend spending more than $40 on a brush motor drill. I’ve seen this model for as low as $18.48!

CONS

brush motor, a.k.a. NON-brushless motor (hand will tire more easily and more quickly)
vibrates more (brush motor) so may be harder to achieve smooth lines
due to fatigue, not recommended for long periods of engraving