Essentially, we work with portable nail drills. You want to look for a rechargeable machine (not wall plug-in) that reaches at least 35,000 RPM. I highly recommend a brushless motor drill if your budget allows, but a regular motor is just fine for a beginner just starting out.
Starting with my most recent purchase and working backwards, these are the drills I own and have extensively 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!
PROS
- Brushless motor
- 40,000 RPM
- Can be used as a portable power source
- Comes with a convenient storage stand
CONS
- Cord is not spiral (this may be a pro for you)
- It has come to my attention that this design was stolen from Yokefellow. As artists, let’s support other original designers; I’m sure we would appreciate the same courtesy.
PROS
- Great price point for beginners
- 35,000 RPM
- Spiral cord
- Minimalist design
NOTE: I don’t recommend spending more than $40 on a non-brushless motor drill
CONS
- NON-brushless motor (hand will tire more easily and more quickly)
- Due to fatigue, not recommended for long periods of engraving
PROS
- Brushless motor
- 35,000 RPM
- Spiral cord
- Aesthetically pleasing
CONS
- Price greatly fluctuates on Amazon (was $92 on Black Friday, currently $170)
- Obvious manufacturer logo
PROS
- Created for calligraphers
- Brushless motor
- Color choice
- Option to have your own logo engraved onto it
CONS
- Pricey
- Cord is non-spiral
PROS
- You may already have a Dremel in your garage!
CONS
- Needs to be plugged into wall outlet
- Non-brushless motor
- Only 22,000 RPM