Engraving Drills

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.
Generic nail drill $30

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
L’UGX $110

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
INK ME THIS, MYSTISA 2 (SLIM) $338 + shipping

PROS

  • Created for calligraphers
  • Brushless motor
  • Color choice
  • Option to have your own logo engraved onto it

CONS

  • Pricey
  • Cord is non-spiral
Dremel Stylo+ $35

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
Interested in engraving lessons?
Further questions?