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 (a.k.a. coreless) motor drill if your budget allows, but a regular motor is fine for a beginner starting out as a hobbyist.
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!
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
- 35,000 RPM
- Spiral cord
- small footprint
CONS
- currently unavailable on Amazon (as of 10.23.23)
- no pause button
- price greatly fluctuates (saw as high as $99, as low as $30)
PROS
- 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
- Cord is not spiral (perhaps a pro for you)
- My model is a knockoff (didn’t know when I purchased!), but does work fine… when it’s working
- 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
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
PROS
- Brushless motor
- 35,000 RPM
- Spiral cord
- Aesthetically pleasing
CONS
- Price greatly fluctuates on Amazon (was $92 on Black Friday 2022, 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
- Bulky
- Only 22,000 RPM
