How to Engrave
Engraving can personalize a gift, demark ownership on a tool and create art. Engraving is a relatively simple art to learn, but it can take years to master. Use these steps to begin engraving, and then personalize the process to fit your own style.
First: Print the design
Print off the picture or letters that you want to engrave on a plain white sticker sheet that you can run through a computer's printer. Address labels are inexpensive and appropriate for small designs.
Second: Peel and stick the design
Peel the backing off the sticker, and stick the printed design on the object you wish to engrave. Make sure that the design is straight and positioned correctly, or your final design may come out crooked. Press down firmly to ensure that the sticker is well affixed so that it does not slide as you engrave.
Third: Engrave
Turn on the engraver. Trace the lines printed on the sticker, sticking as close to the design as possible. Hold the engraver perpendicular to the object for the cleanest finished lines. Travel smoothly around the lines in the design, keeping a steady pace. If your speed is variable, you may notice that the engraved lines do not have a consistent depth. When you are finished, remove the sticker. You can then retrace the lines to reach the desired depth and width.
Fourth: Take care not to damage the structure of the object you are engraving
When engraving, consider what you are engraving. If you are engraving a tool, ensure that you are not engraving in an area that might weaken its structural soundness, making it less useful for its purpose. If engraving a metal cup, stay shallow so that you do not puncture the metal and create a leak.