This article was reviewed by Cory Schifter. Cory Schifter is a Jeweler, Certified Jewelry Appraiser, and the Owner of Casale Jewelers in Dongan Hills, Staten Island, New York. Casale Jewelers is known for its selection of fine jewelry, designer brands, engagement rings, certified diamonds, custom-made jewelry, and watches. Cory has over 10 years in the jewelry industry and is a certified jewelry appraiser. Cory was featured on NY1 News “Got it Made in New York” for Casale Jewelers’ custom design business and Casale Jewelers was recognized by American Express and Facebook in 2012 as one of the top five small businesses in the nation. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 289,263 times.

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Additional bit shapes:[6] X Research source Pear & Oval: for rounding edges and carving bumpsTaper: to reach crevices and make concave cutsBall: to hollow out an area or create U-shaped gouges

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Alternative tools:Hammer and chisel: Cheap but slow, requires two hands.Dremel with carbide tungsten drill bit: Difficult to control. Use only if you happen to have one, on simple projects.Craft knife or compass point: Difficult to control, only works on soft metals.

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To engrave metal, start by cleaning the surface with a damp cloth, then letting it dry completely. Next, trace a design onto the metal before securing it to your work surface with a clamp or vise. Then, apply the tip of an engraving tool or chisel to the surface of the metal on an angle and carefully chip away pieces of the metal. Try to begin on a straight line for your first attempt, keeping your tool at the same angle throughout the engraving. Once you’ve finished the straight portion, move on to more complex lines and shapes. To learn how to engrave on wood, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

Alternative tools:Handheld wood chisel or graver: Slow but makes angle adjustments easier. Good for experimenting.CNC Machine: A computer-controlled device for extremely complex designs.

Artists and printers have engraved metal or wood for centuries, and there are volumes written on this art. Today, new laser cutters and other machines cut designs into plastics, gemstones, and other challenging materials to work with. Despite all of these rich, varied uses, you can start engraving yourself with only a few tools.