8 Engraving Tools Every Beginner Should Own

When I began my journey in engraving, I was so overwhelmed with all the options and questions. Which tools should I buy? What brand could I trust? The forums and google holes didn’t help much either. I found myself with five different answers to the same question and was left even more confused and frustrated. Fortunately, my engraving mentor introduced me to a contact at GRS, respected brand in the jewelry industry, manufacturing high-quality tools and equipment for engraving, stone-setting and jewelry-making. They provided invaluable guidance, offering the exact items I needed to start my engraving setup.

What was I looking for?

I wanted a no-frills, straightforward shopping list to start my engraving journey. I didn’t want to have to replace or upgrade any items down the road. It was definitely expensive - at least for me. It took my a week or two to sit with the cost before adding it to cart. It helped to see these purchases as an investment in myself - as cheesy as that may sound.

So without further ado: let’s dive in!

California air tools compressor
GRS | Amazon

Out of all the tools on the list, this is the one I was most intimidated by. Fortunately, this particular machine is pretty hassle-free. You just have to turn it on before you engrave, turn it off after you engrave, and let all the air out. No cleaning or dealing with oil! The major down-side is how loud it is. For reference, it’s definitely louder than your standard refrigerator, and honestly, it startles me whenever it turns on due to its high noise level.

GraverMax g8
GRS

This will be the machine that will give your engraving tools all the power. It’s a pneumatic air system that you can use for both engraving and stone setting. They have different dials to control the range of power but I just stick to 23-33 for the majority of my projects.

Acrobat Versa with Leica A60
GRS

This tool has been on my wish list FOREVER! I’ve always borrowed a scope from my mentor and it truly is a game-changer. I got the the scope with the Acrobat Versa, but the more affordable Flex Arm Stand works just as well. If you want to get one tool at a time instead of purchasing everything on this list all at once, I would start with this.

901 Handpiece
GRS

This is the tool that will connect with the GraverMax. It’s comfortable on the hands and easy to switch out the gravers.

GraverHone
GRS

This is the tool you’ll need to sharpen and create gravers. Honestly, I was very close to not getting the GraverHone - I didn’t think I would use it often and that I could just probably borrow a friend’s. However, I’m so glad I did get this because it grants me independence. I don’t have to rely on someone else’s availability or schedule in order to sharpen a dull graver. That independence is key when you’re on the learning journey!

GlenSteel Blanks
GRS

I got the round GlenSteel blanks, but you could also purchase the square versions.

GRS Standard Block with Attachment Set
GRS

This is the tool that will hold your pieces in place while you engrave. You can get the attachment set as I did, but a good wad of Thermaloc works fine as well. I highly recommend not getting a dupe or a cheaper version - you’ll need a heavy, high-quality block to make sure your piece doesn’t move while it engraves.

Satellite Turntable Package
GRS

I also almost didn’t get this tool while making my purchases. It felt frivolous and redundant - could I not just hold and turn the block? I learned that this is to establish good habits and helps the quality and accuracy of your engraving. By only using the wheel and not holding the block, you have a higher chance of maintaining a straight engraveable plane.

Final Thoughts

After over a year with this setup, I can confidently say it’s completely comprehensive and reliable. I haven’t needed to replace or upgrade any component beyond a few extra attachments to the standard block. It’s definitely pricey, at least for me. It helped me to see it as an investment in myself and a commitment to the craft.

I hope this empowers you and your engraving journey!