[Thyme]

I am looking for a drag engraving tip that will work with glass.
My problem is that I am not using a CNC machine so there is no rotary movement.
The tool I presently use works great on metals, acrylic etc but wears out when used on glass.
The effect I am looking to create is as the image below (this is on metal)
Attachment 242152
I have tried a dremel diamond engraving tip but to reproduce the image above on glass wore out three tips. My local tool shop told me this is because the tip needs to be rotating.
They suggested this forum may have an idea that will help me.

[br1]

I used to use these before I went to diamond drag, Glass Engraving

[Thyme]

It is difficult to tell from the image but it looks as though the tip has a ball shaped end?
I need one that comes to a point as the tool will be used only in the vertical position. It needs to fit in this sort of tool holder -

Shaft diameter size doesn't matter as I can always get the holder remade. But once the holder is inserted into the machine it will be perfectly vertical.

[br1]

These are what I use now. and leave a very thin line. Diamond Tip Engraving Tools for engraving and marking of glass, stone, aluminum, steel, metal and brass. I thought you were using a hand tool by the way you first stated,"My problem is that I am not using a CNC machine so there is no rotary movement."

[Thyme]

I am using what is basically a modified vinyl cutter to hold the tool.
I've tried three different diamond drag engraving tips that look like the one you show in your link but they wear out very very quickly on glass. But I will give these a try and see if they are any better - thank you

[Bob Shaw]

How did you get on with your problem?

When you do this engraving are you dragging the tool or moving it up & down rapidly to get the effect?

[tommylight]

What about something like this : http://www.cnczone.com/forums/glass-...glass-etc.html

I have built several of them and they have proven very reliable even under extreeme conditions since they do engraving on granite and marble every day all day for over 2 years now.
This is not a marketing pitch, but if anyone is interested i can provide lots of help and support in case anyone decides to start building one.

[Thyme]

Hi Bob
Still trying to solve the problem.
I'm dragging the tool

[Bob Shaw]

I had a look at Toms thread. He is using a milling/grinding cutter. Good results but not what you're doing.

I'm surprised your diamonds are wearing out on glass.

What I am concerned with is not the wear while they're being dragged, but the impact when you raise & lower them.

If you lift & drop too fast you will chip the diamond which will cause it to wear out prematurely.

Have you considered carbide tips? I think for you they may last as long as your diamonds do now and they are USD 3 each from this guy:

www.dragengraving.com

Worth a try if you're paying USD 20 for diamond tips.

Thanks,

Bob.

[Thyme]

Thanks Bob, I will take a look at those.
I hadn't considered impact, and where I am engraving a narrow area there is a lot of raising and lowering.

[Bob Shaw]

Are you still using the dremel diamond cutters?

Are they 1/8th " shank? Most of the commercially available diamond drag engravers are 1/8" by 1" 1/8" (3.175 X 28mm).

J&M Diamond do the 1/8th tool: Diamond Drag & Rotating Engravers by J & M Diamond Tool, Inc. item DR-1251. The price is good if you live in the US.

Otherwise if you're in Europe the www.dragengraving.com guy has them for IIRC , GBP 8.

BTW is your tool sprung & how stiff is the spring? Can you change the pre-load on the spring? Lightening the pre-load will prevent impact damage.

Cheers,

Bob.

[tommylight]

Did anyone get e-mail notification about a post by Bob but it doesent show on the forum?????
Tom

[Thyme]

Yes I am still using the Dremel ones.
Yes they are the 1/8th" shank
The tool isn't sprung

[Bob Shaw]

OK, two things you mention add up to short tool life....

1) Dremel engraving tool which is not designed to be dragged.

2) More importantly, unsprung tool holder is disastrous for tool life.

Changing to a proper drag engraver will help but you must have a sprung tool. The force required to start engraving without a spring is very high and very uncontrolled.

I cannot recommend strongly enough that you get a drag engraving tool holder with a spring in it.

Where are you located ? How is your drag engraving tool holder currently held in your machine?

What is the tool holder diameter?

Cheers,

Bob.

[Thyme]

Ok, I will look at a sprung holder with a proper drag engraver
I am located in Derby, United Kingdom
Tool holder diameter is 13.8mm and the tool holder is held as in the image below (that shows a blade holder though)

[Bob Shaw]

Contact the guy at www.dragengraving.com and tell him you want a sprung engraving tool for 1/8th tool tips and the tool body has to be 13.8mm

The email address (from the website) is wilson (at) wilsonlogan.com

Cheers,

Bob.

[Thyme]

Thanks Bob, I will do that