How I built my Homemade Hand Engraving Machine Part 1
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.พ. 2025
- ((((( Scroll down for parts list with links to suppliers.)))))
Part 1 in a series of videos on how I built my Homemade Hand Engraving Machine
Inspired by Shaun Hughes.
Designed by Sergey Waltman • Коментарии к изготовле...
Shaun Hughes Engraving channel: • The Homemade Hand Engr...
((In this series of videos I show how I built my engraving machine.
How you build yours may differ depending on parts available
and your imagination! Have fun!))
Other videos on building a machine;
Nejc Mazej; • Video
Karl Månsson; • Home made hand control...
Cliffs Shed; • Pt 1 Shaun Hughes insp...
Joaquin Ryder; • Pneumatic engraving ma...
NightProwlerInc; • How to / DIY Air Power...
Davy Stepehnson; • Video
Angel Ramos; • Kizoa Movie - Video - ...
Email me for Free Blueprints available in several formats. Thank you Yahn
Yahn Gray, see his web site at:
grayflyer007.wi...
Hammer In Hand Custom Cycles & Ivan Iler Studios
• How To Make A Pneumati...
• Video
• Homemade engraver foot...
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Parts list for the machine with links to supplier;
Last price update 4/8/21
12v Pittsburgh air compressor/inflator $36.99 Harbor Freight
www.harborfrei...
Air foot switch (optional) FV320 $21.50 eBay
www.ebay.com/s...
110 to 12v power supply model S-180-12 $20.00 eBay
15 amp or more
www.ebay.com/s...
50cal Ammo can $16.00 Harbor Freight
www.harborfrei...
12V-40V 10A PWM DC Motor Speed Controller $ 8.20 eBay
www.ebay.com/s...
Tattoo foot pedal ( Optional ) $ 6.25 eBay
www.ebay.com/s...
80mm PC Fan or larger $ 6.00 eBay
www.ebay.com/s...
assorted brass fittings $ 6.00 local
Box lid fitting; 1/4" OD X 1/4" OD compression fitting Part Number; LFA-10 $1.76
Cylinder fitting; Everbilt 1/4 in. OD Compression x 1/8 in. MIP Brass Adapter Fitting LFA-22
www.homedepot....
Mono jack ( Optional ) $ 2.75 eBay
on/off switch $ 2.00 local
10 foot 1/4 inch tubing $ 1.50 local
power cord & 20 gauge wire local
I get gravers and QC tool holders from eBay, search GRS Gravers and Tools.
www.ebay.com/s...
Questions are welcome Im sure I left something out.
video Part 2; I will modify the compressor.
Coolest version I've seen yet. The cannon engraving came out great.Looks really deep,that should last a few 100 years .
Thank Shaun, see what you started!!!
thanks for sharing this.after seeing the prices its a relief i can make one my self now.
I just finished making this part of the project. Only thing I really did different was add a 120v fuse and an additional switch that turns on the 12v to the pump. Now onto the graver machine.
Thanks Rick!!
"ONE of my cannons"... I like you, Rick. Thanks for the great tutorials. I'm botching together my own unit right now. Trying to tie my TIG pedal control to the power supply/pump. Might work?
Awesome and inspirational video, thank you for sparking a new interest in the engraving craft!
Hi Rick, I was referred to you by Shaun Hughes. He was correct, you are a master of creativity and neatness. All the components in this engraver are a piece of artwork. I am not an electrician but worked with many of them throughout the installation of a 40 million $ production facility. I was on the mechanical end. I was always amazed at how they crammed miles of wires, controllers, power supplies, switches and hundreds of parts I don't even know the name of. One 8' X 10' panel controlled 46 DC motors from 2-50 HP. Your work reminds me of the sanitary innards of those huge cabinets. Thanks for sharing it with us all. Shaun gave me your email address and I will send you an email and tell you my delima. First I need to view all your videos. I don't want to bother you unnecessarily.
Thanks again, Scott
Thanks Scott, feel free to ask questions any time, they may help someone else out, or get me thinking about what I can do to make the engravers better.
Thanks for getting back to me so soon Rick. I was watching your video on the fabrication of the handpiece. Another beauty. Knowing a bit about mechanics, I can tell a lot of thought went into the design and the perfect fit of the barrel and slide. It reminds me of a Mercedes Benz door closing.The high grade materials make the ergonomics stunning. One thing I can't wrap my arms around yet is why the compressor has to be modified. Why can't we get the same result using a continuous supply of air? I guess I'll keep checking the videos and it may make more sense to me.
Thanks again Rick!
Your work is inspirational Rick, Love the engraving.
Thanks!!
Great information I can't wait to give it a try. Thanks
Lacking a Mill and Lathe with which to make my own handpiece, would this system work with the low price hand pieces you see on Amazon and Ebay (usually $30-$45 US)? Also, THANK YOU for offering to share the blueprints. You are a Gentleman and an Open-Source Champion.
I do not know, but at those prices it would be worth a try, if it works let me know and I'll pass it along.
Did you try it out ??
Did the Amazon hand piece work?
So I am ordering and buying all the components to build this set up. Only question as of now is, what type of gravers should I get to start out with???
You can start out with HSS 1/8" rounds to get the hang of sharpening and engraving with the machine. I use 90 and 120 degree GRS carbide gravers, I have HSS gravers but the carbide stay sharp a lot longer. I use Lindsey templates to sharpen them. You will need diamond stones and wheels to sharpen the carbide gravers.
well comeback Rick
anyone know of anywhere i could buy these exact fittings in uk please?
Can I purchase one from you with the handpiece?
Can you tell us what the electric pedal does? The pedal compresses the air to operate the machine. But your electric pedal has 2 wires (no speed control). If you press it again, you have to press 2 pedals at the same time
The reason I show two pedal's is to give you options, I use just the electric pedal, I set the speed controller to the speed I want and use the pedal to turn the machine on and off. For finer control use the air pedal. What pedal you use is a personal choice depending on how you like to engrave. You could also wire the air pedal to turn the machine on as you press the pedal. You do not need both pedals, use the setup that works best for you.
Thank you, I understand. Hope you have many good works
Thank you for the shoutout. I just finished watching your vids, great work!
Thank You!!!
I had read about an artist getting a hand injury and wondered if there is a risk from the vibration. Would it be a good idea to cover the hand tool with a fiberglass pipe/maybe additional shock absorbing rubber around that maybe?
There is always a risk of injury form any impact type tool, sheet metal guys get carpal tunnel syndrome from using rivet guns for hours each day. But that happens after many years of using impact tools. There are ergonomic gloves you can get to help with the effects of impact on the hand. Yes if you are going to work with this type tool for 8 hours plus each day you will eventually have problems. If you only use it occasionally you should have no problems at all.
Hey Rick, I'm running into an issue with my setup and I'm hoping you could help. My compressor only starts up sometimes. I'm wondering what you have set for the voltage output of your power supply and what the voltage output is on the motor side of your speed controller?
Im using the same parts as you except for a little larger fan and minus the tattoo pedal.
The only way I can get mine to start is if I first supply power while compressor is in the off position and my pot is turned up all the way, then I can reach in and power on the compressor.
Thanks for your time, all the great videos and
your help.
Hook 12 volts straight to the speed controller, does the motor start and run?
@@ralex397 It does run. I tested prior to wiring up. Initially I set 12v into the controller but couldn't get the motor to kick over until I upped the voltage to around 14v. When I checked the output voltage from the controller to the motor I was loosing about 1 volt.
I picked up a higher amp 12v power supply and another controller. I'll run 12v to the controller and let you know how this one goes. 🤞
What I was trying to say was bypass the power supply and hook it to a 12 volt battery. My power supply has a voltage adjustment screw, but I didn't need to adjust mine. Good Luck!
@@ralex397 ohhh alright, I'll give that a shot. Thanks Rick, that's what I was wondering. Is if I even had to mess with the volt setting on the PS at all. Cheers
Rick Any particular model for the motor speed controller? tattoo pedal? and Air pedal? All on E-Bay? I'd like to get started on a set-up like yours! Want to get the right parts! Still interested in your Delrin Hand piece when your ready with your new ones! Thanks Tom
Hi Tom, there is a parts list in the description box below the "How I built my Homemade Hand Engraving Machine Part 1" video; th-cam.com/users/edit?o=U&video_id=QJetdEndqgw&ar=1585757076039
Help! I just noticed I got a 3khz speed controller. The compressor fires and runs when wired directly to the power source but doesn't run when it's wired through the controller... I ordered the 13khz and hoping this does the trick. Something else I noticed that is odd, my power source is putting out around 20v. Hopefully that isn't causing issues too 🤔
I use this speed controller, it is a 13khz,
www.ebay.com/itm/12-40V-10A-PWM-DC-Motor-Speed-Control-Switch-Controller-Voltage-Regulator-Dimmer/114710420440?hash=item1ab5461bd8:g:2HsAAOSwgKpgPkXN
I must said is a very good product you have there...!!
Thanks Orlando!!
Will this machine work with a hand piece bought on amazon?
I do not know, I have only used the ones I made. I've been ask this question before, but so far no one has said they tried to make one work. I do know the Chinese hand-pieces are GRS clones so they don't work the same as the homemade system, it would have to be modified.
@@ralex397 do you sell the hand pieces that you make? I don’t have the equipment to machine my own
@@brettmcguffee8119 No I no longer make these to sell, sorry.
Hi Rick.. Can you explain why do you need 2 pedals?
You don't, you can use either or, for what I normally do I only need on and off, for finer lines and better control I'll use the air peddle. Its a personal preference thing.
Well Rick.. Let me tell you.... I just follow exactly your tutorial and it works.... Everything i got is exactly as your teachings and stuffs (except your 50 caliber box... Jajajaja...and compressor which is same size but a bit different although the principle is the same. And Guess what? It works fine.. Thanks to you and your great video.... Cheers
Glad you like it! Happy engraving!
Do you have a schematic for the wiring?
Yes, email me at; ralex397@hotmail.com for free blueprints and drawings.
i have built almost the same thing, however i dont have a speed controller. is it possible to run it without a speed controller? mine does not seem to be working yet. thanks
A speed controller is a must, without it the motor runs to fast. They are cheap, under $7 shipped from eBay. Good Luck!
This is very cool. I’m only a few minutes through but I can already tell it’ll be a good thorough video. I watched Shawn’s first and it was good but a voice over would have helped for someone like me who’s never seen an engraver so I don’t really know how they work.
I've just seen your video, great work and looks solid.
I think there is an issue with the piston/spring tension of your machine currently. The force of the piston oscillation seems too high and it is causing the hand piece to move/wobble.
When I first made my machine it was doing the same thing. I think I increased the size of the piston chamber and increased the tension on the spring which solved the issue. Reducing the speed of the compressor will also make it easier to control.
Thats why you need a speed controller, without one the compressor runs at full speed and is too fast for proper operation of the hand piece. My first hand pieces had larger cylinder bores, .500 inch, they ran ok, but didn't hit as hard as a hand piece with a .375 to .350 cylinders. All my hand pieces are now bored to .350, and they can engrave anything.
Thats great. I am using a chinese hand piece as I don't have the skills to make my own! I did however make the spring and use a ball bearing as a piston - This setup does the job for me.
I like the idea of an air foot controller that you've done. Seems better than the clamp pedal.
I was wondering, do you think in stead of having the speed control and the on/off pedal you could replace both with a variable speed foot pedal off of a Foredom grinder or sewing machine?
I am not familiar with those type pedals, they may work well, I just don't know.
Rick Alexander thanks for the reply. I did a bit more research and came to the conclusion it would probably work but is probably unnecessary and may make it more of a hassle trying to feather two pedals.
Can I purchase on from you? With the handpiece?
I only sell the hand-piece, you have to build the rest yourself, I have no way to warranty Chinese parts.
It’s fine how do we go about ordering sir ? Thanks
@@eduardoperez7797 email me at; ralex397@hotmail.com for details
thanks for sharing this video ,i have a question. if you do not mind ,most of the Air compressors have an Air tank, but the small ones. does having the air tank necessary to work with or we can work with tankless ones as well as with tank?
This engraver only works with a modified compressor, a 12 volt tire inflators work the best but some have been using modified 110 volt air brush compressors. After the compressor is modified it will no longer work as a compressor. It will only suck and blow the same air back and forth.
thank you so much for fast response
Hello sir, may I ask which one do I need the air foot pedal , 2 position 3 port or 2 position 2 way ???? can you help me please I just finished made my hand engraving machine :)))
I think either one will work but I have been using the 2 position 3 port, the 3rd port, the one on the side is not used and does not need to be plugged.
Rick Alexander thank you for your reply . I think that port is for the air go out while the compressor is working and when you press on the foot pedal it will switch on the out line port ????
Your videos are great and I'm going to build one of these but I had to post to let you know that you sound like Nick Offerman, AKA Ron Swanson and it's awesome.
One more thing. That's a beautiful watch. I hope to own one some day.
Hey Rick , do you remember what size the brass fitting you used on the lid of the ammo can is?
I use a 1/4" OD X 1/4" OD Compression fitting, part number LFA-10
Awesome thanks man I appreciate it!
Did you have Any engraving experience before you built this rig
None what so ever...But I had things that I wanted engraved. Then I ran into Shaun Hughes channel, and that got me started.
Rick Alexander that is my situation as Well ,your work looks awesome
I’d love one, how much to make one for me ready to go?
I do not make this side of the machine, I only make the hand pieces, you have to make the compressor box assembly yourself, I have no way to warranty modified Chinese parts.
I wouldn’t need a warranty! I would buy one too!!
@@sethmailahn6770 In order to keep this machine maintained and running you need to be able to build it. Then if anything breaks you'll know how to fix it. Its a simple circuit, not a lot of wiring, the mod on the compressor is easy and the parts are cheap. Good Luck!
Hi Rick.. are you still building these units?? If so, how much are you selling them for?? I am interested in buying your system! John Anthony
You can email me for details, ralex397@hotmail.com
Hello are you selling these?
No, I never did sell the compressor box assembly, I would not have been able to warranty modified Chinese parts. If you can build it you can fix it.
@@ralex397 sorry about that I read down on the comments. Thank you!!!
Does anyone have a link for the power supply? I dont want to get the wrong one. Please and thank you.
110 to 12v 15A power supply model S-180-12 can be found on eBay
Hey Rick, Would you sell these units? Would love to know for how much if so!
I sell the hand pieces when I have them available but you have to build the compressor box assembly. I do supply blueprints for free.
@@ralex397 Do you have any hand pieces available? Do you have a website that you sell them through?
How much to build one for me?
Why do you need two pedals? One can see that there is a breath and the other for what?
One pedal for air and one to turn the machine on and off so its not constantly running, its a personal preference thing. Right now I'm not using the air pedal, I use the tattoo pedal to turn it on and off. For the type of engraving I'm doing I don't need the fine control the air pedal gives me.
Hi Rick, great video! What’s your email for plans? Thanks
ralex397@hotmail.com
I would also like to know if you plan on selling any. Could make one but also enjoy supporting talent
Oi amigo você tem o vídeo mostrando como colocar o pedal no motor e no buril
mande-me um e-mail para ralex397@hotmail.com e posso enviar-lhe os desenhos e plantas
where to get the motor controlor?
I get them off eBay, search; 12V-40V 10A PWM DC Motor Speed Controller
I'm trying to run mine off an old PC PSU- 520 watt. It ran well for 8 mins yesterday. Let me know if you go that route and I'll tell you how to wire it. Or look up pin out diagrams on the web.
Also plan to use some of the PC heat sinks to beef up the flimsy fins on the HF compressor chamber. It needs some thermal compound between the steel chamber and the original sink, as well.
This system, even before Sean, came up with and successfully gathered Sergey Waltman.
Shaun credits Sergey for the homemade hand engraving machine, Shaun explained it in english, thats why I credit him.
Much thanks to both of them for sharing this great idea!
Hello Rick, is there an other way to contact you ?
Regards Christoph
Email, ralex397@hotmail.com
I wood love to buy one any for sell ?
I am in the process of making some, I will post a video when they are ready, thanks for asking.
Hi ..
how much this product
How do I order this product? Thank you very much.
How much
I don't sell these machines, I show you how to build one. I only make a few hand pieces every year to sell.
Do you live... In a... Small town?
JK. Good job giving credit to Shawn👍
No, I live 25 miles west of St Louis Mo. Haven't heard from Shaun in over a month, he used to put up a video every day, hope everything is ok.
@@ralex397 I was born in Columbia Missouri, but now I live in Canada. Hope he's okay I really appreciate his generosity and yours alike.👍
Vou te enviar agora estou com um pedal igual a esse do vídeo tem uma saída q você não colocou nem uma mangueira ali você só tampou ou e outra peça
The machine only lasts 30 or 40 hours then shot.
Watch my Required Maintenance video, you need to keep an eye on it in the first few hours and make sure it has enough oil in the head and how hot is it getting. I have seen some fail in less than 50 hours and others go for 100's of hours. It sucks when it wears out that quick. Good luck.
Here, collected more information.
www.jportal.ru/forum/forum76/topic16614/message361981/