Engrave text in wood to personalize items.
Wood engraving uses a special tool to chisel small pieces of wood out of the surface to create a design. This technique is simple and uses the same tool for wood of all varieties. Engraving text into wood is a good way to personalize items such as picture frames or tables. Keep the engraved objects for yourself or give them away as gifts. Learning use an engraving tool saves money and helps you create unique designs.
Instructions
1. Sand the area of the wood you want to engrave with a medium-grade sandpaper if it has any rough surfaces.
2. Clamp the wooden item to a table (or any flat surface) so it doesn't shift during the engraving process.
3. Draw the text onto the wood with a pencil. Marking the surface is a preliminary sketch. Place it where you want the engraving located. Design the lettering as you want it to appear.
4. Plug in the engraving tool and put on goggles.
5. Turn on the engraver and trace the text you designed on the wood. The harder you push, the deeper the indention. Keep an even pressure and move slowly along the text. Don't lift the engraver or stop movement because this breaks the flow of the line.
6. Wipe off the wooden object with a damp cloth to remove all the dust. Any cotton, or lint-free cloth takes the dust off easily and doesn't leave fibers behind. Other cloths are acceptable but they create more work because you'll have to remove lint afterward. Take the clamps off.
