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engraving tool?
jps - 11/5/13 at 06:29 AM

having never bought one before, could someone point me in the direction of an appropriate tool to engrave the vin into a chasis rail/ or a metal plate?

I've seen some engraving tools on ebay fo r under 20 quid but that doesn't seem reassuringly expensive enough, on the other hand over 100 for a dremel and attachments ( as seen in b and q) seems quite a lot if I only use it to mark the vin!

[Edited on 11/5/13 by jps]

Coopz - 11/5/13 at 06:43 AM

I used one of these, however not the easiest thing to do. I would suggest spend a little bit more and get the £29.99 kit as this includes a diamond engraving point, which is a lot better than the carbide one.


http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dremel-F0130290JF-Engraver/dp/B000QGHR1I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1368254086&sr=8-2&keywords=dremel+engraver

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dremel-F0130290JK-Hobby-Engraver/dp/B002LARRRQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368254528&sr=8-1&keywords=dremel+engraver r />

[Edited on 11/5/13 by Coopz]

nick205 - 11/5/13 at 06:48 AM

A set of punches is cheaper and IMHO easier to get better results with.

Note that a vin plate must be permanently attached to the chassis. Riveting it on is likely to fail, better to weld on.

mark chandler - 11/5/13 at 08:28 AM

Punches are much better, or get an engraving shop to make a couple in steel and just tack weld in place.

Peteff - 11/5/13 at 08:36 AM

I use a cheap Aldi Dremel copy with a small burr for marking but as above letter punches are easier and more permanent. I cut a strip of 16g and stamp then weld onto the chassis tube. One thing I find is start at the end and work backwards, it's easier to keep the stamps in line and evenly spaced.

[Edited on 11/5/13 by Peteff]

designer - 11/5/13 at 08:59 AM

Punches every time.

Coopz - 11/5/13 at 08:59 AM

IMO punches are better if stamping a VIN plate then welding to the chassis, but if stamping directly into the chassis they just dent the chassis and fail to punch the letter/number clearly, an engraver does a far neater job.

40inches - 11/5/13 at 09:04 AM

I got a £5 battery one from Lidl, has a diamond tip and worked well.
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Litemoth - 11/5/13 at 02:13 PM

Key makers and dog tag type places in the market will have a pantograph "Gravograph" type machine to do it neatly. How may times will you use an engraver after buying one for this??