This Diamond Engraving Tool for EggBot turns your
EggBot into a vibrated-tip diamond-point engraving tool, capable of light-duty marking and engraving on hard materials like glass, stone, and ceramic.
This version of the tool comes with the circuit board assembled, tested, and ready to use. (There is also a separate
soldering kit version, available
here.)
Photo: engraving directly into the surface of a clear glass ornament
To install the Engraving Tool, you will need the same basic tools normally required by the EggBot: a miniature phillips-head screwdriver (for adjusting motor current) and the 5/64" ball-end hex wrench that came with your EggBot.
Photo: engraving directly into the surface of a stone (white marble) sphere. Click for larger image.
Compatibility
This engraving tool works with the
Basic or
Deluxe EggBot kit, as well as the
Ostrich EggBot, through an extension cable that is now included with the kit.
For the
EggBot Pro, you will need a different engraving tool, available
here.
Photo by EggBot user Dan Newman, showing the result of etching the outer paint layer off of an ornament.
The kit includes the diamond-point tool, an upper pen arm assembly that features an alternate hinge material, high-speed vibrating motor, a driver board for the motor, and a cable that allows it all to be directly powered and controlled by the EggBot's
EiBotBoard (EBB).
Photo: By etching the paint off of surfaces you can create interesting masks for light-- tiny and exotic lampshades.
It is worth noting that the Engraving Tool is considerably louder in operation than the EggBot itself, particularly when engraving brittle materials. You should also be aware that the engraver contains sharp parts (the diamond, in particular!) and that there is always risk of shattering when you engrave glass. Take care to exercise proper safety precautions.
Detailed usage instructions for the Diamond Engraving Tool are available
on the Evil Mad Scientist Wiki.