How to Do Rotary Engraving

Prepare the surface to be engraved. Use sandpaper to clean up and smooth out the surface of the material. The sandpaper grit is determined by the type of finish you want for the surface. For instance, if you want a high gloss shine on a stone surface you would use a fine grit sandpaper. If your goal is to have a courser or tougher surface, a course grit sandpaper is suitable. Dust off the surface from the sandpaper residue.

Draw the design onto the surface of the material with a pencil. This gives you an outline for the design so that you have a template to follow with the rotary tool.

Screw the engraving tip onto the end of the rotary tool. Select an appropriate tip for the type of engraving project you are doing. Fit the tip around the pin of the rotary tool and twist it around until the tip is fully locked into the tool. Do not leave the tip loose or else it will fly off when the rotary tool is turned on.

Put on safety goggles before you turn on the rotary tool. Safety goggles are your personal protective equipment, and keep your eyes safe from flying dust and debris as you engrave the material.

Turn on the rotary engraving tool. Carefully set the tip -- which is rotates at high speed -- onto the surface over the traced outline. Press the tool into the surface by applying pressure. Drag the tip down, up or in the appropriate direction to make the design or letter you are engraving. Maintain contact between the rotary tip and the material's surface in order to keep the engraved image smooth and even.

Lift the tip of the rotary tool away from the material when you are finished. Turn the power off. Blow away the dust and debris from the engraving. Use the sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.