craftgrrl | Mar. 2nd, 2010

OK, I checked the memories and the search and, unfortunately, did not find anything on this topic. I am, however, wondering if there is any relatively easy and inexpensive way (say, under $60 or so for the equipment) way to get started doing one's own engraving? I would love to be able to engrave my own metal projects, e.g., jewelry, photo frames, etc, and would particularly love to do a few pieces with the phrase amor non vincit for myself and some of my non-romantic friends right now; I've also had similar ideas in the past, with different phrases or images in mind for other occasions. However, going to a pro for a few different pieces gets expensive and subjects you to funny looks if you're doing something really eccentric as an in joke (....which I am). Since I often find myself in this situation, I am wondering if it would be feasible to get some tools of my own and learn to engrave a bit myself. Does anyone have any ideas if that might be manageable? I've no experience working with power tools of any kind, sadly, but I could afford a few little Dollar Store type picture frames to practice on if that would be helpful and not completely laughable/useless.

Any help would be appreciated as I'd rather learn a new craft of my own than have to cave and go to a professional. Thanks in advance.