Choosing the right concrete engraving machine depends on job size and desired control. Machines range from heavy commercial models to small floor polisher-like models. Different machines use saws, diamond bits, or sandblasting technology to cut concrete. Consider the complexity of the cutting level and the material being cut when selecting a machine.
Choosing the best concrete engraving machine depends on both the size of the job and the control you want over the engraving process. Concrete engravers weighing several tons are sold commercially and are shipped from China, while smaller models that resemble floor polishers are also available for jobs covering a small area. The machines also work on a variety of different principles, although most of them use saws and diamond bits to cut concrete.
Another important point to consider when buying the best concrete engraving machine for a particular job is how complicated the cutting level will be. The simplest and least expensive do-it-yourself (Do It Yourself) engraving equipment is designed to cut linear and circular patterns in brick-like material. These machines often resemble a heavy-duty upright vacuum cleaner and are constructed of dense aluminum alloys. They operate at approximately 8,500 revolutions per minute (RPM), are portable and easy to store, and cut to a depth of 3/8 inch (9.5 millimeters). They are better suited to somewhat softer materials, such as decorative brick, cobblestone, tile and slate foundations rather than hardened concrete itself.
More sophisticated concrete etching machines use a form of sandblasting technology to etch intricate and delicate patterns into the surface, and can be used for hard materials like marble or even something brittle like glass. They are cleaner than a diamond cutter as they suck up dust as they cut and reuse the vacuumed particles for further sandblasting work. Less expensive than a regular diamond-cutting engraver, this type of machine weighs only about 145 pounds (66 kilograms). One disadvantage of a sandblasting system, however, is that it is only designed to cut fine patterns on the surface of the material, which can erode over time with a lot of floor traffic in the area.
For simple geometric designs like circles, arcs, and squares, the best option is a heavy duty engraving machine that isn’t hand controlled. These machines are attached to guide bars bolted to the floor so they can cut a pattern without user intervention and are built on a solid four-wheeled chassis. They operate up to 13,000 rpm and have spring loaded heads for constant tension against the cutting surface. While not designed for cutting complicated shapes, different patterns can overlap one another to add sophistication to the work.
For freehand engraving of very fine concrete, manual equipment is also available. These machines weigh 6 to 14 pounds (2.7 to 6.4 kilograms) and are designed for very precise cutting of hard materials. While they appear flimsy and are the most portable concrete etching machines, they also tend to be the most expensive units to buy. They can produce art patterns to a depth of approximately 0.25 inch (6 millimeters) and use both cutting bits and pneumatic impactors to shape complex designs or clean up deeper cuts made by other concrete etching machines.
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