Engraving wood was historically done for use in printing; the wood was cut away so that the character to be printed was raised up from the surface of the wood. This was done by hand, though modern techniques for engraving wood include the use of laser cutting machines that work more quickly and more efficiently. The engraver will need to decide early on what the purpose of the engraved wood will be; if it is purely decorative, hand tools may work well, but if the lines being engraved need to be exceptionally accurate or fine, a good engraving machine may be necessary.
Laser engravers have come down in price over the years, making them a fairly affordable option for engraving wood. These machines are highly automated, but the operator will need to learn how to set the machine properly to make the cuts desired. It is important to choose a machine that can handle the volume of jobs the operator intends to do, as well as the type of engraving he or she wants to complete. The size of the machine will sometimes dictate how large of a piece of wood can be engraved. The machine must also be simple to operate and compatible with whatever design program the operator is using for creating the design that will be the template for engraving wood.
If the wood will be engraved by hand, the operator will need to purchase the right tools for the job. Many cutting tools exist for engraving wood accurately, and each tool is suitable for a different type of cut. It helps to decide beforehand what the design will look like so the person doing the engraving will know which tools will be necessary to make the cuts. It is best to use high quality tools, as they will be less susceptible to damage and inaccurate cuts.
Most importantly, it will be important to set up a spacious work station that is well lit. Engraving, especially by hand, is a tedious process that will require patience and a steady hand. Working at a set work station will avoid accidents and allow the engraver to do his or her job without interruption or excess strain. The lighting must be very good when engraving wood by hand so the engraver can pay attention to minute details. If a laser engraver is being used, plenty of space will be necessary for the machine, and it will need to be placed in a location that will not risk damage to the machine or injury to the user.
