Culiau Engraving Pen Reviews: A Crafting Tool Worth The Hype?

When I first came across the Culiau engraving pen, I was on the hunt for a versatile tool that could help me elevate my crafting game.

Whether you’re looking to personalize items, create intricate designs, or even make repairs, engraving tools can be an excellent addition to your toolkit. Culiau’s engraving pen, “The Customizer,” piqued my interest with its portability, promise of precision, and the flexibility to engrave on a variety of surfaces.

If you’re wondering where to buy it, I found that getting it directly from Culiau’s website or from other popular e-commerce platforms like Amazon is the best way to go. Often, you’ll find a discount or bundle deal that makes the purchase even more attractive.

Now, after spending time with this tool, here’s my honest review based on real experience.

What Makes The Culiau Engraving Pen Stand Out?

The first thing that caught my eye was the pen’s design. It’s compact and lightweight, weighing only about 7.76 oz (220 grams). If you’ve ever worked with a larger engraving tool like a Dremel, you’ll appreciate this, especially if precision is key.

Unlike bulkier tools, the Culiau engraving pen fits comfortably in your hand, almost like holding a fat pencil. This makes it perfect for smaller, detailed projects.

Another key feature is its cordless design. The rechargeable battery lasts up to two hours, which for me was plenty of time to finish several engraving projects without needing a recharge.

Plus, it charges via USB-C, so it’s easy to plug into most modern chargers. You can literally take it anywhere without worrying about dragging a cord behind you.

But what I found particularly useful was the 3-speed motor that ranges from 8,000 to 21,000 RPM. Whether you’re engraving on something delicate like glass or working on wood, the adjustable speeds make it easy to control the level of detail you want.

The set also includes 30 premium bits and 1 carbide burr, giving you a wide variety of options for different materials.

Pros of The Culiau Engraving Pen

• Portability and Ergonomics: As someone who enjoys both indoor and outdoor crafting, portability is a huge factor for me. I’ve used this pen at my desk, outside in my yard, and even brought it along to a crafting day with friends. Since it’s cordless and lightweight, it’s easy to toss into a bag and take wherever you need it. Ergonomically, the design is a winner. It doesn’t strain my hand even after prolonged use, which can be an issue with heavier tools. Whether you’re engraving on metal, plastic, or wood, the Culiau engraving pen remains comfortable in hand, allowing you to focus on your art rather than on hand fatigue.
• Precision and Versatility: I was impressed by how well this tool handled different materials. I’ve tried engraving on glass, plastic, wood, and even rocks. It’s fantastic for light detailing and cleanup of small areas. If you’re looking to add a personal touch to something like a wooden box or an etched design on a coffee mug, the Culiau engraving pen is up for the task. It’s great for final shaping and detailed work, especially in wood, but I wouldn’t recommend it for heavy carving. For example, when working on wood figurines, I used it for finishing touches and intricate designs rather than for carving large pieces of material.
• Ease of Use and Speed Adjustability: The 3-speed motor is perfect for adjusting your work based on the material. For lighter materials like glass or plastic, I stuck to the lower speed settings, but when working on tougher surfaces like stone or wood, I found the higher speeds worked better. This flexibility makes the Culiau engraving pen versatile enough for a wide range of tasks, from light crafting to more detailed engraving projects.

Cons of The Culiau Engraving Pen

• Not Suitable for Heavy-Duty Work: While this tool is excellent for light engraving, don’t expect it to handle heavy-duty projects. If you’re planning to use it for carving large wooden sculptures or heavy metalwork, you might be disappointed. I found that it works better for final shaping and light detailing rather than for removing large chunks of material. It’s not a replacement for a powerful rotary tool like a Dremel in that regard.
• Limited Bit Selection: The engraving pen comes with 30 bits, which may sound like a lot, but they’re mostly abrasive grinder types. While these work well for etching and light engraving, I found them less effective for carving. For wood projects, I had to purchase additional “dentist-style” burrs separately to achieve better results. It’s a bit frustrating that a kit marketed as “all-in-one” doesn’t include more versatile bits. If you plan on working with various materials, expect to buy additional bits.
• Durability Concerns: Although I haven’t had this tool for long, I did experience an issue when tightening the screw that holds the bit in place. I accidentally over-tightened it and stripped the screw, which made it difficult to remove. This could be a one-off issue, but it’s worth noting that the components may not be as durable as they seem at first glance. Make sure to be cautious when changing bits to avoid similar problems.

Maintenance Tips For The Culiau Engraving Pen

Maintaining your Culiau engraving pen is straightforward, but a few extra steps can help you get the most out of it.

• Clean the Bits Regularly: After each use, especially if you’ve been working with wood or plastic, make sure to clean the bits to prevent buildup. I use a soft brush or compressed air to remove debris.
• Recharge the Battery Often: While the battery does last a long time, I’ve found it’s a good habit to recharge after each project. You don’t want to be in the middle of a design only to run out of power.
• Check the Bits for Wear: Over time, the abrasive bits will wear down. Keep an eye on their condition and replace them when necessary. If you’re working with tougher materials like stone or glass, expect the bits to dull faster.
• Avoid Over-Tightening: Based on my own experience, I’d advise you to be careful when tightening the screw that holds the bits. It’s easy to overdo it, which can strip the screw and make bit changes difficult.

Comparison With Other Engraving Pens

When comparing the Culiau engraving pen to other options on the market, it’s important to consider factors like portability, ease of use, bit selection, and overall power. Here’s how the Culiau pen stacks up against a few popular alternatives.

• Artisan Engraving Pen

The Artisan Engraving Pen is another well-known tool in the crafting world. It shares some similarities with the Culiau pen, such as being lightweight and portable, making it ideal for intricate, small-scale projects.

However, one of the Artisan pen’s advantages is that it comes with a more comprehensive bit selection right out of the box.

While Culiau offers 30 bits, most are abrasive grinder types.

The Artisan set provides a wider variety of burrs and engraving tips, which gives it a slight edge when you need more versatility for different materials.

That being said, the Culiau pen has a more user-friendly ergonomic design.

If you plan on engraving for extended periods, the Culiau is more comfortable to handle due to its fat-pencil shape, which reduces hand fatigue.

Additionally, the 3-speed motor in the Culiau pen offers more control over different engraving tasks compared to the Artisan’s single-speed setting, making it more flexible for various surfaces and detailing needs.

• Utool Cordless Engraving Pen

The Utool Cordless Engraving Pen is another contender worth considering. It’s slightly less expensive than the Culiau pen and offers similar portability and cordless convenience.

However, Utool’s engraving pen doesn’t provide the same range of speed settings that Culiau offers. With the Culiau, you get three speed options, making it easier to customize the power depending on the material you’re working on, whether it’s glass, wood, or metal.

While Utool does come with a broader selection of bits, much like the Artisan pen, the lack of speed adjustability can limit your control, especially on more delicate surfaces.

If you need a budget-friendly option and don’t require adjustable speeds, Utool might be a good choice. However, for precision and versatility, Culiau’s three-speed feature is a game changer.

• Dremel Stylo+

The Dremel Stylo+ is often considered a staple in the engraving world, offering robust power and versatility. It’s slightly larger and bulkier than the Culiau pen, which can be a downside if you prioritize portability and ease of use.

However, the Dremel Stylo+ does offer more power, making it capable of handling heavier-duty tasks, such as carving thicker wood or engraving metal with greater ease.

On the flip side, the Dremel is not cordless, which makes it less convenient for on-the-go projects. If you plan to use your engraving pen in different locations or simply prefer the freedom of a cordless tool, Culiau is the better option.

The Dremel Stylo+ also tends to be more expensive, which may not be ideal if you’re looking for an affordable, entry-level tool.

• Tacklife Cordless Rotary Tool

The Tacklife Cordless Rotary Tool is another portable option that compares closely with the Culiau pen. It offers a bit more power and comes with a wider range of bits suitable for heavier engraving tasks.

However, it is bulkier and not as ergonomically designed as the Culiau pen. Tacklife’s tool is better suited for users who want a more robust tool capable of light sanding, carving, and engraving on tougher materials like metal.

While Tacklife’s added power can be a bonus for more demanding tasks, it also sacrifices some of the precision that the Culiau pen excels at. If you’re more focused on detailed, intricate work, especially on smaller objects, the Culiau pen’s design and ease of use make it a more practical choice.

• Gravograph IS200

For those looking for a more professional-grade tool, the Gravograph IS200 stands in a completely different category compared to the Culiau pen. The Gravograph is designed for industrial-level engraving and can handle large-scale, high-precision projects, particularly on metal surfaces.

However, it comes at a much higher price point and is far less portable, given its size and the need for external power. While the Culiau engraving pen can’t compete with the power and precision of a Gravograph, it is far more suited for casual crafters, hobbyists, and those looking for a flexible, affordable option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: Is The Culiau Engraving Pen Worth It?

If you’re a crafter, hobbyist, or someone looking for a light-duty engraving tool, I would say the Culiau engraving pen is worth considering. It’s perfect for small, intricate projects, whether you’re engraving on wood, plastic, or even stone. Its portability, ease of use, and adjustable speeds make it a versatile tool for various applications.

That said, if you’re looking for a tool that can handle heavier projects or if you expect an all-in-one kit with a wide variety of bits, you might need to look elsewhere or be prepared to purchase additional accessories.

In terms of where to buy, I found the best deals online through sites like Amazon, but you can also buy directly from Culiau’s website. Either way, you’ll get a solid engraving tool that offers great value for its price.