It will take twice as long to final shape and sand the stock if you are, rightfully, worried about screwing up the engraving. It will take even longer when you do.
Do it out of order and you will far extend total completion time you think you are saving by engraving early.
Voice of experience...
Work on something else.

Last edited by SDH-MT; 03/18/25 12:44 AM. Reason: edit