kastanza Posted August 10, 2007 Report Share Posted August 10, 2007 Hello all, I'm thinking of extending my sports equipment business into trophy retailing (cups, tankards, shields etc) and engraving. Can anybody recommend an ideal all in one machine? i've read up on the Suregrave 'Rotation S' and the Gravotech M40G. which certainly look like they can handle the work. Perhaps there is a cheaper alternative, although i wouldn't want to be upgrading a machine too soon, just to save a few pounds now. any help would be most welcome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted August 10, 2007 Report Share Posted August 10, 2007 Hi Kastanza Welcome to the forum, I feel that just about any computer engraver would be ideal for sports awards. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. If you was considering expanding into a more comprehensive engraving service which might include engraving jewelry, plaques or a diversity of objects then machine choice might be a more complex decision. But for standard trophies, Curved bases & tankards either machine would suit. Lee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vinny Posted August 10, 2007 Report Share Posted August 10, 2007 Hi Visit www.u-marq.com and you will see they have good offers on at the moment - for a good machine - dedicated friendly and helpful staff. You will be looking at the Universal to handle the work. Vinny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted August 10, 2007 Report Share Posted August 10, 2007 Also U-Marq have there own dedicated forum, which has to be a bonus when entering engraving for the first time. Lee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh-Candoit (ENG) Posted August 10, 2007 Report Share Posted August 10, 2007 Hello Vinny and welcome, you were missed in new arrivals, collect your bags and have a safe journey though the forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted August 10, 2007 Report Share Posted August 10, 2007 the departure lounge is a black hole, once in here you never leave! Any thing to declare? Lee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CotswoldEngraver Posted August 12, 2007 Report Share Posted August 12, 2007 oh no bag search!! quick lads hide the booze! \:D/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petercoulson Posted August 12, 2007 Report Share Posted August 12, 2007 hi kastanza, you will find the m40g very easy to use and with the laser very easy to line the work up without measuring Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Kate Posted August 13, 2007 Report Share Posted August 13, 2007 Hi Kastanza With regards to your query, I can confirm that the M40G would be an ideal machine for the area you're looking at. The great thing with this machine is not only can it engrave the larger items such as trophies and plates, it can engrave the smaller items as well such as jewellery, pens etc. You wouldn't have to limit your services. I think the best way forward would be to see the machine in action so you can see for yourself the capabilties and ease of use. Hope that helps. Best regards, Kate at Gravograph www.gravograph.co.uk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted August 13, 2007 Report Share Posted August 13, 2007 Two "welcome to the forum's" in one topic, welcome onto the forum Kate. Lee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k4mrc Posted August 13, 2007 Report Share Posted August 13, 2007 how much do you want to spend? as with all businesses working to a budget - i would look for a second hand is200 to start, everyone i know has one but would not trade it in for the m40g - in fact hibsjo has one of these and has had problems, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Kate Posted August 13, 2007 Report Share Posted August 13, 2007 Hi again The IS200 TX would also be a suitable machine for the type of work you are looking at. However, I must point out that things can go wrong with any make or model of a machine from any company as machines aren't infallible. I think it would prove helpful to point out that Gravograph currently have ex-demo machines for sale at this current time (which include both the M40G and the IS200TX) and all of these machines come with warranty. The downside of buying a second hand machine is, you are possibly unlikely to know the history of the machine and you will not have any warranty on it. However, you can still buy a new machine as there are many different finance options to help those wishing to branch out in new areas. If you read "The Chicken and The Egg" article on the website, this will give you an idea of the excellent options available. Regards Kate, Gravograph Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k4mrc Posted August 13, 2007 Report Share Posted August 13, 2007 still second hand machines are all a lot of people can afford, if you are buying second hand take someone with you who has done a lot of use on the particular machine you are buying - they should be able to tell if its no good. if i buy a second hand bike or car i take a "mechanic" with me - there are also cheaper engraving machines on the market. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Kate Posted August 13, 2007 Report Share Posted August 13, 2007 It is true that engraving machines can be expensive, but I think its really important to remember that just because there are "cheaper" machines on the market, they don't necessarily come with the realiability of the build, nor the after-sales backup/support that Gravograph can offer. I think its important to shop around but as with anything "you get what you pay for" and taking the cheaper option isn't necessarily always the right option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k4mrc Posted August 13, 2007 Report Share Posted August 13, 2007 i have 3 of your machines kate, yes they are very good only critizim really is parts are really expensive and if you want a service that is thru the roof.. only last week a friend of mine on this forum had a small problem rang your company and nearly sha_ himself - tel200 went down and all it was was a bit of cleaning. ok the guy should have done this himself, he was in america - the guy who was looking after his shop was texting him/him me and tel came along and sorted. we all will carry on using gracgraph - all i am saying is u dont have to spend 12k or more, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted August 13, 2007 Report Share Posted August 13, 2007 Some of you may or may not notice but gravograph regularly update the link on the forum main page (says Click HERE to visit Gravographs news.(Edited 25.07.07) ) and includes the update date, its always worth clicking this link as often there are some good offers on both machines & consumables Lee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kastanza Posted August 14, 2007 Author Report Share Posted August 14, 2007 Thank you all for your kind and helpful replies... plenty of food for thought. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kastanza Posted October 5, 2007 Author Report Share Posted October 5, 2007 Just to let you chaps know, that i've just taken delivery of a M40G. as a complete novice to this game, its going to take me a wee while to come to terms with the basics. However, this machine is slightly geared towards the moronic, so hopefully i should get to grips with things soon.I'll try and keep members posted on my progress as i believe one or two may be curious to this machines merits. As you can see from my first solo run its going to be a steep learning curve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironplanet uk900 Posted October 5, 2007 Report Share Posted October 5, 2007 Bloody hell, I know Michel at gravo is keen to keep his fugures up, But I thought "he'll snatch your arm off" was just a figure of speech Good luck with your new machine, You'll get plenty of help on here if you get stuck. uk900 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted October 5, 2007 Report Share Posted October 5, 2007 Good luck, since this is a fairly new machine keep us posted as to how you find it. Lee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hibsjo(SCO) Posted October 5, 2007 Report Share Posted October 5, 2007 m40g! mines is going back. had a few problems with it Gravograph are going to exchange it for is400 Hope you are luckier with yours mate on paper its a really good machine, just has a few glitches for my liking. carry on! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest WOODY Posted October 7, 2007 Report Share Posted October 7, 2007 ive been waiting for mine to come back, it went for repairs in mid july, had probs with the bed being well out of level, had engineer out twice, finaly took it away but havent seen it since. thankfully i have been left an ex demo model which im getting on fine with, but when you pay 12.5k you expect to be working with a new model, dont you?. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hibsjo(SCO) Posted October 7, 2007 Report Share Posted October 7, 2007 I think it has an inherant problem with the bed not locking back level? carry on! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flintlockrecord Posted December 18, 2007 Report Share Posted December 18, 2007 Since we are talking about new machines here, does anyone have any experience with the Vision engravers, made in the USA? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now