Which engraving machine?

[Guest storm]

I have recently found this site, which seems to offer a wealth of information. I would appreciate any advice and recommendations on the following.

 

I have a small trophy and engraving business, I am using a Gravograph TX3 machine. Over the past year I have decided I should move up to a computer engraving machine. Having looked at and read about various machines, I seem to be heading towards U-Marq or Gravograph.

 

As this is my first computer engraving machine, should I first purchase an entry level flat only engraver, then after a period of time using and learning with this machine purchase a machine that does flat and rotary eg. U-Marq Universal or should I just purchase the larger machine first as it does all the smaller machine does and more?

 

I look forward to receiving your advice and recommendations on the type and make of machine.

Thanks.

[Alan]

Stretch the budget to the very best you can afford,( and then go up to the next model) i am a U-Marq user and biased in their favour, a superb company that will give you a great after sales service.If you buy an entry level machine you will kick youself in 6 months

[keithm]

I would echo the advice of Alan, in addition, consider visiting one of our Forum members to look at these machines. Sure, a rep can show you what the machine is capable of, but the end user can give you a little more about how to use it on a daily basis just my opinion of course

 

Keith

[hibsjo(SCO)]

Gravograph all the way.

carry on!

[Lee]

where abouts are you Storm?

 

Lee

[Web_Engraver]

Stick with Gravograph, all the jaws are interchangable so less outlay. I run ITL IM4 IS200 all brilliant machines

[Gray]

Stretch the budget to the very best you can afford,( and then go up to the next model) i am a U-Marq user and biased in their favour, a superb company that will give you a great after sales service.If you buy an entry level machine you will kick youself in 6 months

 

Good advice here. Have a look at the umarq machines. Go for the universal 300, you won't regret it and you will be amazed how many jobs it will open up to you and how quickly you can recoup your outlay.

[Guest storm]

Thanks for all the advice regarding which size of machine to go for.

 

Now have to decide which make and model, anymore advice would be appreciated. Is there a better time of year to buy, also wonder if I would I get a better deal at Trophex?

 

Lee, I am on the Hampshire/Wiltshire border.

[ANDY]

Give gravograph a call, they may even have an ex demo or something

 

IS200TX is the best all rounder for a lot of people

 

it can engrave flat and round

[ironplanet uk900]

 

IS200TX is the best all rounder for a lot of people

 

it can engrave flat and round

 

I have one for sale

[StevenB]

Trophex may be the place to get a deal, but make sure you get to see the machines before then.

You need to be able to spend time on a 1 to 1 basis looking in depth at what the machines can do, something you just won't do in the hustle & bustle of the show.

Speak to both companies & either go to see them, or see if they will come to you to demo the machines.

 

Stick with Gravograph, all the jaws are interchangable

U-Marq jaws fit on their machines and gravo machines too, so it's not gravo that has the monopoly on interchangability!