Laser Engraving Newbie/Numpty

[Helmeto]

Hi all,

 

After a couple of days of research, think I want to dip my toe into the world of laser machines. I'm going to be jumping directly from a pantograph & bypassing computer engravers. Basically I'm starting a home based concern looking at engraving glass inc bottles, jewellery, gifts & all the usuals & not really dabbling in the industrial side of things. Will still be keeping one of the pantos for that human touch work.

 

What I wanted to ask was... Budget is kinda tight so have been looking at HPC machines, any opnions on these and to be honest, I'm a complete newbie regarding this, along with working for myself so any tips or comments on the whole thing really!

 

Cheers, Paul.

[grahamparker]

Take your time and do your research laser engravers like all new machines are liable to have problems.

 

I have a gravograph LS100 and it's already had to have a new screen at a cost of £700.00 and it now looks likely it needs another part but it could be either

25,200,500,1200 for parts or all 4 plus call out and labour and vat on top so may be looking at £3000 in a worst case scenario.

On the other hand i have 2 hermes 3000 computer engravers for over 20 years only spent £500 on in all that time and they still continue to earn money on a daily

basis.In fact i picked up a third one just before xmas for spares but it is still a fully working machine.

 

Visit trade shows and ask for demo's before buying anything and make sure it can do all the tasks you want it to.Lasers are fantastic on glass and crystal but

not so good for doing jewellery and metals.

[Helmeto]

Thanks Graham, I'll heed that advice & try to get by with the panto before making any decisions.

 

To be honest, I've never really seen or used a compuer engraver in action as I've been out of the loop for nearly 15 years so maybe that is something I need to consider before jumping in the deep end, my passion does lie with glass & jewelley engraving but obviouly need to earn the bread & butter to keep going so maybe I should research machines also & could probably pick up a decent second hand machine for a more favourable price.

[petercoulson]

research research research, particularly with the types of engraving you want to do, most lasers are great for plastics and glass but not the same for metals, it sounds like you should be looking for a computer engraver to start with. Like Graham says play with them when you get the chance, on Sunday 23 September there is the annual trade show at Sandown racecourse this year and all the best engraving companies will be there in the one place for you to look at if you get the chance to go

[Craig Gardner]

you need a computerised engraver first then a laser for glass i love my laser and it works a few hours solid 6 days a week now but couldnt be without a computerised engraver and if mark is reading this i am on holiday by the pool the now but on my return i am going to order a brand new universal 350 from you so it wont be long but i still couldnt live without my roland engraver aswell.

laser is great on glass and plastic and pewter and satinless steel hip flasks if sprayed with cermark lmm6000 but at over £100 a can it aint cheap but i use 3 a month now.

craig

[Helmeto]

Thanks for the tips guys, looks like I need to walk before I can run so I'll start some research into computer machines as that sounds like more what I'm after to be honest & make do with the panto for now. Can anyone recommend a couple of all round machines I should be looking at & what sort of prices I can expect to pay? Or if anyone has a machine they might want to part with?

 

Cheers, Paul.

[StevenB]

It's more a case of which machine to go for in terms of the software that they use.

Your main choice is U-Marq v Gravograph.

Ideally get demos of each of the 2 machine types, go along with the sort of job you do (or are likely to do) in mind & get this demonstrated.

This way you are seeing a real world demo based on your needs, not the regular demo designed to make the machine look good!

 

Personally, I find the U-Marq software to be much more intuitive & easy to use, but others may disagree. It's all down to what works for you - and you only know this by getting hands on with the machines.