Its no good. I need another engraving machine!

[PaulT]

Hello!

 

First time poster, long time lurker.

 

I'm Paul, and I've been an engraver/signmaker for 25 years (computerised machines/Gerber routers). After being made redundant in 2011, I've been rather happily self employed.

 

I have a Newing Hall TLC300; an aging behemoth which has served me very well, but the software is circa 1992, and the machine itself has its off days - if you know what I mean. I used Gerber's Graphix Advantage for ten years, so I'll be quite happy learning something shiny and new.

 

I'd call myself an industrial engraver, I guess. I'm more labels, small signs, brass plates and electrical sockets than giftware. I rarely use a diamond tool at all.

 

I've seen a lot of love for U-Marq machines and Gravograph on here. Am looking at the U-Marq Gem FX5 and the Gravograph M40 at the moment - although the Roland EGX350 looks interesting too. My workshop is pretty small, so space is at a premium as usual

 

I've downloaded the Vistool software to try out. Seems alright to me, although I understand that the demo version is the fully upgraded one.

 

Does anyone have either of these machines? Opinions? All welcome.

 

Thanks in advance! Paul

[StevenB]

My views on this are very clear, as you have no doubt already read.

For me the U-Marq software is the deal clincher.

It is so easy to use, yet very powerful, should you need to use that level of complexity.

[hibsjo(SCO)]

get the dealers out to demo both machines

gravo all the way

dont think the m40 will do the job for you tho

carry on!

[Craig Gardner]

umarq all the way for me i have three but also have a roland egx 350 aswrll that is a great machine aswell very well built

 

craig