mrkeys Posted January 24, 2015 Report Share Posted January 24, 2015 ok so it's now time for us to purchase our first laser engraver. We use Gravograph for all our drag diamond needs (several is200's) but are expanding into wood and engraving logo's on wood with an is200 is a serious no no. Hopefully this means we can just get an entry level laser and not have to bother with an expensive all singing all dancing one that will do metal as well. So my questions to all you folks that are experienced in this field are What laser do you have how much was it how big is it what software does you run it on and are you happy with it are there any hidden costs would you recommend it or is there a different machine you have your eye on? We would prefer to get away from Gravograph as I am fed up of being told a simple feature needs an expensive upgrade, or a certain engraver will only run on a certain operating system, or in the case of the recent inside ring engraving machine we purchased a few years ago there is a shockingly low limit on the letter size that can be engraved - lost all faith in gravograph even though the durability of machines is unquestionable, the software and tricks they employ to upsell have left me with an unquestionable urge to seek out a friendlier engraving company - A ford is not the only vehicle on the road is it ? Thanks for everyone who contributes, Carl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig Gardner Posted January 25, 2015 Report Share Posted January 25, 2015 I run 4 umarq rotary machine 1 Roland rotary and 3 trotec lasers their will never be a gravograph machine in my shop Machine cost cheapest laser in my shop is rayjet around 12k had that one nearly 4 years My smallest 30watt rayjet has a engrave able area of 457mm x 305mm No expensive software needed at all I run all lasers direct from coral draw No hidden costs still on original laser tube on all machines not a single penny spent on a consumable part tubes last around 20000 engraving hours but bear in mind laser engraving us much faster than rotary My favourite machine I use everyday is the speedy 100 60watt much faster than a rayjet can't remember cost though but with just co2 laser tube I think it's around 20k but worth every penny Next I want speedy 300 flex 50 watt http://www.troteclaser.com/en-US-GB/Laser-Machines/Mid-Size/Pages/Speedy300flexx.aspx Craig Gardner 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shadowster Posted January 25, 2015 Report Share Posted January 25, 2015 Mr keys you don't happen to be selling a gravo is200 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrkeys Posted January 26, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2015 I run 4 umarq rotary machine 1 Roland rotary and 3 trotec lasers their will never be a gravograph machine in my shop Machine cost cheapest laser in my shop is rayjet around 12k had that one nearly 4 years My smallest 30watt rayjet has a engrave able area of 457mm x 305mm No expensive software needed at all I run all lasers direct from coral draw No hidden costs still on original laser tube on all machines not a single penny spent on a consumable part tubes last around 20000 engraving hours but bear in mind laser engraving us much faster than rotary My favourite machine I use everyday is the speedy 100 60watt much faster than a rayjet can't remember cost though but with just co2 laser tube I think it's around 20k but worth every penny Next I want speedy 300 flex 50 watt http://www.troteclaser.com/en-US-GB/Laser-Machines/Mid-Size/Pages/Speedy300flexx.aspx Thanks for the info you are not the only one that has high praise for Rayjet Gonna give a full month of research before taking the plunge, was hoping to pay a lot less than 12k cos I'm a tight yorkshireman I know it's a long shot but if anyone has a second hand laser for sale I would love to make an offer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrkeys Posted January 26, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2015 Mr keys you don't happen to be selling a gravo is200 PM sent we might have an option Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig Gardner Posted January 26, 2015 Report Share Posted January 26, 2015 I also have another spare rayjet that I am putting in my print and embroidery work shop which is currently being built should be finished in a couple of weeks builders nearly finished I am just going to use it to cut fabric out for applique embroidery jobs.the rayjet is a great machine but slow compared to the trotec speedy range but very fast compared to a is200 rotary. not the fastest laser on the market but great for 1 off and small runs but if planning on being busy splash the cash on a speedy 100 or larger if you need larger bed area Craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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