Full Version: Should I Buy 25W Laser Engraver?
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#27]
12 Mar 2007
To: Don (HIGHDESERT) [#25] 12 Mar 2007
My personal favorites are the "Gift" machines. My well-worn message has been, as a newcomer to engraving, you may not know which of the many areas you'll want to settle into.
A Gift machine allows you to try virtually every area of engraving.
In the same way it's said that "Cash is King." In my world, "Versatility is King."
That ability to handle almost every engraving job that comes your way, can lead to the cash, while helping you pick an ultimate direction.
The smaller footprint machines are definitely portable, but you'll find they're limited in their engravable field and in the size and variety of objects you'll be able to engrave.
From: UncleSteve [#28]
12 Mar 2007
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#27] 12 Mar 2007
How about waiting to see how Dave replies to my query in the ULS Smart Tube thread... :-)
From: Don (HIGHDESERT) [#29]
12 Mar 2007
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#27] 12 Mar 2007
David,
My New Hermes IS400 is too big and heavy to haul to Rodeo's, Fairs, etc. I am thinking about a small portable unit, not as my main machine, but as a mobile engraver. With this information, can you help steer me in the right direction? I definately want one with a proximity sensor. And it must be portable, and easy to use.
Thanks,
Don
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#30]
12 Mar 2007
To: Don (HIGHDESERT) [#29] 12 Mar 2007
The proximity sensor is a Xenetech invention, although Vision machines have that feature as well.
In a mid-price range, I like the machine Chuck Burke bought. The Vision ProMax.
I'd call it semi-portable, as compared to the much larger, heavier machines.
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#31]
12 Mar 2007
To: Don (HIGHDESERT) [#25] 12 Mar 2007
Don,
I have to defer to David or any of the other more experienced rotary engraving folks for this one. I simply do not have the experience to answer.
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#32]
12 Mar 2007
To: ALL
A proximity sensor, or NH's old break contact system is the way to go.
The NH spindles have only .135" of spring tension range. After that you hit the stop and gouge the piece. The only way I have found to do large variations is to set the z at the high point and engrave. Then look at the piece and change the color of the letters that did engrave well, and do not send those out on the next pass. Be sure your lift is high enough to go over the high point.
I did a large order of tablespoons on the back with nearly edge to edge engraving. It took three passes to get everything.
From: Dee (DEENA-ONLY) [#33]
12 Mar 2007
To: ALL
I was so annoyed at the responses I was getting about these bracelets that I called an acquaintance of Harv's at New Hermes. I voiced to him my frustration that they took an order from me at the show for a product that was only being displayed to test customer reaction. He replied that these bracelets are a very real but new item for them. He said he would check into why I had received erroneous information and he would get back to me tomorrow.
With 10 minutes of hanging up I received a call from John Horlock. He listened to my tale of woe and assured me that the bracelets were real and that I would be receiving my order within 4-6 weeks. I can live with that. Do I wish that they had told me when I placed my order - sure. Do I understand not stocking large quantities of an item that is not part of their basic line? Absolutely!
I wish our suppliers would realize the power the forum gives us to communicate both the good and the bad about our suppliers. IMHO they would be wise to assign someone to read the forum on a regular basis. They could answer our machine questions, listen to our wants and needs and answer in a timely manner. What is the worst that could happen to them? They could improve their machines, improve their product lines, make new friends and gain some respect from 1600+ members of this community. Did I say worst? Sounds like a win to me.
Dee
From: Larry B (PALMETTO) [#34]
15 Mar 2007
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#17] 15 Mar 2007
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#35]
15 Mar 2007
To: Larry B (PALMETTO) [#34] 16 Mar 2007
Larry,
Thanks for the encouraging words.
From: Ray (STAMP) [#36]
15 Mar 2007
To: Dee (DEENA-ONLY) [#33] 15 Mar 2007
Maybe they do and just don't care. I-)
From: Dee (DEENA-ONLY) [#37]
15 Mar 2007
To: Ray (STAMP) [#36] 20 Mar 2007
How sad that would be.
Dee
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#38]
15 Mar 2007
To: Dee (DEENA-ONLY) [#33] 15 Mar 2007
Dee,
The power of this or any other forum is NOT to be underestimated.
As an example, I provide this LINK
About Home Depot and the related message boards......
and THIS LINK
as the response from the new CEO of Home Depot.
Of course you may have read this already, but in case you have not, you will find it interesting to say the least.
I think ALL suppliers should be on this or any other forum as a way of providing superior service to their customers....and as a way to listen to their concerns.
Just my two cents. Want change?
From: Cody (BOBTNAILER) [#39]
15 Mar 2007
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#38] 15 Mar 2007
Chuck,
Dee and I have both encouraged John Horlock of Gravograph to join our community. He seemed genuinely interested, but I haven't seen where he's done it yet.
Maybe our suppliers just don't think it's worth their time.... :/
From: Dee (DEENA-ONLY) [#40]
15 Mar 2007
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#38] 15 Mar 2007
Chuck,
That was really interesting reading. Thank you.
I agree all suppliers should want to read industry related forums. Just as we must listen to our customers so should they want to listen to us.
Dee
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#41]
15 Mar 2007
To: Cody (BOBTNAILER) [#39] 16 Mar 2007
There are FOUR that I know of that do. B-)
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#42]
15 Mar 2007
To: Cody (BOBTNAILER) [#39] 16 Mar 2007
He has registered and is wading through the over 65,000 post that are here already.
Give him time to get his feet wet and he will see what a benefit it can be to Gravograph.
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#43]
15 Mar 2007
To: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#42] 17 Mar 2007
I happened upon Randy, of Gravograph, at one of my customer's shops today.
He asked for another EE biz card and claims he'll join the discussions.
We'll see. :-)
From: UncleSteve [#44]
15 Mar 2007
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#43] 16 Mar 2007
"We support Engraving Etc." ;-)
From: JHayes55 [#45]
15 Mar 2007
To: Dee (DEENA-ONLY) [#33] 16 Mar 2007
Dee - your above paragraph is excellent. :'D This week I placed my first order with one of the companies that has shown support to this forum. Reports from forum members has been excellent about this company. I would have normally went with another company that I was successful with, but due to the forum reports and this companies particapation I have taken a step to work with them. Needless to say I will let the forum know how it goes.
I am totally amazed why more companies do not participate here. :/
From: Cody (BOBTNAILER) [#46]
16 Mar 2007
To: ALL
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