Full Version: New Hermes Pantograph used
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#6]
13 Oct 2006
To: Barbara (RGILE) [#4] 13 Oct 2006
Considering what that style is going for on Ebay lately, $4500 seems very steep. Maybe it has a lot of extras, a lot.
If I remember correctly they were going for about $1200-$1400. UncleSteve will have a better idea. (Do not take these prices as gospel, it is a sort of type of memory.)
From: Barbara (RGILE) [#7]
13 Oct 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#5] 13 Oct 2006
I just spoke to my husband, and he does not think it is a good idea to do this. He said it's taking a step backward since a lot of competitiors have computerized engravers.
He said this is like tracing, and it would take some time to do it. The guy told him he would take 1300.00 for it.
my husband told me if I still wanted to look at it, to see if I could do it, that I could make the decision, but he didn't sound very enthused about it.
I don't want to invest 1300.00 and then have to buy fonts for 300.00 and find out that I don't like it, and it is sitting around. The whole idea was to expand my expertise, and do things brought into me without refferring someone else to do it.
I actually do not know much about this type of engraving. I have seen the computerized ones, and they seem nice, but I don't know about this.
Barb
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#8]
13 Oct 2006
To: Barbara (RGILE) [#7] 13 Oct 2006
There's a definite learning curve to operating a pantograph. Even though they're capable of engraving some things that can't be done any other way, they're not production machines.
You'll notice that the items I'm engraving on a pantograph are usually short-runs or one-of-a-kind.
For $1300, you may be able to buy a used computerized system, although it wouldn't have cylindrical capability.
If you go the inexpensive, computerized route, I'm still a fan of the New Hermes Vanguard 3000's.
Why?
1) They're workhorses, with excellent letter quality.
2) Nice, deep vise, that will allow you to hold a wider variety of items than any flatbed machine is capable of.
3) Quality One Engravers has plenty of parts and repair services for that machine.
From: Barbara (RGILE) [#9]
13 Oct 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#8] 13 Oct 2006
Barb
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#10]
13 Oct 2006
To: Barbara (RGILE) [#9] 13 Oct 2006
Either way you go, having rotary/drag capability is an area you'll want to add to your business.
Lasers are wonderful tools, but as you're finding out, they can't do everything and those voids are where you'll find your niche(s).
The only reason I don't own a laser, is that working behind the scenes for my fellow engravers gives me plenty of access to their laser equipment.
From: Mike (MIKEN) [#11]
13 Oct 2006
To: ALL
Fonts run $50 to $150 on ebay.
Here is a picture.
EDITED: 22 Dec 2006 by MIKEN
From: UncleSteve [#12]
13 Oct 2006
To: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#6] 14 Oct 2006
Harvey and Barbara,
Having just gone through this exercise, fonts on eBay are in the $50-150 range and pantographs have been going for anywhere from $300 on up depending on the "extras".
$1300 is a reasonable price for a floor model similar the picture posted IF it doesn't require shipping expense, has a nice variety of cutters and fonts and is REALLY only 7-10 years old. Remember, these models have been around for over 25 years.
I doubt you will run into these problems, but look for rust/corrosion on the screw drives to adjust the jaws and raise and lower the spindle.
If it is drag only, the price is high.
One last heads up..... if you REALLY want to get into pantograph work and you don't need all that extra depth of a floor model, you can cut in half what they are asking and still do an awful lot of items with a table top model. The type is the same and the smaller unit is "portable" where you can put it away if you want to in between jobs.
Determine what items you will use it for and then you can make a more informed decision.
EDITED: 13 Oct 2006 by UNCLESTEVE
From: Barbara (RGILE) [#13]
20 Oct 2006
To: UncleSteve [#12] 20 Oct 2006
We decided not to buy it. I am going to wait until I can save and get a computerized one.
Thanks for the input.
Barb