Full Version: Mechanical Engraving Machines
From: LARRY (CENTURYBADGE) [#12]
17 Feb 2007
To: Swami [#1] 17 Feb 2007
I have two New Hermes machines. A IS400 and IL400 Laser. Both are over three years old and have been fantastic. The service we have received from New Hermes is terrific. We are located in Florida and our rep is extremely helpful. Goes out of his way to take care of us. They also have a service man in the territory who really knows his stuff. If we have a problem he is in within a day and takes are of it. My next machine will be another New Hermes. (soon I hope)
Larry
From: Swami [#13]
17 Feb 2007
To: ALL
Xenetechs, i'll look into it,
Thanks everyone
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#14]
17 Feb 2007
To: Ray (STAMP) [#11] 17 Feb 2007
Ray,
Do you already run a business?
Of the list of items you plan to offer, 3D on glass wouldn't be one I'd recommend to perform in-house. Big learning curve and there are so many inexpensive imported products, in that area, that unless you come up with something very unusual and in high demand (not likely for a startup) there won't be much money in it.
EDITED: 17 Feb 2007 by DGL
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#15]
17 Feb 2007
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#14] 17 Feb 2007
David,
There is also the question about acquiring a license to even sell this particular marking process.
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#16]
17 Feb 2007
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#15] 17 Feb 2007
David,
I thought about that after I posted. Add another check mark to the minus column.
EDITED: 17 Feb 2007 by DGL
From: Ray (STAMP) [#17]
17 Feb 2007
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#14] 17 Feb 2007
Hi David,
Yes we do own a business, a home base business, electro plating,
we mosly plate and clean silver , gold , and brass.
It id not a big hit around here and people want it done for free sometime (that's the feeling i get ). For the 3D i will keep that in mind, i will scratch that for now. I din't do my business plan yet so my focus is not set yet on what i should limit myseft to . There is no laser engraver in a 100 miles around but there is a rotary one. Maybe i going over my head here?
We don't know anything about engraving but we are good at computer. I figure if u don't try u don't get anywhere. Right
Ray
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#18]
17 Feb 2007
To: Ray (STAMP) [#17] 18 Feb 2007
I don't think you're going over your head by contemplating a new direction for your business, especially if you say the plating business isn't going over very well.
Why do you think that is?
From: Ray (STAMP) [#19]
18 Feb 2007
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#18] 18 Feb 2007
My guess is : not enough demand, limited market , population of about 20,000 and we need a lot of advertising since we dont have a store front.
The advertising market is very fragmented. We need a wider focus to justify a store front. The money coming from the plating alone is not enough to pay for the rent of a store front.
Ray
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#20]
18 Feb 2007
To: Ray (STAMP) [#19] 19 Feb 2007
I was just trying to understand if there was local competition in the plating business.
In my area (SoCal), there are quite a few platers and all seem to be fairly busy.
One shop I know of, in Pasadena, CA does a brisk business in repair, restoration and plating.
From: Ray (STAMP) [#21]
19 Feb 2007
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#20] 19 Feb 2007
Hey i'm glad you ask. I ask myself the same question.
Yes silversmith seem to do better then plater only. We don't repair .
On top of it we cannot put a sign in front of the house ,because of bylaw in our subdivision. We can plate with rod but not in a tank so we are limited there too.
In business " i guess" you have to go big if you want people to take you seriously, that's why i'm doing my resurch this time . Can't efford to miss the boat. :B
From: UncleSteve [#22]
19 Feb 2007
To: Ray (STAMP) [#21] 19 Feb 2007
Unless it is the Titanic! 8-O
From: Ray (STAMP) [#23]
19 Feb 2007
To: UncleSteve [#22] 19 Feb 2007
But i was thinking of Noah's arch (devil)
From: beeny (DAVEBEENY) [#24]
21 Feb 2007
To: Swami [#1] 22 Feb 2007
After reading the previous members replies I will not criticize New Hermes as I was wont to do, my experience with them was terrible, admittedly this was a long time ago, it's good to read that they have improved. Back to the issue of which engraver to buy, all the major manufacturers are very much similar in the hardware they offer, but I feel the software is much more of a consideration, I don't know about all of them, but Xenetech allows you to try out their "Graphic Workstation" for free for 30 days, also Newing Hall's JLS can be downloaded.This way you can see which software you are comfortable with. Obviously after sales service is important, my personal experience with Xenetech cannot be bettered, they are a smallish company, in as such each customer builds up a personal relationship with the employees, they really go that extra mile, as a bonus their hardwear is excellent & their software is fantastic, I can't think of anything that I wish it could do that it doesn't do already, and if I could, the chances are it would be included in the next free upgrade.
Good Luck
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