Full Version: Should I Buy 25W Laser Engraver?
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#21]
11 Mar 2007
To: Don (HIGHDESERT) [#15] 12 Mar 2007
I don't know when I'll come to Arizona, but I will contact you, when that time comes. During my last visit, I had no problem finding good restaurants. :-)
As Chuck mentioned, he was asking my opinion about rotary/drag machines and we happened to be in the right place to see all the major manufacturer's offerings.
Something I found surprising about the Gravograph machines, was that they didn't use a proximity sensor, which allows a machine to "feel" a change in the shape of an object, i.e. and ID bracelet.
Without that feature, it may be necessary to re-Z (manually change the distance of travel, between the spindle and engravable object) in order to maintain a consistent pressure or to keep the diamond graver from "plowing" the higher points of the bracelet, as the cutter works its way up the slope of the bracelet.
When I asked the salesman why Gravograph didn't use that feature, he said, "It's unnecessary, because the spindle rides on a spring anyhow."
That's true, but a proximity sensor, in my opinion, should be standard equipment on machines with a stepper-controlled Z-axis.
From: Dee (DEENA-ONLY) [#22]
11 Mar 2007
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#21] 12 Mar 2007
David,
As much as I love my IS400 I also wish it had a proximity sensor and a pause command that is just a keystroke.
Dee
From: Peter [#23]
11 Mar 2007
To: Don (HIGHDESERT) [#1] 12 Mar 2007
Yes...... after 5 days you will realise you need....
MORE POWER
B-)
From: Don (HIGHDESERT) [#24]
12 Mar 2007
To: Dee (DEENA-ONLY) [#18] 12 Mar 2007
Thanks Dee,
I'll look forward to hearing from you.
Don
From: Don (HIGHDESERT) [#25]
12 Mar 2007
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#19] 12 Mar 2007
Thanks for the info Chuck. I didn't see an 812 at Vision's website, but I did see a VE810 and a Phoenix1212. Like I told you, I'm seriously considering a small, portable machine to take to Rodeo's and Fairs. Which would you (or David if he's listening) (insert good natured chuckle) suggest for reliability, portability, and ease of use?
Don
From: Cody (BOBTNAILER) [#26]
12 Mar 2007
To: Dee (DEENA-ONLY) [#18] 12 Mar 2007
Dee,
Do you remember the name of the Canadian company that has teamed up with Gravograph NH for the bracelets? I know they had a sign in the booth, but I simply don't remember what the company name was.
I called Gravograph this morning, and "Betty" told me that the bracelets weren't available (as you stated earlier). She said that she would contact purchasing to see when they WOULD be available, and that she would call me back tomorrow with the information.
She also said that they would not release the name of the company that they're working with. Hmmmm....that was made public in Vegas, but now they won't talk about it. Okay, whatever. Have a nice day, Betty.
Wait a minute.....did she say that she would get back with me TOMORROW???
If I wanted an answer tomorrow, I would have waited until tomorrow to call them.
Grrrrr....I know that I'm a very impatient person at times (often, it seems). However, when you have a potential customer TRYING to buy something from you, I would think you'd put a little more effort into making things go smoothly.
Someone please remind me....how many chances do you get to make a first impression?
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
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