Full Version: Who's small Rotary and why?
From: Tom (TJGEENEN) [#11]
3 Apr 2007
To: Rodney Gold (RODNEY_GOLD) [#9] 4 Apr 2007
Rodney, you have a real nice web site. Thanks for sharing examples of your work. Because of your input I think I'm going to play with more laser material before I jump into a rotary. Better to spend a couple of hundred dollars trying different laser material before dropping several thousand dollars on something I may not need.
The extra time will also allow me to research all the other things a Rotary can do and then be able to hit the ground running when I do get one.
From: BrianC (INKSQUIRTER) [#12]
3 Apr 2007
To: Tom (TJGEENEN) [#1] 3 Apr 2007
After adding a laser to my business in Dec. 05 I am doing more of my trophy plates with the laser. However, I have a Dalhgren Wizzard that I first started out with in 1990. It has been invaluable to my business. It is basically for flat items but I am able to engrave a lot of jewelry pieces on it if you are interested in doing carry-in items. I can also pack it under my arm and do on-site engraving...
I think the 810 would be a good choice........very portable.
You must decide on what you are going to be engraving before making a decision.....there is no sense buying an all-in-one machine if trophy plates are all you want to do. If I were looking for new equipment I would certainly be looking at a machine that could handle about everything including round work.
From: Tom (TJGEENEN) [#13]
3 Apr 2007
To: BrianC (INKSQUIRTER) [#12] 3 Apr 2007
From: Rob (AWARDZZ) [#14]
3 Apr 2007
To: ALL
I too fell into the "I'm only go to do trophy plates and plaque plates". Four years ago I bought a back up machine Vision1212,,,to go with my Meistergram 2412 and ULS 25.... looking back,, I wish I had of purchased the "all in one machine"... since that time 4 years ago, our local Things Remembered went out of business, Giftware, metal wine glasses started appearing in the engraving room and this cat is still trying to crank em out on a pantograph. I say if u can afford buy the all in one... CAUSE YA JUST DON'T KNOW
Just one opinion from the school of hard knocks!!
Rob Simpson
PlayAll Awards Engraving & Giftware
(on the windy frigid southern shores of Lake Erie)
Ashtabula, OH
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#15]
3 Apr 2007
To: Rob (AWARDZZ) [#14] 4 Apr 2007
Rob,
I use a pantograph regularly, but only when there's no better, (if any) way to do a job.
Fortunately, I have access to equipment, through engraving shop clients, to cover any bases I can't handle on my own equipment.
If that weren't the case, I would have plunked down for a Gravograph IS400 Volume, Newing-Hall TLC350 or Xenetech GE long ago.
As you say, you never know what will come through the door. If a person buys a single dimensional machine, for a specific application, then discovers they don't enjoy that facet of engraving, their options become very limited.
From: Dixie2 [#16]
4 Apr 2007
To: Tom (TJGEENEN) [#1] 4 Apr 2007
Tom..
I have 2 Vision computer engravers, a small Wizzard, and a ULS laser...
The good thing about the Vision machines is that they can do a multitude of items.. I use mine for silver trays (I Hate Cermarc), trophy plates, small plaque plates, wedding items.. etc etc.
I run my laser pretty much 8 hours a day, so I can use my vision machines to do the "small" jobs.. it definitely keeps me busy during the day, and I make more money.. so I'm happy!!
Good luck with your choice.. you can't beat the vision brand.. I have had them for YEARS and no problems..
Dixie
From: Toni (TONI56) [#17]
4 Apr 2007
To: Tom (TJGEENEN) [#11] 4 Apr 2007
Tom,
I agree with you to on checking out more laserable material that you can utilize before making the jump to a rotary. We have 2 lasers & a large rotary. We make 99% of our trophy plates out of Gravolase brushed gold/black or Rowmark Flexibrass brushed gold/black. I purchase the material with adhesive on the back. Joe lasers the tag, vector cuts it, we peel & stick it on the trophy. What I don't like is the time involved cutting individual plates, plastic or metal with a shear. The laser makes it so easy.
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#18]
4 Apr 2007
To: Tom (TJGEENEN) [#10] 4 Apr 2007
Tom,
Ironically, THAT is what my initial intent was. To find something portable that I would be able to take conferences, trade expo's things like that......and I still might.....
But as has been pointed out, you can do anything you need for trophies with your laser, and more and more, the trophy plates are done on a laser anyway.
I personally prefer the look of a metal plate over the plastic alternatives, and you can buy them precut and shaped in various sizes..... and since you can take your laser on the road, well, it sounds like you are set.
Good luck