I agree with Davis's post except for the #2, Superior letter formation. I feel the exact opposite of that.

I own a NH V3000, V3400, 2 x IS400, a Dahlgren Wizard XL, and a Wizard PC.

While the depth of jaws and smaller table do limit you in some big ways, the Wizards are great machines, I still have both and they operate virtually flawlessly, used every Christmas now. As far as maintenance costs, brushes and about every 5 sets of those a spindle motor. I have never needed another repair in nearly twenty years. [The XL was accidentally dropped down a flight of concrete stairs and the only damage was to two corners of the case. I got the PC cheap because it was in a shipping accident that broke the case and knocked the carriage out of alignment with the rails. Just standing it on its face and realigning the rails fixed it.

I do believe at this time that the best of the lot is the IS400's, but let's wait for another 15 years and see if they hold up as well.

Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)

Harvey's Sub Page When you finally understand it completely... it changes.

Harvey, thanks for your input.

For $150 including shipping, I think I will take a chance with it.... just to get some experience and MAYBE make a few $$ in the process.

The seller says it does work so worst case I will end up putting it up for sale here or on eBay if it doesn't work out. Heck, the parts must be worth a couple of hundred if it works.

The only problem he is aware of is that the little monitor on the machine doesn't work but he uses a separate monitor with the system for the layout.

Yes those monitors did blow out at times if the filter on the fan got clogged for a while and not cleaned. Mine is the original with no problems. You can hook up an old monochrome monitor that uses an RCA pin plug and have it work fine.

I thought I had a bad monitor once, Wifey had cleaned the machine and turned the contrast down till nothing showed. On the right side of the machine in a little cutout are a few things, including a start jack to use a foot switch to start the machine on multiple repeat jobs, and a small plastic shaft that is the contrast control. Clockwise is more contrast. When you get the unit give that a try before attaching the external monitor.

P.S. I have a set of schematics for the Wizard XL.

Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)

Harvey's Sub Page When you finally understand it completely... it changes.

Harvey,

Don't know if it is a PC or XL model.

Seller says it is operational so I think I will take the plunge and give it a try.

Gotta start sometime. I spoke to a tobacco store here and he asked if I will be able to engrave cigar cutters for gifts..... told him I didn't see why not. Let the fun begin! ;~)

Steve

The only thing to be careful of is the 'Z' setting. If you forget to set the spindle the workpiece distance, the baseline will shift. That is due to the rotational drop of the spindle rather than a vertical drop.

I believe that is the one big mistake made by the designers. Simply the spindle rotates about an axis which is on the left side of a circle, and the bit is on the bottom of the circle. Every .010 off in the height is .010 shift in the baseline. It could have been reduced by a lot if the hinge was in the right place. Still an amazing feat being the first computerized engraver made, (the original Wizard, not XL or PC.) The XL added an external cart for storage which does have some software problems. If you need to know those ask me.

Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)

Harvey's Sub Page When you finally understand it completely... it changes.

Steve,

A functioning Wizzard, at that price, is more than enough to engrave lighters, cigar cutters, small plates for humidors, and trophies etc.

I think you're wise by taking this opportunity to get your foot in the door. You won't regret it.

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA