Dahlgren Wizzard - ????? - Engraving Etc. Forum

From:	Bob (ALLSPORT)	31 May 2004
To:	ALL	9 of 13

50.9 In reply to 50.8
The Wizzard (XL)is an amazing machine. They just keep on plodding along year after year. We use one as a backup machine and for doing repetitious jobs such as medals. Ours regularly does 4 to 500 medals a week without a hitch and I find the engraving of small characters to be immaculate. As it's not Windows-based the slow computer hardware is a bit painfull, but it's a great example of engineering for its time. I don't think we've ever used the rotary aspect, but it is a great second or third machine even now, and you can't kill it with an axe.

From:	UncleSteve	31 May 2004
To:	Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY)	11 of 13

50.11 In reply to 50.8

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

From:	Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY)	31 May 2004
To:	UncleSteve	12 of 13

50.12 In reply to 50.11

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.

From:	Stunt Engraver (DGL)	31 May 2004
To:	UncleSteve	13 of 13

50.13 In reply to 50.11

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