Chuck,
Is the manual worth the hefty price? Well, that depends on the level of your knowledge. If you already know the ADA requirements for letter size and style, Braille positioning, sign size, color requirements, installation requirements, etc. And if you know how to actually manufacture these signs, then it is questionable if the manual is worth the price. Even if you do know all the above, the manual will help you with some layout design ideas and information on how to market the product. If you don't know the above information, then you need to learn from somewhere. If you really want to get into this line of work, then the manual would probably be worthwhile for you.
The real problem you face is that you don't have a mechanical rotary engraver. I'm sure you can make these signs with your laser, but the raised applique lettering cut out on a mechanical engraver is a superior product to lasered letters. About 10 years ago I thought I would get a couple lasers for the sole purpose of cutting out the applique letters, but when I saw what the finished product looked like, I realized that I needed to stay with the mechanical systems for this product. The mechanical engraver leaves a beveled edge on the letters that make them not only visually more attractive, but more importantly they are easier and more pleasant for a visually impaired person to read.
Also, the Braille signs are just one part of the complete ADA specified wayfinding sign system. If you get into the Braille market, your customers will expect you to be able to design, fabricate and install complete wayfinding systems for their buildings. This includes all the directional and informational signs and directories. You will need to partner with screen printers, vinyl cutters, dimensional letter manufacturers, and frame manufacturers.
This can be a very profitable market, but your customers will be relying on you to tell them how to comply with the ADA, so you will have to become the expert that they expect you to be. So that was a really long way of saying, that yes, you should probably buy the manual if you want to get into ADA signs.
You have a tough job to decide what business you want to be in. Do your homework and decide for yourself what products you want to make and then market them. Don't let your customers dictate what business you are in or you may find yourself going in too many directions.
Jim |