Michael,
quote: I'm not all that familiar with how this site works--i.e., reply to messages, email, etc.
We're here to answer any questions in that regard. The developers of the forum software work on a volunteer basis and are quicker to make improvements, than to provide up-to-date documentation.
Not complaining. It's just the reality.
With that in mind, we plan to develop a series of forum navigation and feature video demos.
Here's an example of how to attach an image or file to a forum post:
http://engravingetc.org/Harvey/upload/2405Attachments.mov
quote: I am going to purchase PhotograV. It appears that the 395.00 price tag is firm. Any ideas, or do I just pay the piper?
If your Photoshop skills are latent, PhotoGraV will probably be a worthy investment.
At the bottom of the order form, you'll notice a 30-day money-back offer.
http://www.photograv.com/pgorder.html
quote: CorelDraw & CorelPaint also have been recommended to me. Are these the software of choice, or would you recommend another?
Other than being less expensive than Adobe CS2 (which includes Illustrator and Photoshop) you'll find more people here are familiar with and able to help you with CorelDraw and CorelPaint, than other graphics programs.
Draw and Paint are the most widely used graphics programs in the awards and engraving industry, for applications from ranging from sublimation to creating artwork for sandcarving, to laser engraving and more.
quote: I plan on setting up shop by Feb 19--wire, exhaust, computer, etc. The machine will arrive last week of Feb. I hope to have bugs worked out and be up an running by Apr 1. Does this sound reasonable?
Up and running in what sense?
You should be up and running as far as functionality, but your ability to create a saleable product (based on what you've told us) will rely on your command of graphics programs and an understanding of your laser machine.
Your success wil also hinge on your ability to get your product(s) before a receptive audience (marketing).
quote: a stained glass artist who wants to help the start up, she has lots of ideas.
This person may be impressed in the advances made in the areas of applying color graphics to glass and ceramics through the combination of your laser machine and a compound called Thermark.
David Takes covered the "fast cash" portion of your question. :-)
Natural stone, ceramics and glass seem to be where your interest lies. If you plan to make that your niche, my advice is to become "the" expert in those areas and find ways to improve upon the ideas of others, or leave them in the dust by developing areas where they either can't or won't want to follow.
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA |