Hello again from the Arizona Newbie,
Wanted to once again offer my sincere thanks to all that have helped me with my Newbie decision making.
Here's an update: It turns out that the gunsmith owns a New Hermes IS400 that looks to be in very nice condition. But, it has a yellow parallel port security Dongle that is bad. I phoned Gravocare and they told me it would cost $4,500.00 for a new program with Dongle, or I could get their bottom end (text only) software with Dongle for $2,000. They said my bad dongle is totally obsolete, was designed for Windows 98, and that they don't have them anymore. The gunsmith is very un-happy. I presented the possibility of buying it from him and purchasing the new software and Dongle myself but he wasn't interested. Said that right now he is seriously considering hauling it to the dump.
Since my last post of a couple weeks ago I have had a classic car club ask me if I would like to do their "Dash Plaques" for them. They said that they usually need 200-300 at a time. Also, the gunsmith told me that he would give me all his engraving work. (Engraved flat plates, and gun barrels) A machine shop that I know, manufacturer's guns, and in conversation with the owner last week he told me that he was having a very difficult time doing gun barrels with his new 75W Epilog Legend EXT using Cermark. Said the flat stuff was beautiful, but not the round stuff.
O.K., now for my new advice request:
I have decided to purchase an Epilog Mini 12x24 45W Laser. But I feel that I should also own a mechanical engraver just too be safe (as I really don't know what kind of work I'll be doing yet). Since my interests are with Laser engraving, and I don't have the money to purchase a high-dollar Mechanical Engraver after buying the Laser, My question is: What about a Roland EGX-300? What I be making a hugh mistake? Or would one of these fit the bill along with the Laser which I'm hoping and planning will make up 90% of my work.
Another question please. It seems that I've been reading alot about Trophies not being very profitable, and how most of the shops would rather not bother with them. Could y'all clue me in on some of the more profitable items? I am just getting my feet wet, and don't have any idea what to stock my store with.
Than you all again for all of your kind help.
Don |