laser engraver

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Get one powerful enough to do the job. The low wattage jobbies just won't make the grade on many (most?) materials. Be prepared to write a substantial check. Is the wife going on vacation about then? [;)]
 
Originally posted by Rifleman1776
...Is the wife going on vacation about then? [;)]
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Frank, I think he's a she.
Stephanie -- is there something you didn't tell us?!? [:o)] [:D]
BTW, what's "Body Modification"? Is that like shape-shifting?
[8D]
Gary
 
I recently purchased an Epilog Laser Engraver. I am very happy with it. The 35 watt model has all the power I need and it is big enough that I can fit the various things that I make into it. As Frank said, it is a big investment.
 
Originally posted by GaryMGg
<br />
Originally posted by Rifleman1776
...Is the wife going on vacation about then? [;)]
Click to expand...
Frank, I think he's a she.
Stephanie -- is there something you didn't tell us?!? [:o)] [:D]
BTW, what's "Body Modification"? Is that like shape-shifting?
[8D]
Gary
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Oh, sorry. Handle doesn't give a clue. In that case, "SHE" doesn't need permission. [:D]

EDIT: I just looked a her profile. I see 'body modification' as a avocation/vocation. My cousin, Guido, from Chicago used to be in that business too. [;)]
 
Originally posted by Rifleman1776
My cousin, Guido, from Chicago used to be in that business too. [;)]
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Yeah, but did your <b>cousin </b>do the moding with the other persons permission or because they owed him money?[}:)]


You may want to look at BrightStar Lasers. I know nothing about them, but got a flyer in the mail, prices start at $5000 for 40 watts. The landlord has a VersaLaser, and while it looks like it can do the job, it seems to be a lot more hands on than it ought to be. Of course he doesn't believe in creating framing templates in Corel.

Their website is
http://www.brightstarlasers.com/
 
body modification is tattoos, piercing, branding and the such just something i love, im probably not the type of person you would think of who loves to make pens, so what is a good wattage to get in a laser engraver? ive gotten some info coming about different ones, i do understand they will be a lot i am looking at getting an engraver and a plotter got hurt at work in october 2006 had back surgery in january 2007 and they say there may be more to come so i am thinking of getting the engraver and stuff to do from home set up a web site and stuff after i enter the work rehab program but i dont know stuff is still up in the air any ways i wont know untill after i get a disability rating then they will enter me into a work rehab program
 
I think the best advice would be to stay away from the cheap Chinese engravers. I'm on another site dedicated to CNC work and those guys have been trying out those engravers. They show up with broken tubes, have really bad software, and the tubes are rated for something less than 2000 hours. The name brand machines, Epilog and Universal are rated at 10 times that many hours before recharge.

If you want to do work around the body of the pen you will want a rotary attachment. I adapted a mandrel to mine so I can engrave the pens before assembly. That will add around $800.

I bought a rebuilt 25 watt Universal Laser with rotary unit from usedlasers.com and have been really happy with it. Spent around $9000 for it with a 6 month warranty. That was about 3 years ago, maybe a little more.
 
Stephanie,

Once you have this capability will you be doing work for others that need engraving?
 
Originally posted by low_48
<br />I think the best advice would be to stay away from the cheap Chinese engravers. I'm on another site dedicated to CNC work and those guys have been trying out those engravers. They show up with broken tubes, have really bad software, and the tubes are rated for something less than 2000 hours. The name brand machines, Epilog and Universal are rated at 10 times that many hours before recharge.
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I can't say if the Chinese made engravers are bad or not. But I will say I communicated with a fellow in GA who bought a large Epilog and had to have it replaced 3 times in the 1st month.

Another sandcarver I have chatted with told me she chose the epilog for its ease of use but if it came down to it she would not buy another one as their tech support was non-existant.

I liked the Universals before they got hooked up with Xenetech. I don't care much for Xenetch(they used to be software/hardware for the A&E(Awards & Engraving) in the trophy bus., but have branched out into other markets in the last few yrs). But, I have to say that they do give good customer support and if you want to pay, they(Xenetech) will deliver install in your shop and give you a day of hands on training. Others may do the same, I got to see some of the hands on the landlord got from X...

I have heard and read good and bad things about all the mainstream lasers over the last 10-15ys. Log into the Yahoo laser engraving group and peruse the thousands of posts. Check with the different brands and see if there will be an ARA, A&E or Signmaking Show in your area and ask for a free pass so you can come and see their products. If they are serious they will have a pass to you within a couple of days. Take some artwork on a flashdrive or on a CD/DVD (not too much artwork 3-5 pieces and maybe a pentube or 2(or just plain wooden dowels) per laser co. you are going to see and some extras for those you will happen to see) and ask them if their unit can do this process and with your artwork... If they are serious about making a sale and showcasing their product they will do backflips to show you how.
 
I have a Universal and haven't had problems other than the main power switch welded it's contacts closed. That's not a work stopping issue and an easy fix though.
 
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