Laser Engravers

[Charles]

Can anyone give manufacture of and links as well as opinions as to which laser engravers are worth the price and which to stay away from. Looking to purchase and jump off into this but don't know where to start except with a large bank account. ha ha

 

[YoYoSpin]

I've been studying the subject of buying a laser engraver for going on eight years now, and still have not convinced myself that the expense is worth it. However, in the past couple of years, there are 3 or 4 different models in the $9k to $12k price range...all with between 12 to 25 watt capability...mostly engraving and not much cutting power.

These are the models I'm aware of:

Epilog: http://www.epiloglaser.com/
Universal: http://www.ulsinc.com/english/index.html
Accuris: http://www.signwarehouse.com/engravers/specials.htm
Hermes: http://www.gravograph.com/usa/index.php
LaserPro: http://www.laserprousa.com/index.cfm

Besides choosing a manufacturer, other important considerations are table size, options offered (like a rotary adapter), upgrade-ability, proprietary design software versus divers for common software like Corel, and wattage selection.

Personally, my favorite at this stage is either the Epilog Mini or the Universal VersaLaser, both going for around $12k to $14k with a reasonable option package, including a 25 watt laser.

 

[btboone]

Also check www.usedlasers.com which has some of the brands above, and are reconditioned. I got my laser with a new laser tube from them at a good savings from new. They also have rotary axes.

 

[clewless]

Charles,

I've just made contact with a local(to me in MD) Trophy Shop/custom engraver. He has two Universals. I took pens to him the other day for a test run. He spent an hour with me and wouldn't take a dime, chalking it up to R & D. He's done alot of stock pens, but never any "nice ones".

I'm making him a pen this week and will give it to him with a wooden box. It's for him to engrave with his logo to use to sell his product (maybe my pens).

So, unless you want to go into the business of engraving instead of pen making, why not just pay $4-5 whenever the need arises.

Joe in MD
Pens made of walnut from my friend's farm in NJ. I saved it from his scrap pile...

 

[melogic]

I agree with Joe. I have been looking at lasers as well. I really like the Universal lasers but cannot justify the cost. I have a local laser engraver that is very, very reasonable. Charging the prices he does for my pens and boxes, it would take me 20 or 30 years to pay for the engraver.
Usually a couple times a year, Universal offers free laser upgrades. They will also send you a free DVD describing their laser engravers.