Laser engravers

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S.A.Mappin

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Joined
Dec 30, 2008
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Location
Augusta, GA
Hi all, really have a question for those who own/use laser engravers:

Recently the guy I would take my pens to to have them engraved is closing shop and moving.

So I debated on purchasing my own. I already know they have a considerable price, but my question to you is, what kind do you own, and how do you like it?

I would be using mine for light duty, and would want to be able to engrave all the way around the barrel, and not just in a stationary spot only.

Thanks for any and all replies!!

Scott
 
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Scott.. prices are all over the place.. new/used makes a big difference, too.

As for brands, the known names are all good (Universal, Epilog, GCC etc.)
but make sure you can get service. If you are tempted to buy directly from
China (good deals to be had) make sure you're a laser expert first because
the chances of getting support after the sale are roughly the same as you
throwing a shovelful of sand in the air and having it hit the beach in the
form of a perfect sand castle.
You want it to run on common software, not something proprietary if
possible. Most run on CorelDraw. Many of the drivers turn it into a Windows
printer.

For 360° engraving, you'll need a rotary attachment. For pens, you'll likely
need to do a little tinkering to make parts for yourself. Those attachments are
meant to do things like mugs, wine glasses etc.. not tiny things like pen barrels.
So don't look for support on those, they'll probably tell you it can't be done.
(which is tech-speak for 'we don't support it' )
 
Last edited:
NewLondon88 said:
Scott.. prices are all over the place.. new/used makes a big difference, too.

As for brands, the known names are all good (Universal, Epilog, GCC etc.)
but make sure you can get service. If you are tempted to buy directly from
China (good deals to be had) make sure you're a laser expert first because
the chances of getting support after the sale are roughly the same as you
throwing a shovelful of sand in the air and having it hit the beach in the
form of a perfect sand castle.
You want it to run on common software, not something proprietary if
possible. Most run on CorelDraw. Many of the drivers turn it into a Windows
printer.

For 360° engraving, you'll need a rotary attachment. For pens, you'll likely
need to do a little tinkering to make parts for yourself. Those attachments are
meant to do things like mugs, wine glasses etc.. not tiny things like pen barrels.
So don't look for support on those, they'll probably tell you it can't be done.
(which is tech-speak for 'we don't support it' )
Click to expand...

I can't help with the laser, but I love the analogy.
 
I would be careful with them. I have worked on several of the chinese cutters that they "support". I have a couple at work right now.

Full Spectrum does a lot of pushing themselves and has a lot of testimonials available, but I have never seen a positive review of them. They have a tendency to sue anyone that gives them a negative review, so there are not many of those either.
 
NewLondon88 said:
... not tiny things like pen barrels.
So don't look for support on those, they'll probably tell you it can't be done.
(which is tech-speak for 'we don't support it' )
Click to expand...

This analogy a funny one and made me giggle. Then I got to thinking about my own day job in IT support and how we usually say it just backwards because almost anything can be done with software if you throw enough time and money at it. So saying "We don't support it" is our tech speak for "It can't be done (affordably)".
 
LOL Dave . I bugged tech support for years, trying to do things the equipment
wasn't designed for, and they always told me it couldn't be done. So I did it
anyway. (they eventually hired me) When I got there, they told me they were
pretty sure I could figure it out, but they weren't going to help me through it
because that's not what it was designed for.

Full Spectrum is someone I see mentioned once in a while in other forums. Might
be someone new (firsts posting) pimping the product.. being answered by someone
else (also their first post) answering each other about how awesome they are.
I watched a video of someone running one and about all I could say is yes, it is
a laser.
 
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