A laser is a big investment The ones you see for $10,000 just get you in the door. They are low wattage and have small stages. Keep in mind that power=speed and with the 9 x 12" stage that will really limit what you can get in there to engrave. Everyone who has a laser wishes they had one with more power (We've got a 75watt Epilog with the 18 x 24" stage and that was in the $30,000 neighborhood)(You can't go wrong with Epilog or Universal. Both are excellent machines with excellent service). Keep in mind you will also need to purchase a good exhaust system ($300 for a little squirel case fan and some 4" ducting) plus you may also need a good source of air if you are going to have the aux air running (I highly recommend this) So you'll need a good size air compressor ($400). Now for the big question.
Where are you going to run this?
Do you have a storefront, or are you going to put it in your house? The reason I ask is simple, your insurance agent won't be thrilled that you have a laser in your house. Granted they are very safe, but there is a small risk of fire. It would be a shame if the unthinkable happened and then your insurance company refused to pay becase they found the cause to be the laser. I'd talk to your agent about this and get a ridder policy to be safe. Make sure the policy also covers the laser if your house/shop is destroyed by tornado,flood, locusts, etc. I'd bet that the replacement cost is NOT covered under your current policies contents coverage.
Also keep in mind the maintence costs. A laser tube is good for about 4 years rather you use it or not. Its around $3000 to replace this, so figure $1000 a year for that (They can go bad sooner)They can last longer too.
I don't want to discourage you from getting a laser, we LOVE ours, but we do more than just pens with it too.
I would recommend however, that you find a local shop that can do the engraving for you. Most places charge about $5.00 for a single line on a pen. You'd have to sell quite a few pens to make recoup the cost of the laser. Most trophy shops can handle it. You may even ask the sales rep from the laser company if anyone nearby has one of their product. That way you have someone to do engraving for you and you can see the product in action.
Best of luck
-Lane
I would recommend having a look at the sawmillcreek.org laser engraving forum....LOTS of good info there for those considering a laser.
