Considering getting an engraver/cutter: help?

[Brad33]

I run a small business and am considering getting a laser engraver/cutter to help stick my company logo on some of our products, as well as cut out keychain dongles and such.

I found this engraver on ebay: CO2 LASER ENGRAVING CUTTING MACHINE ENGRAVER/40W/ NEW on eBay.ca (item 230435231759 end time 07-Oct-10 11:40:29 EDT)

It says I can choose to get NewlyDraw instead of NewlySeal, which as ive read is better. Can NewlyDraw also create engravings or can it only cut?

Anyone have any comments on this engraver? I do not have the funds to spend on an expensive machine, so am looking for something budget.

Oh also, would this engraver work with this controller: http://www.lightobject.com/Commerica...oCad-P321.aspx just in case I ever decide to upgrade?

Thanks all!

-Brad

[zax15uk]

Brad,

Yes - Newlydraw can engrave (scan) and cut.

What thickness and materials do you want to cut?

I would not recommend that ebay vendor, their ad is totally inaccurate.

Ebay member: cnsigntech is worth contacting if you want to import yourself, or I would suggest to contact one of the US/Canadian resellers.

Zax.

[Brad33]

Thanks for your quick reply Zax!

I would probably not cut anything deeper than 5mm plexi glass.

I am looking to engrave black painted aluminum.

Are there any systems you can recommend for around the $600 price point?

Are the Rabbit Laser cutters/engravers alright? http://www.rabbitlaser.com/products/40b.htm

any comments on this particular model? http://cgi.ebay.ca/BRAND-NEW-CO2-LAS...item45f54aa003

Thanks!

-Brad

[zax15uk]

Brad,

Rabbit lasers are some of the better ones. Ray would be a good place to start: Rabbit Laser - USA

You need to up the budget for quality or you'll just get a heavy door stop. If you import yourself from China (ebay or direct) you should expect to pay additional fees - tax, duty, misc shipping etc unless it is pre-paid air.

I haven't heard good things from Strong but their machine appears to look ok, just make sure what they show is really what you get - and NewlyDraw NOT the stamp software:

New 40W USB CO2 Laser Engraver/Cutter 8.2"x 8" + CE on eBay.ca (item 280561537601 end time 12-Oct-10 23:40:22 EDT)

New 40W Desktop CO2 Laser Engraver&Cutter 210x205mm +CE on eBay.ca (item 280568804495 end time 30-Oct-10 04:35:51 EDT)

Zax.

[SkipW]

And lets not forget Dean at Legacy Lasers. He's a member here too.

[Brad33]

Is coletech good?

I sent them an email and this is what they responded...

Dear Brad,


Glad to hear from you again :-)
Yes,we also supply the simple control system.
The price of the machine(3020 Model) is USD650/PCS.
The shipping charge is USD305 by air express.
If you need the machien,please let me know.
I wait for your reply.


with best regards
Shirley
Cole Technology Co.,Ltd.

[zax15uk]

Coletech is actually the same company that I provided the ebay user name for, and yes, they are usually ok and their products are as good as any others.

Shirley posts here from time to time and they seem to be helpful and have been around a while.

Zax.

[Brad33]

Oh sweet, so you'd say $955 ($650 + $305 shipping) from coletech is probably what im after then?

Thanks a lot for your help Zax!

-Brad

[zax15uk]

Brad,

I would never recommend these systems for a business, but if you are severely restricted on budget and just want something to get started (and plan to upgrade later) it may work.

5mm Acrylic will probably require 2-pass. I can do (1/8") 0.125" in single pass using air assist but haven't tried 5mm.

Engraving anodized aluminum will be no problem.

Zax.

[Brad33]

Well my business isn't dependent on this hardware, its just something I want to try out and see how it goes.

How would you go about engraving curved items (like pens)? make a jig to hold the pen in and put it inside, and create a document that writes where I need it in the right place, and use the jig whenever i need to do it again so its always in the same spot?

[Brad33]

coletech just got back to me, they said that the $650 one uses Moshi... is moshi worse than newlydraw?

-Brad

[zax15uk]

Brad,

If the machine has the capability (size; x, y and z) you need and your business isn't dependant on it then you will probably be happy. It will allow you to experiment and determine if you can increase your revenue with custom engraved items.

If you just want to engrave on a mostly flat portion of the curved item (does that make any sense?) then you will be ok. If you want to engrave around the item you'll need a rotary attachment, which you can buy or make. I've done many curved items without one, and yes I always make a jig - it doesn't need to be fancy but will really help with alignment etc.

I would avoid Moshi if possible, the latest version does do true vectors but earlier versions would only raster (engrave). Even if you imported a vector it would still treat it as a raster.

Zax.