Laser Engraving Equipment Recommendations?

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MikeMcM1956

Member
Joined
Oct 20, 2008
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150
Location
Sugar Land, TX
I'm toying with the idea of purchasing a laser engraving system, both for personal use and as a start-up business opportunity. I am looking for input on entry level systems from established manufacturers, along with software and accessories to get started. Any online resources are also greatly appreciated....

Mike
 
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My local engraver uses an Epilgoue 45 watt with a 24x18 bed, but it's really overkill for just doing pens. I believe the smallest Epilogue machine, which would be more than enough to do pens is somewhere in the neighborhood of $10,000, and just runs with CorelDraw. The rotary attachment to be able to engraver around objects is about $1,100. Expensive, but it is really, really cool how it works.
 
Sylvanite said:
The best source of online information about laser engravers and the engraving process that I've found is the Engraver's Forum on www.sawmillcreek.org. That's where I learned enough to choose the engraving machine I'm using.

Regards,
Eric
Click to expand...

I was already snooping around Sawmill Creek, thanks. But how about sharing what you bought and why? You can PM me if you're more comfortable with that....

Mike
 
GouletPens said:
My local engraver uses an Epilgoue 45 watt with a 24x18 bed, but it's really overkill for just doing pens. I believe the smallest Epilogue machine, which would be more than enough to do pens is somewhere in the neighborhood of $10,000, and just runs with CorelDraw. The rotary attachment to be able to engraver around objects is about $1,100. Expensive, but it is really, really cool how it works.
Click to expand...

Epilog is one of the systems I'm looking at, it was seeing one of their systems in action at the Houston Woodworking Show that got me interested. The entry level unit is currently discounted to about $8K, still a decent chunk of change. I consider the rotary attachment a requirement, being able to do glassware for weddings and such could be a good revenue generator....

Mike
 
If I'm not mistaken, Epilog's entry level machine does not have the ability to use a rotary attachment. With a laser, one brand (at least when considering only the major manufacturers) is not necessarily better than the others. The deciding factor for me was who had the best customer support in my area.
 
Stan,

So who did you end up going with? Was it based strictly on local service/support? As far as the rotary, Epilog says they've got one on the way for the entry level Zing, but only the larger table model....

Mike
 
I have an Epilog Mini 24.

From talking with owners of various machines, TroTech, Epilog, LaserPro, and Universal are all quality machines. So for me, it came down to who I felt would give me the best service/support. Two of the reps for my location were quite rude and did not want to be bothered with my questions. So I did not bother with giving them my business. Epilog won over the other choice because the Epilog rep came to my house for a demo and then he came back when my laser was delivered and spent a day and a half setting up the machine, showing me various tips/techniques, teaching CorelDraw, and going over required maintenance. He has also been very helpful when I've needed to email or call about an issue.

When choosing a size, keep in mind that many sheet goods are sold in 24" lengths. A larger table also means less time spent loading materials when doing bulk orders such as name tags or ornaments.
 
Stan,

Thanks for the info, it is appreciated. What wattage did you get, and why? And why the Mini 24 over the Zing 24? Sorry to be such a pest, but hearing from real users is much more informative than reading spec sheets....

Mike
 
Hi Mike,

I have an Epilog Legend 32 24x12 bed built in 2000 bought used in 2004. Only a 25w machine but it runs hot, closer to 35w. Epilog tech support is top rate. No complaints about the sales/field reps either (worked with both Northern California and Western US reps the latter are out of Az). Machine has been very reliable for me. I do have the rotary attachment and it works well. I've done pens, glasses, bottles, steel vessels with it (the rotary). (Steel is done with an additive marking solution.) You do have to be careful and make certain the piece turns as desired prior to the actual run.

Personally, I haven't been happy with lasering directly on glass so have used the laser to produce high resolution masks and take the glass to my blast cabinet. I much prefer the consistent frost you get from sandblasting.

If I had to do it again I would though given the opportunity, a bigger table and more powerful laser would be useful. If you get into cutting wood or plastics, the more power the faster you can run. Get the highest power laser you can afford. Most of the work I've done is smaller than an 8.5x11 piece but on occasion a big table would allow large unique pieces.

Epilog lists pre-owned lasers on their website. Also check the good folks at usedlasers.com. If I was to choose between the Mini and the Zing I'd go with the Mini 45w for the larger table and more powerful laser.

Guess I should have looked at the latest product offerings. the Zing now comes with the 24x12 table and laser up to 60w. May be a wash... Would need to go through the capabilities and features with a sharp eye.

All the best, Joe
 
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I have the Epilog Helix 35 watt. It is perfect for all that I do. I have had it for about two years now and I'm still learning new things all the time. I also like it because it is made in the USA.
 
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