Ed Waters
12-17-2009, 7:33 AM
Hello all,
Great to find this forum, allow me ask some of the wise minds here some questions.
I'm considering taking up laser engraving as a hobby (I'm not interested in starting a business). It looks like it could be a fun hobby and would be easy to make unique gifts, cut paper in unusual ways, etch photos onto marble, etc. But before I get carried away thinking about what a laser could do, I'd like to know the real story.
First of all, how easy or hard is it to use a laser engraver? Do you need to take a class to learn how to use them or is it more like plug and play. Some of the engraving machine websites say you need to know corel draw or photoshop to use them -- how long does it take to figure out these programs?
Next, what kind of engraver to buy? I was first attracted to the Epilog machines, that company seems to be very customer friendly. On the other hand, at $7000+ as a starting price that would be a very expensive hobby. A lot of the Chinese machines are a lot cheaper (and I happen to live in China). So is a high-end machine easier to use or better quality than a lower priced machine? Is there software that comes with these machines that is specific to the machine? And is it possible to use a laser engraver without (or not attached to) a computer?
Lastly, I've heard that some of these machines require special ventilation. That's a problem, I live high up in an apartment. Any machines small enough to take out on a balcony to use? Or do not all applications require ventilation?
Anyway, I'd love to hear from anyone, as my knowledge is almost nil. Thanks for any replies.
Great to find this forum, allow me ask some of the wise minds here some questions.
I'm considering taking up laser engraving as a hobby (I'm not interested in starting a business). It looks like it could be a fun hobby and would be easy to make unique gifts, cut paper in unusual ways, etch photos onto marble, etc. But before I get carried away thinking about what a laser could do, I'd like to know the real story.
First of all, how easy or hard is it to use a laser engraver? Do you need to take a class to learn how to use them or is it more like plug and play. Some of the engraving machine websites say you need to know corel draw or photoshop to use them -- how long does it take to figure out these programs?
Next, what kind of engraver to buy? I was first attracted to the Epilog machines, that company seems to be very customer friendly. On the other hand, at $7000+ as a starting price that would be a very expensive hobby. A lot of the Chinese machines are a lot cheaper (and I happen to live in China). So is a high-end machine easier to use or better quality than a lower priced machine? Is there software that comes with these machines that is specific to the machine? And is it possible to use a laser engraver without (or not attached to) a computer?
Lastly, I've heard that some of these machines require special ventilation. That's a problem, I live high up in an apartment. Any machines small enough to take out on a balcony to use? Or do not all applications require ventilation?
Anyway, I'd love to hear from anyone, as my knowledge is almost nil. Thanks for any replies.