Lawrence Richards
11-05-2015, 1:29 PM
Hello All,
I've been a fairly active woodworker the last 10 years or so and that work included several (eventful) years working with a Carvewright. A portfolio of my hobby level work is here
http://s171.photobucket.com/user/ldr_klr/slideshow/portfolio?sort=6
I am fairly familiar with vector work as well as raster design using inkscape, corel draw etc and as a previous user of the Carvewright, I'm good at stretching limits of machinery and software. (though we have gone down different paths, I enjoyed my Carvewright very much over the 4 years or so I used it)
At any rate, I'm starting a gifts and memorabilia business and will be purchasing a small laser to use to do work on some of my wood/corian/glass items I will be selling. My requirements are
small-medium size - 12 x 20 is adequate, though pass through or removable bottom would be nice for small engravings on larger items
able to engrave glass - I do some etching/sandblasting of glass already, but would like to add etching, especially when it comes to lettering on glass items
rotary ability - I definitely will be doing multiple line laser work on pens I turn, but also it would be nice to do bottles etc (again, I already blast, but want to add lettering ability which is significantly more time consuming and finicky)
Price is of course an issue, but I would love to hear your opinions of lasers at various price points... I'd like to spend somewhere between $4000 and $10000
I have a dedicated workshop with opportunity for external ventilation and adequate power.
I like buying US made items but understand it is difficult at this price point- I plan on a second, more capable (and expensive) machine purchase in the next couple of years.
Thanks in advance for your recommendations of lasers which you think might meet my initial requirements,
Lawrence
I've been a fairly active woodworker the last 10 years or so and that work included several (eventful) years working with a Carvewright. A portfolio of my hobby level work is here
http://s171.photobucket.com/user/ldr_klr/slideshow/portfolio?sort=6
I am fairly familiar with vector work as well as raster design using inkscape, corel draw etc and as a previous user of the Carvewright, I'm good at stretching limits of machinery and software. (though we have gone down different paths, I enjoyed my Carvewright very much over the 4 years or so I used it)
At any rate, I'm starting a gifts and memorabilia business and will be purchasing a small laser to use to do work on some of my wood/corian/glass items I will be selling. My requirements are
small-medium size - 12 x 20 is adequate, though pass through or removable bottom would be nice for small engravings on larger items
able to engrave glass - I do some etching/sandblasting of glass already, but would like to add etching, especially when it comes to lettering on glass items
rotary ability - I definitely will be doing multiple line laser work on pens I turn, but also it would be nice to do bottles etc (again, I already blast, but want to add lettering ability which is significantly more time consuming and finicky)
Price is of course an issue, but I would love to hear your opinions of lasers at various price points... I'd like to spend somewhere between $4000 and $10000
I have a dedicated workshop with opportunity for external ventilation and adequate power.
I like buying US made items but understand it is difficult at this price point- I plan on a second, more capable (and expensive) machine purchase in the next couple of years.
Thanks in advance for your recommendations of lasers which you think might meet my initial requirements,
Lawrence