Tom Majewski
11-20-2005, 2:14 PM
This is a great forum and I'm glad I stumbled onto it.
I’m trying to decide which laser to purchase. I’ve been talking to reps from Universal, Epilog, and Pinnacle. From all the input I get, it seems that a 35-40W laser will do. Basically, I’m a very artistic fellow (in my own mind and dreams-lol) who wants to combine my woodworking, metalworking, jewelry making, glass fusing, ceramics, and model making with some laser creations. It would also be great if people would beat a path to my door to buy this stuff and I can quit my day job, but…. who knows. I'd hate to buy this only for my personal entertainment.
Btw my day job is woodworking/ graphics/3D modeling/autocad design, and programming 4 axis cnc routers.
<O:p</O:p
I had tons of questions to ask, which brand, what power, what can I cut, what to charge… but from reading back to the first post here, most of my questions have been answered. THANKS!
<O:p</O:p
I guess the only question left, before I write a huge check, is this.
Is there anyone here who once, twice, or every day said – ya’know… this laser purchase was a bad idea. I’m not making what I thought I would be, people are not buying, I should sell this thing on ebay and put my money back in the bank.
<O:p</O:p
I have 4 garage bays of other tools and crafts collecter over the years, and although I sold some items before at craft fairs, (scroll saw work, toys, bookcases, tables) mostly I just build for my own enjoyment and to learn new things. Since this will be a big ticket item for me, I’d like it to *at least* pay for itself, and maybe pay me. So what I’m looking for I guess are people to tell me either – “Forget it. Unless you have business savy and already have a up and running shop, that laser is just gonna gather dust after the novelty wears off. Everyone has one and we’ve seen it all.” OR…. “Sure it’s a good idea. With an honest days work and some creativity, craftsmanship, and hustling you can make money with this.”
Are the hundreds of ideas and markets I think I can tap really there, or am I just a “technogeek/old world craftsman” who assumes everyone else thinks this is cool too.
<O:p</O:p
From my personal observations at craft shows, it seems everyone admires a work of art, but no one is buying it. Most want hand made items but want to pay walmart prices. Yet in my area there is no shortage of people making a living (whatever that may pay) doing a variety of crafts.
<O:p</O:p
So even though I’m probably going to buy it and jump in with both feet nomatterwhatusay, I really do want your advice, experience, and comments.
<O:p</O:p
Thanks,
Tom
I’m trying to decide which laser to purchase. I’ve been talking to reps from Universal, Epilog, and Pinnacle. From all the input I get, it seems that a 35-40W laser will do. Basically, I’m a very artistic fellow (in my own mind and dreams-lol) who wants to combine my woodworking, metalworking, jewelry making, glass fusing, ceramics, and model making with some laser creations. It would also be great if people would beat a path to my door to buy this stuff and I can quit my day job, but…. who knows. I'd hate to buy this only for my personal entertainment.
Btw my day job is woodworking/ graphics/3D modeling/autocad design, and programming 4 axis cnc routers.
<O:p</O:p
I had tons of questions to ask, which brand, what power, what can I cut, what to charge… but from reading back to the first post here, most of my questions have been answered. THANKS!
<O:p</O:p
I guess the only question left, before I write a huge check, is this.
Is there anyone here who once, twice, or every day said – ya’know… this laser purchase was a bad idea. I’m not making what I thought I would be, people are not buying, I should sell this thing on ebay and put my money back in the bank.
<O:p</O:p
I have 4 garage bays of other tools and crafts collecter over the years, and although I sold some items before at craft fairs, (scroll saw work, toys, bookcases, tables) mostly I just build for my own enjoyment and to learn new things. Since this will be a big ticket item for me, I’d like it to *at least* pay for itself, and maybe pay me. So what I’m looking for I guess are people to tell me either – “Forget it. Unless you have business savy and already have a up and running shop, that laser is just gonna gather dust after the novelty wears off. Everyone has one and we’ve seen it all.” OR…. “Sure it’s a good idea. With an honest days work and some creativity, craftsmanship, and hustling you can make money with this.”
Are the hundreds of ideas and markets I think I can tap really there, or am I just a “technogeek/old world craftsman” who assumes everyone else thinks this is cool too.
<O:p</O:p
From my personal observations at craft shows, it seems everyone admires a work of art, but no one is buying it. Most want hand made items but want to pay walmart prices. Yet in my area there is no shortage of people making a living (whatever that may pay) doing a variety of crafts.
<O:p</O:p
So even though I’m probably going to buy it and jump in with both feet nomatterwhatusay, I really do want your advice, experience, and comments.
<O:p</O:p
Thanks,
Tom