Where are all the Laser people?

Share your information, hints and discuss Laser cutters/engravers

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Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.
mobilexile
 
Posts: 7
Joined: Sun Apr 22, 2007 9:18 am

Post by mobilexile »

No discouragement -- good information from one w experience...

I'm intrigued by the possibilities for etching in such high definition on many different substrates / surfaces. That's the draw for me. As I said, I;m a designer so this is like candy to a fella like me.

LBurger71
 
Posts: 11
Joined: Fri Apr 20, 2007 6:19 pm

looking for suggestions about Corel and others.......

Post by LBurger71 »

I sense that you guys don't like Corel? I am buying an Epilog the beginning of August. Right now I am reading and learning everything I can before I take the plunge. Everything else is set up for the business.......just need to order the laser. They suggest Corel, but I am open to anything else. Will you guys make some suggestions and why you may like something better than Corel? You don't have to give me big details if you don't want to.....just a few suggestions/ideas. I also do not want to go the route of trinkets (key chains, pens). Although they might be nice to do as corporate gifts because you will do hundreds at a time, I do not want my business to be about that. I have a few unique ideas I will be sticking with (at least they are unique right now haha). I also want to do a handful of things and maybe branch out later. I don't think it's smart to start out offering lots of things. I think that will pull me in too many directions........and then trying to stock all of that stuff?? No thanks!

Looking forward to hearing from you all......

Lisa Burger
Northeastern Pennsylvania

max
 
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Jun 13, 2007 3:08 pm

Post by max »

Hi, I'm about to sign in on the dotted line in the next few days for an epilogue 35 watt

A couple of questions, I am an electrical engineer turn designer. I have a firm use of photoshop.

- Is photograv worth buying then?

I asked my salesman that I can make the same photo corrections in photoshop...he said no, and photograve does specific optimizations for the laser. Honeslty I will be doing some picture lasering. Should I go with it?

I'm also a mac & photoshop user so using corel draw is a turn off, but not a problem if it does make a difference.

- do I need corel draw?

also

- is the pump for air assist worth the investment?

thanks in advance for the help

Dilly
 
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue May 29, 2007 10:16 am

Post by Dilly »

Hi,

I am in Ireland and I am just looking into starting a business here, at the moment I am only checking out the which Laser to use, I see the Epilog 18 seems to be the one to go with. There is a company near me that offers a demo, so I will go and book one this week.

The Laser Etching I have been viewing online is very impressive, its something completely differant, and hopefully something that will take off over here.

cheers

TechTatts
 
Posts: 16
Joined: Sat Jun 16, 2007 4:09 pm

It is good to be young and to already have the machine!

Post by TechTatts »

No more debating for me! My brand spanking new Unversal Laser is sitting in my office and we're getting ready to open our doors in Toledo. The rollercoaster is almost to the top of the hill and my pulse is racing but my hands are up in the air, the air smells good, and there is a smile on my face!

Now if I could just get the Webpage up and the business cards made, and the QuickBooks accounts setup and the funiture put together and the logo printed and the database and forms designed......

:D

LBurger71
 
Posts: 11
Joined: Fri Apr 20, 2007 6:19 pm

Re: It is good to be young and to already have the machine!

Post by LBurger71 »

TechTatts wrote:No more debating for me! My brand spanking new Unversal Laser is sitting in my office and we're getting ready to open our doors in Toledo. The rollercoaster is almost to the top of the hill and my pulse is racing but my hands are up in the air, the air smells good, and there is a smile on my face!

Now if I could just get the Webpage up and the business cards made, and the QuickBooks accounts setup and the funiture put together and the logo printed and the database and forms designed......

:D
I am so excited for you! I won't be getting my laser until August so I am trying to get things set up now........web page, office gear, etc. Are you working out of your home?

Lisa

adafruit
 
Posts: 12151
Joined: Thu Apr 06, 2006 4:21 pm

Re: It is good to be young and to already have the machine!

Post by adafruit »

TechTatts wrote:No more debating for me! My brand spanking new Unversal Laser is sitting in my office and we're getting ready to open our doors in Toledo. The rollercoaster is almost to the top of the hill and my pulse is racing but my hands are up in the air, the air smells good, and there is a smile on my face!
good luck! btw why Universal instead of Epilog? Just curious :)

TechTatts
 
Posts: 16
Joined: Sat Jun 16, 2007 4:09 pm

Post by TechTatts »

To reply to both Lisa and Limor,

I have the front room of the office of my husband, who is a software entreprenure and who got me into this mess :wink: He chose to go with Universal Lasers for a couple of reasons but the only one I can remember at the moment is that their rep in our area lives in the Toledo area and her show room is about three blocks from our house, which will make service and training much easier.

And now another question, about how far apart do you schedule appointments, those of you running appt. only businesses?

adafruit
 
Posts: 12151
Joined: Thu Apr 06, 2006 4:21 pm

Post by adafruit »

id start with one a day until you get a feel for it!

LaserGregg
 
Posts: 40
Joined: Tue Apr 10, 2007 9:51 pm

this is finally interesting

Post by LaserGregg »

Remember there is no help.... anywhere..... except your experience from total failure and maybe the ability to learn from it. Never leave your machine.....

LaserGregg
 
Posts: 40
Joined: Tue Apr 10, 2007 9:51 pm

new users?

Post by LaserGregg »

what happened to all the new users?
the three new laser adventurers I had read about months ago
Maybe not so easy as once thought.

LBurger71
 
Posts: 11
Joined: Fri Apr 20, 2007 6:19 pm

Re: new users?

Post by LBurger71 »

LaserGregg wrote:what happened to all the new users?
the three new laser adventurers I had read about months ago
Maybe not so easy as once thought.


I'm not sure if I was one of the new ones you mentioned.......I am still plugging along. I had to wait until I could get some money from my retirement to order the laser, so that will be ordered approx. this coming Tuesday :) I am very excited! I was going to put the laser and office in an area off of my garage, but I have decided to put up a building for it. Not sure yet if I will put up a garage sized one and give the hubby the other half to use, or a smaller size for me for now and garage later. Alot to think about. They said they can do the garage within two weeks and Epilog said it will be close to four weeks to get the laser once I order it....so that should work out well.

Lisa

LaserGregg
 
Posts: 40
Joined: Tue Apr 10, 2007 9:51 pm

excellent news

Post by LaserGregg »

Epilog Tech service is excellent.
you have to call and ask everything all the time.
Get to know everyone there... I have.
I can tell you that I have hit rock bottom and came out of it........
Get a real grip on every single part and its warrantee and what is covered. WE're talking lenses, optical strips the Tube, the RF Component,
the amplifiers, there's more and its not in the book.
I'm on the fence about many things regarding this space,
but the more I'm out here the harder it gets to find peers.
I'm reaching out here. but i can get you past all the firsts.
I hope you get a good Epilog install session in the weeks to come.
you will not know what to ask or look for..... this i went through.
I'm blasting out Plexi, Auminum, Steel, wood and granite all this weekend. We're talking showcars, Another factory Ferrari , keychains, and more.
also lastly reading your posting..... this piece of advice no one will ever take.... spend the money and double your power. you'll want it bad.

LBurger71
 
Posts: 11
Joined: Fri Apr 20, 2007 6:19 pm

Re: excellent news

Post by LBurger71 »

LaserGregg wrote:Epilog Tech service is excellent.
you have to call and ask everything all the time.
Get to know everyone there... I have.
I can tell you that I have hit rock bottom and came out of it........
Get a real grip on every single part and its warrantee and what is covered. WE're talking lenses, optical strips the Tube, the RF Component,
the amplifiers, there's more and its not in the book.
I'm on the fence about many things regarding this space,
but the more I'm out here the harder it gets to find peers.
I'm reaching out here. but i can get you past all the firsts.
I hope you get a good Epilog install session in the weeks to come.
you will not know what to ask or look for..... this i went through.
I'm blasting out Plexi, Auminum, Steel, wood and granite all this weekend. We're talking showcars, Another factory Ferrari , keychains, and more.
also lastly reading your posting..... this piece of advice no one will ever take.... spend the money and double your power. you'll want it bad.

I have decided to buy the Epilog 36 EXT 30 watt. The Epilog rep threw in a few nice things with the price (rotary attachment, air assist pump, blower). So far the two Epilog reps I have talked to have been great! The Epilog office is about 3 hours from me (NY) so if I am in a pinch where they can't help me over the phone, they can come out here in just a few hours. The rep will be spending two days here training me once the laser arrives. I have been reading about the lasers and their operation, etc. for a long time. I know that won't prepare me for unexpected things, but I think it has helped prepare me mentally. I spent over 16 years working in a factory in a very mechanical environment so maybe this will also help me if something were to go wrong (troubleshooting skills). I recently left that factory job. It was damn good money, but I couldn't take the stress any more. The swing shift really messes with your mind and body. I am 36 years old and supposedly have rheumatoid BANNED. I say supposedly because they change their mind every time I go to the specialist. I am on a heavy duty medicine that I need bloodwork every two weeks or so. It is helping the pain so I am thankful. I think they change their mind every appointment because my bone xrays look great. They don't see any erosion. Well if I am taking the medicine that prevents the erosion and helps the pain.....are they going to see erosion? :) So I figure at 36 it was time to make a change and do something I want to do. I am not afraid of hard work. I have worked since I was 15 (came from a big family that didn't have much money). I am not looking to make a particular fancy item like many laser people do. I am sure down the road I will find those couple of items that are my money maker that I will spend alot of time on. Right now I am open to pretty much trying anything. I have a few leads on corporate parts that need lasering. I am fine with that. I am running into many laser people who are spending alot of time on one particular product they want to be known for. How do you make your money out of something you spent so many hours on? Unless it's a large item. For example, I was told of a man who is making beautiful flag boxes for families of servicemen and women who have been killed. He spends alot of time engraving the box, engraving the glass.....etc. He even handmakes the wooden boxes. How do you get your money out of something like that? I am sure the boxes are awsome and treasured forever........but being realistic, how much time went into that for what he charges?

Thanks for any advice you give! I read everything I can from other laser people and actually do listen to all of the advice :) I know I am going to make mistakes along the way, but I am dedicated to adapting and changing and making a go of this :)

Lisa

LaserGregg
 
Posts: 40
Joined: Tue Apr 10, 2007 9:51 pm

you'll be fine.

Post by LaserGregg »

understand your new basics. First you will never gain time on a production run. 1 product taking 3 minutes. you will not get 20 an hour.
No one you know or will meet does what you are about to do.
Every other fabrication process applies stress to the object. this doesn't.
My Epilog guy was a crook. they are still embarrassed by it. I plunged cash three years ago. I'm in Orange County , NY. see my profile and website. You have to put the whole thing together here. or make a product. I don't. Make friends. fast. I've got 75 watts. and 32" table.
Learn your corel... learn your production times.
learn to create a zero tolerance for etching failures.
You're biggest advantage... will be your patience.

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