On Jun 4, 2:55*am, Dave Balderstone
wrote:
In article
,









Robatoy wrote:
On Jun 4, 1:08*am, Dave Balderstone wrote:
Anybody have experience with a laser engraver that would be suitable
for a small, low volume, one man operation? I'm considering buying, the
per piece rates around here are pretty steep.

Is a price range of $3-5 K realistic?

I haven't seen anything for under $11K that would be worth
considering.
The laser itself is what costs so much. Add to that a reasonable
enclosure to vent off the fumes and the over-all costs climb quickly.
I have done my homework as it is a 'fit' for my market. I would just
add it to my CNC.
Granted, I did this research 3 years ago and much could have changed
but a fellow CNC operator near here just bought a minimal laser CNC
just last year and he spent $ 15K and zero belles and whistles.
I will dig some more as numbers like $3-5K intrigue me. Keep me posted
if you find something.

r

Shall do. $11K+ is too rich for me at this time, unfortunately.

--
Woodworking and more at http://www.woodenwabbits.com

Keep in mind that when I did my research, I was looking to cut 1/2"
mineral filled acrylic which required a minimum of 120 watts of CO2
laser.

I have heard decent things about these guys: http://www.fullspectrumengineering.com/index.html
and I see that they have some reasonably priced machines.
I guess it is the same old same old. Size and power make a huge
difference in price.