As some people know, we had a representative out from Engraving Concepts last week. He brought with him and demoed a Epilog Helix 24x18 50W. That machine costs $18,500. With installation and some accessories that brings the total to approximately $21,000.
I am proposing that we start funding that as our new laser. I am going to try to get the BoD to do a matching campaign.
If not enough interest is generated we will see about another laser company and/or different laser type.
That being said, WE NEED CASH! We also need another laser to take some of the load off of our current setup.
BEFORE you donate: Note that the money will be for the second laser. If you have an interest in the Epilog please say so on this thread. If you don’t want an Epilog, please say so in this thread.
In either event here is the link to paypal for the second laser. Donate
Their materials section has this "* CO2 lasers will mark bare metals when coated with a metal marking solution. For more information, visit our laser metal marking page. "
"CO2 Lasers for Metal Marking
Non-contact CO2 laser marking is an excellent method of permanently
marking your products. While traditional metal engraving removes part of
the tool, changing the strength of the part, the laser mark is actually
on top of the metal. Wherever the laser hits the metal marking spray, a
reaction is created where the spray bonds to the metal, creating a
permanent black mark. Whether you’re marking one part or a thousand,
nothing compares to the fast and affordable marking that an Epilog laser
system provides. The CO2 laser systems that work with the additional
spray are also more versatile than our FiberMark system because they
will work with wood, acrylic, leather and many more materials. For a
brochure and sample kit, please visit our CO2 laser brochure request
form.
The Advantages of CO2 Laser Metal Marking
Lowest cost of machinery for laser marking;Produce a very high-contrast black mark;Does not change the tolerances of the tool because no material is removed;Can be operated from almost any Windows-based software;Is exceptionally easy to use by practically anyone in your organization!"
I notice that the most powerful Helix model is half as powerful as our current laser, at 75 Watts. It does appear to have nice attachments, and it’s air cooled. I was impressed with the quality of the samples left in the workshop.
I don’t care what they say, engraving is of far more interest to me — and, crucially, is a capability we do not have now, whereas this “non-contact marking” is something we could do with the existing laser.
Unfortunately, I found out about the demonstration after the fact. I would be curious to see how well the device operates.
Incidentally, our current laser is capable of more than it does, though we might have to buy some additional component for it. I think the Laser Committee is more worried about getting a second laser, though, due to the bottleneck of having only one laser.
I love it. I’m with @publius, laser engraving is what really interests me. A couple of years back, I saw models like this at a sign show and they are absolutely worthwhile.
When the salesman was there demoing, someone asked him about the laser that was posted for sale above the water fountain for $10K. He said if it is legit, then we should buy it as soon as possible because he couldn’t touch that machine for that price. Why is no one talking about that one?
That reminds me… If we can’t figure out who posted it, and they don’t respond to the calls… we really should take the signs down. I’ll “Google” the phone number when I get there tonight and see if it comes up with anything…
If anyone can come up with a comparable deal (price-wise) on a Fiber or Nd:YAG laser engraver - that can handle true engraving (vs marking like the co2 lasers do), by all means - post info and links!
The primary focus of this thread is to basically give members the opportunity to start donating money toward a new laser. For a purchase the size of a nice laser (regardless of the type or brand), our best chance of actually getting another laser will be by requesting “Matching Funds” from the Board of Directors (pretty much how we did with the HAAS Mill… Which BTW was an amazing show of interest… Something like Over $5,000 was raised by member donations alone, in only about four HOURS! THAT left no doubt in anyone’s mind whether there was interest in the purchase! )
That being said… Yes ~ please offer ideas and suggestions! BUT most important is to offer solid “interest” through donations… Every little bit will help! Basically, if we can get enough interest/donations, we can ask the Board if they will match. If they agree to match, we get twice the bang for our buck!
How’s the donation drive coming along? If you’ve ever wished we could have a second Laser, so you wouldn’t have to wait so long, etc… Now is a great time to donate some $$ to help the 'Space get another one!
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