Any framers out there doing brass plates in house? I am looking at buying an engraver and wanted any suggestions of what to look for. Another possibility is a laser engraver if anyone has any experience with that type machine. Thanks, Mike
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In house engraving
- Thread starter Mike Drury MCPF
- Start date
Go with the laser. No one is updating the controllers or the software for rotary engraving.
The laser does everything better and is much more versatile.
There is a very steep learning curve with both methods, but the laser has the fewest variables. If you are very familiar with Corel Draw, you will have a leg up.
IMHO unless you have a pressing need for speed or a volume expected to produce sales of $50,000 plus per year, you are almost always better off outsourcing this work. Lasers have evened out all of the quality issues.
I still have my rotary engraver, but can't remember the last time I used it. I found someone locally that keeps all of the latest tools and materials. He can supply my needs for less than the cost of the time it would take me to set it up and it one less maintenance headache.
I can make $200 framing in the time it takes me to make a $12.95 plate. So I buy it wholesale for $5 and have it at most a day or two later.
I made money on my machine 15 years ago, but I acquired it mainly to be able to have what I needed when I needed it. It was more about quality and service than a profit center. I got lucky and had a single large order that paid for the machine & controller, but oh the time! I had it then, but would not repeat it now.
It is very hard to make money on them these days without significant volume. It is a lot like framing: don't go down that road unless you have a love for it.
The laser does everything better and is much more versatile.
There is a very steep learning curve with both methods, but the laser has the fewest variables. If you are very familiar with Corel Draw, you will have a leg up.
IMHO unless you have a pressing need for speed or a volume expected to produce sales of $50,000 plus per year, you are almost always better off outsourcing this work. Lasers have evened out all of the quality issues.
I still have my rotary engraver, but can't remember the last time I used it. I found someone locally that keeps all of the latest tools and materials. He can supply my needs for less than the cost of the time it would take me to set it up and it one less maintenance headache.
I can make $200 framing in the time it takes me to make a $12.95 plate. So I buy it wholesale for $5 and have it at most a day or two later.
I made money on my machine 15 years ago, but I acquired it mainly to be able to have what I needed when I needed it. It was more about quality and service than a profit center. I got lucky and had a single large order that paid for the machine & controller, but oh the time! I had it then, but would not repeat it now.
It is very hard to make money on them these days without significant volume. It is a lot like framing: don't go down that road unless you have a love for it.
Russ Wood
Frequent Poster
Mike, I was calling some of my PPFA members in my chapter, and I found that two in some of the smaller geographic areas with general population decline, were showing some real sales growth in their laser business. [both are more than 100 miles from Denver].
One uses it to cut unique designs in mats too. One mentioned the equipment costs were not that high,[not sure what that means], but said the learning curve was significant. I also learned he was doing unique mat designs for some of the better known frame shops in our area.
If I were younger, I would certainly look forward to understanding this more.
I wonder if there will be any exhibitors at WCAF that sells this equipment?
One uses it to cut unique designs in mats too. One mentioned the equipment costs were not that high,[not sure what that means], but said the learning curve was significant. I also learned he was doing unique mat designs for some of the better known frame shops in our area.
If I were younger, I would certainly look forward to understanding this more.
I wonder if there will be any exhibitors at WCAF that sells this equipment?
I have to agree with Greg, even though my husband takes care of all that side of the business with school UIL contracts...so for me, a quick text gets my job done....BUT, we don't have a laser engraver, we sub that part out.....we have a nice relationship with another engraver for specialty jobs on acrylic, mats, etc.....Give someone else the job!
