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I was wondering if anyone on here was using any larger CNCs or laser engravers and could offer some advice. I have folks ask for large carvings and though I know How to do the multi board projects, it would be nice to have the ability to do it all at once. The laser has a wider range of applications but the expense is problematic. PM me if you have suggestions.
Thanks.
Martin
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Sent you a pm hope you get it.
My suggestion would be to have a clear market and business plan. Also a specific product you want to produce with your tools. My 40W engraving laser has been sitting in my shop corner and it hasn't been turned on for almost 2 years. I have plans to play with it this weekend but I don't even know if it works. The worst thing you can do to a laser tube is not use it.
Take a look at the Shopbot products and Vectric software. Expensive but VERY reliable and the tech support for both companies is second to none.
We have a Maker Space in my town and I often use the Epilog Lasers and the 3d printers. They just got a large format CNC but I have to take an orientation class before I can use it and I have not done so yet. I really enjoy using the lasers but I could not afford to buy one. A quick check shows many Maker Spaces in Texas you might want to check for some near you. Even an hour drive would be worth it to go spend a day or so a month working with laser engravers before buying one. I often do the design and setup work at home then just reserve some time and run in and do my work and then leave within an hour or so. I sold a lot of laser engraved items at the last craft show I did.
I have not heard of them, what a great idea. I'll have to look them up.
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While far from the best solution for large sign making, handibot, looks like a serious competitor at the price point for the carvewright. While it doesn't do long pieces as well, if it doesn't have part availability problems and you can use the software for other machines and move to bigger machines if you want that is quite an advantage.
Maybe for a Job Site CNC the handibot makes sense but for an in the shop machine to me it does not. There is one at the makerspace I go to and I have seen it in action.
A friend of mine that owns a carvewright has recently purchased a Digital Wood Carver and have been very pleased with it. Look them up.
Rockler was taking orders for a cnc router last fall. {Although I could not download the u-tube video}, sounds interesting.
Please be careful with this thread.
It is, so far, fine to talk about competition or other tools, but could very easily stray to breaking the following forum rule:
Do not engage in disruptive posting behavior: Users are expected to refrain from "trolling"threads and to post with some level of maturity. Trolling posts include the following actions with thepurpose of causing a disturbance in the community:
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+1..... I TOO have a Laser Engraver sitting in the corner that has not been turned on in over 4 years.... LOL... Just TOO many toys and TOO little time.... I have a Rotary Engraver too... That is about 5 years... It has much better resolution for fine text but only a 9 x 12 inch table. Also have a Vinyl Cutter and that is going on 2 years since I have used it. With the laser, the tube is likely about gone... True letting them sit... they leak... It's a old Epilog and a after market tube recharge ($2K) would give it another 10 years of life but it is only a 25 watt.Quote:
Originally Posted by oscarl48
A family friend will likely be joining the CarveWright community soon with a CX. I look forward to seeing his creations. He first saw me at a Craft Show in 2008 with my Cute Cousin and was interested then but now has the time to play. I wish him well.
A business plan is a good thing... My plan has changed as the market changed from Craft Stuff to Fire Stuff. So be flexible.... Just don't go down the slippery road of Copyright violations... The sports stuff looks like a money maker without a license but it can lead to bad things....
Good Luck,
AL
I hope to be less misleading; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_wk3q8jWcs https://shapertools.com/ I believe this tool may never replace relief carving with a Carvewright, but may have a place in diversifying a modern woodshop.Quote:
Originally Posted by lynnfrwd
It is amazing how quickly technology is growing. 3d printers, hand held cnc routers, laser engravers,and so on. I personally do not even feel that I have scratched the surface of the capabilities of my CarveWright, I am still trying to learn all of the software and what it can do. We have had our machines for about 4 years and I still haven't tried scanning, or lithograph, or slicing, or, or ,or the list goes on. The reason we went with CarveWright was the software package and its capabilities and I am always learning and amazed at what I see people accomplish with this machine.