Laser Engraving machines ?? Thoughts ??

[g8ina]

Morning all,

I'm very tempted right now to get a laser engraving machine (the space issue I have won't cover this as it can hide away in a cupboard when not in use).

Looking at the Atomstack A5 Pro 40W, which gives a 5-5.5 watt laser output. I have several products in mind, but mostly will be for engraving badges on leather or acrylic for turntables and amps etc, plus front panels, rear panels, turntable mats etc.

I can get the above named machine for under 300 quid.

Thoughts ?

[Ttaskmaster]

If you can set up a business or 'side hustle', maybe on Etsy or something, you can get into engraving merchandise like tankards, lighters, hip flasks, pocket knives, watch cases and all that stuff.
The thing would pay for itself fairly quick, and then you're sorted.

The local tobacconists got a computer-driven engraving machine so they could do small scale stuff on lighters, pipes, etc, done 'While-U-Wait' style. It only takes a couple of minutes and they charge a few squid on top of whichever product you buy.

I think it's a sound investment, in principle.
I know nothing about this particular machine, but the more materials you can engrave the better.



So....... HEXUS forum member discount?

[Saracen999]

My only caution about "investing" in a machine to use for business is you then have to get the requisite volume of business. I have done that a couple of times, but customers won't beat a path to your door just because you can do something-or-other.

That said, I was VAT-registered and it's not a bad way to acquire some tech toy .... I mean, tool .... and get it VAT-free. It's also not a good idea to overuse that method, though, or HMRC can get the hump and that is not a comfortable position to be in. I got audited twice, but fortunately, everything I did was legit, and justifiable .... even if not always commercially , ummmm .... successful.

[Rob_B]

I'd thought about one myself in the past and wondered if making custom stuff on etsy could help recoup the cost... But their just so damn expensive!

[chj]

So I did the same thing back in February, I thought it would be a good hobby and something I could use to get a bit of pocket money. Even though diode lasers are a lot slower than CO2 (it takes me about 40 minutes to engrave a photo onto a coaster for instance), the smaller footprint and bigger working area make it a good entry level. Also during that 40 minutes I can be doing something else.

The laser I got was a sculpfun S9 which is also a 5.5w diode for around £250. For the things you describe like engraving the atomstack should work well, just don't buy into the claims of it acting like more watts than it is or whatever they say, for cutting diode lasers are a bit pants. Also I've ended up spending a fair bit more than I intended on stuff like certified safety goggles (I didn't trust the ones that came with it), all the material I went through practicing, software for the laser (I recommend Lightburn it's great with a big community to help).

Another thing I'd say is if you have the space for it in a shed or something of the like it would be a lot easier. I'm in a small terrace with no such luck and so with the obvious risk of high powered laser and fumes I put together an enclosure with a viewing screen (orange acrylic 10mm thick) with an extractor too (it really stinks without it and a lot of fumes can be toxic). Also an enclosure meant when I did move it, I was less likely to damage the laser by accident. An air assist is really useful too, it really does help not just with cutting, but also getting the edges clean without soot staining.

I couldn't really give you any advice on the selling of stuff, I've only just dipped my toe into Etsy myself. I have realised that I need to come up with some ideas that actually have a good profit margin, because basic stuff like coasters costs so much in materials, postage, Etsy's tax, that the hour or so spent making it works out less than minimum wage.

[g8ina]

Thanks all, esp chj, most useful input cheers

[Jonj1611]

Some inspiration? : https://the-laser-boutique.com/

[g8ina]

OK, a Sculpfun S6 Pro is on its way. 5.5w optical laser power, plenty big enough working area. Got a 2nd hand one for just over a ton

[Jonj1611]

Nice and in the event of alien invasion I am sure it can be modified into a ray gun

[g8ina]

Die alien scum, sort of thing