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Sign making for begginers
Hi All :wave3:
As stated in my intro post I am currentley looking to use our 45watt laser engraving machine in conjuction with other sign-making equipment (yet to be purchased) to produce small simple house/business signs – wooden, slate, acrylic etc..
The problem is I have no idea at all about making signs -For example do I need a combined printer/cutter or just a cutter, where is best to buy one on a budget.. etc.
I would be very grateful if someone could point me in the direction of “Sign making for begginers” – may it be a book, www or part time courses in the southwest.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Many thanks
Russ
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10 Replies
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I don’t know enough to help you russ but maybe you could tell us more about what it is you are doing with your laser engraving
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sign making for beginners? best place is here mate. not being biased, just the honest truth. this place is pact full of knowledgable sign makers, just ask and you will get an answer. 😀
regarding cutter, printer. what sort of signs do you want to do? that would be a good start before purchasing any kit. 😉
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Hi Andy & Rob
At present we are laser engraving anodised aluminium products like CD holders, key fobs, tax disc holders with various logos and personalised messages.
We are looking to use the laser machine, as said, in conjunction with possibly a vinyl cutter and some sort of rotary engraver to produce small signs on acrylic (one or two colours), slate, wood etc.
After a little digging on the net I’ve looked at the possibility of getting a mid size Stika cutter as it seems reasonably priced and would cope with the type of signs we plan to do – am I right.
With ref to the rotary engraver I’m looking at the Roland EGX 400/600. The price is around £8500.00 which is a little more than I expected/wanted to pay- any suggestions for a cheaper alternative. Would like to be able to engrave signs up to 60x30cm.
Russ
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Russ
Is the Stika a 12″ plotter – if that side of the business takes off you may wish you purchased a 24″ plotter even a good second hand one it would just give you some more options and make life easier for bigger jobs.
As far as the rotary engraver is concerned does the Roland engrave brass or aluminium as you will find a demand for this work – it probably will not touch steel though. Try to consider the long term aim of what work you want to get in to just engraving on to a £5 traff label is not as good as doing a £50+ brass plaque having said that we recently did an order for 10,000 1″ dog disks and 1″ traff disks engraved and drag engraved – brought in £7000 for 2 days work just the type of work the Roland machine could probably do (although these type of orders are rare to come by). We use an Gravograph industrial type engraver and watching it work it seems to me the art of rotary engraving is in the use of the correct cutter rather than the software so make sure the training package is a good one.
Check out all the engraving packages available and then chose once its bought it’s bought. When you have done your research use this forum to ask questions about the machines you like – somebody will know.
Main advice I suppose is do not limit your capabilities look beyond the work you are doing now and then some
Mike
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we are a sign shop in north devon… must admit engraving isn’t the greatest demand. Nike has good comments.
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Hi,
I have both types of machines. A roland EGX 300 rotary engraver (maximum cut 305mm x 230mm). I also have a Roland CX 24 plotter.
If I had to choose between any of the two machines, the Plotter would win hands down.
It is quick, and has a great profit margin – and there is a lot of demand for vinyl cut stckers.
Engraving on the other hand – is a lot slower – there is less demand – and the profit margin is far less. (unless engraving Brass)
I started with the plotter – the proceeds of which bought the engraver and a versacamm sp300. – 90% of the business is straight cut vinyl.
It is a solid machine and for the price diffence I would buy the 24″ rather than the smaller ones – you will not regret it.
Just my opinion – hope it helps.[/u] -
Russ, anything you want to know about engraving machines give this guy a ring, his name is Brian, and he is the director of a company called Modern Engraving ltd in Stoke on Trent. He is my x- employer and will be more than willing to answer any questions.PN. 01782 849055. hope this helps. Cat.
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Russ
Just a couple more comments about engraving machine – know who your customers might be to target them.
Electrical Contractors/Machine Manfacturers
Engraving sockets
Labels for electrical equipment
Tags/Discs for pipes
Control panels (mimic panels)
Data Plates
Safety SignsGeneral Businesses
Stencils
Interior Door Nameplates
Door Name Sliders
Engraving Tools or Manufactured Parts (Engineering Companies)
Brass/Aluminium Entrance Plaques
Commemorative/Memorial Plaques – any newbuilding being built usually as an opening ceremony – even people bury pets in gardens like a plaque (Vets)
Hospitals – engraved perspex is used in a lot of them
Boat Manufacturers
Braille signs perhaps something that is starting to take off now
Local Horse Stables – nameplates for stable doors. Tags/Disks for bridles
Classic Car Restorers – replicate data plates on old carsI hope you see especially under general that any business might need an engraved label so target them with right product – i.e. offices – door nameplates brass signs – Hospitals – engraved perspex etc etc.
I would advise that by purchasing a 24″ vinyl plotter as well you could then offer an all round service with general signage as well as engraved. Remember tell them you do both it’s amazing how many good clients go elsewhere because ‘I did not know you did that!!!!!’ 😮
Anway hope this helps
Mike
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if you are wanting to make signs ide say stay away from a stika, spend more on a second hand machine 24″ or better still a new cutter. you will get a top end one for around £1200 with warranties the lot. i dont like advising on second hand machines unless you are positive its from a reputable source.
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Thanks guys for all the advice.
Think I will start to look at a larger plotter – 24″ as suggested. I will go through old posts to find info on one in the region of £1000. Rob you mentioned that I could get one for £1200 warranties etc – can you tell me who to contact please if you are allowed.
As you mentioned Mike – I would like to offer clients an all round service with both machines. Thanks for the targeting ideas – brilliant.
Thanks again
Russ
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