well, thats 2 of us that love the idea but others have foresighted obstacles in my way. after careful looking into my future I see these as so, but Dad told me I never listened to reason, I had to go my way
I wouldn’t take a laser cutter into a flea market.
Too complex, laptop, laser, power supply, random objects, on-the-spot design then cut, under a gazebo, fold out table, camp chair, regular stream of customers, out in the weather. What could go wrong ?
I’m at the markets selling LazrCutz little wooden thingamajigs, made at home in my workshop.
If someone wants custom, I take notes, contact details, go home and do it.
Not in today’s world, Ken. Engrave items you stock and sell and won’t give you a heart attack if a mistake is made.
In essence you’re in the same realm of a tattoo artist, but you’re working on inanimate objects.
They trust their eyes, hands, and skill set. You have to trust a machine, firmware, software, you’re interpretation of their printing, power availability/constraints, how well you fasten/locate the piece, did your clamping or fixturing damage the piece? All this with a possible crowd looking at you.
I dunno, man.
Hello,
Based on my own modest experience when working with laser cutting/engraving an unknown material, you have to try and test to workout the perfect parameters for the job.
So for me I would sell on the market your own item with premade and on the spot customable engraving. On the other side, you can propose to the customer to come to your shop for special engraving on unique items.
hey bigtree that sounds GR8
so folkien is what your saying is, customize my own thing
got it thks
Not with the lawyers of the world. You need to deeply insulate your self from the litigious blood suckers. Your machine is dangerous.
Getting the setting tuned for a new product can be hit and miss. If you wreck a piece the customer brings to you, will you be willing to cover the cost of replacing it?
yes thks, read my latest post. thks again
Just a side note: the X4 pro is NOT a class 1 laser device. I know they have some certification, but at least it’s not sufficient for Europe, and I guess also not for US/CA. Even xTool-devices only have fake class 1 certificates to my knowledge. None of them have undergone testing in EU/US labs to certify it.
from what I was told it is because of the enclosure
We are in a similar situation, start up laser engraving biz.
Our focus will be on original art pieces.
What I did not see mentioned in regards to engraving on site.
My gut tells me it would have to be so enclosed the public could not see the laser.
There will always be a few who can’t resist the temptation to stare at the beam.
GL, hope you do well.
Check the regulations of your country. For EU, I can tell that there are only one or two diode laser models available that have a valid certification. All others are illegal. That’s why you don’t have physical stores anywhere, like you have with 3D printers. It’s just because selling those is illegal.
I would always use a fully closed box (no windows) and put it to an area that is not visible to the public. If it’s indoors, you need a air purifier as well, but not those cheap ones, use a tested one, which start around $600. There should be absolutely no smell if the laser is running.
Hi.
Well, on the first reply:
And since that very topic of an enclosure has been covered on many previous threads, the details were not mentioned.
As @misken pointed out, the enclosure itself is not enough, no matter how well made (mine is an ATA-style case without windows), there has to be certified safety features for every imaginable and unimaginable scenario as well.
And obviously fume control, etc.
Doable, yes.
Feasible, no.
IMO anyway.
Regards,
Sam
Make it your own decision to…Take all the advice above very seriously!
From experience, there are many technical and non technical, legai, safety, environmental and profitability issues to make it worthwhile.
You have to be attentive to too many other things during a day trading to be messing with tech.
Keep it simple!!
Years ago, my wife worked at an engraving shop. Engraving personal items is not a good idea in case a mistake is made. Instead, sell a selection of bracelets and offer free engraving. That way, you control your expenses and you’re working with a material that you have already created settings for.
It’s better to die trying than live doing nothing…