Fontgeek some info for you

[fresnojohns]

If you are interested in information about any sort of lasers I have
some engravers journals in my files and be glad to email you the names and numbers.
There are many, many are pains to keep working. Some are pricey to use.
Also since you are in the trade, you can maybe go to an R and I Recognition
show and see them first hand. I do engraving the pantograph and old push way no need for a laser one. International Engraving Devices near San Jose sells Roland and used ones, ask for Victor. Vision in Phoenix, and New Hermes. A trade show will be best. You will see any configuration possible.
And maybe what you need when you are ready to get one, or lease one.
I engrave with gravermeister handpiece and panto's. No need for that stuff.
Hope it helps
Fresnohns

[waycool]

Fontgeek
I have an Accuris co2 laser the table is 25x20 you can fold down the doors and do larger parts as well, if you have any question feel free to give me a shout out.

Waycool

[fontgeek]

Thanks FresnoJohns and Waycool,
I am a firm believer in doing my homework, and I usually find that the best kind of homework for this kind of stuff is asking people who are already using them. It's so easy to get caught up in the hype given by manufacturer's and vendors, but the real day to day users are usually the best informed about what does or doesn't work, and what features, bells & whistles, etc., I should look for or avoid.
For the most part, I want to try out stencil designs with some crash test dummies (read "Volunteers") to see if I am over or under thinking my designs. While the lasers run several thousand bucks, it doesn't take all that long to eat up that difference standing in line with a company who cuts them for me.
Those lines end up being long and expensive in all kinds of ways, so having a laser, or knowing someone local who will cut for me would save me weeks and dollars on designs that may or may not work.
FresnoJohn, if you can PM me, I can return your PM, for some reason, I have never been able to send a PM through this forum, though I can receive them and reply to them.
Thanks again guys, knowledge is power.