Engraving system - which one?

[8shot]

What technology is out there to engrave blue or stainless handgun parts like slides, barrels etc

Interested in a basic laser cutter or physical engraver but have no idea what to look for. (diode laser, fiber laser, CO2, wattage etc) and don't want spend a fortune if possible.

 

[chief38]

I know little about engraving as I have never done it, however I do have some hand engraved Belgium shotguns and do appreciate the workmanship. I was never really impressed with laser or machine engraved results but maybe they have improved that over the years. I would bet they have to some extent.

I tend to be a purist and and if I ever was interested in getting into it I would actually buy engraving tools and a special swiveling vise - then practice, practice and practice until I got good enough to do it one a real working gun.

I have been interested in hand checkering on grips and have almost ordered the tools a few times, I just never got to it. Maybe some day.....

 

[NewLiberty]

If you are wanting to do laser metal engraving, a fiber laser is going to be your primary option. 30W is about the bare minimum to get it done right, and in an efficient time.

 

[.38SuperMan]

I’ve looked and considered buying an engraved revolver for fifty years but never bought one. The ting I’ve noticed is the differences in quality and depth of engraving between engravers. Having seen some amazingly beautiful masterpieces I’ve also seen what I’d call chicken scratches represented as engraving. The quality varies tremendously and just because it was done the old way doesn’t make it better necessarily.

I’m a retired master photographer that cut his teeth shooting on an 8x10 film camera. When digital photography came along 25 years ago I was the first to seriously adopt it in my studio in my region. I’m still a “purist” of photography and still shoot film for myself but I’ve come to realize digital imaging is just as much an art as film. It takes as much skill to make the image but has advantages such as the ability to refine an image more than can be done with film and reproduce the perfected image an infinite number of times.

I see laser engraving the same way I see digital photography. The same degree or even greater degree of design talent is required and the ability to perfect the design is there before the process of engraving starts. Things are possible with laser engraving and digital photography that aren’t possible the old way and every copy is exactly the same and perfect. One isn’t better than the other, it’s just different way in how you get there.

I’d much rather have a very finely laser engraved gun than what I see as average mechanical engraving. Again I love and admire some of the beautifully engraved guns I’ve seen but I have no problem with new technology.

Take a look at the guns Altamont are doing. I’m considering getting them to engrave one of my Python.

 

[8shot]

If you are wanting to do laser metal engraving, a fiber laser is going to be your primary option. 30W is about the bare minimum to get it done right, and in an efficient time.

Thanks..the info I was seeking...have no intent of producing high end engraving....

 

[NewLiberty]

Thanks..the info I was seeking...have no intent of producing high end engraving....

I have been eying a setup from San Antonio laser for my business. They are pricey, but what you can do with them is amazing, but you certainly pay for it.

The laser settings for different materials, and the design work/software are really the secret sauce. A lot of T&E, and a lot of wasted materials, can be needed to get a laser dialed in.

C02 lasers tend to be more affordable, but aren't as well suited to metal. But are what you would want for plastics, wood, etc...

 

[8shot]

I have been eying a setup from San Antonio laser for my business. They are pricey, but what you can do with them is amazing, but you certainly pay for it.

The laser settings for different materials, and the design work/software are really the secret sauce. A lot of T&E, and a lot of wasted materials, can be needed to get a laser dialed in.

C02 lasers tend to be more affordable, but aren't as well suited to metal. But are what you would want for plastics, wood, etc...

Thanks...looks like I'm looking at 2K on the low side.

 

[scooter123]

Beretta is now using a 7 axis laser to engrave many of their mid range shotguns. As for the cost of these machines at a guess they are probably in the 250,000-750,000 dollar range. If you have questions about the quality, see the following image because it's 100% laser engraved. BTW, this system isn't being "pushed" at all hard for this. With enough time on the engraver it can produce deep scroll engraving as much as 3/16 inch deep into the metal.