Laser engravers?

[mastevt]

I was wondering if any of you call makers out there have your own laser engraver?  It's something I've been seriously looking at to take my calls to the next level.  Seems like I'm doing more and more custom calls, and my laser guy is 15 miles away, and it takes him a week or more to get it done.  I also make custom euro plaques, so it will cool to use it for them too, possibly more.  Just was wondering if any of you made the investment, and was happy that you did. 

[Lonehowl]

Mike at C&S Custom Calls does lasering. Good prices too I hear. Dont know what his turn around time is but you might hit him up.
Mark
http://www.cscustomcalls.com/

[Spring Creek Calls]

I know Tom Crook of Mississippi Scratch Box took the plunge a couple years ago. I'm lucky as I have a local guy that usually gets my paddles done in 1 to 2 days.

[mastevt]

I was hoping to get a little feedback from those who have them.  Guess nobody here has one.  Like I said, I got a guy.  He's reasonable, but a ways away, and a week or so turn around.  I'm meeting with the rep on thursday.  Gonna set up a machine, and burn a few blanks and strikers.  See if it will meet my needs.  Just have the jitters on that much of an investment.  Guess if your gonna go, might as well go big.  Can't take it with ya. LOL.  It would open up alot more opertunities to make money, so that is a plus.

[EZ CNC Designs]

If you do purchase a laser engraver, you will more than likely never pay off the investment. Engravers can cost from $10,000 to $25,000+ based on the model. If you are looking to invest in one for profit, you will have to do other jobs other than turkey calls. Say that you make 5 calls per week (which is rather high production for a an average do it for fun call maker) and you charge 10 extra dollars for lasering the call which would equal to about $2500 per year. That's 4-10+ years without any turnaround. This does not factor in the cost of running the machine (electric bill), or repairs. By the time you would pay it off, you'll likely be due for a new  machine. Unless you are purchasing a laser and looking for a profit and lasering objects other than just calls, I would recommend sticking with your guy to do lasering. Ask him how much his machine costs, what it costs to operate, and how long it took for him to make a profit.

[mastevt]

Thanks for the input!  I was hoping to branch out a bit with it.  Make it into a side business.  Gun stocks, plaques, cell phones, and other devices you name it.  Even do it for some other call makers.