Engraving machines

[calebjon]

With the new requirements for engraving in California, I'm wondering if the economics and engraver backlogs make a decent argument for buying an engraving machine. My requirements are:

1. Basic engraving for make, model and serial number to ATF specs (no need for logos or scroll work)
2. Be able to engrave annodized aluminum, unannodized aluminum, steel flats, steel tubes

Any recommendations on setups to look into? Is $2K an appropriate budget?

[Lone_gunr]

Interestingly enough, I had been calling all of the local engraving shops around my area and NONE of them want to touch the 80% lowers I have. It's kind of devastating now, as many Cerakote applicators will not touch the lowers, if they don't have a serial number on them now.

[MosinVirus]

These lasers are pretty great.

Both local engravers I have gone to use these.

http://www.ztechlasers.com/laser_engravers.html

[CSACANNONEER]

I've been wondering the exact same thing.

Be careful with laser engravers. Some do not engrave deep enough to satisfy the legal requirements, they just permanently mark the material.

[MosinVirus]

I've been wondering the exact same thing.

Be careful with laser engravers. Some do not engrave deep enough to satisfy the legal requirements, they just permanently mark the material.

I posted a link to engravers, not markers. They have the lasers split into sections based on applications.

[CSACANNONEER]

I posted a link to engravers, not markers. They have the lasers split into sections based on applications.

Yes you did. I was not commenting on your post but merely stating a fact that those of us looking for our first "laser engraver" might not know.

[readysetgo]

At least one other member thought it would be worthwhile.

Aggressive fiber laser.

[MosinVirus]

Yes you did. I was not commenting on your post but merely stating a fact that those of us looking for our first "laser engraver" might not know.

Understood.

[Dnele928]

How about stamping? Anybody tried that?

[strongpoint]

Tagging, because I just had this idea and was doing some research this morning. I was just getting into looking at pantograph engravers when I had to bail.

How about stamping? Anybody tried that?

Would probably work, but stamp sets are pretty expensive, as are the devices that hold a line of letters so they can be stamped at once.

[readysetgo]

Would probably work, but stamp sets are pretty expensive, as are the devices that hold a line of letters so they can be stamped at once.

Hey, who said it's gotta be straight? Just whack it caveman style.

[Twystd1]

Thinking out loud here.....

If I stamped or Laser anyone else's receiver (other than my own). Would I need a 07 FFL to legally place serials on a weapon. Even though I am not the manufacturer? Just the engraver?

Do you guys have any read on the legality of that question?

-T

[VaderSpade]

I'm afraid the market will dry up in CA soon after these laws go into effect.
Most people built so big brother does not have his eyes on EVERYTHING we do. That will be gone, AND there will be added cost to building your own.

A entry level laser that will do deep engraving is about $35,000.00. Just a little over OP's budget. The guys in MosinVirus link quoted me $85.000.00 a couple years back.

And then you will need software and other tooling. I have well over $25,000.00 in my little CNC setup.

And then there is the learning curve. With my first mill turning out to be a lemon it was two years before I was making any money. After several years I still need my lapidary business and the wife's income to make ends meet.

Remember when 80% lowers were selling for $300.00? Everyone jumped on the bandwagon and 80% lowers were soon $29.00. That was hard on a lot of guys that invested in equipment.

[VaderSpade]

Thinking out loud here.....

If I stamped or Laser anyone else's receiver (other than my own). Would I need a 07 FFL to legally place serials on a weapon. Even though I am not the manufacturer? Just the engraver?

Do you guys have any read on the legality of that question?

-T

80% lowers are fine. Once any work has be started you would need an FFL. Customers standing by is a grey area. Check Lone_gunr's post.

[Rorge Retson]

How about stamping? Anybody tried that?

Yep - if you strike hard enough to make a good mark, you distort the aluminum (change shape, other side).

Ask me how I know.