Getting close to purchasing second Laser Trotec vs Epilog

[Patrick Cooley]

All,
Sorry, I didn't reply sooner. I very rarely get a chance to get on the forum. A couple points to add.
- Scott, your right, I shouldn't of compared what happened 3+ years ago. But, I also stated in my post a recent interaction (2/13/13) where we had very poor interaction from the USA home office. So in my opinion, things hadn't changed much.
- I also want to make clear that my interaction with Andy Wingfield the Trotec Sales rep has always been outstanding, and the disappointment came from the USA office staff.
- Craig, I was working with Trotec directly in the cases I stated.
- MIke, Always great catching up with you. It does sound like Trotec is doing a great job for everyone that has one. So yes, I will take a look at one for my next purchase.... which will be next year. I really hope that both Epilog and Trotec keep driving each other to be better, as we are the end winners.
Thanks for listening,
Pat.

[Mark Sipes]

I don't believe you should buy a Trotec...... If you do then we will not hear you complain that the machine is hard to use, 240V 50hz ? how do I rewire my shop, where does this wire go, instructions are confusing, machine is slow, software is too complex to understand, no one knows how to help me, I'm on my third tube in 2 years. I need Tech Support ! ......yada yada yada.......
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[Kevin Gregerson]

There is really no bad laser system just bad applications.

[Michael Kowalczyk]

I did not know they allowed sarcasm up there .
I agree with Mark...don't buy one this way those of us who already know the benefits of owning a Trotec will have less competition. Some people drive a Prius and some drive a BMW. They both can get you from point A to B and back to A. It just depends on what you want to do in between and how you want to do it.

[Kevin Gregerson]

I did not know they allowed sarcasm up there .
I agree with Mark...don't buy one this way those of us who already know the benefits of owning a Trotec will have less competition. Some people drive a Prius and some drive a BMW. They both can get you from point A to B and back to A. It just depends on what you want to do in between and how you want to do it.

Can't comment on any brand of laser really other than to say there isn't a one size fits all brand. I've seen shops make money on each brand. It really comes down to application.

[Matt Geraci]

I'm an engraver but use a sandblaster currently. Learning tons on lasers, thanks to y'all. I lost a contract to a guy with a laser and therefore am considering expanding my business and tools. Faster throughput, less prep work, less clean up... although lasers can't get as deep as my blaster... anyway I'm looking at Trotec-vs-Epilog - doing research, hope to test some models soon... My question is you guys that run your lasers 8-10 hrs a day -- HOW DO YOU DO IT and WHAT do you do?!?!
Cheers
Matt
Sandblaster Artist/Wanna-Be Businessman

[Jay Selway]

I have a helix 24. It's painfully slow. Having used a Trotec speedy, my next purchase will be a Trotec laser. Way faster.

[Kev Williams]

It's touching to hear everyone stick up for Trotec's and other's past customer service issues, 'aw, c'mon, give 'em another chance, they'll be better now!' --

But I'll bet there's still no such sticking-up for Gravograph's past customer service issues!.. Is there any regular on this board that's had any dealings with them lately? I haven't heard any, good OR bad.

But I digress. The reason I bring this is up is, no one seems to look at Gravograph for a laser. Checked them out lately? Their top machines will keep up with any Trotec, ULS or Epilog in every category. (Ok, maybe ) And they're bulletproof. My 900, the one Dan is always telling me to clean up, is 11 years old and the only maintenance item I've ever changed is the mirror over the lens. A few years ago the power supply blew a voltage regulator. Gravo's CS had me a half price rebuilt at my door the next morning. I have 13 computer-controlled New Hermes/Gravograph machines I've collected since 1981, who's combined ages now total 233 years... all of them are in perfect working order, and the power supply noted above has been the only major breakdown, ever. And that was an electrical issue. I honestly can't remember ever having a mechanical breakdown. Since 1981. Think about that-- how many of you were even born then?

Yeah, I have to admit that their CS hasn't been the best in the past. But does anyone have any recent experience?

I know I don't, something has to break down first!

[Mike Null]

I don't have and won't have recent experience due to my past experience with them.

[Tim Bateson]

Having just gone through this same process, I did choose another Epilog over Trotec. Price being only one of the reasons. History of superior support and familiarity were some of the other factors. Advancement in design was yet another. The M2 has implemented a number of improvements from my Mini24. Not to say the Mini was bad, it was and still is a work-horse. It's just the M2 is an even better machine. Waiting for it to arrive sometime this morning.

[Mike Null]

Tim

Congratulations on your acquisition. I'll be interested to see examples of your work with the fiber.

[Paul Phillips]

I don't have and won't have recent experience due to my past experience with them.

My feelings as well, my IS8000 is a rock solid piece of equipment, I just always felt like I was visiting a foreign country when using the software, granted my bad experience was with the local rep but it just left a bad feeling that I don't want to repeat.