High School Needing a Laser Engraver - Need Advice from Experts

[John Lifer]

I'm all for high schools teaching kids a useful function. And Yes, I did fundraising as a student for my JHS and HS bands. But we DIDN'T PRODUCE the items we sold. A COMPANY did!
And Keith, selling cookies is a bit different than the water bottle. I EAT every day, one box of cookies might not really affect a local bakery. If the school was selling year round and all the time, I might get upset.

I LOVE the idea of kids learning how to work, program and use the machines. I'm 100% with JDS not to sell to schools.
I have locally one of only two (that they know of) Chamber of Commerce that runs/funds a makerspace.
When I first learned about it, I was upset that they would be doing a lot of what I could do, and I'd lose business. So far, they have low powered laser and equipment that is only of use by kids learning, no way producing items to sell.
So learning is fine, I just don't like idea of selling products to fund it.
Good luck with the laser!

[Mike Null]

I'm in Ross' camp on this. i also wonder how they'll teach laser and cnc to kids who can barely read. At least that's what the news stories say. To muddy the water further, there are far more trade jobs available but the schools have stopped teaching trade skills. Here in St. Louis they don't even teach writing anymore.

[Lawrence Richards]

Our High School here has a GREAT tech building where they use teach CAD/CAM and use both a laser and a CNC along with other very cool toyls
http://www.ohsd.net/domain/211

I've spent some time talking with some of the teachers (my son is a Freshman) and their CTE program is both well funded and supported locally by businesses (including small businesses) The school is helping turn out their future employees and is doing a GREAT job preparing them.
http://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/news...-of-champions/

Just my (hopefully not too) myopic vision... and I wish you and your school all the very best with your endeavor. You are right that our children deserve the best and I applaud your endeavor. As a parent, I appreciate your stewardship.

Lawrence

ps- both I and the local school use Epilog Helix lasers... their CNC (I believe) is a Shopbot and I use a Shark HD.

[Barton Scott]

THANK YOU for the feedback!!

[Edward Moloney]

Kris Tennyson is the person to contact at Trotec's Corporate office. I have provided you with his contact information via PM.

Thank you , Ed