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Thread: Rotary Engraving Machine?

  1. #1
    Ed Newbold Guest

    Rotary Engraving Machine?

    I have an opportunity to add a Hermes Engravograph ITF-KII to my shop and was wondering if anyone has any experience with a machine of this type. The seller has two of them but only needs one of them. Since I do laser engravings for him on a regular basis, he offered the machine to me first. Asking price is $325 and it comes with "several" fonts. It appears to be in relatively good condition, and I've been needing something to tackle those metal engraving projects that people are always asking me about. Any thoughts? Thanks,

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    Slippery Rock, PA
    Posts
    556

    engraver

    ED
    I have one that is powered and can be changed to a diamond drag.
    would not be without it. Like you said for those other jobs.
    For what he is asking and it comes with fonts its well worth the money.
    IMHO
    ken
    Epilog Laser, CNC equipment, Corel X3 & 4, Aspire

  3. #3
    Ed

    Does it have the diamond drag spindle?

    A general value for a used font set is about $100. If it comes with 3 or 4 sets consider the machine to be free.

    A word of warning-----buying this machine will soon lead to buying a computerized rotary/diamond drag machine.

    I also have an engraving manual (general purpose) on pdf. If you'd like to have it pm your email address.
    Last edited by Mike Null; 03-14-2008 at 12:10 PM. Reason: addition
    Mike Null

    St. Louis Laser, Inc.

    Trotec Speedy 300, 80 watt
    Gravograph IS400
    Woodworking shop CLTT and Laser Sublimation
    Dye Sublimation
    CorelDraw X5, X7

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Corvallis, Oregon
    Posts
    443
    I agree with the other posts.... get it! That is a very good deal. You will find lots of uses for it. I have an IRX-KII with the one to one arm, and, while I don't use it a lot, every now and then it saves the day. As was said in a previous post, any complete font goes for $100 on ebay, so the machine is free. If you eventually get a CNC engraver, you can make your own fonts and logos for the pantograph. A lot of people make a good living with just pantographs. Your next goal should be to find one of the GT series machines so you can do bowls and cups.

    Mark
    ULS X-2 660, Corel X3, Haas VF4, Graphtec vinyl cutter, Xenetech rotaries (3), Dahlgren Tables, Gorton P2-3, New Hermes pantographs (2), and recently, 24" x 36" chinese router. Also do sublimation, sand blasting, & metal photo. Engraver since 1975.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Maple, Ontario, Canada
    Posts
    1,010
    Ed,

    That is table top machine for flat work if memory serves.

    Like Mark said, GT machine is better suited for round and add shape objects and usually comes with number of workholding jigs.

    For $325.00 you cant go wrong on this one if it comes with few fonts and rotary motor. For drag engraving you will need attachment unless d-drag option is included.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Oxnard, CA
    Posts
    117

    Pedal to the metal

    Ed,

    What types of metal engraving jobs have you been turning down?

    The machine you're mentioning is better-suited for rotary engraving than diamond drag, although capable enough for both.

    Deep engraving in metal, to be color-filled, is an area where you won't find much competition and may be a good niche for you.

    As others have mentioned, the price makes your decision a no-brainer.

    David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri

  7. #7
    Ed

    Here's a web site I've found to be helpful.

    http://www.antaresinc.net/2004EngMain.html
    Mike Null

    St. Louis Laser, Inc.

    Trotec Speedy 300, 80 watt
    Gravograph IS400
    Woodworking shop CLTT and Laser Sublimation
    Dye Sublimation
    CorelDraw X5, X7

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