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Posted: 8/25/2024 11:21:38 AM EDT
| Currently have a 07 FFL and just sent in the paperwork for my Class 2 SOT. I'm a home based FFL so no big shop or anything (will be building a workshop on the back of my property next year, but not there yet and not completely dedicated to FFL stuff). How are you smaller guys doing your engraving? Are there any inexpensive CNC engravers out there that are worth a darn but won't cost me an arm and a leg? Or perhaps a laser engraver that will burn deep enough on aluminum or steel? I'd love to be able to fully engrave 80% lowers as well, but main concern is probably mfg info for posties. I'd like to avoid the electro pencil route if I can. |
No, my name has nothing to do with enemas.
Joined:
Jan 2007
Posts:
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MO, USA
| 20 watt fiber laser at a minimum. You can get one with a MAX brand laser source, which is the cheapest of the sources. They have a poor reputation, but unless your entire bread and butter (or a large part of it) is laser engraving, then it should do just fine. It used to be known that Raycus was the worst laser source, but apparently that's changed over the years. You should be able to find one under $1,500 if you look around. I personally have a 30 watt Raycus and works just fine. But laser engraving is a very small part of the work I do at this time. |
AK building addict in recovery. Fell off the wagon.
FFL 07/02
FFL 07/02
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Originally Posted By Blanco_Diablo: Currently have a 07 FFL and just sent in the paperwork for my Class 2 SOT. I'm a home based FFL so no big shop or anything (will be building a workshop on the back of my property next year, but not there yet and not completely dedicated to FFL stuff). How are you smaller guys doing your engraving? Are there any inexpensive CNC engravers out there that are worth a darn but won't cost me an arm and a leg? Or perhaps a laser engraver that will burn deep enough on aluminum or steel? I'd love to be able to fully engrave 80% lowers as well, but main concern is probably mfg info for posties. I'd like to avoid the electro pencil route if I can. I either do not engrave at all as per 2021R-05F - Definition of “Frame or Receiver” and Identification of Firearms, or I have another FFL engrave for me. |
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"An arm and a leg" varies a lot between people. I am same as you. I used electric pencil, letter stamps, and finally electrochemical etching with less than ideal results. I finally smartened up and bought a 50w laser. Not only can I do NFA lettering, I can ID barrels on rifles that come in with no caliber markings, and I can make customized AR lowers and other receiver engraving, both letters and images. I used OMGLaser. I was quite happy with the service. Pre- and Post-sale questions were always answered promptly. About $5000 for 50w, IIRC. I am very pleased with my laser. You want the fiber laser for metal. And customs will add about $500 to the cost. OMG Laser |
“As long as none of us gets hurt, we’re making memories.” - one GA trooper to another after shooting HOSTAGE 9 times
Their SHAME has become their PRIDE
Their SHAME has become their PRIDE
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