Engraved ready made frames and laser engraving

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Kirstie

Kirstie

PFG, Picture Framing God
Joined
Jan 16, 2007
Posts
8,395
Loc
Berkeley, CA
I have questions about something I have to admit I know nothing about.

1. What is the minimum kind of machine required to engrave real silver or fake silver brushed surface frames?

2. Where does one buy the equipment and frames?

I ask because my daughter has driven all the way to Walnut Creek (40 minutes) many times over the years to order engraved frames for friends. These come from a chain store and are not silver, but a frosted silver look frame, which after it is engraved, looks pretty good. She couldn 't have paid more than about $30. for a 5 x 7, engraved. As there is no one in the area offering this service, I wonder would it would take to get into it. The trophy shops engrave, but only carry a limited variety of frames, and thier prices are really high. I'm looking for something for the students in my area.

Always looking for a new angle.
 
Diamond drag or rotary equipment is what you need to engrave on silver or brass. You can only use a laser if you can find a frame that is made out of the proper material for lasering.

To laser engrave metal, there has to be some type of mask applied to the surface. The laser then burns away the mask leaving the metal behind.

Minimum machine? At a minimum I would suggest a Roland EGX-300. If you plan to do frames much over 8 x 10 you will need a much larger and costlier piece of equipment.

Roland products can be found at a ton of sign supply places. www.signwarehouse.com being on of them.

Engraving is a different world, but I am enjoying it a lot. I learn something new everyday.
 
Kirstie-We have a VersaLaser from Universal Lasers in Scottsdale and like it

I am not crazy about engraving on metal frames; too much tone on tone for me

But, on everything else, it's pretty easy pickin's this time of year

Take a look at Jerry's suggestion and contact me if you need anything specific

I think lease is about $250/mon, but ask them to be sure
 
Bob Carter said:
Kirstie-We have a VersaLaser from Universal Lasers in Scottsdale and like it

I am not crazy about engraving on metal frames; too much tone on tone for me

But, on everything else, it's pretty easy pickin's this time of year

Take a look at Jerry's suggestion and contact me if you need anything specific

I think lease is about $250/mon, but ask them to be sure
Click to expand...

Then you are doing a fair amount of engraving to justify the lease. What else are you engraving? Wood frames? Chatkes?

Too close to Christmas for me to start something new like this now, but I'm really interested.
 
Jerry Ervin said:
Diamond drag or rotary equipment is what you need to engrave on silver or brass. You can only use a laser if you can find a frame that is made out of the proper material for lasering.
To laser engrave metal, there has to be some type of mask applied to the surface. The laser then burns away the mask leaving the metal behind.
Minimum machine? At a minimum I would suggest a Roland EGX-300. If you plan to do frames much over 8 x 10 you will need a much larger and costlier piece of equipment.
Roland products can be found at a ton of sign supply places. www.signwarehouse.com being on of them.
Engraving is a different world, but I am enjoying it a lot. I learn something new everyday.
Click to expand...

Laser related question. Customers bring in a readymade package with frame, glass, backing, and mat sized to the college diploma, and the college name is engraved in the top mat. Is this done with a laser?
 
Kirsti-We do quite a bit on mats and wooden frames, too

We use it for instore signage

There was a thread awhile back where we showed how we did a "Shop at a Locally Owned Business" sign. we actually did quite a few for other shops

You need some traffic to make it work

The avaerage frameshop probably wouldn't be a good choice
 
Bob, I just sold 80 pieces to a not-for profit using your basic design...thanks! I didn't do the laser work, but my engraver that owns the laser now knows another trick.
 
I think the problem with something like this is that you are competing with a chain store which, obviously, can get bulk work done far more cheaply.

If you are going to tackle that market you will need to offer the client something the chain store can't, like a better quality frame at a price which makes your investment in time and equipment worth your while.

Time is another factor. I occasionally arrange metal plaques for customers and it is amazing how much pen-sucking and agonising can go into choosing six words for a presentation plaque. If engraved frames are going to chew up too much time on the design counter they may well be more trouble than they are worth.

I can see it now: 10 minutes choosing frames and matts, 10 - 15 minutes dithering over the words to be engraved then the price comes out.

WHAT??? I can get that from el-cheapo discount store for $xxxx....

goobye!
 
I know I am late in getting a reply in but here it goes. I purchased a Versa Laser 2 year before I opened my own shop. No lease, payed in full, it has payed for itself already. Not only can I offer my customers metal plates, I have now opened the door to do wood plaques, trophy plates etc. And I am now a 1 stop shop for those needing a plate added to the custom job I am doing for them. And I have gotten customers that needed a plaque come back in for a framing job. As far as engraving on silver frames, there are several companies that make ready made frames that are made for laser engraving. I have played around and found several RM from the retail stores that work as well, just have to play around. If you have any questions let me know, Matt
 
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