laser engraving

[sharpy]

:pray:I've been asked a couple of time if I could get names engraved onto my pens. I've found a local engraver who has put these names on for me. They are a bit of an experiment but thought I'd share on here.
I'm fairly new to turning and I'm interested to see what the more experienced turners think.

 

[paulm]

That is lovely engraving. I think the colour of the wood will play a big part in it too and you've choosen wisely. the bottom half of the middle one has a nice shape but it looks like the other two have been turned slightly too much. The top halves of the two outside ones have a nice shape also. I'm being very critical however and on the whole they're very nice. Keep it up and show us some more.

 

[Grump]

Personal opinion only I think they look to much like promotional pens.
Sorry but I think it cheapens them. I would rather see a nice pen and the box engraved.
I wasn't going to comment but you did ask.

 

[Kardav]

I think they look great, just depends on the situation and the pen as to whether they look 'tacky' or not. What would he normally charge to engrave a name like these?

 

[Dalboy]

Personal opinion only I think they look to much like promotional pens.
Sorry but I think it cheapens them. I would rather see a nice pen and the box engraved.
I wasn't going to comment but you did ask.

My sentiments exactly

 

[chas_41_uk]

I have been asked for names to be engraved on pens as well. I don't think the font on your samples helps. Something like "Time Roman" looks better

 

[silver]

Personal opinion only I think they look to much like promotional pens.
Sorry but I think it cheapens them. I would rather see a nice pen and the box engraved.
I wasn't going to comment but you did ask.

Sorry, but I agree.....
I believe the pen just becomes something that you can buy from the souvenir shop in Blackpool..

If it was a different font it might look a little better.

 

[Buckeye]

Personal opinion only I think they look to much like promotional pens.
Sorry but I think it cheapens them. I would rather see a nice pen and the box engraved.
I wasn't going to comment but you did ask.

It's deja-vu, it exactly what I was going to say including the box. That's why I won't put names on with a decal.

Peter

 

[Terry]

As Grump says !!!!!

 

[Goulss]

Not my cup of tea I am afraid, pens look good though!

 

[Jim]

It looks like you have left the pens to be finished after you have had them engraved Sharpy, i would like to see them after you have applied a finish to see it does improve the look of the engraving .. Like others have said, maybe a different font would look better? I wouldn't give up on the idea Sharpy, you don't see many hand made pens for sale with the option of having a name engraved on them ..

 

[sharpy]

Thanks for all your posts regarding the engraving. Its not proved to be as popular amongst you as I though it would.
The engraved pens were as a direct result of a customer asking if I could personalise a pen for them. The main thing is, the customer is happy with the pens.

Also, the number of enquiries I've had for personalised pens is disproportionate the number of comments on here that suggest it cheapens then pens. Maybe that says more about my potential punters than it does the knowledgeable and learned craftsmen of this forum.
its been a good experiment and is another string to my bow.

For those who are bothered, the cost for the engraving is £4 per pen.

happy turning

regards

sharpy

 

[Penpal]

Morning here Sharpy my experience with receiving a pen with my name engraved on it went like this a mate on another forum said send me a piece of you best ever Brown Mallee Burl Oh I thought he has a real need for a special pen so I duly sent a beautiful blank. Months later I received in the mail an 80 dollar kit made into a beautiful pen with my blank on it this pen had my name on it as well. I have to tell you from a recipients point of view how honoured I felt so pshaw to the critics put yourself in the place of those receiving these pens from a new turner with the very best of intentions toward his gifts. I SAY IN CAPITAL LETTERS CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU AND THE VERY BEST TO YOU for what you have done. Invo:bravo:lved in so many Civic duties and priviliges over so many years when giving a talk at some special occasion there are three talks involved the one you prepared the one you gave and the one you wished you had delivered.

Yes you can say compare this and that I say an engraved bic is a sensation when it is a gift from someone you like and respect, more power to you mate.

Kind regards Peter.

 

[chas_41_uk]

£4 a pen? :nonono:
I had one done as a trial at a local craft and they charge £1 per minute for laser cutting

 

[billyb_imp]

Personal opinion only I think they look to much like promotional pens.
Sorry but I think it cheapens them. I would rather see a nice pen and the box engraved.
I wasn't going to comment but you did ask.

Gotta agree with the Grump here

 

[silver]

Just had another look after reading through the threads again..

I can see the points that the positives have made and can see the benefits of doing the engraving.

However, for me it's the quality of the laser engraving and not the quality of the pen that will count on this one.

And another point, no one mentioned the spelling on the middle pen..

 

[Lons]

Not for me either Sharpy but nothing wrong with your work just personal preference.
If your customers are happy and providing other potential customers they might show them to don't think you're producing tat (which you're not!) then you can't lose.

I've been asked a couple of times but refused as I don't want to go down that route.

Power to you elbow Sharpy

Bob

 

[edlea]

I think it's the font that is mostly wrong ....Copperplate or some such would look much nicer and more individualistic (if there is such a word). If you like it as it is then go for it ,

 

[Grump]

As has been said the customer should have what they want and if they don't know a difference they wont' realise what they have.
Display the options and let them choose, I would much prefer to pick up a nice burr pen with a beaut shine on it. Rather than broom handle with graffiti all over it
I also think poor excuse about customer choice I don't do my hobby for anyone else but me so sod em if they don't like it.

And another point, no one mentioned the spelling on the middle pen.

They could Yanks that would explain a lot about wanting to deface the man's work.

 

[sharpy]

As has been said the customer should have what they want and if they don't know a difference they wont' realise what they have.
Display the options and let them choose, I would much prefer to pick up a nice burr pen with a beaut shine on it. Rather than broom handle with graffiti all over it
I also think poor excuse about customer choice I don't do my hobby for anyone else but me so sod em if they don't like it.





They could Yanks that would explain a lot about wanting to deface the man's work.

Grump. my customer saw the pens without any engraving and said they loved the pens and asked for them to be personalised. So in that sense, they do know what they could've had and do appreciate the difference.
Id only ever display pens without any engraving but at least I'm able to provide that service if it is required. It could be the difference between making a sale and not.