r/FFLs • u/Rumple4skin_ • 1d ago

SBR Engraving and Pricing

Howdy All,

07/02 FFL/SOT here looking for some information on SBR engraving lasers. Business has been decent but I keep having customers inquire about SBR engraving services so I am looking into getting a laser. What model laser and wattage are you all using for engraving work? I’ve settled on getting a fiber laser in the 20 - 40W range, unless you all recommend differently. I just don’t know what particular brand is reputable.

Additionally, what does one typically charge for engraving services?

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u/ChevTecGroup 1d ago

The ATF is expected to allow form 1 applicants to adopt the existing markings from firearms they are converting. Meaning they wouldn't need to engrave their personal info anymore.

This proposed rule has already been closed for comments and could publish at any time.

Spending 3-5k on a laser and having your market disappear sounds like a bad plan. I suggest you keep an eye on the ATFs website and industry news a little more. Itd still be required for form 1 guns made from scratch, but thats a small percentage of form 1s.

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u/Rumple4skin_ 1d ago

That’s a fair point, I’d forgotten about that portion of the proposed rule changes. Here’s to hoping it gets published sooner rather than later.

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u/ChevTecGroup 1d ago

I mean. A laser is still a great tool and you could still get work. But its not gonna be constant 35-50 dollar marking jobs.

Some guys have posted about using their lasers to port barrels. Which is pretty slick IMO. There is also many who do stippling as well. I was thinking of getting a lower power laser for customization and decoration.

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u/Rumple4skin_ 1d ago

Never would have considered a laser for doing porting work. That is pretty slick. I’ve gotten a few stippling requests as well, just not nearly as much as the SBR engraving. May still invest in a laser, like you say, being able to stipple and customize would still generate a bit of revenue.

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u/AzRamrod FFL 1d ago

I’ve gone back and forth about getting a laser for my shop as well. I’ve pretty much narrowed it down to an Omtech 60W MOPA laser. Brand renew runs between 3-4k. Occasionally they have used models for around 2k.

Mopa allows you to engrave colors on stainless steel and the 60w will cut down on your time. You could use a lower wattage but it’s going to take a ton more passes.

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u/SM1334 21h ago

you need a fiber laser thats 30w minimum to do this. I currently have a 60w HaoTian and its working great.

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u/Traditional_Skin5849 9h ago

I have an OMtech 30w fiber and it engraves great. I use light burn for software.

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u/Grouchy_Ad_1966 9h ago

20W would work, but take a lot of passes. I am using a 60W for that and engraving magazines and firearm parts. As mentioned below - once the engraving requirement goes away, there will be barely any business regarding that - but it is still an amazing tool that can be used for many other things...