🧓 Meet the Man Behind the Beam: An Interview with Gramps of Gramp’s Lazer Shack

July 28, 2025

🧓 Meet the Man Behind the Beam: An Interview with Gramps of Gramp’s Lazer Shack

At Gramp’s Lazer Shack, nothing’s mass-produced, phoned-in, or stamped out by some soulless factory machine. Around here, things are made one at a time—by a guy who knows what he’s doing, cares about what you want, and makes dang sure it turns out right.

The Team at Gramp’s Lazer Shack sat down with the man himself—Gramps—to talk about how this all got started, what goes on in the Shack, and why this isn’t just a hobby. It’s a calling.

🛠️ So Gramps, where’d this all start?

“I started laser engraving about 15 years ago when I was making holsters and needed a way to consistently cut them out. I picked up a K40 laser off eBay. Once I had it, I realized the laser could do a heck of a lot more than just cut leather. I started making gifts for friends and family, and before long I was hooked.”

Before the engraving bug bit, Gramps was (and still is) a full-time software developer, specializing in EDI programs for the health insurance industry—importing, exporting, and translating claims and eligibility data like a behind-the-scenes wizard.

“After Hurricane Irma wiped out much of my old equipment, I stepped away from the holster business. But recently, I started itching to get back into laser engraving. I saw some YouTube videos, got inspired, and that was that. Talked to my wife, and a few weeks later the xTool F1 Ultra showed up.”

“Flash forward a few months—we added the xTool P2S, and now we’re even waiting on a UV printer to add even more capabilities. This thing’s grown quick.”

The first big return-to-the-game project?

“A large order of custom tumblers to use as swag at our company’s annual client conference.”

That turned into even more engraving work—nameplates for new hires and employee transfers, and soon, custom corporate milestone awards for end-of-year recognition.

🏠 Tell us about the Shack.

“The name came after the birth of my first granddaughter Mira Rose. We’d been brainstorming ideas, and my wife suggested ‘Gramp’s Lazer Shack.’ I dismissed it at first, but it kept coming back in my mind. I finally decided THAT was going to be the name! I spelled ‘Lazer’ with a Z so I could grab a short, memorable domain: LazerShack.com.”

These days, the Shack is split between two spots: a 1500 sq. ft. woodworking shop and a converted home office full of laser equipment.

“I’ve got a Shapeoko Pro XXL CNC machine, plus enough woodworking tools such as table saw, planers, routers, drum sanders and more. Enough equipment to run a full cabinet shop. My laser gear lives in the spare room of the house and away from the shop dust. Favorite tool? Hard to say—probably my xTool P2S. Or the Shapeoko. They’re neck and neck.”

New ideas come from a mix of research and real conversations.

“I spend a lot of time online looking at trends, but I also just ask people—what would you like to see me make? That keeps me connected.”

🎁 What kind of stuff do you make?

Acrylic signage
Custom tumblers
Slate coasters
Glassware and decanters
Bottle openers
Jewelry
Pens
Personalized memorials
And anything else customers dream up

“My favorite thing to engrave? Something I’ve never done before. I love learning the quirks of a new material or trying out a fresh idea.”

One project that stands out:

“I worked with a mobile bartending service that built their setup out of a horse trailer. I made their signage, engraved their glassware, and even created custom metal bottle opener business cards for them. It was just a cool, creative job. If you're hosting an event within about 50 miles of the Dallas, Ga area, definitely check out Murphy's Pour House”

🧡 Quality, Grit, and Heart

So what sets Gramp’s work apart?

“Everything’s made by me, start to finish. I inspect every single piece before it ships. If it’s not up to my standard, it doesn’t go out the door.”

When it comes to customer service, Gramps keeps it simple.

“Grumpy on the outside, heart of gold on the inside—that pretty much sums it up.”

🛡️ Gramp’s Guarantee

At Gramp’s Lazer Shack, we stand behind every custom creation with a promise you can trust:

✅ Exceptional Craftsmanship
Every cut, etch, and print is dialed in—no smudges, no misalignments, ever.
⏱️ On-Time Delivery
Deadlines matter. If we miss one, we fast-track your order at no extra cost.
❤️ 100% Satisfaction
If you’re not thrilled, we’ll make it right.
🤝 Personalized Support
Got a special request? We’ll listen and adjust to make it perfect.
🏆 Lasting Value
We use premium materials and take our time to do it right.
“Turning ideas into timeless treasures—one laser-perfect detail at a time.”

🚀 What’s Next?

The Shack’s just getting warmed up.

“We’re waiting on a UV printer that’ll open up a whole new world—full-color printing, more products, more options.”

And that 1500 sq. ft. shop? It’s more than a workspace—it’s a potential future storefront.

“I’ve got the room. When the time’s right, I’ll open the doors.”

💬 Final Words from Gramps

“If we don’t have it yet, tell us what you’re looking for. We’ll do our best to make it real.”

When you order from Gramp’s Lazer Shack, you’re not just buying a product. You’re buying from someone who gives a damn. Someone who answers your emails. Someone who inspects every item like it’s being handed to their own grandkid.

“And hey—don’t tell your grandma I let you do that.”

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