Hi Peter,
Unfortunately Excel is probably not the best data base to be starting from as it does not save or export text in a suitable or easy format for subsequent GCode creation.
I think your easiest option may be to use a software such as F-Engrave (free)
http://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html which already contains some single line (stick) fonts as well as being able to import most Windows fonts (TTF) to create your GCode tool paths but, as you have said, it will take some time but ‘copy & paste’ may be of some benefit here.
The 1 line (stick) fonts will be the quickest to vector engrave but you may also want to consider the 2 or 3 line fonts for a better appearance (at the expense of machine run-time). The ‘outline and fill’ type of tool path is extremely slow by comparison but may be necessary if you ever consider large sized text.
Over the years I have tried many different methods of laser engraving text and to obtain a particular typeface or font raster engraving has proved to be the best and the quickest overall method but...
Mach3 (as opposed to DSP and similar motion controllers) has not been designed for raster engraving but by using the 'Impact Laser Engraving plugin' (thereby dispensing with the necessity to generate GCode) excellent results can be achieved.
There are two obstacles to be overcome here – firstly, converting your desired text into a .jpg (preferable) or .bmp format and secondly, learning to use the plugin with your laser.
If you are going to use engraving laminates then I think you need to use the ‘laser friendly’ types, which are basically coloured, laminated, acrylic. These are quick and easy to use, do not contain any PVC, but may only be available in smaller size sheets (unless you buy in bulk).
Hope this helps.
Tweakie.
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