Debating on buying a ebay 500x700 laser cutter

[MikeC8]

I backed glowforge last year, a basic unit with air filter. And they keep pushing the release back, I have my doubts that it will be released this year.

So now I am weighing the pros and cons of the glowforge vs a ebay laser.

Looks like I can get a 80 watt for a simlar price, 700 500 80W CO2 USB Laser Engraving Cutting Machine USB w Stand Water Pump | eBay


I mainly want to cut 1/4" delrin with it, and 1/4 plywood, maybe 1/2 if it can handle it?

Glowforge pros -
Higher quality laser tube (maybe?)
Assembled in USA
they claim no alignment will be needed
Less mirrors, as the tube moves with the gantry
Closed loop laser system, less cleaning needed.
Camera system for setting up parts
The ability to let friends draw something, and print it without holding their hand (less work on my part)

Cons -
Wifi and internet needed to work at all
Cloud based software
12x20 work area (12x24 would be prefered)
Short Z range
Cooling system is not rated for long runs, and is a closed system.
Lots of unknowns, they are very secretive about it.

Ebay laser pros-
20x28 work area
Adjustable z height
Ability to add a 4th axis
Can load G-code to run it, or run direct from a PC
They have been around for awhile, replacement parts are available
Cooling sytem is easy to upgrade, as it is not built in.

cons -
Its made in china
Exhaust motor is big, and loud.
They never seem to arrive with the mirrors aligned


I've been reading up on the ebay lasers, and its hard to find good information on them. Do I get a 60, 80, or 100 watt laser? What should I look for?

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[fixtureman1]

One other plus for the Ebay laser is that they have it not loke the unicorn Glowforge

[Dean448]

I have 18x24 and if you cut patterns from sheets you need 24". However larger sizes are harder to stay in alignment.
The more the power the higher the expense including replacement tubes. If you only need 60 why pay for 100? Even at 60 you will need a good cooling system.
I'd go with a proven 60 but it might struggle with 1/2" ply.


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[MikeC8]

I have 18x24 and if you cut patterns from sheets you need 24". However larger sizes are harder to stay in alignment.
The more the power the higher the expense including replacement tubes. If you only need 60 why pay for 100? Even at 60 you will need a good cooling system.
I'd go with a proven 60 but it migh99tht struggle with 1/2" ply.


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So the 60s more reliable than the 80s? I don't need to cut 1/2, but having the ability would be nice. With the 60 i would consider adding the 4th axis.

[Dean448]

This might be a laser forum but there are other ways to cut material. You may want to consider a router for thick stock. Routers are pretty cost efficient these days.


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[toyeacnc]

I backed glowforge last year, a basic unit with air filter. And they keep pushing the release back, I have my doubts that it will be released this year.

So now I am weighing the pros and cons of the glowforge vs a ebay laser.

Looks like I can get a 80 watt for a simlar price, 700 500 80W CO2 USB Laser Engraving Cutting Machine USB w Stand Water Pump | eBay


I mainly want to cut 1/4" delrin with it, and 1/4 plywood, maybe 1/2 if it can handle it?

Glowforge pros -
Higher quality laser tube (maybe?)
Assembled in USA
they claim no alignment will be needed
Less mirrors, as the tube moves with the gantry
Closed loop laser system, less cleaning needed.
Camera system for setting up parts
The ability to let friends draw something, and print it without holding their hand (less work on my part)

Cons -
Wifi and internet needed to work at all
Cloud based software
12x20 work area (12x24 would be prefered)
Short Z range
Cooling system is not rated for long runs, and is a closed system.
Lots of unknowns, they are very secretive about it.

Ebay laser pros-
20x28 work area
Adjustable z height
Ability to add a 4th axis
Can load G-code to run it, or run direct from a PC
They have been around for awhile, replacement parts are available
Cooling sytem is easy to upgrade, as it is not built in.

cons -
Its made in china
Exhaust motor is big, and loud.
They never seem to arrive with the mirrors aligned


I've been reading up on the ebay lasers, and its hard to find good information on them. Do I get a 60, 80, or 100 watt laser? What should I look for?

Hi,

For cutting 1/2" plywood,the 100W laser tube is better.CW-5200 chiller unit is needed.

If so,you can choose a bigger machine 600 * 900mm.

For cutting plywood,knife-strip table is needed.

Any question,please feel free to contact me at jenny@toyeacnc.com or toyeacnc@hotmail.com.

[MikeC8]

Hi,

For cutting 1/2" plywood,the 100W laser tube is better.CW-5200 chiller unit is needed.

If so,you can choose a bigger machine 600 * 900mm.

For cutting plywood,knife-strip table is needed.

Any question,please feel free to contact me at jenny@toyeacnc.com or toyeacnc@hotmail.com.

I have a cnc mill, i plan too cut small delrin parts from sheets on the laser. Some parts would still be finished on the mill. The ability to cut 1/2 ply would be nice, but i didn't have any needs to cut wood that thick on the laser.

And on the delrin, 3-4mm would be the most common thickness, with some 6-7mm thick sheets.

Plywood would be mainly to test shapes before cutting out of delrin. Or cutting out of metal on the mill.

Looking at using a laser to cut down on setup time, and be able to nest parts closer together.

[MikeC8]

Looking at this laser, a user on Reddit recommended this seller. It has a motor lift table and a red dot pointer. And it ships from a us warehouse.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/191626977108

I also cancelled my glowforge. So now i need to clear a spot in the garage for this.... Or put it in the basement.

[toyeacnc]

Looking at this laser, a user on Reddit recommended this seller. It has a motor lift table and a red dot pointer. And it ships from a us warehouse.

Desktop 60W Laser ENGRAVER Engraving Cutting Cutter Machine USB 500 x 700mm | eBay

I also cancelled my glowforge. So now i need to clear a spot in the garage for this.... Or put it in the basement.

If only cut the derlin,it is good to cut with laser machine. With the lifting platform,it is better to install the auto focus,then you can position better and more convenient.

Maybe we can talk in detailed,if you like,please write to jenny@toyeacnc.com or toyeacnc@hotmail.com .