What wattage would be required to cut 1/4" Baltic Birch

[lrob]

Looking at purchasing a laser for cutting 1/4" Baltic Birch Plywood. What wattage would be required? Also, what options would you recommend as a must have for a laser?

Thanks
Larry

[zax15uk]

Larry, I would suggest looking at 80W+ as some ply can be difficult to cut clean due to the epoxy. Air assist would be nice, not to aid cutting but to keep the lens clean as would a down draft exhaust table.

Zax.

[dvdlock]

Hi Larry,

As it happens I have just come in from the garage where I had just been cutting just that.

I have a 60W Rabbit and was using 10mm/sec speed at 80% power. This left a slightly charred edge but acceptable for my application.

I previously had a 40W machine which was also able to handle 1/4" ply but at 8mm/sec speed at 100% power.

As Zax has suggested, an 80W machine would provide you with addition flexibility. I would say air assist is a must.

Other options would depend on what other applications you have for it. I wish I had the 'red' laser pointer build in. It would save a lot of time on setting up and centring the work piece. I would opt for a beam combiner type though.

You said your application is cutting but you will no doubt find you end up engraving as well. If this is the case a rotary table is a useful addition.

Regards

Dave.

[lrob]

Zax, Dave,

Thanks to both of you for your input. I will use is it help make my decision.

Larry