Newbie- Looking for a $2k-3k laser cutter

[petecul]

Hi there,

No very familiar with laser cutting and would appreciate some advices to help me finding the right machine for my needs. There is lot of Asian machines on ebay but don't know which one is right for me.

Here is what a I want to do:

-precisely cut hardwood max 16mm thick
-precisely cut leather max 5mm thick
-Engrave leather / hardwood / metal
-work area = not less than 200mm x 300mm, bigger will be better if possible
-I need a reliable machine working out of the box, turn key package.
-works with autocad

Willing to buy a used good working machine too.

Cheers
petecul

[bpoulin]

The only one that would be difficult would be the 15mm hard wood. Due to the nature of how the laser cuts. You may be able to get that thickness if you do multiple passes. What is the closest big city to you, I can get you some information.

[petecul]

Hi bpoulin,

I am located near Montreal, Canada
thanks

[Rodney Gold]

You wont find a machine to do all that for that price , in fact you just wont find a machine to do what you want new or 2nd hand. You need to modify your needs or expectations

[petecul]

Originally Posted by Rodney Gold You wont find a machine to do all that for that price , in fact you just wont find a machine to do what you want new or 2nd hand. You need to modify your needs or expectations

well, here are revised needs:

-precisely cut hardwood max 10MM THICK ON A SINGLE PASS.
-precisely cut leather max 5mm thick
-Engrave leather / hardwood / metal
-work area = not less than 200mm x 300mm, bigger will be better if possible
-I need a reliable machine working out of the box, turn key package.
-works with autocad
-BUDGET: MAX $$3500!

Is there any machine out there that can fulfill those needs? Where else I should do compromise if still they are no machine that fit my needs ? As every body, I want big stuff at small price but one thing is sure I don't want to sacrifice reliability and precision.

Thanks
petecul

[bpoulin]

Originally Posted by petecul well, here are revised needs: -precisely cut hardwood max 10MM THICK ON A SINGLE PASS. -precisely cut leather max 5mm thick -Engrave leather / hardwood / metal -work area = not less than 200mm x 300mm, bigger will be better if possible -I need a reliable machine working out of the box, turn key package. -works with autocad -BUDGET: MAX $$3500! Is there any machine out there that can fulfill those needs? Where else I should do compromise if still they are no machine that fit my needs ? As every body, I want big stuff at small price but one thing is sure I don't want to sacrifice reliability and precision. Thanks petecul

If you want to cut hardwood that thick you will need 80w minimum and a long focal length, 2.5" lens should do the trick. The only other issue is engraving metal. If you want a laser that can etch metal you need a YAG laser. A CO2 laser can etch on metal if you use a special paste or spray. Look into a product called Thermark, you spray it on, then use the laser to etch. It turns a nice black color and is permanent. I understand wanting big stuff at a small price, I'm the same way. However your budget is on the small end, I know I can't get you an 80w at that price, I can probably get the 40w at that price, but It won't cut more than 5-6mm and cutting that thick with a 40w will be very slow, 1-3mm/sec.

Honestly I could sell you on a 40w but you would not be happy with the performance. For your needs I would say your best option is save a little more, and go with an 80w laser.

[Rodney Gold]

Good luck with trying to laser cut 10mm hardwood in one pass , you gonna need 250 watts for that and maybe more. A laser is not the right tool for cutting thick wood anyway , tho there are machines that will do so , specifically those that cut die board which have 2 tubes firing from the top and the bottom of the piece , but those are WAY more than 3.5k. I have a 80w Reci tubed laser as well as a cheaper glass tubed 60w , they cant even do 6mm plywood without unnaceptable charring.. 10mm hardwood is way more difficult.
My 80w Reci CAN however mark stainless steel without coatings , but is excruciatingly slow in doing so.

I can assure you that if there was a laser out there that could do all you want at that price or even double that , it would be flying off the factory floor.
None of the cheaper chinese machines in your price range are really turnkey , if you get from a chinese factory , expect a lot of "fixing" and "workarounds" and you will need a LOT of spares when ordering *tube , tube power supply, motherboard , lenses , mirrors , stepper motor , belts*. Its possibile to get a 500 x 300 or even bigger with a 60w cheaper glass tube for the money , maybe even a 80w/100w *I think the RECI tubes will exceed the budget* however you will only be able to maybe cut 6mm MDF, mark on metals with compounds , barely get thru 5mm leather etc with these. It depends what your main applications are whether a laser is the answer , if its cutting thick wood and leather , it isn't an option at your price point.

[bpoulin]

Originally Posted by Rodney Gold Good luck with trying to laser cut 10mm hardwood in one pass , you gonna need 250 watts for that and maybe more. A laser is not the right tool for cutting thick wood anyway , tho there are machines that will do so , specifically those that cut die board which have 2 tubes firing from the top and the bottom of the piece , but those are WAY more than 3.5k. I have a 80w Reci tubed laser as well as a cheaper glass tubed 60w , they cant even do 6mm plywood without unnaceptable charring.. 10mm hardwood is way more difficult. My 80w Reci CAN however mark stainless steel without coatings , but is excruciatingly slow in doing so. I can assure you that if there was a laser out there that could do all you want at that price or even double that , it would be flying off the factory floor. None of the cheaper chinese machines in your price range are really turnkey , if you get from a chinese factory , expect a lot of "fixing" and "workarounds" and you will need a LOT of spares when ordering *tube , tube power supply, motherboard , lenses , mirrors , stepper motor , belts*. Its possibile to get a 500 x 300 or even bigger with a 60w cheaper glass tube for the money , maybe even a 80w/100w *I think the RECI tubes will exceed the budget* however you will only be able to maybe cut 6mm MDF, mark on metals with compounds , barely get thru 5mm leather etc with these. It depends what your main applications are whether a laser is the answer , if its cutting thick wood and leather , it isn't an option at your price point.

He's right, our machines have an 80w RECI tube, but it will be out of this price range. But that's about the minimum that will do what you want. There is a thread about the 150w RECI tube, ask him how well it cuts thicker wood.

[cinematic2]

BUDGET: MAX $$3500 ?
No way.

[fly007001]

130w RECI tube is your best choice.
it can cut your most thick wood. but also need more money!

because penny deserve its value!

mostly i agree with Rodney's idea.

[Melody-gweike]

Machine with Reci 80W can be within this price range, but i don't think it can cut 10mm thick wood well. Some thick wood are very hard to cut.

[petecul]

Originally Posted by Rodney Gold Good luck with trying to laser cut 10mm hardwood in one pass , you gonna need 250 watts for that and maybe more. A laser is not the right tool for cutting thick wood anyway , tho there are machines that will do so , specifically those that cut die board which have 2 tubes firing from the top and the bottom of the piece , but those are WAY more than 3.5k. I have a 80w Reci tubed laser as well as a cheaper glass tubed 60w , they cant even do 6mm plywood without unnaceptable charring.. 10mm hardwood is way more difficult. My 80w Reci CAN however mark stainless steel without coatings , but is excruciatingly slow in doing so. I can assure you that if there was a laser out there that could do all you want at that price or even double that , it would be flying off the factory floor. None of the cheaper chinese machines in your price range are really turnkey , if you get from a chinese factory , expect a lot of "fixing" and "workarounds" and you will need a LOT of spares when ordering *tube , tube power supply, motherboard , lenses , mirrors , stepper motor , belts*. Its possibile to get a 500 x 300 or even bigger with a 60w cheaper glass tube for the money , maybe even a 80w/100w *I think the RECI tubes will exceed the budget* however you will only be able to maybe cut 6mm MDF, mark on metals with compounds , barely get thru 5mm leather etc with these. It depends what your main applications are whether a laser is the answer , if its cutting thick wood and leather , it isn't an option at your price point.

thanks Rodney,

I guess I have to redefine my needs for that machine. Cutting leather is the main idea of buying a laser, I should go for 100w t ocut leather 5mm thick and also review my budget for this machine.

thanks
petecul