Posts: 18
Threads: 0
Joined: Dec 2018
I have not personally used one, but this place has an add on laser solution to a CNC, which seems to get great reviews.
You would need to buy or build a CNC, but that could be very useful for small stuff or to replace tools that you have gotten rid of.
CNC can do most woodworking tasks, although not necessarily as fast or efficient as the specialized tools.
https://jtechphotonics.com/
Posts: 6,704
Threads: 0
Joined: Oct 2006
W have one of the Chinese K40 40 watt lasers. It was problematic, until I rebuilt the whole thing. New electronics, exhaust fan, air assist, lighting, mirrors and lenses. Now its a runs like a top, and when the tube goes it will be about $150 to replace. Cost us $400 for the machine and then put another $400 in to it in improvements. Its just going to tick you off without improvements. However, my understanding is you an get some of these improvements already made for okay.
Keep in mind 40W will engrave wood just fine, but will never be able to cut anything thicker than 3/16" ply.
Posts: 232
Threads: 0
Joined: Dec 2010
I've been looking at getting one as well. I would look on YouTube at Sarbar Multimedia. It's a channel by a guy named Russ Sadler. He purchased an EBay "50" watt laser. $1300. He has 150 videos which are instructional on how to improve the laser. It is very informative site. Also there is RD Works Learning Lab. It is also a source of great help. In a nut shell, the blue Chinese "50 watt" laser is worth the price. You will have to fix some things. He shows how to do it. They are on Ebay. Be sure to check item location. Normally the item is in CA or TN. There are tons of other YouTube channels showing unboxing and set up of the blue Ebay lasers.
Posts: 16
Threads: 0
Joined: Oct 2018
My son's friend got this, too big to get up his driveway so it was dropped off in my driveway. Very large crate, blocked driveway. Anyway they got it unpacked an up to his house about 300 yds way. No idea what it will do. Something for your consideration...
Posts: 2,267
Threads: 90
Joined: Jun 2001
I bought one of those cheap $200 ones. It works. Now it doesn't like hardwoods but will do the job - just slowly, I made a whole bunch of ornaments for the Sunday School and worked just fine. This unit will not cut through anything - well maybe paper. But for doing things like logs on wood - just fine. I believe the ones with CO feeds are better since it helps to let the laser cut deeper.
I make a lot of clocks that I have been using those pre-printed clock faces. I will now use 1/4" birch plywood to make them; works perfect for that. I engrave pen boxes - just great.
I don't use the software that came with it - to limited. It use T2laser software. Again - limited but works fine for signs and such. I just got a job to make a sign for a restaurant - about 30 x 30. This will work fine.
John
Always use the right tool for the job.
We need to clean house.
Posts: 36
Threads: 0
Joined: Nov 2005
Thanks all for the responses. A lot of great help. Most in my “circle” are all downsizing and just focusing on specialties now. One friend just does turning, another CNC, so we all trade stuff back and forth.
I likely won’t do anything bigger than 12”x12”x1/4” and it sounds like I could get away with what I want to do for under $1K for now.
Thanks John for the tip on the software. That’s the one thing I have no patience for.
Posts: 179
Threads: 0
Joined: Apr 2004
Can't comment on the specific machines or their use, BUT...
- A college friend's dad bought a machine a few years ago and has had a lot of fun doing unique items. I saw some glass Christmas ornaments he did and they looked amazing. A few weeks ago, they gifted me a yeti that had our college logo laser-ed into it with a campus landmark, again, looks amazing.
- If you're anywhere near a military base, there's always a need for going-away plaques or other mementos. We once gave a retiring O-6 a very nice humidor with an F-4 fighter-jet and some nice words laser-ed into the top -- turned out very cool.
I don't know if doing round faces or different media (glass/metal/etc) is challenging, but very cool (and presumably marketable) results are possible in some out-of-the-ordinary places.