Laser Wood Engravers/Cutters - opinions/thoughts/experiences?

[HMP]

Ive been thinking about a laser engraver that could do some metal and glass, but also something that could cut some thin (think luan/5mm ply) wood
While Im not looking to buy something that's 2x4 (feet) bed size...cant afford it and it'd eat up a TON of space, I want more than a 8x12 bed.
Would prefer a $500 or less price point.
Hobby, not my business, but would like to make a few extra bucks with it.

What peripheries would I need to be thinking about? What about fumes from it/ventilation?
Id prefer an out-of-the-box solution - just unbox, plug up (with some setup, I know) and start playing around.

Id prefer Amazon purchase, that way I can have easy, free returns should something be wrong with it.


Have you used one? Thougths on them or opinions?

 

[beamernc]

Check with @Wolffy. I believe he has a couple different ones.

 

[Wolffy]

For $500 you’re looking at a diode laser. They are great for wood and most organic materials. They can mark glass with some coating applied to the glass. A diode is not good for metal unless its anodized. Some have been able to mark on metal with sprays but I never have gotten any repeatable results.

 

[HMP]

For $500 you’re looking at a diode laser. They are great for wood and most organic materials. They can mark glass with some coating applied to the glass. A diode is not good for metal unless its anodized. Some have been able to mark on metal with sprays but I never have gotten any repeatable results.

Is there anything that you'd recommend?
The diode lasers, will they CUT the wood, or just engrave it?
I mentioned glass, but it's a low level need/want for me, honestly.
It would be cool if I could engrave on some metal, but, again, lower level need

Cutting wood is something that I would NEED it to do. Even if it took multiple passes.

Also, do you control the power to go between cutting and engraving/burning? I just dont know how that sort of thing works

 

[Wolffy]

If cutting wood is a priority, don’t go less than 20 watt. Yes a diode will cut and engrave. This was engraved and cut out of cheap Luann as a sample for a customer with a 20 watt diode

 

[HMP]

@Wolffy
thoughts on something like this?
Amazon product ASIN B09MQMXXGD

 

[Wolffy]

That is a good brand. The “90” watt is input though, not output. The $349 one is a 5.5w. It can cut but will take a long time.

 

[Button Pusher]

LightBurn Software

LightBurn laser engraving and cutting software for personal and professional laser cutters.

lightburnsoftware.com

 

[HMP]

That is a good brand. The “90” watt is input though, not output. The $349 one is a 5.5w. It can cut but will take a long time.

ohhhh I see
this one is 11w output, so I twice as good?

Amazon product ASIN B0C3M334MQ

 

[Wolffy]

11w will cut 1/4” and thinner wood pretty decent.

 

[HMP]

Im about to watch these two videos for more information/ideas. I really appreciate wolffy for his help so far and hope he'll continue to assist a rad dude like myself in this journey

 

[HMP]

11w will cut 1/4” and thinner wood pretty decent.

If it's thicker, does one just make a second pass to get the cut? Does that work?

 

[Wolffy]

Kind of. But it is multiple passes.

The plywood makes a big difference too. Cheap ply has more glue. Glue doesn’t cut easily. Quality cabinet grade ply is best.

 

[Wolffy]

@HMP there is a lot of great YouTube channels for lasers. Build Dad Build, The Clack Shack, Laser Everything just to name a few.

 

[HMP]

@HMP there is a lot of great YouTube channels for lasers. Build Dad Build, The Clack Shack, Laser Everything just to name a few.

Just PMd you
I really appreciate all your time so far

 

[Djstorm100]

I've got a few lasers. Fiber and C02. When getting plywood, stay away from marine grade.

Cutting thicker woods, have to slow your speed down, crank up power and do a few passes. Don't forget to vent the fumes outside

 

[HMP]

@Djstorm100 @Wolffy
I dont know that 8x12 is large enough long term, but I really like this unit

Monport 40W Pro Lightburn-Supported (12" X 8") CO2 Laser Engraver & Cutter with Air Assist

Monport 40W CO2 Laser Engraver & Cutter Lightburn-ready is suitable for beginners. Affordable Price. Portable Design. US Free Shipping!

monportlaser.com

40w co2 machine
Would that be pretty quick and good to start my time with

I like like that it's fully enclosed and ready to go already

 

[Wolffy]

CO2 are great machines. They cut wood much faster than a diode. You can engrave and cut most acrylics. They do have different sets of maintenance though. Youtube search for "CO2 K40" theres a bunch of great videos.

 

[Billho]

While you are on this topic, I'd be interested to see what software you guys use. I have a laser on my CNC that I have never installed (Nextwave HD510 with 7-watt laser) because I need to get software. I'll get to it eventually, but it hasn't been a priority. Are there any free or lower-cost options? I could buy it from Vectric, but I can't upgrade my license without spending more money than I want to right now.

 

[JBoyette]

How about kydex type plastic? Whats a good laser for that material?

 

[Wolffy]

How about kydex type plastic? Whats a good laser for that material?

Kydex when laser engraved gives off hydrogen chloride. Not a good idea to do.

 

[JBoyette]

Thanks

 

[Dave951]

Having experience with industrial CO2 lasers, I really get a chuckle out of some of the Utoobers about their "powerful" glorified wood burners.

 

[HMP]

Ive made an offer on ebay for an Omtech 50w
It's new, has free shipping from TN (Another person has same item for same price in Cali - both are vendors, not individuals)
We'll see
I saw the weight of it - 139lbs...I was NOT expecting that much weight, honestly.

We'll see if they accept my offer or counter it. Or maybe I just click 'buy it now' in a day or two
I went from 'I'd like to be around 500...' to 'Welp, 'bout to drop almost 2k on a machine and the rotary tool...'

 

[Djstorm100]

C02 laser?


If so get your self a 5 gallon bucket and extra hose. Run that to the machine to keep the tube cool. Keep it turned on and add a few drops of dawn dish shop/alge cleaner.

Welcome to the club. Like welding, do not look at the laser, get some nice glasses.

 

[HMP]

C02 laser?


If so get your self a 5 gallon bucket and extra hose. Run that to the machine to keep the tube cool. Keep it turned on and add a few drops of dawn dish shop/alge cleaner.

Welcome to the club. Like welding, do not look at the laser, get some nice glasses.

Yep, C02
Be here next week. Now I got to figure out where this thing is gonna go!
I'll look up exact size of it so I know what I need to build for it to live on
And a college friend said similar, he reommended a bucket with a bit of RV coolant, yours sounds 'safer' though ha

 

[Button Pusher]

Kydex when laser engraved gives off hydrogen chloride. Not a good idea to do.

I've posted this before, I always walk away a little smarter after visiting CFF.

Hydrogen Chloride | NIOSH | CDC

Hydrogen chloride can irritate the skin, nose, eyes, throat, and larynx. Exposure to liquid hydrogen chloride may cause frostbite. Workers may be harmed from exposure to hydrogen chloride. The level of harm depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done.

www.cdc.gov

 

[HMP]

Is a cooler REQUIRED or can I run it some before adding the cooler to it?
I am going to start getting pieces ready to build a workbench today, try to figure out where the hell it's going to go (I know where it'll go, but it's in a 'bad' spot for other things, will have to shift stuff around in one room.

 

[HMP]

So I first fired this thing up about a week ago and have been messing with it some, adjusting power and speed to get less burning.
I like it. A lot.

And Im starting to pay myself back with it.
Not by much, though.

Batched out about 30 of these tonight, have most of them sold already. Made a different slate coaster for my wife, too. Earlier in the week I made some random things to play with it more, gave little wood pieces away.

I'm pretty stoked on it

 

[CHRIS_WNC]

Nice! There’s a lot of random stuff you can do with them.

We use two CO2 Kerns at my current job. 60”x120” beds. One is 150w and the other is a 650w beast.