andgott
Well-known member
Not too long ago, I bought a small "K40" laser cutter/engraver. Once I got it set up, I quickly discovered that while I really liked having the capability in my shop, I was extremely limited by its working size, which is only about 12" x 8".
So I started shopping around for a larger format machine. I was pretty much instantly overwhelmed- There were HUNDREDS of models available from dozens of manufacturers. Prices ranged from $1500, to the cost of my house... Where to begin?
The first thing I decided on, even before budget, was size. While there are a lot of models out there, there are really only a few standard sizes. Initially, I was looking at either a 20" x 28" or a 24" x 36" model, and I decided that the larger size would fit my needs better. Then it was on to research what was available.
On Ebay, you can get this size machine for about $3500, delivered, with an 80w tube (more likely 65-70 watts in reality). You'll need to add a chiller to that, which runs about $500. They look like decent machines, but the EBay sellers aren't really laser 'people', just importers in general, so there is little to no support after the sale.
There are a few US companies that have lasers built to their specifications, and then resell them here in the U.S.
One such company is boss laser. Their machine in this size runs roughly $13,000. A huge jump- BUT it is a better built machine, and it has the advantage of US based customer support. As much as I liked these machines, they were just out of budget. This is a hobby, after all.
There are, of course, other US options, including those that are made in the USA, however these machines are MUCH more expensive- some cost more than my house! I'm sure you get a great machine and excellent support, but since I'm not running a business with it, I can't justify that kind of expense.
So I started looking in to having a laser machine built to my specifications, and imported. It turns out that this is the most cost effective option, though it does involve more risk on my side. After doing a TON of research, I finally settled on a machine, and ordered it. The order just went in- So for the benefit of others out there that might be thinking about doing the same, I am going to start this thread to document my new 'toy', and everything that is involved in ordering it, having it delivered, and getting it going.
I'm no expert at this- I'll be learning along with you!
So I started shopping around for a larger format machine. I was pretty much instantly overwhelmed- There were HUNDREDS of models available from dozens of manufacturers. Prices ranged from $1500, to the cost of my house... Where to begin?
The first thing I decided on, even before budget, was size. While there are a lot of models out there, there are really only a few standard sizes. Initially, I was looking at either a 20" x 28" or a 24" x 36" model, and I decided that the larger size would fit my needs better. Then it was on to research what was available.
On Ebay, you can get this size machine for about $3500, delivered, with an 80w tube (more likely 65-70 watts in reality). You'll need to add a chiller to that, which runs about $500. They look like decent machines, but the EBay sellers aren't really laser 'people', just importers in general, so there is little to no support after the sale.
There are a few US companies that have lasers built to their specifications, and then resell them here in the U.S.
One such company is boss laser. Their machine in this size runs roughly $13,000. A huge jump- BUT it is a better built machine, and it has the advantage of US based customer support. As much as I liked these machines, they were just out of budget. This is a hobby, after all.
There are, of course, other US options, including those that are made in the USA, however these machines are MUCH more expensive- some cost more than my house! I'm sure you get a great machine and excellent support, but since I'm not running a business with it, I can't justify that kind of expense.
So I started looking in to having a laser machine built to my specifications, and imported. It turns out that this is the most cost effective option, though it does involve more risk on my side. After doing a TON of research, I finally settled on a machine, and ordered it. The order just went in- So for the benefit of others out there that might be thinking about doing the same, I am going to start this thread to document my new 'toy', and everything that is involved in ordering it, having it delivered, and getting it going.
I'm no expert at this- I'll be learning along with you!
