Looking for a laser cutter/engraver in the $2000-$5000 range

Hello,

I'm completely NEW to laser cutting and engraving.

I've done some research on laser cutters and was inspired by this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWwiDnhjQlo

Objective is to produce Flight Simulator panels with back lighting (as in the video above).

Some of the information I've gather suggests the following:

1. 60 Watt should be enough for cutting acrylic/plastics
2. Having servo motors for laser positioning is critical
3. Use steel base plate and nothing reflective like Aluminum
4. Air filtration is very important
5. Water cooling is important

I live in the US so a US source would be preferred but NOT critical if my options are limited. I'd like the laser to operate on 110-120V but if not possible I could do 220-240V.

Please excuse any ignorance I may expose as I'm very new to laser cutting and engraving.

Cheers, Rob.

I started out with a 60 watt laser with a 12X20 inch bed I found it did what I wanted but was a little slow for the hundreds of cuts that I got it for. I went to a 130 watt laser with a 24x40 inch bed now I can cut most anything that the company ships to me. I bought it from a Ebay seller by the name of Goldraydigital they were very helpful and I got the laser Chiller Rotary all for under $4500 shipped to my house. Iordered it on Friday and picked it up at Fedex on Tuesday. They ship from 2 different warehouses one on each coast. I would not go back to the 60 watt to cut the 1/4 cast acrylic as the new laser cuts so much faster and better. I do use the 60 watt for some small stuff though

Hi Rob. Welcome to the forum.

The machine shown on the video is probably below 1K and with a 40W laser

1. That would depend on the thickness of the sheet and wether or not you are fine with multi-pass cutting.
2. No and most likely is beyond your budget.
3. No. Using standard steel honeycomb probably would be your best option.
4. Yes. It would be even better if you can vent the fumes outside the room.
5. Yes and No. Cheep ones require water-cooling.

Using K40 (the one on the video) is a good way to start, experiment and learn about this technology.