Hi all –
I’ve been a lurker/reader for a while now, but decided to ask register to seek advice from the forum about buying a first laser. I’ll start this by saying that I’ve read through many such similar threads already on the forum – I hope I don’t rile folks up for asking a question that’s already been asked again. My rationale for asking again is that I may hear some additional voices, and that it gives me the opportunity to get feedback on my particular circumstances.
I’m looking into buying my first laser cutter/engraver. It would be primarily used for light manufacturing, though I’m certain I’d come up with all sorts of hobby uses for it as well. It’d likely be run around 10 to 20 hours per week, primarily cutting and engraving 3mm MDF models. While I know my way around a computer well enough, I don’t have anywhere near the know-how (or time) required to build a machine, or even to deal with a very fiddly machine. I’d like to be able to hit the ground running fairly quickly.
Given my intended applications, I’m thinking something in the 60 watt range with a 24 x 12 or so bed. From what I’ve read here and elsewhere, there seem to be 3 types of machines, each with their own advantages and disadvantages:
Full Service US Lasers – (Epilog, Universal, etc) The most expensive of the lot, but reliable, high quality, quality and great service.
US-Distrbuted Chinese lasers (Hurricane, Full Spectrum) Mid-priced. Same lasers as below, but presumably better access to service (and financial recourse should things go wrong).
Chinese Lasers – Dirt cheap price, questionable quality, no local service, etc. Seem to potentially require some tweaking to get running right.
Am I mischaracterizing things? Am I missing any other info I should consider? Are there specific features I should be considering? I reckon I’ll go to the manufacturers with more specific questions later, but wanted to go to the larger community for advice first.
Any advice or thoughts would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Jim