I am about to buy a laser CNC.
I got the specs form the manufacturer for different machines and my choice is for the 1200X800mm machine. Both the laser engraver and the laser cutter have similar specs. The major difference is the power, one being a 60Watt and the other 80Watt. The other difference is the working speed, the engraver is faster than the cutter.
My point is that these laser tubes are eventually going to fail in both machines, if they are not already DOA. Therefore, why not buy the cheaper engraver, and once the laser dies, why not simply replace it by a solid-state laser. I have access to a 100Watt solid-state that could well be used as a cutting laser, and once the CO2 laser tube dies, I plan on installing it in the engraver.
I know that there's only a $500 price difference between the two machines, but is there any difference between the two machines?
The engraver can also cut, if you give it a better laser. It's faster also.
Would there be any difference in the way they work?