Prince Report post Posted November 8, 2011 I'm working on an expansion for my business and I'm going to soon be in the market for a laser cutting table and I'm hoping there are a few around who know a bit about them. Trying to do some homework. Main thing I need to know is pricing and reliability. Do these things last? And are there any pitfalls to be aware of? If I can afford it I'd get one powerful enough to cut steel too, I figure I'd be able to step it down for leather and engraving. And by engraving I may actually mean etching, not sure of the proper nomenclature. But then, on second thought the kind of laser beefy enough to handle what I'd want to cut would likely be very cost prohibitive for a long while. But anyway, starting out I need the capacity to cut leather, and etch/engrave it to varying degrees. Maybe cut 18ga brass or steel. The bed should be big enough. Any info or sources to other info to read up on will be appreciated. Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris DeGerolamo Report post Posted November 8, 2011 The variance in power you will need to cut metal and engrave leather will force you to buy two machines...cutting metal requires a lot of power. We have a 35W Epilog and I've cut 10oz leather fine. I'd recommend maybe a 45 or 60 depending on what weight you intend on cutting. For production concerns, speed will likely be an issue, so think higher wattage... *sigh* there is a lot to say about this....I would suggest hopping over to http://www.sawmillcreek.org/forumdisplay.php?f=8 and read up on what machines people like. For me, I'd recommend either Universal or Epilog since they are American made. The machines have a slight learning curve but are invaluable once you get the hang of them. Plan on buying Corel Draw so that you have a good interface with which to send the prints. You'll need an exhaust system as well, and possibly a compressor for air assist. And a good UPS to protect against power spikes...and a fuse on your panel if you want to do it right. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gtwister09 Report post Posted November 8, 2011 Here's some good discussions on them in older posts. Like Chris I have both of the packages listed and he has given some great information on operational items for the lasers. The woodworking forum he listed has a lot of information on them as well. http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=11278&view=findpost&p=17614 http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=7778&view=findpost&p=81159 http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=11029&view=findpost&p=16380 http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=28589&view=findpost&p=179288 Regards, Ben Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
