Buying a laser cutter

General lounge
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I am thinking about buying a laser cutter for my apartment as a xmas gift to myself. I am inspired by Kim Werker make something everyday challenge she gave herself last year. She is awesome and does some awesome work, Check her blog and book out. I would love to follow up her project with a make something on the laser every single day challenge.

My requirements

  • My budget is $4k,
  • I mostly cut paper and 1/8th inch acrylic and plywood.
  • Fumeless or smell free exhaust system. I have a window to vent out of, but it is my appartment.
  • Low noice, I want to run this in my apartment and not annoy my neighbors
  • 300 DPI
  • 12 x 18 inches.
  • Small enough to fit in my apartment

Nice to haves (in order)

  • Ability to cut 1/4 inch acrylic and wood.
  • Auto Z axis
  • 1200 DPI (I can dream right?)

I am looking at a full spectrum laser cutter, They start around $3,600 USD new. This is the same laser that is used at Maker Labs (they have this one and a bigger one from the same company). The software for these lasers are easy to use and the hardware looks stable.

I started looking at the industry standard Epilog Laser but they start at $18k, and are non maintainable by their users. Its a high quality machine but I don’t think thats what I am looking for.

I have been searching vancouver craigslist every week or so waiting for a suitable laser cutter to pop up without any real success.

What features should I be looking for in a laser cutter?
What brands are good?
Suggestions on where I can get a cheaper or uses laser cutter?
What should I watch out for?

Ping: @rsim, @MarkHarris, @RobertButterworth, @Stevemopolis, @iMakeRobots

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While Epilog is obviously not in your price range, you can get into an Epilog Zing for about 8K (not 18K) and probably less if you can find a used one. Now that I’ve been using an Epilog laser I know that I would rather own a used Epilog than a new offshore laser.

Epilogs are most definitely user maintainable even by non-technical users. Epilog Support is extremely helpful in talking you through pretty much any maintenance issues you may run into such as replacing stepper motors, PCB’s, laser tubes, belts, lenses, power supplies, etc. There is also a new Epilog dealer on Annacis Is. that can supply parts very quickly.

They are very simple to use since they look like a printer to your computer so you can print to them from any application that can print although CorelDraw is the most commonly supported app by both Epilog and their huge user community.

Even if you have a non-Epilog laser, I would highly recommend that you follow the Epilog Laser Forum on Facebook. Lots of great ideas and advice from very experience users.

1 Like
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cutting 1/4" acrylic I’d want a minimum of 60w laser, which is 36" long.

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I’ve cut 6mm acrylic with my 35W laser without any problems although you do have to run it pretty slow and with air assist.

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I keep reading that you can cut 1/4 " acrylic with a 35W laser.
Specifically from the full spectrum laser, and epilog forums.

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Will do, Thanks for the advice.

I have been told different things by people that don’t have Epilogs laser cutters. Since you have one, I think i will trust you.

I don’t plan on making money from this machine, Its purely for a hobby. Its really hard for me to justify that cost. I do agree with you, after seeing what they can do at the last Vancouver Mini maker faire.

I have contacted the local distrubuitor http://www.laserengraving.ca/ to see if they can lease one. I would pay ~$100 a month for a leased machine. I don’t have high hopes though.