Glowforge Killer: half the price, twice the power
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ค. 2024
- Tool: 90W Reci W2 36x24 inches CO2 Laser Engraver and cutter machine
*Update 1/11/21*
The above machine originally recommended by Mike is no longer available from Toolots. When asked about comparable machines, Mike suggested the following, though he has not had direct experience with either of them.
RMLaser Classics Appearance Design Reci 90W 36x24 In Co2 Laser Engraver Cutter
www.toolots.com/laser-690.html
Kehuilaser 35 x 23 Inches 100W CO2 Laser Engraver and Cutter Machine
www.toolots.com/35-23-100w-co...
In any case, we suggest giving Toolots a call to get a better sense of what they have in stock.
****
Guest: Mike Warren
Website: michaelsaurus.com/
Instagram: / dinosaur_mike
Mike’s books:
Cut In Half
www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...
Maker.Wild: 15 Step-By-Step Projects for the Great Outdoors
www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...
The Gadget Inventor Handbook
www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...
Dudecrafts
www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...
23 Things to Do Before You Are 11 1/2
www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...
Quotes:
"I did my homework, did the research on what's out there in the landscape of lasers and I decided on this machine. I've had it for about two months and couldn't be happier. All-in, delivered to my door, I think was $2,800, and that's a really sweet price. But the reason I went for this kind of model over some of the more polished kind of brands that are out there is that I feel like this type of laser offers you more flexibility in what you're able to do.
Brands like Glowforge, the Muse, Boss Laser, all have smaller form factors of their lasers but they're also limited by the wattage. So the size of the unit will kind of dictate the power of the tube in the back. The longer the larger the tube is, that's where the laser fires, that's where the power comes from. So for Muse and Glowforge, those are only 40 watt machines possibly 45 watts if they juice it somehow. But that's all you're ever going to get out of that machine, no matter how you upgrade it, until you actually get a larger machine that can accept a larger tube."
- Mike Warren - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
![[ไฮไลต์] แบดมินตันหญิง "เมย์ รัชนก" ไทย vs เบลเยี่ยม รอบแบ่งกลุ่ม | โอลิมปิก 2024](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/qfMROCoiKMY/mqdefault.jpg)
So as a Field Service Engineer that has worked on CO2 Lasers for decades, here is what I noticed while watching this video; You need much more vacuum / ventilation than you already have. The system appears to have "Flying Optics", meaning that the Head moves the Mirrors to deliver the beam to the Focus Lens. With all that smoke in that chamber and exposed mirrors I would expect you will get premature wear on the Flying Mirrors. Also, Acrylic vaporizes when Laser Cut and that vapor can scatter the beam (CO2); not only at the Focus Point but Acrylic Vapor will also scatter the collimated beam going into the head (again open Flying Optics) meaning a significant loss in power delivered to the Focus Lens. Your Ventilation system should be able to evacuate all smoke and vapor as fast or faster than the Laser can generate it to save on Optical wear and to maximize power delivery to the Focus Lens. In industrial systems we use telescoping bellows between the stationary optics and the flying optics. These "Beam Covers" are also provided a few PSI ( 5 to 10 PSI) of Very Clean air (actually we use N2 gas) to give them a "Positive Pressure" or to keep them at a higher atmosphere. This keeps harmful particulate out of the Beam Path. Now all of that said, at 90W you are not as likely to damage the optics as quickly as say a 500W to 30KW laser so of course the lower power will help. Good Luck, Have Fun, and Be Safe! :)
Very informative, thank you sir.
Man you know your lasers!!! Do you consider this a good beginners laser?? Thank you friend...
@@robjtko Thank you for the kind compliment. The smallest laser I have ever worked with is 750 W; so my expertise is limited to High Power Industrial lasers. For "Beginners" I would recommend a sealed laser, (Laser Diode, RF Laser, etc), the downside of this is expense. I find that "easy == $$$". All Sealed Lasers will require replacement after a fixed time regardless of usage hours. In other words, the clock is always ticking to replace the Laser Head even if you are not using the laser. For myself personally, I would choose a Gas Laser, (CO2) where I can "feed" Laser Gas/Mix. The "Laser Mix" is a very basic mixture of 4.5% CO2 for the beam, 13.5% N2 for the catalyst, and 82% HE for coolant. Tube Lasers can be serviced as needed; replacing Output-Coupler, Internal Beam Benders, Rear-Mirror, etc. These lasers are generally easy to cool and will easily generate well over 100W on a bad day. But this requires a level of expertise to maintain. The Gent in this video does mention that he is using a Laser Tube and a Coolant Circulator. This makes me think he is using the same type of Laser I would use. But he does not mention, (or I missed it), that he is feeing the Laser with a gas mix. Side note - a lot of these "Blue" Laser Diodes you see on these hobby tables are/were actually the Laser Pumps we use to pump Nd:YAG High Power Lasers. The last Nd:YAG laser I setup used 8 Laser Diodes per channel with 4 channels, (four Nd:YAG Crystals). These Laser Pumps were good for about a year or two and cost $2000 USD to replace. I know I didn't offer much to directly answer your question but hopefully the information here will help you make a more informed decision in the future. Good Luck, Have Fun, Be Safe!
@@chargedneuron Again thank you friend, you level of knowledge transcends anything I have seen on TH-cam!! What I wouldn’t give to have your knowledge. I know nothing about lasers except what they are suppose to do. I have never been around one much less used one. Still I am intrigued by them as well as cnc routers. Could you be so kind to tell me this. After what I have told you about myself, what kind or more specifically which laser would you personally buy to start with if $10,000.oo was you max price? Really need to be more around $5,000.oo to $8,000.oo. Trust me I know that really limits your answer and I apologies. It’s just all I can do right now. I am looking to make wooden pictures as well as different shapes. For example CHRISTmas ornaments. Many, many other things to, thats just an example. Another example might be pictures of cities with all the roads as well as lakes and all the creeks running into and out of them. May possibly work with metal as well. You have no idea how much I appreciate you spending the time to answer me and would be even more great full if you could answer what I just ask. I built something one time by watching a guy do it on TH-cam. He also answered some questions for me. He was a super great guy. Like yourself I should say. Once finished I sent him $100.oo 3 different times via ebay pay. Sorry, I have the darn app but forget the exact name of the payment method. Lol. PayPal,, that is it. If you had time and could help me find the right machine I would gladly do the same for you friend. As a matter of fact I honestly think your such a great guy I would send you something in advance just so you would know I am honest. I know this sounds like a scam of some sort but I am being 100% honest with you. I got scammed out of a $1,000.oo drone I sold so I know how that feels and learned a good, expensive lesson. I would only be asking you for information about lasers. Nothing more. If you doubt me I’ll gladly give you my email address, facebook name or whatever makes you feel comfortable. What I built with the other gentleman’s information was a “”Hookah Diving Unit.”” I can give you his name and TH-cam page where you can see what video I used to build my unit. I would just prefer to give it to you discretely but if that makes you nervous I will list it here. Regardless what you decide my friend know how much I appreciate the time you have taken already with me. Hope to hear from you Sir. GOD bless!!.. :))...... Sir I am going to list that site for you. I know how this must sound to you and it is very important to me that you know I am honest. The gentleman’s page is listed under, “”World Science TV.”” If you go to that on TH-cam you will see all of this guys videos. They are about Hookah Diving and Dredging for gold. I will be back with the name of the exact video that shows everything I told you about. Thank you so much my friend!!!..
I found theres the laser waterjet hybrid that also has air shroud, that basically has no downsides and can cut highly precise small diameter straight edge 10cm into metal but kinda slowly.
Him: All in delivered to my door was $2,800.
Me: Clicks link and says it starts at $4000 before shipping and extras.
amazing how that works huh.
Greetings from the future: It's $5200+ now.
This is exactly what I was thinking. Good old bait and switch!
Hilarious that Glowforge's ad popped up for this video.
Same
I know, right? Especially after that intro...
Me too
Yupp same. I just got rid of my glowforge
Same here 😆
Great video, thanks! Back in September of 2019 I bought the very same unit from Toolots, been enjoying it ever since. I see they don't have that model any more, that's unfortunate.
I have made a few mods to it, most notably added a current meter (ma) to the front to ensure that I never go above 25ma in the tube. I also designed and built a rotary unit, added a connector for it. Like you, I use an upgraded water cooler, plus venting with a super-strong exhaust fan to the outside.
It's been quite wonderful, making all sorts of things, even etching metal. No regrets here!
Big thumbs up on this video. You got it exactly right. I've been running my Ruida/G.Weike CO2 laser with Lightburn. It's a great system. No bells and whistles. No camera focus, mine uses a crank to set the Z-level. Red-dot laser for aligning.
Cutting thickness depends on your lens, focus, and wattage. I have a 40w that will do half in birch ply with no problems. I just needed to change the lens to get a slightly deeper focus cone on the beam. I also can do 3/4" hardwood in 2 passes if needed without charging. Good lenses and accurate focus are what really matters more than the brand.
Lenses are cheap $20-50 depending on the focal length and are considered consumables so replacing them is really easy. Having ones for ultra-fine engraving and one for deep cuts is a good investment.
On the fan side, get a blower-style fan. They move more air and are rebuildable so when they get gunked up with smoke residue and start to sound like a rock tumbler you can take them apart for cleaning.
For the cooler, get a refrigerator style one, not just a water tank and fan. Those work but you have limited cut time. The refrigerator ones cost more but chill the water to 18/19 degrees C. Cold tubes last longer and you want stable water temperatures.
Nice review, thank you. "No overlord" is a major selling point.
Highly underrated video... Super appreciate this info! The Glowforge has roughly half the print area (11 x 19.5) and half the power (40W) as this machine, plus they are now moving to require a subscription service for a package that contains many of their basic software tools. To be able to get a lifetime software access for $80 is an amazing opportunity.
The problem with hunting elsewhere is, the Glowforge is much better marketed - it's hard to even find stuff like this, to know it's an option. Super appreciate this video.
great info! Thank you both!
This is awesome, just paid off my ortur laser master with the coasters I've been selling. I can only burn about 8 in an hour though. Having something like this would help so much with reducing my time spent/coaster and increase the amount of orders I could take. Might buy one if I'm still making decent sales after Christmas time
20 watt?
I got a furnace blower from a buddy for free for my K40 laser and it works pretty good. I had to 3D print an adapter to join the dryer vent hose to the blower inlet. Then I just wired it up to a 2 switch electrical box with 1 switch being on and off and the other being the switch between high and low. Low speed works fine for wood, cardboard other not terribly pungent things, but I usually set it to high speed for plastics, especially acrylic.
Wow, very cool interv8ew about getting a laser cutter.The gentleman pointed out some major point on power, ventilation, working area, & pricing, & some comparison with other brands like Glowforge. Thx 4 sharing on Utube.
I just bought the OTUR to learn on but I will want something like this to start my part time business with.
If you are going to use it for a business, look into higher grade internals (laser tube) and controller. Laser tubes have a life span and the high quality tubes last longer.
Does this software allow you to upload photos and “laser engrave” them on items like the Glow forge? Like when they take a family pet and transfer it to a cutting board? Or the “3D” wood projects it cuts?
I think Lightburn has an initial price for a year worth of updates, and an annual maintenance fee to continue to receive updates. They do not kill the license after a year, just no updates.
I also added additional exhaust fan and vented it out the building It works
So I'm new to all of this. For doing simple things like etching steels and plastics would this laser be too much power, or can you back the intensity off? Thinking a 30w-40w would be plenty for me but I like the amount of travel and price of this model. And $80 to get a good program to run it is not bad at all
Super informative video! Thank you!
Thanks for the review. I currently have a Glowforge and my next unit will be looking for something different due to some of the factors you discussed. One fact I want to correct is that you can cut 1/4" material.
I cut 1/4 on my GF every day, mostly wood from Smokey Hills
Has anybody been able to find this unit for sale anywhere? Any idea of Toolots will get it back in stock?
One thing people seem to forget is if you are trying to exhaust air to the outside you have to have a source for incoming air otherwise your exhaust fan is trying to pull a vacuum on your house.
I am definitely going to the link on the laser he bought.
Good point about exhaust. When you enter a restaurant and the door is hard to open that means they are running their cooking exhaust hoods but have turned off their outside air supply to the restaurants A/C unit, and the vacuum is what you are pulling against at the front tg door. This is usually done on colder days because the heating bill is higher as th he outside air needs to be heated whereas recirculating A/C unit air is already room temperature.
I'm currently using the GF basic and I definitely need to upgrade. One of things I do like about the GF though, is the onboard camera. Without a camera, how to other lasers line things up? Are you able to do accurate positioning if you are trying to use up scrap material? BTW, I know you are already aware the original laser you recommended is no longer available, but the other two that you recommended are now out of stock. Do you have any others that you would recommend? I really liked the option of the rotary attachment on the RDC644XG, can you also run that with the Lightburn software? Thanks so much for sharing this information.
Does this machine carve 3d with varying z depths? Also, what detail precision should I expect?
I just scrolled through the comments and there's so many unanswered questions.
I have had my "Big Red" from China for over a year now. It is only 60 watt, but it does everything I need it to. When it is time to replace the tube, I will upgrade the wattage with a longer tube and bigger power supply. I paid $1750.00 for it. You got a nice laser for that price.
I have the Big Yeller Chaser, same thing! Surprisingly good machines for the price. Considering either a RECI or Cloudray tube and PS when it is time for a replacement, and going to a 100W.
I went to the link for the machine and it showed error. Any suggestions??
Any possibility of updating the description/sales link?
can you still get replacement parts and tube for it?
And it started with a Glowforge™ commerial/ad...
What type of laser would it take to cut 1/8th” Glass
I noticed on your demo cut that there was some edge burning around the cut. Is there a way to prevent that or to lessen that to a degree? I know air assist is supposed to help but it looks like you have that running already.
"Polished and consumer ready." Great quote! As an older person who is no longer willing to tolerate a lot of fiddly and fragile processes....paying more for a polished experience, supported by a company I can actually reach...is worth the additional cost. I do understand the risk of having a company go under...but how often does that actually happen? I'm willing to take that risk , in order to have a great experience for the duration that the company remains in business. 1/2" is tempting tho....
Awesome Video!!!
I really enjoyed the part talking about the subscription/cloud model. Most times you can save plenty $ without subscription/cloud if you know what you are doing.
Best regards
use a small shop vac for extraction of fumes. add a 9.99 remote from hrdwr store, put it outside and run hose into where laser unit is. then add a container that has a little water in bottom between the shop vac and laser cabinet. (in case of any sparks)
Good to go ! instant fume removal and the remote is a cool touch that makes things easy !
Use pvc fittings for hose connectors on spark arrestor bucket and put a separator part way down the bucket so any sparks are forced towards water.
what is the narrowest cut that you can make with this? is it possible to make something as tightly fitting as a puzzle?
In short yes, the kerf is usually 0.015inch. It is dependent on the lens being used.
Anyone with one of these machines know how well it handles corner over-burn with vector cutting? Especially on thin materials like paper or card stock? Generally, machines need fairly sophisticated speed and power handling algorithms to avoid either over burning or under burning as it decelerates to change direction. This is one of the things that is handled pretty well by the Glowforge but, often poorly by many of the inexpensive machines.
Looked up the laser and I still can’t find the name could you tell us the name of the laser you bought?
Why to I have to buy all that housing and legs? Unnecessary expense and bulk.
I need 54" x 30" bed, I don't need z. I'm making 1/8 ply cutouts only. What should I get? Is there any that will automatically feed through the next sheet of material? Thanks
Good interview.
Could you please comment on the CFM of the fan you used, and/or the CFM that you would recommend?
Did this 2800usd laser come with a proper water-cooler and air extractor-filter unit? Cause these machines need them.
Link doesn't work. looked up another laser on same website (same dimensions) and $1000 more than video one. I guess they found out it was TOO Cheap for them to sell at that price. May want to do a follow-up video
Heads up the link to the tool in the description doesn't work.
If I was handy and wavy about these machines I would buy this one, but I’m new to all this and my daughter mainly wants it for her small business as a Pre teen... so I may end up with the other machine just because it seems so much user friendly and more compact. 😬
I added a duct booster fan at the exit from my workshop. I combination with the PC type fan at the back of the machine, I can have the lid open and still have most of the smoke from cutting be drawn out of the workshop.
Nice machine though... I have one of the 50W 12" x 20" machines and all in all, it's pretty darn good for the money (about $1400 when I bought it). I've replaced all the optics for better quality parts, which made a measurable difference. I'll also replace the laser tube at some point with a higher quality tube. The Chinese supplied tube is OK, but the beam quality isn't super great.
Please provide details re size of fan you bought so I can make sure I'm looking for bigger. Also, what are you using for cooling? The cooler that came with the unit?
If you are in the US, search for the LightObjects website. They have some nice affordable chillers and fans. In the case of a chiller get one that matches your tube wattage or slightly above. You want it to get to 18/19 degree C while running. The fan is always a trade-off between sound and performance. If you can mount the fan outside the shop it gives you more options. Also, get a blower-style fan that you can disassemble. Over time it will collect smoke residue on the blades and you want o be able to take it apart to clean that stuff off. If not it will start to sound like rocks in a dryer when you turn it on. Use rigid metal ducting when you can instead of the flexible stuff if possible too.
Am I missing something??? I clicked on the links and the price I'm seeing in $5,500 and NOT $2,800. Anyone have an updated link?
My Glowforge® Basic cuts 1/4 inch like butter on one pass... Had it for several years now (part of the crowd funding)
Wow, really helpful, thanks!
I have this machine and have had it for almost 1 year, best thing we purchased in 2020. Do yourself a favor and download the manual I believe I found it in the cd, it is my first laser and I love it still learning more everyday, learn how to make dxf files so you do not waste your time using jpeg if you do not have to, enjoy your machine, this is the first time that I have seen this video and now I have some answers when people tell me to buy a glowforge ")
Can it also do etching like in glass / metal and leather. Ect.?
Great informative video. Does anyone know the newest model?
I was really liking this one.
Hi Mike, The machines on the links you left in the description don't look anything like the one in your video and are also not at the price you mentioned. Your video doesn't mention the make and model either. Please clarify.
Will it sketch on stainless steel or steel with dry poly?
Can you replace the laser tube and how many hours will it go?
I live in Az would there be a problem keeling this and using this in my garage?
any body please guide me this printer can print 3mm logo on Fabric ?
I too live in the bay area, I have questions and would like to get in contact with the gentleman from the video. Is that a possibility?
I like the no overlord part, but curious about service after the sale? Nonexistent? I am looking to get into this as a side business and would love a reply if you can, thanks.
Same here !
Do you have any experience with how this might compare to a laser from Thunder Laser?
I was in touch with a Thunder Laser dealer based in Montreal recently Their prices were astronomical compared to this.
I have a Golden Lazar JGSH-13070 can I use my dust collection sys, to vet my lazar
Went to buy but all it gives is an option to finance ........ can’t add to my cart. Am I missing something or does toolots only sale to businesses
For less expensive air exhaust I used a (VIVOSUN 6 inch Inline Duct Fan 240 CFM) From Amazon for $19.00. Granted it is only used for My Ortur laser but it works very well exhausting fumes. There are more expensive units but I tried the cheapest just to see if it could work and it does.
How about modifying it and introduce positive air pressure along with your exhaust system. That might take of the smoke situation since you want to open the machine as soon as it's done. Also it might help keep surfaces cleaner from build up on the laser lens and mirror(s). Just a thought.
Positive air pressure would push the smoke to the static components. As he had mentioned, he needs to upgrade his exhaust fan. My guess is that the smoke isn't nearly as much of a problem just that he doesn't like his work area smelling burnt. The aromatics hang around longer than the smoke particles.
went to the toolots website. They have about 500 models of laser cutter, but only about 5 of them in stock. Not sure what’s up with this infomercial.
Does it cut through aluminum 1 mm
Can you cut in an angle?
So would you want to put this laser cutter in a cooler space. If it was in a cold garage would that be bad? I live up north and the only place I could put it would be out there. It’s not heated currently.
The laser tube is made of glass and it's water cooled. You will need to take precautions to prevent the water from freezing and breaking the tube.
Started out with a hobby diode and now I have the laser bug. My next move will definitely be something like this.
Does this have the ability to hook up for engraving or cutting on round surfaces?
You need an extra attachment, but the controller can handle it. My manufacturer threw in the rotary attachment for free - I wouldn't suggest the company I went with, they were a pain, but you might be able to get the same from another manufacturer.
@@nickelbers48 Thank you, Nick. I think that might be why so many people go with GlowForge or Muse, or MakeBlock as they tell you the limitations up front and there seem to be very few hiccups.
Pretty much any laser from china will accept a rotary attachment. They use third party controllers to run the machine and they're well documented for upgrades and maintenance. Most chinese origin lasers will have a connector accessible to unplug the Y axis and plug in the rotary.
Great video and I'm glad I stumbled upon your channel. What additional exhaust fan did you want to add for venting? I just heard the last of your video that you want to upgrade, what do you have and what do you want to get?
I bought a Orion Motor Tech 100W CO2 Laser Engraver Cutter and need to provide better venting. What are you running for cooling?
What about detail how fine of a print can you get
Nice video and good information. I was also looking at the Glowforge. What model would you choose as and upgrade to the 90W Reci W2 36x24 inches? And, which laser engraver and cutter machine do you think is the best under $10K. Thanks.
Tool Lots should have given you the laser for free. You probably are the reason they are sold out of that model.
I noticed they pretty much have no lasers at all
Maybe i am an idiot, I can’t find the name brand of this item…. Can you tell me what this thing is called?
Fantastic idea and cool content bro
What is the name of the Machine you are using? In your description it only gives 2 comparable Laser Machines.
Where do you get support/community and parts? Who does repairs?
There are tons of forums and Facebook groups out there for the machines. The hardware is really generic. The only specialized parts are the software and controller and they are off the shelf parts as well so replacements are just a google search away. For example, there are about 10 different versions of the machine presented that the only change is the color and possibly the controller. If you are looking for a complete turnkey solution, check out Boss Laser or FS Laser. Both are US based and have decent support. You will pay slightly more but have less shipping headaches.
Call an laser expert: Yoda & Luck Sky waker
@@noway8233 “Luck Sky waker”?
Luck Sky Walker
You put laser in rice
He steal rice. See broken laser. Fix it.
Be a man
Do the right thing
I want one of these so bad😭😭😭
Will this cut 1/16” stainless steel ?
So would a bathroom exhaust fan work and if so, how many cfpm would it have to be?
They do but not really. You really want a blower-style fan. They move more air, are rebuildable so you can clean them when they get gunked up, and they will trust me, and have adjustable inlet and outlet positions to make them easier to mount. They are the snail/turbo shaped fans. They can be loud but can be mounted slightly farther away from the machine to cut down on noise. I have mine mounted on the other side of a wall from my machines so they are hardly audible.
Get a 4" blower used for woodworking dust collection. That will do the job.
I’ve been trying to buy this machine since seeing this video but it’s been out of stock. Anyone know where I can find one?
Aliexpress (China)
How does this compare to an Orion Motor Tech?
The OMT 50watt laser has a smaller cutting surface, half the power, and the bed is raised/lowered with a hand crank instead of being motorized. Those are pretty much the only differences. They have the same controllers so they all work with the same software.
You need to put the blower on the outside of the building. This is so that any leaks in the system are vacuum not pressure. My friend cuts open battery cases to rebuild. He has done this for 20 years. He moved the blower outside. Only than did he realized how much of the fumes remained in his shop.
The link for the Toolots.com page is no longer valid.
Does this model have a PASS THROUGH to cut and engrave material larger than the bed size?
It appears to have front and back passthrough
does it cuts steel? im looking for one all i saw was wood and acrylic ang also for engraving.
No, you need a fiber laser for steel
What's the laser output
Hold up is that a KFJC poster in the backround Cool Tools?????
incredible. i've been wanting to upgrade my glowforge for a while now, not sure if i want to go all in on a Trotec....this seems like more than a happy medium - but all these lasers are sold out! any idea where i can get one?
eBay, they were sold out because of the Chinese new year
The ones that are available now are double the price, so comparable to the Glowforge Pro, but they are so much more machine.
Did that "90W" eye destroyer just keep going with the safety lid open (th-cam.com/video/7P661CYrgh4/w-d-xo.html) !?
Please tell me that you disabled the (factory installed) safety interlock and wore appropriate safety equipment.
That machine doesn't have a safety interlock on the lid.
Your links show these machines closer to $4,000.00 Looks like they caught on and see they can take advantage of it.
Jumped over to Toolots, but shows that ALL their lasers are out of stock :(
What about consumable parts , are they standard and readily available ?
99% of the parts are universal, mirrors, lenses, limit switches so parts are cheap. Tubes and power supplies can be expensive but I am paying $600 for 90/100w tubes and they last through years of me doing production-level cutting 6-8 hours a day 3-5 days a week. I have replaced 1 power-supply on my 3 machines in 8 years and that was due to a screw being too long finally wearing through a wire. The only expensive part of the system is the controller and that is the part where you really get what you pay for.
If you want to cut 1/8” aluminum what power laser is required?
You would need a fiber laser
I'm so glad I refunded my glowforge kickstarter pledge! It would have been $10k down the drain. This unit looks very appealing.
Good info but some comments were not correct , I cut 1/4” + all day on GlowForge , 3 passes for 3/8, 1/2” no go on glowforge , glowforge software is now open source , you will not have a Brock and could run locally.
Thank you so much for this.
Can you get a rotary attachment for it?
Yes
What are your material options at this wattage? Can it cut/engrave aluminum or copper?
A CO2 laser (short of an industrial sized machine) won't cut any metal. Would need a fiber for that.
You can engrave metals if you prepare them with a special coating (ceramark)