So i understand that LED vs CO2 lasers are bit of an apples to oranges kind of thing using different frequencies and different internal design requirements with LEDs being in many ways like CNC routers were the router head was replaced by a laser module.
But what i don’t get is different cutting results. (i am mostly interested in cutting thin wood for model buildings)
On Co2 machines if you look up any given power class of laser you typically read the same basic cutting ability listed for the whole class over all the different support documentation and the reviewers typically get that level of cutting performance give or take some variables.
But these new “20w” and to a lesser degree the older “10 w” lasers they seam to be all over the place in the results people are claiming for the cutting ability,
I have seen video of a 20w cutting 3/4” thick wood in 2 pass and selling for $1200, you would be probably at $5000 or so to get that kind if cutting ability on a Co2 machine.
Then the next reviewer is having trouble cutting 10mm on the same machine.
So what gives? Why such inconsistent results?
Looking at this it almost makes me wonder what the “trick” is. Is this a scam or just some really specific and unusual situations that cause such a variation.
And does the radical difference in cost really exist or is there something i am missing? I know LED machines don’t have enclosures and such but if the info is to be believed I can spend $600 for a K40 and another $400-600 on replacing the mother board adding air assist etc or $1800-2500 to get a “starter” Co2 machine (next step up from a K40) and get the ability to cut less then 3/16” ply or i can spend $1200-$1300 to get a 20w LED and easily cut 1/4” ply and maybe up to 1/2 ply and up to 3/4 soft woods.
So what am i missing? What is the “trick”. Where is the man behind the currton?
Note i am new to the hobby (never owned a laser cutter) But i have been reading up on then for about 2 years or better, I mostly want to cut thin wood/ply (typically under 1/8l and often thin “laser board” for usie in making models of buildings like you see on miniature displays and model railroads.
Being as this is just a tool to using in another hobby and not my intedchobby itself. my budget is relatively tight. Say 1000-1500 (1600 is max). As beyond that it just becomes to much money for the amount i will use it, And i don’t need another (expensive) hobby. and if it was as easy to sell laser cut/engraved whatever’s to get a laser to “pay for itself” like the YouTube videos folks would have you believe we would all have $15000 pro machines and quit our day jobs.
Well any help clearing up my confusion will be appreciated . Thanks