I apologize if i have broken any cardinal rules by posting this however I am looking for recommendations on a laser compatible with lightburn that can achieve the following.
cut 10mm Balsa (I know this is a relatively simple one but is part of requirement
Ready to go out of the box. Thinking Ortur, falcon, elegoo out of the box.
Most important, I am dabbling in knife making. I would like to engrave designs into the blades. Some blades not all will be 316 ss, Now i used to etch this in a job i had years ago with co2 and cermark with no issues. but as technology has moved on (that was ten years ago) iam sure there is other systems available.
I have been considering the Facon 22w and the Phecda but I couldnt seem to find any solid “yes it can” on the stainless front.
I am happy if it requires multiple passes. Its a hobby not a production facility
budget - up to the price of the 22w falcon.
Bed size not as important, but a 400mm square would be nice.
You are asking for one tool to do all things well, when in fact they will do all things - in a acceptable manner.
If you agree with that compromise then
Falcon Pro 2 with 20 or 40 | Roly Automation LaserMatic Mk2 30W
for the enclosed
if you can stretch the budget Xtool S1 would be a nice option with the 2W IR (but compatibility with Lightburn atm is iffy - Being worked on though)
Non Enclosed
Falcon 2 20/40 - Algolaser ALpha/delta 20-40, Atomstack has many offerings but not familiar with the naming. Sculfun has a nice 40W too.
Consider, too the dedicated IR modules for metal or - if your budget allows it
Xtool F1 is a nice addon too (Lightburn compatiblity again is iffy - Xtool has that common trait on)
Elegoo have not heard may nice things about so… keeping out same as wecrate-
AS per the metal marking. 20-40W diodes CAN do it on stainless. Cermark would make your life MUCH easier though
IR modules will do it naked
I am also not adverse to starting with x and buying an IR module as well to expand on it if a dedicated IR module would overall make the experience nicer.
I thought about a k40 for about 10 seconds as well but whilst iam sure some people like them i just cant bring myself to wanting to rewire it ect before use due to how dodgy they are out of the box from all the reviews ive watched.
Well, that’s the thing. i understood you want a READY made - “will just work” - machine.
All enclosed and non enclosed options could receive a IR module from other brands with some modifications
Personally, I think you would opt for CerMark as you are already familiar and will get you the results faster - and cheaper
IR modules are little princesses and not cheap either.
Of course you can always expand on your setup. There are some not so expensive Fiber laser desktop markers coming to market that could be dedicated machines for metals only. 40 min job done in 2 mins is an appealing upside if you see it as a business - and time is money.
