Hi all I’m pretty new to the engraving world been at it for around a month also currently have the acmer k1 12 watt with 150 x 150 bed size but want bigger currently looking at the longer ray5 20 watt would people recommend this laser?
Thanks all
It would probably be helpful to mention, at least, what kind of work you intend to do so that we can give you the correct guidance. Without knowing what types of materials you’ll be using, and whether it’s for a simple hobby or something more professional, it’s difficult to help in the true sense of the word. 
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Hi thanks for the reply yea I’m not too good at explaining my self ha ha I intend to start as a hobby then hopefully progress the more I learn material wise wood, acrylic, glass & stainless if possible. I have bought some bottle openers but are shinny steel and reading they Carnt be done.
This means you need to search for a CO2 ou UV laser machine. Diode visible light lasers are not compatible with clear or light colors acrylic and glass, much less stainless steel.
There have been attempts to do so, some even producing some results, but nothing reliable.
Don’t worry, me neither. I’ve just been doing this longer. 
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Ha ha thanks mate yea really enjoying the learning curve if honest done few little bits and pieces so far nothing special just getting used to things!! (Trying) lol other I was looking at was the omtech k40+ but seems to be very mixed reviews on that
This may or may not be true. A diode laser can mark Stainless, or even mild steel with a spray like Cermark. But the marking on stainless is an anneal (heat treat) process, and not actually etching.
Glass you can etch to a frosting using a coating like acrylic paint.
Clear, blue, and green acrylic are not marked by a blue diode laser. Some other colors can be etched or cut with various degrees of success. Transparent maybe. I have cut 1/8” red transparent with a 10w laser, but the edges were a bit messy.
There is no “one size fits all” laser. Each design, size, and power has its pros and cons (yes, more power can be a con). If you select a brand, search the Forum for possible issues before you purchase.
I have 3 lasers, all diode.
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Thank you I appreciate your time in taking to reply. I guess it’s completely down to the user to select the next engraver
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