I’ve been doing all sorts of research on lasers and which one I should get. Of course everything pushes you towards the x tool and Wecreat but I want/need some help on the best laser to go with that actually supports lightburn. I’ve also seen the ortur on kickstarter. It looks like a decent brand but don’t know much about it. I haven’t used any program but everything j find shows lightburn to be a good program to be compatible with. I mainly want to start doing tumblers (like everyone lol) and then have a big enough surface area to do acrylic signs too. I’m not sure what I can afford so for the sake of everything how about around the $2000 area give or take. Thank you all for any help.
Both xtool and wecreat can be a challenge in LightBurn depending on the model. What type of laser are you looking at?
Ideally I’d like a CO2 from what I’ve read on. But I flexible to be able to work up to that if that means I need to start out with a diode.
It depends on what materials you want to cut/engrave. A co2 laser can be versatile but you give up some resolution on engraving. Also a co2 will be larger, but most are fully enclosed. I would opt for a laser in an enclosure just for ease of removing smoke and fumes.
Oh I see. Id mainly want to do coated tumblers (like yetis) and be able to do custom signage with acrylic (elk, deer, wildlife, that sort of thing) so I think I’d need one that could engrave and cut if possible? So preferably 20-40oz tumblers (give or take) and work area of approximately 16"-12". Any recommendations on this?
I have the Ortur 20W LM3. It’s been extremely versatile. For tumblers, you will also need the rotary attachment, and something to lift the frame up to that height ( I recommend the optional folding legs they sell). I bought mine directly off their website, and less than $2k got me the machine with the soft enclosure, the legs, the rotary attachment, the remote air assist, the remote smoke filter, and a small aluminum spoil board. It’s a good all-in-one kit.
There are more powerful forms of laser out there, but I think for what you’re spending I haven’t seen anything beat the value-for-cost on these.
I appreciate the feedback on your experience. Does it work well with light burn too? I’m extremely interested in the one on Kickstarter right now.
Hi Alexander
As you progress your understanding will change. Do a bit of list making & learning ‘particular good points’ that tick box’s and study each model on your short-list. If you try to do all that in your head, it gets confusing.
Look for real examples of work done by each that fit with your plans…which will also probably change.
Have a good look through the ‘Finished creations’ here on LB forum and elsewhere and see/ask what machines can do.
Get in at a comfortable price, if you love it you can purchase your dream machine…when you know what your doing.
You could purchase a ‘Use straight out of the box’ type or a ‘put it together youself’ type…Are you good that way, or are you more the creative or business type who wants to just get on with it.
Is the Laser dot the right size & shape? Depth of focus…for your intended work and materials.
Is the Laser power & optical power enough…you can always dial it down using lightburn or multi power modules but are you more into cutting or engraving & how fast do you need it done…Faster lasering needs a sturdier frame etc.
Exhaust fans…big enough, fume filter? and enclosure quality and tools…what do you need in those terms…Think safety first!
I’m only about 4-5 months ahead of you and still haven’t zzzaped as much as a wood fibre…but I’m really enjoying the journey & the learning…mostly because of the wise and nice folk here on the forum.
Most machines will work as advertised and mostly it will be down to how you set it up and run it. All have good points and limitations so it may be a question of how many box’s does each machine on your list tick.
Let us know how yr progressing.
Dang I really appreciate this. I didn’t think about half the stuff you said. Never once thought about making a list, just more concerned about price. Not did I think about build it yourself stuff, just get up and go. I’m in no rush to do the wrong thing so I will take the time to look at things a little more differently. I appreciate the insight!
Nothin wrong with the ‘Get up & go’…dont loose that! because you’ll learn much faster by doing it.
Any reasonably priced machine will put you in the ball park. Buying cheap is good for the pocket & no biggie if you break something due to lack of undertanding, but they have limitations, may not function at multiple job types as well as expected…that means upgrade costs and downtime.
Expensive machines need care/attention and good working area and learning time.
The advertising will tell you what a machine can do and the forums will tell you how well they do it…be aware most issues are with the operators lack of knowledge.
I dont want to direct your decision but if it were me I would spend 500 on a well built frame, multi power laser module or easy to swap out for wood/metal, cutting/engraving…for doing different work…with great air assist/pump, and then spend a bit on excellent exhaust and good smoke & fume proof enclosure, good quality safety eyeware and materials etc.
If your lasering for fun and profit you might like a dedicated small machine that is really great at rotary work and do signs etc on a different machine better suited to cutting with signage sized work area.
And also cost of materials, setup time, work time, cleanup time.
I started using LightBurn with mine from square one. There’s a large quantity of LightBurn-related content on YouTube, and a ton of ortur videos as well, so I’ve been glad to have so much tips available that relate directly to my setup when I watch laser videos.
Visible light led lasers cannot cut acrylic (which is clear). If you use a dark acrylic you can probably cut/engrave… However it’s still not really cutting acrylic, it’s heating up whatever causes the discoloration from clear and that heat melts/vaporizes the acrylic.
A small co2 will do acrylic and tumblers and if your rotary can handle it, large items.
Good luck
