Know of a company like ShopBot for laser cutters?

[wespor]

I hope SB builds one some time but in the here-and-now, can any recommend a good machine with a good community? I'm interested in building projects with both a router and laser using jigs for registration. Lasers seem like such a risk though, everything under 10k looks like junk from China with zero support but I couldn't pay more than that.

Been following this open-source project called Lasersaur that you build yourself with quality parts and it does have a dedicated community but I don't think I'm tech savvy enough for that.

Sorry if this is the wrong area, didn't see an off topic or general fabrication section.

EDIT: Unrelated but I ordered my Desktop today, woohoo!

[awalt1250]

Don't have any info about the laser...but good to see another Desktop in Houston!

[ron_moorehead]

Not a company but a good forum on laser engravers and has info about Chinese lasers.

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/forumdisplay.php?8-Engravers-Forum

[genek]

contact Rabbit Laser in ohio... they back up their lasers. send me a e-mail to eking1953@yahoo.com will send you some info.

[kern]

We compared Epilog and Universal by using different files and we went with the Universal. It has done all that we asked with pretty good back up support. Their rotary tool is robust and works like it should.

[gundog]

What are you guys doing with the laser machines? Engraving or cutting materials? If cutting what material can you cut and and how thick. I don't have any experience with lasers.

Thanks Mike

[wespor]

We compared Epilog and Universal by using different files and we went with the Universal. It has done all that we asked with pretty good back up support. Their rotary tool is robust and works like it should.

Yeah, the Universal looks great but dat price. I just got a 25k price quote back from them and nearly fell out of my chair.


What are you guys doing with the laser machines? Engraving or cutting materials? If cutting what material can you cut and and how thick. I don't have any experience with lasers.

Thanks Mike

Primarily cutting, 1/8 wood and leather, 1/5 acrylic.

[Brady Watson]

There's a reason everyone doesn't have a laser...it's because they are expensive. You can take your chances on a cheap import or go with a US based brick and mortar store. Each path has a price.

-B

[jerry_stanek]

What size table are you looking for. I have a 12x20 table with a 60 watt tube that will cut that stuff. I cut .25 acrylic for a company with it and get real nice edges polished edges. I cut .5 acrylic for another company also. It is an LG 500 and I picked it up in Chicago. I would stay away from Full Spectrum Lasers after reading all the horror stories about them. Rabbit laser in Dayton is one of the good dealers and Ray is very helpful even if you don't buy from him. When you buy from him he comes and sets your laser up and shows you how to use it also. Mine I needed right away so I ended up at Automation Technologies that I could go and pick up and get some training at the same time.

[wespor]

I would stay away from Full Spectrum Lasers after reading all the horror stories about them.

Hmm, well I was seriously considering a Full Spectrum unit. I'll check out Rabbit. Thanks.

[ken_rychlik]

My shopsabre was actually set up for a laser when I bought it. He removed the laser and sold it alone and I put a spindle on my machine so I know they make them. They use ball screws and linear guide rails. very sturdy machines.

[wespor]

There's a reason everyone doesn't have a laser...it's because they are expensive. You can take your chances on a cheap import or go with a US based brick and mortar store. Each path has a price.

-B

Aye, that sums it up. I was hoping for a middle ground company, a cheap U.S. manufacturer.

[chiloquinruss]

Full Spectrum as a laser machine is OK, but the company just sucks! :eek: They even monitor their forum so very little BAD news ever gets posted there. But if you google FSLASER you will see I am not alone in my thinking. The machine actually does very well, just don't call or email or whatever to get any kind of an answer from the company! I even tried to talk to them in person at Maker Faire and they were very rude and had no answers for most questions being asked by the public.

They are definitely not ShopBot or Vectric! I have their 40w machine, great for making models. I have heard good things about Epilog. Russ

[Shane]

Lasers are much cheaper in America to purchase than Australia :(

I paid just over $20000 for my 40w Epilog. It's great and I went with Epilog due to the support and reliability compared to cheaper chinese machines.

And I'm glad I did purchase Epilog due to recently having issues with the tube being underpowered. Epilog tech came out and replaced the tube and have been out several times to get the machine back to it's full potential.

I can only guess I would be pulling my hair out if the same thing happened with the cheap chinese machines. I don't have the time or the knowledge to fix a laser and can't afford the downtime.

I find the Epilog compliments my Shopbot. Each has it's strength and weaknesses. Instead of turning people away due to the job being too intricate or small, I can use the laser for those jobs. Engraving on the laser is an absolute breeze compared to using a V-bit on the Shopbot.

Regards,
Shane.

[wespor]

Well I've learned a lot the last few days, that link to the Sawmill Creek engraver's forum was monumentally helpful. I've spent at least a dozen hours combing through old threads. I appreciate all the advice here as well.

Think I'm going to get some quotes from Epilog on Monday, if they are way out of my league then I'll look for a used unit. If that doesn't work out then a Rabbit import since I've read so many positive things about Ray at Rabbit Laser USA.

The Epilog Helix really caught my eye, it looks like the perfect match for my Desktop. I actually tracked down a used unit in my area but it's a 40w machine used for engraving and from what I understand so far, that won't be a enough to cut the 1/8 baltic birch I'd need it to.

[wespor]

Lasers are much cheaper in America to purchase than Australia :(

I paid just over $20000 for my 40w Epilog. It's great and I went with Epilog due to the support and reliability compared to cheaper chinese machines.

Which model did you get? I'm seriously considering a 40w Helix but I'm wondering if it wouldn't be wiser to get a smaller, higher wattage unit like a 60w Mini for the same price.

I made this box (http://i.imgur.com/NliIMpn.jpg) on a 60w Chinese laser, it's 1/8 baltic birch. Could your 40w Epilog handle the same job?