I’ve found my more intricate designs are in need of laser cutting. I’d like to cut up to 6mm (1/4”) Baltic birch. The 7w Pro from jtech has some videos of it cutting 6mm in 3 passes, but seems to burn the edges more than I’d like. I’m also skeptical of it being able to continually cut at 100% power for long stretches. I’ve also been looking at co2 lasers like the Glowforge Pro and the Orion 80w machine. Safety wise, these seem a better bet and venting them would be a lot easier.
If the jtech 7w pro is really up to snuff I’d give it a go. Of course the price point makes it much more attractive and no added footprint to my shop would be welcomed as well.
Any Jtech 7w Pro users? Please let me know your experience with it. Thanks.
I’d go with the stand alone unit. fume extraction/protection from the laser is already built into the unit, instead of you needing to figure that stuff out separately. The higher power means less passes and less charred look.
Other peoples money is easy to spend though, so I can understand the hesitancy.
I have a makerspace near me, and with that comes access to a large 100w laser, so I haven’t had to balance options.
Yeah, that’s what I’m thinking as well. I have access to laser cutting services in my area, but the cost + running around, and waiting, makes it not really a viable option. I’d rather outlay the cash and have it myself.
It’s really a question of how much you value your time:
Lowest: Buy an AliExpress laser module. Make a mounting plate/adapter. Make an enclosure with proper ventliation/filtering. Replace frequently (months?)
Low: Buy JTech. Make an enclosure with proper ventliation/filtering. Replace less frequently (once a year?)
Moderate: Buy a standalone Chinese unit like the Chinese K40. You might need to do some minor hacking and the documentation might not be super nice. Replace infrequently (3-5 years?)
High: Buy a Glowforge, Epilog or Trotec to get the ultimate out-of-the-box experience. Replace nearly never (10 years?).
And how much work are you going to be putting on your new machine? Is it going to be all day every day or just once in a while?
If you’re looking for a real reliable workhorse for a proper business, I’d really consider looking at the business-oriented machines from Epilog, Trotec and the like. They may be more expensive but they should last forever. JTech apparently only offers a 90-day warranty, the Chinese stuff of course has none at all and Glowforge has 6-12 months depending on model. Epilog starts at 2 years. Glowforge tube replacements seem cheaper ($500 instead of $3000) but I’d worry about the longevity of the company and their support. I also see plenty of reports from people who have been using the one tube on their Epilog machine for 10 years.
Also, if you’re part of a proper business, the business-oriented machine manufacturers should be able to help you get the proper safety/compliance stuff handled. If you have employees, I can’t imagine that running a JTech laser as-is or with a self-built enclosure will be compliant with your local safety regulations.
I only have Epilog Xp from my local maker space and it’s a great machine but it’s price is no joke but if you have steady business it will pay for it’s self in the first year or two. If you want budget go k40 as there are plenty of videos on k40 setup Jtech is more for engraving but it will cut.
I opted for the Ortur Laser Master 2, as a stand-alone diode laser option, with the rotary attachment. Total cost, all in, $350?
Etching intricate designs on wood, boom, no problem. Etching on glass? There’s trick with cold galvanizing compound.
Cutting wood? You can do it… kinda … on very thin wood. It’s always going to burn.
CO2 lasers have more cutting ability. Cost/performance depends on how much you can afford an how much work you willing to put in.
End of the day, my thought is this. I already HAVE a tool that is great a cutting wood–a ShapeOko. Where I’ve sometimes struggled with the excel is really intricate small designs–hence the laser. A complement, not a replacement.
Time is a premium, as I’d imagine it is for most everyone. I don’t want to have to tinker with it too much. Adjustments and leveling, sure. Moving parts around or upgrading bits, not so much. The machine will get used a few times a week. So the Glowforge is tempting, but from what I’ve read, it’s highly recommended to use their own materials with it. Not sure I like that. Also the internet being required seems to be a sticking point, as they have had server issues and the machine refuses to print if it can’t connect. I do like the form factor and I could easily make room in my garage shop. They are a new crowd funded company, so their longevity could factor in as well. At over $7k with the filter, its not quite an impulse buy, hah.
The Epilog looks great, but probably a bit too expensive for my needs. The Trotec seems to have a bit too small of bed, but maybe I’m not seeing all their models. Anyway, I don’t sell much of anything (except digital goods and the occasional piece of furniture) so that’s not much of a factor. I want it to help me create whatever it is I have in my head, or have spit out of my 3D software. So its a matter of tool for the job.
I would stay away from the Glowforge. Unless they changed it you have to have an internet connection to use it and their software.
I personally stay away from any product that requires an internet connection to use the machine.
As far as CO2 lasers, I would get one the has the Ruida Controller. Lightburn laser software is awesome and they may support some other controllers by now but I’ve haven’t had any problems with my Ruida Controller.
A powered up and down bed is really nice even if it is run with a standard AC motor like mine did. I converted to stepper and use the controller to move up and down.
I have a Red and Black 100w Chinese Laser.
Also note that compared to a High Quality Laser Tube which are expensive, my 100w is probably there 50w or 60w equivalent. But I haven’t had any problems going through 1/4" Baltic birch or Acrylic in one pass. You could probably do it with a 60w or 80w too.
Boss Laser have good but not cheap as in $$. It’s a Chinese Made but Boss Laser is in the US and they spec the parts. My brother has one, it’s great. Support is great too.
Also look a reviews on YouTube before you buy too. They can really give you the Good, Bad, and Ugly of the machine.
Thanks for all the feedback. Looks like I’m going with Thunder laser. The 100w Nova 35 fits everything I’m looking to do. Decided to go big off the bat so no regrets later. Now to find space for this beast. Wish me luck!