Good afternoon everyone!
I am looking for a 20W+ Laser that directly mounts to the router carrier on my Shapeoko Pro (4) XXL. I am loving the CNC setup, but want to broaden my scope without purchasing a separate unit. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Drew G
Check out J-Tech, they have a 24W and a 44W diode lasers that mounts onto the accessory slot on the mount of the Shapeoko machines.
I have the 24W and it works very well. Easy to put on when wanting to use it and take off when not in use.
Another very good option is a laser from Opt Lasers. I havenāt had any personal use with them but they do attach to a cnc and get really good reviews.
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How would you keep from burning through your spoilboard with that big of a laser? I have a 7W Jtech and it wont cut through so I have never thought about what I would do to prevent over penetration of the spoilboard.
Plus with a higher wattage laser in an open environment there is a certain safety concern that may arise. Personally (IMHO) I am not a fan of open lasers, my eyes are more important to me 
Then you would protect them with premium laser eyewear.
After a number of passes, my 7W JTech will cut through 0.1ā plywood and mark the spoil board.
With an open architecture, fumes have to be removed.
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Thank you! What kind of fume removal setup do you have for an open laser?
I have access to 1mm flat rolled steel that would serve as an underplate. 
It can reflect your laserās beam. Bounce the beam back up towards the laser lens and you will fry the lens.
fwiw, when I use my laser to cut through, I place my project material on top of stand-off blocks on top of a laser waste board and let the laser eat the waste board a little.
I have the j-tech 7-watt pro. I have looked into the multi-diode lasers also.
I know you stated you would like to be able to use your cnc for moving the laser.
Depending on what you might want to cut,
24-watt J-tech laser and driver, $1,400
air pump $50
fume extraction = tubing, vent and fan $100
2 pair safety glasses, $160
a few sheets of laser safety glass $150
lightburn licenses G-code version, $60
total so far $1,920 plus tax and such.
You also need to keep a medium dry fire extinguisher near.
You can purchase a desktop xTool for lessā¦just throwing that out there for you to consider.
personally, if I had known the involved list of parts and final cost, I would have gone with a stand alone unit that has flame detection, fume extraction and safety enclosure.
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Thank you a well done list of considerations about laser engravers.
I am considering a laser engraver and over several weeks of research (a novice in this world) I have come to the same conclusion you have. A stand alone system is a better choice.
Currently looking at a 36 watt unit from Ikier.
Bill
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@CrookedWoodTex
You bet. In another thread I did a note on the glasses I have from āoverseasā,
they have ANSI stamps on them but when I looked them up they were for impact resistance, nothing on protecting your eyes. Also realize there are a lot of glasses out there that look right but they are for Laser Hair Removal.
I did some research a while back and I am not 100% but I believe when you go over 5 watts or so you are getting into another level.
I am just saying I donāt want to guess when it comes to my eyes:) So I purchased OD6 glasses (100 times less light then OD4) From a reliable supplier, that match my laserās freq. They came with certification of OD and frequency range. So much more clear then those cheap ones.
As an extra precaution, I can close the doors so I donāt get a stray beam.
You will know when you get a welding flash, you will not know when you get laser damage.
From my research, Jtech is one of the best and they also sell safety shields. They are a great company.
I would also agree IMHO that when you start getting up there in wattage and dealing with reflective material, that a standalone might be something to look at
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