Laser Recomendation

[Keith Outten]

Here's My Fairytale:

Once Upon A Time........
My first laser engraver was an Epilog Legend 35 watt machine, it served me well.
My second laser was a Chinese 80 watt machine, it was a very cool machine but way to slow.
My current machine is a Trotec Speedy 300 80 watt laser, its incredible

In the sign shop at CNU the University owned a Xenetech, great hardware but terrible software.

I got the best advise I could have found anywhere in the world right here when several people told me to contact Trotec Laser. I took their advice and I am so thankful that I did, Trotec machines Rock!!!

For your old salts out there I know the difference between a Fairytale and a Sea Story
But we can't discuss that here
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[Keith Outten]

Keith,

We have a new advertiser here that sells Chinese machines. I did a press release for Frontline Lasers just a week ago here in this Forum. This is an American Company, they would probably be your best bet if your budget is on the low side.

http://www.frontlinelasers.com/
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[Scott Shepherd]

I don't think there is anyway anyone call tell someone what's best for them without knowing a lot more details. At this point, it appears the thought of buying a laser is just a thought. At that level, it's impossible to tell you what works best for you. $5000, however, is not much to work with. If your deciding factor is budget, then you've eliminated a major part of the decision making process. Things to consider when buying a laser, in my opinion, should be things like :

1) Budget?
2) Do you have a current product you need it for?
3) Are you a computer guru or a novice?
4) Are you handy with electronics?
5) What volume of work do you plan on doing?
6) Who will your customers be?
7) What are your customers expectations?
8) If there laser went down tomorrow, how would that impact your business?

Those are just some of the things I would consider, and that's off the top of my head. I'm sure I've missed some important ones. How all those things are answered will help determine which machine is best for you.

Right now, your answer is a $5000 budget and "I don't know" to the rest of them. So my answer for a machine would be the same, "I don't know", because I don't know those other things.

I'd layout my plans in a lot more detail before I dumped $5000 into something on a whim.

[George Carlson]

I assume that since you say you "want to get into it" you are really looking at doing it as a hobby. There's a big difference between the needs of a hobbyist/artist and making a full living from this type of business. Most of the replies have been from the business side.
The biggest difference in performance between the US made and Chinese made lasers is the ability to do gray-scale engraving. The US high$ RF lasers do a good job of it. The Chinese glass tube lasers are really on/off lasers. They can do gray-scale, but it is usually done using a dither-dot pattern, much like newspaper printing.
If what you want to do is cut acrylic and plywood, it's pretty hard to beat the Chinese lasers on price/watt. They also do a good job at fixed depth engraving.
If you are resourceful, the Chinese machines offer another benefit. The Chinese machines are built in assembly plants where almost all parts are source outside. This means that whatever brand you buy, most of the parts it uses are readably available from other sources. You can buy the laser tubes, power supplies, bearings, stepper motors, optics, and even the controllers from various sources on places like eBay. I didn't like the dongle requirement of the Leetro controller, so I swapped it out with one from LightObject for less the $500. Try that with an Epilog.
Like Rodney said, stay clear of those K40 type units. Life is too short.

[Martin Boekers]

I didn't like the dongle requirement of the Leetro controller, so I swapped it out with one from LightObject for less the $500. Try that with an Epilog.
Like Rodney said, stay clear of those K40 type units. Life is too short.

Chances are you wouldn't have that issue to start with with an Epilog....

But seriously, If you buy a used mainstream USA laser used you can check with the manufacturer on the the service records by the serial number,
most keep track of that.

I would definitely check out trade shows, NBM Shows, ARA etc that way you can see many lasers in action and try things that you will use it for,
and best negotiate on the spot with the different companies.

Much as the laser is the main tool, it's never too early to start learning Corel. That has a by far larger "learning curve" then the laser.

If you are not a hands on mechancial type person put alot of weight toward a USA model as support for the main 3 are incredible! Epilog, ULS & Trotec.
Took here in SMC as Trotec does give a discount for SMC members.

One last thing.....shipping can cost upwards to $1K for USA models so take that into consideration.

Chinese could cost more, a year or so ago Rodne did and excellent serier here on buying Chinese lasers, search it out!

Most of all pay no attention to a salesman telling you that by personalizing an object you will make tons of money, what they tell you about pricing products and people
buying stuff take with a grain of salt. Many of the used lasers out there are from those who couldn't make a business work as the salesman said.


Marty

[Roy Nielsen]

Keith,

I was also looking at the FSL 5th Gen until I read through other people's experiences with FSL on this site plus CNCzone.com; suggest you do the same before you buy. Also look at the other components that you'd need to purchase that may be included with other units.

Looking at the Fronline site that Keith Outten posted above, there is a 60W 300x500mm unit right in your price range and maybe they are close enough for you to drive there to pick up and save shipping (and perhaps get a quick training session).

Roy

Mark, Roy, and Rodney,
great input all. I'm prepared to spend about 5k. I'm a little Leary about buying used. Afraid I might be buying someone else's problems. Now I got some other manufactures to look at. I was heavily leaning toward a new 5th generation hobby laser from Full Spectrum Laser here in the US. They share put on a good show. Was about to purchase but thought I would come here first and talk to those who have experience. Anyone got experience with FSL?