Quote Originally Posted by Jona View Post
Hi all,

I'm looking to buy my first laser cutter, and budget dictates it will be of the Chinese variety. I've read several threads on here and think I've got a handle on the drawbacks of the cheaper machines in general, and not too put off by making the necessary adjustments.

Of the commonly available models, the 700x500, either 60 or 80w are most appealing. I want initially to cut ply, hardwood and acrylic up to about 6mm, and engrave in hardwood. For these applications is it worth the ~£200 upgrade from 60-80w?

I'm very keen to hear from owners, and even better to see one in action if at all possible. I'm based in Ipswich, Suffolk.

Thanks,

Jona

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I've never used a Chinese laser cutter but I do keep seeing in forums that the lasers ARE NOT what they are advertised as, knock 25% off the rated wattage to get real world sometimes more.

I've read some people cutting 6mm ply with 60w lasers and others struggling to cut at 80w I think the quality is very variable in the cheap cutters.

If I was going to buy one I'd get the 80w for the price, like Christian Slater said in True Romance "it's better to have a gun and not need it than need a gun and not have it" ;)