I need Help I need to get a decent CNC machine don't have to much to spend

**theceo** · 02-04-2016

I did reach out to them, but the tech only knew so much about the machine that was being used or she just didn't want to tell me but I can go back and see if I can get someone else who may know or tell me more.

**komatias** · 02-04-2016

As we said in another thread. If you are cutting wood, you are proably lookng to get some good detail in the corners. The only fast way to do this is by getting a laser cutter.

Here is a sign I cut the letters for on my Chinese 50W laser. The sharp corners would have taken an absolute age to get right on an industrial router never mind a 3040 with a shitty DC spindle.

A 50W laser wil cut through 1/4" ply ok. 1/8" it will cut with speed. If you go to 80W you are in proper business and in fact I am looking at getting one myself. The wood in the photo is 3 layers of 1/4" ply.

**theceo** · 02-04-2016

Ok you got me that looks great, so what's the cost of the 50w laser cutter

**komatias** · 02-04-2016

Take your pick. Also have a look on the Facebook for the group "Laser engraving and cutting"

Assuming you are in the USA: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from...utter&_sacat=0

**theceo** · 02-04-2016

I am in the US

**Doddy** · 02-04-2016

Just to throw a curve-ball here.

Komatias - how do you find cutting wood affects the optics? (I'm thinking resinous smoke deposits on the mirrors) - Not necessarily a game-changer, but I'm thinking that it needs to be considered here. I would agree if you can cut with a laser this must be a good, viable solution, but I have avoided particle/laminate boards up to now with my 40W chinese (not that acrylic is particularly clean).

I'm surprised that 50W will cut 1/4" - but will take your advice on this. Perhaps I need to grow a pair and get some ply in mine - I've plenty of 1/4" knocking about and a project that needs an enclosure (ironically, to contain a laser - but only 1W 450nm... though that nearly set fire to my shed). Maybe a couple of passes will get through.

**komatias** · 02-04-2016

Originally Posted by Doddy

Just to throw a curve-ball here.

Komatias - how do you find cutting wood affects the optics? (I'm thinking resinous smoke deposits on the mirrors) - Not necessarily a game-changer, but I'm thinking that it needs to be considered here. I would agree if you can cut with a laser this must be a good, viable solution, but I have avoided particle/laminate boards up to now with my 40W chinese (not that acrylic is particularly clean).

I'm surprised that 50W will cut 1/4" - but will take your advice on this. Perhaps I need to grow a pair and get some ply in mine - I've plenty of 1/4" knocking about and a project that needs an enclosure (ironically, to contain a laser - but only 1W 450nm... though that nearly set fire to my shed). Maybe a couple of passes will get through.

Doddy,

40W will cut through 3mm ply in one pass but 6mm in two or three depending. You need to have a look at getting an air nozzle on you machine if it is the chinese 40W one.

**Doddy** · 03-04-2016

Originally Posted by komatias

Doddy,

40W will cut through 3mm ply in one pass but 6mm in two or three depending. You need to have a look at getting an air nozzle on you machine if it is the chinese 40W one.

Yup, mine came with an air-assist nozzle - and a handful of coiled rigid air pipe. That quickly got replaced with an energy-chain to contain a flexible (ok, aquarium) 4mm silicone air tube, as well as a 2-core ribbon to supply the two laser line-generators that a 3d-printer bracket held to provide x-hairs (don't think to use a x-hair lens/laser assy, as you can't guarantee the focus/alignment, you really do need two single line generators, one on each axis).

My real problem with chinese lasers is the absolutely crap software. I need to adapt the machine to be driven from g-code, but I've struggled to justify the cost.

**theceo** · 02-04-2016

Ok Komtias I looked at one of these machines looked small is that big enough to make a 11inch tall and 10inch wide letter plus what type of power does it use.

**komatias** · 02-04-2016

Originally Posted by theceo

Ok Komtias I looked at one of these machines looked small is that big enough to make a 11inch tall and 10inch wide letter plus what type of power does it use.

Although not 80W this one is one that I would definitely consider buying it has 700x500 cutting area (27"x19"). Again at the price you will need to ensure you are up to the task of maintaining it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Value-USB-...AAAOSwHnFV2tp4

I see that the 80W are roughly twice as expensive and considering you can get most of the work done with 60W, I do not think you need any more than that.