Wood Engraving Laser Machines

Re: Wood Engraving Laser Machines

John McGaw

Nothing much to offer. I was on the verge of making such a buy but after many hours of research I realized that I was confusing myself more and more so I decided to wait it out to see if anything resolves. The one I was leaning toward was one of the Glowforge line ('taint cheap!) but then I realized that I wanted to cut some wood thicker than thin ply too and then realized that sometime I'd want to cut metal and then quickly realized that 100W+ CO2 or fiber lasers were crazy expensive especially since I tend to lose interest in things pretty quickly sometimes. So there it hangs. If you find something good let us know.

Re: Wood Engraving Laser Machines

Howard in Toronto

I think a CNC machine is more versatile. You can program it to take extremely light cuts AND do all the other things CNCs excel at.

In contrast, a wood engraving machine is limited to just that - engraving.

Why not call some companies and get their take on their machines for your purposes. They'll probably have a good idea who's looking to sell their current machine for an upgrade etc.

Here's two companies you might want to contact -

- www.troteclaser.com

- www.sienci.com

No affiliation other than having met the Ontario reps at a signage show a few years back and thinking I'd like to take a closer look at the sienci units at some point in the future.

Re: Wood Engraving Laser Machines

Don Stephan

Suggest you have some with laser machines make some for you first, using woods with a density change between early season and late season wood. Perhaps six or eight years ago I found someone in the area with a laser to burn an image on mahogany, and to burn text on ash. Mahogany received an even darkness throughout the image. The owner of the laser ran ten or twelve different tests on a piece of ash, varying power and speed, looking for an acceptable result. In every case the larger cells of the early season growth was darker than the more uniform more densed late season cells. If you find several laser owners willing to work on one or more of your cutting boards, make sure they have different makes/models and offer to pay for tests on sample pieces of wood first.

Time vs money

Dick Coers

It could take a $500 machine an hour+ to burn a design and a tube could last 6 months and cost $100 to replace. A $15,000 machine could do it in 5 minutes and the tube could last 10 years and cost $1,500 to get recharged. A $500 machine will have zero support since you almost always buy from some Chinese reseller, the expensive machine has tech support, parts in the USA and setup support. You decide.

Re: Wood Engraving Laser Machines

Larry Edinger

Here you go, Good guy!

https://www.aperturelaser.com/product-page/600mm-x-600mm-mkiii-gantry-v-wheel

and here https://www.facebook.com/groups/522775308373490

Makers Space *LINK*

Mike L

I am not sure where you live, but here we have a Makers Space that is open to the public. It has a complete wood shop along with a few CNC and laser engravers any one can use once you are trained. It cost $20.00 USD a month to be a member. They also have embroidery machines and the Crickets 3D printers etc.

It is really well equipped. I am surprised more people don't use it. It is attached to a community college Roane State

So maybe look around and see if you have one near you.


Maker Space

Re: Makers Space

Bill Blasic

The K-40 lasers available for $400 neighborhood will do what you want and it won't take hours, it will do it in minutes. The difference in the $400 and the $1600 and the $20,000 lasers is the size of the product you can burn as far as cutting boards go.