I've been looking at the foxalien masuter pro on amazon. I like dual purpose, but want to start with laser projects first, and then possible incorporate router work later on. This is all very new to me, and have the blessing of not being overloaded with lots of money to spend. Been looking around on open builds, but as I mentioned, am very new to all of this . I know I'd like a laser that could cut up to 1/4 thick plywood. Again, at an entry level similar output power as the fox alien 40w laser. I might be open to a used system from someone that is looking to upgrade. But that option has it's own possible hassles. I'm up there in years (early 60's). The only "cad" program I have used is sketchup. So I know just enough to get me in trouble.
I advise buying an ACRO kit and learn to use it. No, it won't cut 1/4" plywood, but it will teach you all you need to know about running a CNC machine before you fork out for something you might destroy in 10 minutes without the knowledge. Sketchup is great, add the SketchUcam plugin to generate Gcode (for laser and router) directly from Sketchup.
60w to 80w CO2 Laser territory, UV lasers (diode) don't so so well in plywood. UV absorbs into organics. Resin layers in ply are inorganic, scortches doesn't cut well / doesn't cut at all. Wrong tool for the job Or if you do a router/spindle combo (LEAD machine with a Laser diode add on) use the router to cut, laser to pretty things up with grayscale/vector engravings
I've seen plenty of videos on youtube of folks using diode lasers on 3mm birch ply, on up to 6mm. Etsy is loaded with projects that are ply and laser cut. So now you have me confused. That being said. I came here in "shopping" mode to see if OB has anything or any suggestions on a build that would fit my intro requirements.
Youtube: Watch out for the "reviews" by the laser module sponsors, and add grains of salt accordingly CO2 is the one most proper machines use, can pick up a K40 for $400. The "40w" diode lasers are usually 2-3 6W diodes shining on the same spot. Simple math. 6W diode laser < 60W CO2. 3, 4, even 5x 6W diodes heating up the same spot - still less than a CO2 The etsy sellers - at least anyone making more than 1-2 things a day, has a CO2 laser or is just picking it up from someone that does. Diodes are fun for engraving but far too slow for cutting unless you like super slow, scortched, cuts that are wildly affected by the color and type of materials. Read up co2 vs 445nm diode - Google Search Reading deeper, you'll see wavelength come up - wattage alone just half the story. 445nm, reflects right off / passes right through many materials that a CO2 (10600um) will happily vaporise. Resins inside Plywood being one popular thing diode lasers get frustrated with everyday.
Thank you for taking the time to explain further and deeper. Guess I need to find a way to talk with someone directly at OB and see if something could be put together affordably for me and the plywood requirements. As you can see, I need to be walked through some of this.
Openbuildspartstore.com > pick up a LEAD machine. Most modular, strongest, bestest machine we have. Will do router, laser, plasma, whatever. We do support here and via email once ordered. Nothing much to talk about. Get a LEAD. Can't afford one? Best save up. Buying a cheap disappointment, getting frustrated, giving up on the hobby, trying again in a few years when budget is available again and then getting a good machine with good support - that's the slow way. And the hard way. "Intro" machine a bad choice = terrible learning curve. Don't do that to yourself. Getting a machine thats flimsy, and breaking down all the time. That's deflecting so much you can't use it. That has no real vendor support. That is not supporting Open Source. Also not worth it. LEAD is what you want, choice mainly between the two sizes depending on need and available workspace. LEAD CNC 1010 (40" x 40") Vs OpenBuilds LEAD CNC Machine 1515 (60" x 60") Also Read through our docs at start [OpenBuilds Documentation] And Watch our videos on our YouTube channel If you have to choose one, get router first, way more flexible than a Laser module. Cutting, 3D engravings, V Carving, etc. Lasers engrave. Nice detail to add to a cut, but set up to do router first if you have to do a dual machine bit by bit. For example A project I did years ago, cuts with router (fast and clean) then engraved with laser. Lucky to have an Acro too, but not needed. Can throw a laser on a LEAD too. And someday if you get bored of wood, that same LEAD1010 can become a plasma Instead of a laser for engraving details, could even throw a Pen on it (pen plotter) Buy a LEAD do it all
@SavedbyGrace, good morning. As someone about your age, here are my thoughts: Peter’s advice on this question is right-on, as usual. After several years of using a NextWave Piranha machine (more expensive, less capability) and completing many nice projects on it, I UPgraded to a custom-size LEAD machine last Fall. I shopped around for a few years, evaluating the cost/capability comparisons of all the brands available. Decided on OpenBuilds LEAD machine, and that has been a great decision. OpenBuilds has the best cost-to-capability ratio by far, IMHO. Router first. The mindset for CNC is different than other woodworking (which I’ve also done for years) or other crafts. It is its own “way of working”. It takes some time and experience (and a few mistakes) to really get into that mindset all the way from concept to design to production. I like to say “you have to think like a CNC”. Router projects are the way to really learn the tech and mindset of CNC. Once mastered, step up to the laser, which is an easy add-on to the LEAD machines. Then you can focus on learning the laser tech having already gained experience in the mechanics of the machine. Design: sketchup is good but for CNC decorative design work, I recommend Vectric VCarve. Not cheap, but super good. Purpose-built for CNC project design, great training, and a great user forum for support. Before using a CNC…I had quite a bit of experience with woodworking, mechanical drafting, and other CAD work using various programs. If you don’t have that, your learning curve may be a bit steeper, but nothing you can’t master in time. After all, in our early 60’s, we’re not “up there in years”, we’re “just getting started”! My two cents. Thx, rink.
I first used a CNC machine at Techshop they had a Shopbot CNC. When Techshop Pittsburgh closed I decided to go in house. The first one I purchased was a Makermade M2 - Cut area is 4X8 feet, but has limitations on what it can do and high learning curve to got it working But I love my M2.... : I even purchased the Laser add on for the M2 - low powered but does good engraving. The Next machine I purchased was the Makermade CNC-500 - disappointing. Low cost and low everything... Never got it do to 3D cuts properly. After all this experience I started looking around for another machine, Purchased the Lead 1010 with the High-Z option - then purchased the Jtech 24W Quad Pro spindle mounted laser (that is why the High-Z) Love both, Great 3D cutting with the 1010, decent size, the Jtech 24W does a very good job of cutting and engraving and they have great support.
