CNC router or laser cutter/engraver

[silver]

That is the question....

I have looked in to both and not looking at the specific software issues as I see those are little steps to get over and not a significant issue.

What I ask is router or laser..? Simple question.

What would you go for and why?

Don't be shy, all you newbies and sleepers have a voice. No doubt all have more knowledge than me in it as well.

 

[Penpal]

Eamonn based on the experience of my mate Laser is the way to go he used to make quantities of pens found it heaps of work and although profitable heavy going.

He then bought a small laser direct from China where he bought for less than wholesale, it was a table top one with curved capacity. Then a second one about 6 feet by four. He finds the material costs almost negligible then graduated to highly detailed plastic sheets, he just cleaned up big time. He makes light boxes ,went to Ikea and bought for 7 of our dollars a lead and switch in line fully approved by law added a small led lamp. If you like I will ring him andask him to send me some pics of his work and the name of the Laser Unit. I mentioned him yesterday.

Please note they have a seventeen year old daughter who has to be fed through tubes with a mental age of less than two. He works as a bus driver nights and his wife has a senior position with a Gov. Department here. The daughter was given 3 mths to live at birth. I mention this to illustrate the miracles that occur and what can be achieved with a Laser.When Mark was here I took him to see the incredible work he was producing at the time. Seasons greetings Peter.

Peter.

 

[Macaronytony]

Hi Eamonn i'm going through the same dilemma as you, got the money but can't make my mind up. Sick of watching cnc reviews now.
This wont help but makes me think we could have both...

 

[silver]

Yes, been all over tinternet Tony, was wondering if anyone on here had any experience. I know Brian has but not heard anything from him lately. But I am sure he would say router as that's his bag.

Wondered if anyone has any experience with lasers, see what was what so to speak.

Found a couple of forums also a good section on IAP worth going over, not sure if you have seen it.

 

[pittswood]

We bought one from Bestgear, a NEJE DK - 5 Pro 500mW USB DIY Laser Engraver. Used it for about 10 mins and the laser stop engraving. We contacted Bestgear and they wanted us to take it to an electronic engineer. We asked for our money back!

I would not even bother with a laser, larger more stable units need water cooled jacketed lasers and take up a lot of room. We looked at a CNC engraver, Inventables "X-Carve" seems a good machine, with plenty of videos out there to see.

Kelvin

 

[Jim]

What size were you looking at Kelvin, regarding the Inventables "X-Carve ..

 

[pittswood]

Hi Jim,
We were looking at the 500 mm square table top model, price about £1,300.
Kelvin