Help me choose a laser cutter

Random or Off Topic
1

I want to add a laser cutter to my collection, I definitely want it to be CO2. I narrowed it down to three options (more or less):

Which one would you get?

Side remark: I do use Linux and only have an old windows machine in the shop which I could use for it, but am not keen on. So anyone know a good Linux Laser software?

2

We’ve got the P2S, but without the extra’s (only honeycomb panel).

It’s really nice. Just works out of the box.

3

Project laser cutter has been put on ice for the time being because of (really good!) reasons. :stuck_out_tongue:

4

I Like my OneLaser XRF , 38W RF Metal Tube: very fast no water the RF laser here a link 38W RF Metal Tube: Provides cutting power equivalent to a 60W glass tube,

I use Lightburn

I think Lightburn has a older version for Linux Download / Trial – LightBurn Software

but they do not support linux any more try it for 30 days see if it will do what you want

5

I’ve had a P2 for a couple of years - it’s been great. I got the rotary and conveyer options and have used them only a couple of times each but also very simple and slick.

Im pretty sure the software is Windows only. It is easy to use and works well. Seems to want to update very frequently with lots of online project and AI integration, but the core workflow tools are solid.

I looked at lightburn for it, but that didn’t integrate both cameras. Conveyer and rotary are almost certainly problematic with anything other than the xtools XCS software.

6

I’d get with the xTool. I’ve heard nothing but good things about them. I am going to build my own. I can build one for far less and make it bigger (2 ft by 4 ft). Found videos and plans online.

7

may i ask which one you’ve been looking at?

8

is this supposed to be a cliffhanger?

9

Yes. :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes: You’ll know more in a few days. Nothing spectacular, but binds my money. :sweat_smile:

10

I am using the Y-1200 plans from here: Resources — Further Fabrication

He also has detailed YouTube videos. I do plan on using a different controller. Probably FluidNC.

11

i’ve been looking at the same one.
i first found lasersaur but turned off by the age and dormancy of the project.

12

I like this one because the plans are complete. And it is pretty easy to follow. Plus, once it is built, it wouldn’t be hard to maintain as all the parts are easy to get and very common.

13

Still 2800… Phew. :smiley:

14

If you are resourceful, it would be around $1600 to $2000 depending on the wattage of the laser tube. You won’t be able to buy one this size for anywhere near that amount. It would be more than triple the cost (closer to $10,000). What I like about this; is it is like the Lowrider. I know how it was built and can fix it or upgrade it as needed. Start with a lower wattage laser tube and upgrade to a higher one later.

15

i’ve purchased the build guide and am now planning the project.

what controller are you thinking?
i like the idea of using a fluidtouch pendant to control both this and a lowrider.

16

Since it uses a NEMA-23, I was looking at the Doberman ESP32-S3 from FluidNC.

17

I bought new kits. That’s where the money went. :sweat_smile:

18

A designer friend of ours bought this huge VEVOR lasercutter a couple of years ago, and it works really well for the price (POWERRR), but you’ll have to invest a lot of time to calibrate and tune it :pensive_face: