The Best Laser Cutter for any Budget?
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- Опубліковано 28 лип 2024
- Let's break down the best laser cutter sand engravers for any budget in 2021!
🧪 Dial in your laser with my Lightburn Test File: pages.makeorbreakshop.com/las...
📊 Full Written Comparison Review: www.makeorbreakshop.com/laser
⚡️LASERS MENTIONED (affiliate)
_DIODE_
Ortur Laser Master Engraver 2 Pro - geni.us/W5yj?track=yt-d8NuMq7...
Ortur Laser Master Engraver 2 - geni.us/yhIh?track=yt-d8NuMq7...
Atomstack A5 Pro - geni.us/TfVMJLe?track=yt-d8Nu...
_FIBER_
20W Fiber Laser - geni.us/XAaO?track=yt-d8NuMq7...
FS Muse Pandora - geni.us/PG4j?track=yt-d8NuMq7...
FS Muse Fiber - geni.us/bo2U?track=yt-d8NuMq7...
_DESKTOP CO2_
Glowforge - geni.us/pzgIi?track=yt-d8NuMq...
Full Spectrum Muse 3D - geni.us/kqv4U?track=yt-d8NuMq...
Makeblock Laserbox - geni.us/nglIv?track=yt-d8NuMq...
Flux Beamo - geni.us/mwYRM?track=yt-d8NuMq...
_BUDGET CO2_
OM Tech 40W - geni.us/kYTy?track=yt-d8NuMq7...
OM Tech 50W - geni.us/NsQiB9Q?track=yt-d8Nu...
_MID RANGE CO2__
OM Tech AF Series - geni.us/wGpjZ?track=yt-d8NuMq...
OM Tech ZF Series - geni.us/Z5y2?track=yt-d8NuMq7...
_HIGH END CO2_
Full Spectrum Muse Titan - geni.us/M3Lq39r?track=yt-d8Nu...
Aeon Mira 5 - geni.us/uYgTU?track=yt-d8NuMq...
Thunder - geni.us/8GLek?track=yt-d8NuMq...
Full Spectrum PS20 Pro -geni.us/BdyC5?track=yt-d8NuMq...
_PRO CO2_
Epilog Zing 16 - geni.us/EELe?track=yt-d8NuMq7...
Trotec Speedy - geni.us/YP8IhAM?track=yt-d8Nu...
Universal Laser Ultra X6000 - geni.us/ANXWI ?track=yt-d8NuMq7nH7s
⏱️TIMECODE
00:00 - Intro
00:41 - Laser Power
02:28 - Work area
02:45 - Software
03:13 - Features
03:24 - Full Breakdown Grid
03:49 - Best Diode Lasers
05:54 - Best Fiber Lasers
06:28 - CO2 Laser Categories
06:51 - Best Desktop CO2 Picks
09:52 - Best Budget CO2 Picks
11:57 - Learn Lightburn for Lasers
12:31 - Best Mid Range CO2 Picks
13:38 - Best High End CO2 Picks
14:43 - Best Pro CO2 Picks
15:10 - Odd Balls
15:52 - My Top Picks
-----------
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🤖FAVORITE ROBOTS (affiliate)
Favorite Laser Cutter - geni.us/kqv4U?track=yt-d8NuMq...
Budget Diode Laser - geni.us/yhIh?track=yt-d8NuMq7...
Budget CO2 Laser - geni.us/NsQiB9Q?track=yt-d8Nu...
Engrave Metal - geni.us/JtwL?track=yt-d8NuMq7...
X-Carve CNC - geni.us/ykswx4?track=yt-d8NuM...
Favorite 3D Printer - geni.us/qHrta?track=yt-d8NuMq...
Resin 3D Printer - geni.us/d8JGVEw?track=yt-d8Nu...
Vinyl Cutter - geni.us/oFWm?track=yt-d8NuMq7... - Навчання та стиль
Which laser is your top pick for 2021?
If you're just getting started I think the Ortur is a great way to go. Learn the basics without overwhelming yourself, then once you're feeling comfortable you can branch out into some of the other tech! :P
Bought a refurbished 50w omtech for 1500. The only regret I have was that my credit card didn't like it
Anything with an open universe, I don't trust closed environments any more. So outur for diode and omtech for co2 for me
Ortur!! This is me first time trying a laser machine, I just love it so much! I made so many great crafts.
Awesome what are you making
The ink tank system appears to be much better than the cartridge system ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxciSwynMJ7PnUvvx11rewiu-yFBkZTl53 and a lot cheaper to run. The machine was easy to set up. A small point but I thought they'd be a USB cable included to help with the set up but there was none. I've been using it now for a few weeks and it seems like a good product and superior to my previous printers which were all troublesome HP machines.
Such a great presentation from a great presenter: Comprehensive yet concise overviews, specs and comparisons with clear, easily accessible language and delivery.
Amazing breakdown of the categories and thanks for including the most important specs, price, functionality and putting them in categories.
So much info, great video. Thank you for taking the time to create this amazing summary.
So helpful! Our Glowforge Pro died after minimal use; it’s not the laser. Ribbon and small circuit board replaced - no luck. We got it in early 2019. Hard to pay $6k and have this happen. This is a great review, and I’m glad I found your channel because we are considering a replacement, and it has been daunting.
The video is a great reference. Some aspects of the presentation are absolutely professional.
Hey Brother, Great video. Appreciate the time you take to make these videos. Incredibly helpful!
Another amazing episode! You know your stuff Brandon, thanks for sharing. You're a rockstar dude!
Ha, maybe more of the general stuff but not all the crazy experiments you do!
Lets Go Brandon!!😂😂😂
I received my first laser a few days ago, the NEJE Master 2s plus. It seems like a solid machine for the money, but still a steep learning curve. So far I rigged up my own pen engraving jig (video coming soon) and had a few successful burns... and a few more not so successful, what I call lessons. You pack a lot of excellent info here. I'll have to watch a couple more times. :)
GREAT REVIEW! THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR KNOWLEDGE!
Great video. Gave me all the information I needed to start my research on what I want or what I need for what I want to do. haha
Fantastic video! Great breakdown of the top performers. Im looking to add to the arsenal and you got me thinking about a fiber laser haha. Nice work!
First time viewer and immediately subscribed. I learned a lot - thank you 👍😎👍
Very cool. Thanks for a great introductory video. It's appreciated.
Brilliant episode, many thanks for this invaluable information.
Wonderful video for newbies like myself who are looking to dip their toe into laser cutting.
Comprehensive. Great video. Answered a lot of questions.
At my local Makerspace we have 3 Thunders and an Epilog. They are quite nice machines. The big thunder we have has like a 3ft × 4.5ft cutting area which seems insane, but one thing we have noticed with it is that the laser's cutting power gets weaker as you move away from the source, so you can't really utilize the full cutting area as easily. That's probably just as issue with such a large laser, so keep that in mind. Still an awesome machine and I love being able to get my hands on that pro grade stuff
probably needs mirror alignment and/or squaring the x/y axis.
Great introduction to laser brands and systems.
Thank you for your video and your research on several of the lasers
When it comes to software, it's also worth pointing out which ones rely on online services. I know you said "web based", but not everyone quite gets what that means. Having been screwed by a company going out of business, turning my 3d printer into a brick, I will never buy tools like these that require an online service (as opposed to web-based software served up from the tool, like most routers). For the price of something like the glowforge, I'd want to ensure I could use it for as long as I decide to.
Proprietary software (that they eventually stop updating) is another no-no, but at least you can work around that by keeping a frozen PC around for the life of the tool. No way to work around a service requirement, though.
Good point
I had this with a cricut mini, they killed off the universe it used and tough luck to anyone who had one
Also, Glowforge seem really greedy and they try to put stuff that should be freely available into their ridiculously expensive "pro" subscription. Do you want to mirror your design? Upgrade to pro, only $50/month!
@@mattiasfagerlund glowforge is anti consumer. They are overpriced and forcing users into monthly subscriptions. Any company that pushes you into a cloud service should be avoided. There are 0 benefits and they are always overpriced. A raspberry pi could run that software so why should you pay them more than the pi EVERY MONTH. PS. these companies tend to use a bunch of open source packages cobbled together which is even more greedy since they are price gouging off of others kindness. If the at least made their own product they could argue they are recovering dev costs but no.
@@derekwright2388 I'm using an old Cricut Expression USB model with "Sure Cuts a lot" $5 software on Etsy. I can cut anything I design. Make sure you look for the correct old version that talks to your model. Not tied to cloud or cartridges.
WOW this is so helpful!! Thank you so much
I am a cnc laser machine setter and this video is very informative well done 👍👍
Very helpful video
I appreciate all your efforts
Thank you very much
This video explained a lot thank you!
Your videos are the best. Thanks for all your time and effort on them.
Question: what parts of a laser (let’s say a diode tier) will need to be replaced on an ongoing basis?
Thanks for this! A GREAT laser primer!!! (New subscriber!)
Amazing and informative video! Thanks!
Great detailed video, learned a bunch!
Very informative - I got an Elks maker laser engraver years ago and purchased 3rd party software. I soon realized that I could only burn so much wood or leather and made the switch to 3D printing
Good info, thanks. I built my own laser cutter/engraver using a 15W (optical power) diode laser. The gantry is made using 3D printed parts and 2040 aluminum extrusions. Will need to install an air assist system to improve deep cuts. The only thing missed in this video is discussing how some sellers of diode lasers mislead buyers by specifying the power used by the diode rather than it's actual optical (cutting/engraving) power. As an example, I have another diode laser that is sold as a "15W" laser but actually puts out around 4.5 watts of cutting/engraving power. 15 watts is the amount of power it requires from a power supply.
How much was your build compared to an equivalent pre built purchase?
Which 15 watt module did you use?
@@thebucketmouse I used an NEJE A40640. They've updated their specs and now rate the laser at 10W optical power.
@@pipedreamer9781 Not sure. I didn't keep track of how much I spent. The laser itself was US$260. I did 3D print all of the plastic parts myself and the engraving/cutting area is larger than the commercial offerings that I looked at. Actually, I could have made it any size I wanted since the only difference would be the length of the aluminum extrusions.
@@Waltkat I wonder why they updated the specs? Did they run out of the components to make the 15W module, or was it really only 10W all along? I emailed them on their website and they said 10W is their strongest laser
Wow! What a video... most excellent, at least for my purposes. I saved, liked, and subscribed. Thanks.
Thanks for the info, really looking into getting a laser cutter
I'm so glad I stumbled upon this video! I the noobiest noob and I want to begin a creative career using one of these machines. I appreciate the time you took to build your spreadsheet as that was a bullet point on my to-do list.
I'd welcome any advice from you and all other makers regarding anything laser and business. (I'm an apartment dweller and would be venting my machine out a window.)
Glad it helps! If your starting out I would go with a budget diode laser and work your way up with what you need from there.
The Ortur Laser Master 2 (both "regular" and Pro) have cases available. 12V Fan incl psu, Vent and flexible exhaust pipe included.
Cheapest option I could find that is apartment compatible.
i been looking at laser/engraving machines , for a entry level. but still something that's decent for around $500.00 that can make custom rubber stamps for crafting. i would be very thankful for any information that you can give me. keep up on the great videos.
You can engrave stamp rubber with basically any of the cheap diode laser, but even with the higher powered ones (5 - 7.5W) it will take many, many passes. But if you're ok with e.g. a 50x30mm stamp taking 6-8 hours, get something like the Ortur or NEJE mini with a 20 or 30 W laser (that's electrical power, laser power for those is about 5W). And get Lightburn, its stamp features are rudimentary, but still better than the "none" the included software has.
Good and informative review. Thank you! Just one question.. With CO2-lasers the air assist near or on the nossle is for clearing the smoke and fumes, so the beam is unobstructed for a sharper, better result and the focusing lens gets less wear due to particles sticking to it and burning in. In the video you mention air assist, or lack thereof, on diode lasers, but as a lacking safety feature for putting out fires.. Is the use of air assis that different in the two types? In my experience the air assist can promote the opposite, as it fans any fire, adding more oxygen.
Great video as always. Quick question.... What is the least expensive model that will actually etch metal?
Hi Brandon, I have to say, you are the only person that I watch when it comes to laser talk. Though I know nothing of the machines and most of what you speak of is a foreign language to me, I enjoy watching them all the same. With that being said, I am seriously in need of suggestions because I have absolutely no idea what I need to purchase, especially since I have never laid eyes on a laser/engraver in my life.
Whichever one I purchase will be going inside my craft room in my house. The room is 25 ft long X 13.5 wide so space is not an issue, however, the entrance to my house is only 34” wide, so it would have to be small enough to go through the entrance.
In no particular order, these are the things that I would love to learn to create… Jewelry pieces (namely earrings) from wood, leather, and acrylic. I’d like to be able to cut out the wood to assemble jewelry boxes, shadow boxes, keepsake boxes, small-medium-sized desk organizers, and similar items. I would also like to be able to learn how to make round door signs (at least 15”), 3D layered designs and other wall decorative items.
I would love to be able to learn how to engrave on leather and acrylic, books, personalize journals, wallets, and a few other items. I am not new to crafting, just new to laser cutting/engraving.
I would greatly appreciate all suggestions that could help me make my final decision as well as any other equipment that could help make things run smoother and of course, the more budget-friendly it is, the better.
Thank you for all of the great information! This video helped me out quite a bit. Please review the Ortur 3! I’m not purchasing it until you review it…just kidding, but it sure would be nice to get your opinion. Thanks again for making these videos!
Thank You , Excellent Video !
Awesome video !
Great video. Thanks for posting it. This might be a silly question, but why is that diode laser don’t have enclosures like the other kinds? Do they not need ventilation too? Thanks again.
I have a K40 and I am very happy with it.
I've never seen an individual so passionate about lasers. I was helpless to subscribe.
I'm interested in using one for back glass removal on iphones. Lazer- pecker is another one I'd like to try:) thx for the video 👍
Great Video!! All I want to do is engrave plastic light switches. Your recommendation Please.
Nice and somehow funny, I am just installing pro, industrial CO2 laser with working area about 11' by 5' (3.5m by 1.5m) with 20kW high voltage power supply. (overall consumption of that machine is around 3phase /400V/ 150Amps).
But, thank for nice compact informative video.
Thank you for this very informative video. I want to cut 2mm acrylic at various colors. Does the OM Tech 50W have any limitations on the color of acrylic it can cut? For example, I noticed that some low-end CO2 laser cutters are unable to cut blue acrylic. Thanks.
Wow great upload ty
Loved the review Brandon… what do you recommend as a best desktop Engraver / cutter for Scale Model … it would include cutting plastic sheets (Acrylic/ Styrene) and vinyl stickers/ masking?
What would you recommend for engraving names and short messages into small objects like keyrings?
I custom built ours for our small business, but I also have an engineering background and several years experience with 3d printers and motion systems including modifying firmware.. It is a 7W diode that I will be upgrading to 10W soon on a approximately 5 ft x 5 ft frame (about 1400mm squared actual work space). My other half and sister in law do a lot of sewn products for people, and being able to laser cut when you need 50 of the same pattern cut at a time is a huge timesaver. It cost me around $1000 in parts to build plus a lot of time, but even a diode unit that large would be a few thousand dollars minimum. I could have dropped that price by 3d printing more parts instead of using aluminum for 99% of the machine.
I recognize that is not a good option for most people though.
Hi, I am new to laser cutting. I wanted to get your opinion on which model is best for cutting through 6mm plywood on one pass. Have in mind that the production speed is essential. Also workspace must be big enough for more production.
Which would you pick for making 3D sculptures? Like using Photo V Carve software to create the sculpture itself from standard photographs or image files. And for Terminators are there any in the 40 MegaWatt range?
I love your channel and im to buy a laser cutter and engraver next year. Could you please make a review of the Snapmaker 2.0 laser engraver? thanks
Interesting video, thanks for sharing your thoughts on lasers. I'm very surprised you picked Glowforge above all other desktop lasers.
Having used both the Glowforge and others, the only benefit to Glowforge is ease of getting started. The native Glowforge software is a bit easier to use, but it is also feature poor. They also hobble the software unless you pay a monthly subscription fee.
Other drawbacks include - cleaning the Glowforge is more difficult, and the laser is underpowered for the price. Most importantly, and most hidden from the customer, - their support is weak at best; they are slow to respond to issues, if they ever do; and they don't really sell key replacement parts for wear and tear, instead they want you to ship your machine back and purchase a refurbished device for all but the smallest issues.
Oh, and you have to upload your designs to their cloud based service, meaning you can't print if your internet is offline and they can monitor what you print on your machine.
Full Spectrum has horrible support. I ordered a new tube and it had a bad seal and filled with coolant, which shorted out my power supply. Took almost a year to get it up and running again (Mailing parts to them and using Google Wallet to pay really) and then it died again. I gave up and went with Rabbit on my second laser and am extremely happy. When I had a problem I was able to get a replacement part in a week. (Not 3 months) We now have 7 Rabbit laser and they all work well. You can have Rabbit come and set up the laser and make sure it work too.
Thanx for the great video, wondering if you have any comments on the Monport Lasers?
Great video... thanks for some great information. LOL at 9:18 your laser is loosing a screw.....
This looks like a promising video .. Let’s go!
What about the sculpfun S9? Any thoughts on that one? I really want thick cut, rotary and a LARGE workspace! Thanks sooo much! Great videos!
Lasers are so awesome I want to learn to anodize titanium with them 🤟
Creative video, thanks :)
I love U 4 this video....I just knew 8 wanted a laser q your help I'm sooooooooo much closer 2 a choice!
Hi and thanks for this outstanding video! Which of this lasers is capable to cut the metal ?
Hi, great video! Quick question, which one can cut thin metal sheets? (
I would be interested to see a comparison of the LM2pro with the Atomstack 50w. I have some serious doubts on the longevity of such high power laser diode without quality air cooling. Thanks for the great episode 😊
As long as they warranty it, burn it up! Haha
Stay tuned!
Is there a budget laser that's best for polymer and plastics. Like magazines for guns and grips for guns
What about cutting or engraving on curved surfaces? Your video showed cutting on a pumpkin. How does the machine keep focus on something that is curved?
Awesome video very informative. What would be the machine for cutting acyclic?
For a starter to make cutting boards, cake toppers, tumblers, what would you recommend? Which budget friendly? Thxs
Can't wait to hear your thoughts on that Atomstack M50...supposedly backwards compatible with the Orturs???
Hi, thanks for great video, WHat do you suggest for education proposes? Using plywood 3mm thickness both cutting and graving.
I am starting a small laser business and have a 5k budget for a co2 laser. Need recommendations on what model is best. I want to use light burn and need decent speed and rotary capability. Found your content and love the information. I don’t want to purchase something and have to upgrade several months later.
looking at getting the k50 - some questions I have.. is what parts will eventually need to be replaced? like the tube? how long should I expect it to run given all things being equal? 1-2-3 years? and how difficult is it to find and replace those parts?
Hi there! Wanting to ask which among these lasers can actually cut a metal?
Sir, i had a question.
Is there a laser machine (in one) that can adjust to print or to cut?
Thank you very much.
Hey Make or Break, nice video! Really good at placing the various options in terms of feature set and capabilities.
I’m specifically looking to cut foamcore (aka foamboard.) Which has two issues, the paper layers burning and the sandwiched foam melting back leaving concave edges. Have you ever experimented with this material? Any advice or recommendations on laser choice?
You might want to look into hot wire foam cutting.
@@IraQNid Not suitable for my application. FliteTest and others use lasers on foamcore. Just a matter of getting the right laser and the right settings for a FAST, accurate and reliable production.
@BarretDent Another viable option are flatbed digital cutters. Faster and safer than laser cutters .
Super interesting. Thanks. Subbed here!
I have an Ortur LM2, two Jtech 7w's for my CNC's, and just got an OMTech 60w for batch work :)
Awesome!
Can you point me at something that will drill sub-80 drill bit size laser holes in SLA type casting resins? Through flat, thin sections, perhaps on the order of 2mm or less.
I got the Ortur master 2 before the Pro came out. Do you recommend that I can upgrade the laser to something like endurance 10w+? I hate to have waisted my money to buy all new machine but would like to cut at least thing material without having to do 16 passes
I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS! I’m about to buy a laser. Should i get the xTool (10w) or the Foxalien Rizen 20w?? I haven’t seen your vid on the foxalien so I’m jw!
I'm really interested in the 40w laser from the budget section. Would you recommend it for a small business. I have the ortur but it's not giving me the quality i would like (it's my dad's but I mainly use it) so would you recommend it? I use it for leather engraving btw
could you do a review on UV galvo lasers? and also compair the results on wood? is the fiber loosing details and so on.. because its possible to engrave with fiber on wood.. uv would be the best but they are even more expensive.. gantry co2 are much slower it would guess..
if i wanted to engrave keyboard keycaps what would be my best option?
Hi, Thank you for sharing your depth of knowledge. Very good UA-cam videos.
I am in the process of starting my own business making Rag Dolls.
I like the sound of the CO2 Laser. Can you recommend one for cutting various types of fabric?
For Example, Cotton, Felt, Stretch and Delicate fabric.
Your help will be very much appreciated
Hi..you might have a video of how to use EZcad for beginners....many thanks
thank you, me and a buddy look to buy a machine, from gun engraving, to larger pieces like gates made of aluminum with engraving on it, or signs that are for parking spots, lol is there a specific machine you would use for all or do we need a few, i suspect a few
What would you suggest for a laser if I only wanted to cut acrylic sheets? I'm leaning C02, but there's not a lot of videos that specifically state "if you want to cut acrylic, this is the laser for you".
which one has a very high resolution? i want to engrave small text on a the case of a chip. speed is not relevant. cheap would be great.
thanks for your work!
Which one is best to cut acrylic?
Hi! Thank you for all these info! But at the end I’m not sure what is the best for me. I need to cut small 2mm Bakelite pieces and also 0.5 mm metal sheets. Can you recommend the best cost/features model, please?
How much does the co2 tube cost to replace on these machines? And how often do you need to change?
looking at xtool and muse, would you recommend 1 over the other?
What’s the best one to cut brushed metal and plexiglass. Specifically profiles. Thanks!
Thanks for your tutorial I would like to know can you cut stencil or make your own stencil with this machine
Would you have any recommendations for 100-130w CO2 lasers? Did you like the omtech? I had been looking at king rabbit, but doesn't seem very popular. I don't know if it's because hl yeah and the r
ed and black are much cheaper. I'd love to see a video with lasers this size. There are so many producers.
I’m wanting to start and I need to engrave metal drinking cups ets. I’m going to sign up for the class but it states August of 2021. Will you having another one? The class is it still going to be available? I read we can talk about my personal needs correct? I’m just wanting help in the engraving of small things.
Thank you
Dan