John Finnegan
11-08-2012, 8:02 PM
Hi All,
Through reading this forum I have learned an incredible amount - so thank you very much. My current question involves the strength of the laser I will need to purchase.
Over the past year I've been building a small business and have been outsourcing my laser work to a vendor in the midwest.
I now have the cash to purchase a laser cutter myself in order to take my small business to the next level. Funds dictate that I'll be buying a machine from China and I have already made the appropriate introductory contacts.
Currently we work in 1/4" birch veneer core (veneer on top and bottom with glue/wood mix in the middle). We presently do vector through-cuts exclusively and do not engrave. For the next growth phase of the business, I would like to begin to use engraving for the customization of my products (think as up-sell or add-on potential to my current line).
Here'a my dilemma:
I have ideas for two new product lines: One product line will be cut in wood up to 3/4" thick, and one product line will be fairly detailed etchings on glass.
Therefore, I feel I need a super strong laser (100W) that can also etch in very nice detail. I was thinking a 100W RECI or and 80W RECI may do the trick, but I just do not know which would be ideal. Do I get the 80W for the better etching and do two passes to cut through the wood? Or do I get the 100W with the hope that it will cut cleanly and etch beautifully at a very low power level.
Can any of you experienced folks help me out?
Though I've learned so much from reading here, I don't have the hard earned, hands-on knowledge that only time and experience can bring.
Thank you very much,
John
Through reading this forum I have learned an incredible amount - so thank you very much. My current question involves the strength of the laser I will need to purchase.
Over the past year I've been building a small business and have been outsourcing my laser work to a vendor in the midwest.
I now have the cash to purchase a laser cutter myself in order to take my small business to the next level. Funds dictate that I'll be buying a machine from China and I have already made the appropriate introductory contacts.
Currently we work in 1/4" birch veneer core (veneer on top and bottom with glue/wood mix in the middle). We presently do vector through-cuts exclusively and do not engrave. For the next growth phase of the business, I would like to begin to use engraving for the customization of my products (think as up-sell or add-on potential to my current line).
Here'a my dilemma:
I have ideas for two new product lines: One product line will be cut in wood up to 3/4" thick, and one product line will be fairly detailed etchings on glass.
Therefore, I feel I need a super strong laser (100W) that can also etch in very nice detail. I was thinking a 100W RECI or and 80W RECI may do the trick, but I just do not know which would be ideal. Do I get the 80W for the better etching and do two passes to cut through the wood? Or do I get the 100W with the hope that it will cut cleanly and etch beautifully at a very low power level.
Can any of you experienced folks help me out?
Though I've learned so much from reading here, I don't have the hard earned, hands-on knowledge that only time and experience can bring.
Thank you very much,
John