Hello all, I have been reading through many threads for awhile now and contacted many different laser companies for quotes and prices.
I am looking to add a laser to my Technology Education Program. I already have Lulzbot 3d Printers, a Shopbot CNC router, and Roland Vinyl cutter, so am quite familiar with cnc/cad equipment.
I had set my mind to rabbit laser QX-9060 which I applied for a grant to get funding for and was unfortunately turned down this time, got funding from the same source for the CNC several years ago. So I am now hunting around for any other potential funding sources without much luck. I have about $4000 from a school budget I can put to a laser but that will not cover the cost of the rabbit so now I am looking at other options at this lower budget and looking for some input/suggestions/comments. What I have narrowed it down to at the budget is..
Boss LS-1416 Gen V 50w 14x16 https://www.bosslaser.com/boss-ls-14...l#.V9QqdpMrJn4
Automation Technology 60W CO2 Laser Engraving Machine, auto focus 24 X 16 http://www.automationtechnologiesinc...-laser-machine
rabbit QX-30-5030 30w 20x12 http://www.rabbitlaserusa.com/laser_QX5030.html
The rabbit is really less powerful and priced higher than I would prefer, but do seem to be the best reviewed company around here. Automation Technology seems to be the best for the money, but not always consistent positive about them, and some say they are basically priced up direct imports and not really gone through in the US like rabbit and Boss.
Any sort of suggestions or recommendations are welcomed. Yes, I do know IDEALLY I should go with one of the Big 4 (Universal I think would be my pick) but cannot afford that with the funding I have available. I do know several companies give educational discounts, and tax except and have already had machines quoted at these prices.
Thanks for any thoughts
-Matt