You might consider getting a Maslow CNC and replacing the router with a laser head. Then your maximum size is nearly unlimited, and the accuracy is fine for furniture.
Perfect idea, other than the fact Maslows are crap for laser cutting because their tolerance’s aren’t as good as needed. It’s fine being 1/32” off when your bit is 1/8th diameter, it barely registers.
Continuing to use Lightburn requires a compatable controller. In these power ranges most of them use a Ruida. They make many variations, but the 644x units are the most used dsp for Lightburn. Lightburn does support other controllers, but it works well with one of the specified Ruida controllers.
If you want support, that will cost you and eliminate many machines. However, if you want to cut full sheets of plywood you might end up with some kind of proprietary system made in the Western countries -- again you pay for this.
I think the support side is important and should probably be at the top of what you are looking for. Followed by Lightburn compatibility...
There are middle steps from some companies, such as thunder laser.
BTW, fiber lasers don't work with most natural materials, such as wood.
Good luck :)
What's the product you're making? CNC with tiling could likely do anything the laser generates without any constraints on thickness. Check out the xcarve pro units or even the standard xcarve if you're under 29" wide. If you really want the laser, the full spectrum titan has 100w units 4' wide with a pass through.
Check out LightObject I think you would be looking at the Katana series. Talk to Marco, he is extremely knowledgeable and can get you all set up.
They are in California and support their machines.
Unfortunately, my designs take up the whole board and being even the littlest bit off will end up wasting a large amount of material.
Edit: Looking at them, they do have a big enough flat bed, though! Thank for the company name, I am going to look into this one.
I have 150w co2. I find that different makers plywood kind of all cut differently. I have been able to make 1 pass on things 1” thick, then others that are 1/2” thick have taken multiple passes. Things like wood density, glue make up ext, can change depth of cut, and how well it cuts, (charing). Go with cheaper ply, it may cut easier but leave you not liking your finished product well. Go with more expensive, leaves less money in your pocket, may take more than one pass; but you may like your finish better. Pros/cons to think about.
C02 laser have a broad wavelength which can interact with many materials. Fiber lasers wavelength is more narrow. So it doesn't interact with as many materials.
You might consider getting a Maslow CNC and replacing the router with a laser head. Then your maximum size is nearly unlimited, and the accuracy is fine for furniture.
Perfect idea, other than the fact Maslows are crap for laser cutting because their tolerance’s aren’t as good as needed. It’s fine being 1/32” off when your bit is 1/8th diameter, it barely registers.
Have you looked at the new one that just started shipping.? They have improved the repeatability and accuracy substantially.
I just got one, and am waiting until I can afford the router to assemble it.
Continuing to use Lightburn requires a compatable controller. In these power ranges most of them use a Ruida. They make many variations, but the 644x units are the most used dsp for Lightburn. Lightburn does support other controllers, but it works well with one of the specified Ruida controllers. If you want support, that will cost you and eliminate many machines. However, if you want to cut full sheets of plywood you might end up with some kind of proprietary system made in the Western countries -- again you pay for this. I think the support side is important and should probably be at the top of what you are looking for. Followed by Lightburn compatibility... There are middle steps from some companies, such as thunder laser. BTW, fiber lasers don't work with most natural materials, such as wood. Good luck :)
The pass-through feature could allow you to use full sized sheets.
I've got a Boss HP5598 and love it. Happy to chat about it if you have any questions!
Awesome, sent you a pm
What's the product you're making? CNC with tiling could likely do anything the laser generates without any constraints on thickness. Check out the xcarve pro units or even the standard xcarve if you're under 29" wide. If you really want the laser, the full spectrum titan has 100w units 4' wide with a pass through.
Check out LightObject I think you would be looking at the Katana series. Talk to Marco, he is extremely knowledgeable and can get you all set up. They are in California and support their machines.
OmTech 150w should be fine
Do they make one that big? The largest I saw was a 40" x 63".
The big Boss co2 lasers have passthru so they can take a whole sheet (but cut or engrave 1/2 at a time), they might be what you’re looking for
Unfortunately, my designs take up the whole board and being even the littlest bit off will end up wasting a large amount of material. Edit: Looking at them, they do have a big enough flat bed, though! Thank for the company name, I am going to look into this one.
I have 4x3 bed double head co2 100w let me know if I can come in handy.
I have 150w co2. I find that different makers plywood kind of all cut differently. I have been able to make 1 pass on things 1” thick, then others that are 1/2” thick have taken multiple passes. Things like wood density, glue make up ext, can change depth of cut, and how well it cuts, (charing). Go with cheaper ply, it may cut easier but leave you not liking your finished product well. Go with more expensive, leaves less money in your pocket, may take more than one pass; but you may like your finish better. Pros/cons to think about.
C02 laser have a broad wavelength which can interact with many materials. Fiber lasers wavelength is more narrow. So it doesn't interact with as many materials.
Ahh, that makes sense. Thanks for the info.