MonkeySloth Posted January 28, 2015 Share Posted January 28, 2015 So I've been really interested in getting a laser cutter for my own personal use, and probably just putting the designs out there for free, but I'm having a hard time really finding out what you should look for in one and why the prices range from about $5k to $25k for very similar specs. I looks like you need about 50w-60w laser to do most acrylic and MDF cutting but outside of that I don't know much else. Also, I really hate how 90% of the manufacturers and retailers don't actually tell you the price unless you spend time talking with them on the phone. Really obnoxious. So anyone else here tried to do any research or used one? If I can find something under $10k I can save up and eventually get a 50% payment and then do credit but I'd prefer something on the cheaper end so I don't feel as bad spending as much as a car just to make terrain. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seer of the Pitt Posted January 28, 2015 Share Posted January 28, 2015 I've researched building a hobbyist sized diy cnc mill and lathe and based on what I've seen cost wise, that for any type of machine for the home user with an average size work envelope it'll run you from $2500- $6000 for a turnkey set-up.I found this youtube vid. Seems like the maker spent much less than $5000 for a 40w laser cutter.I think Sergeant Crunch posted that he obtained a laser cutter several months ago, though I could be mistaken. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dilvish the Deliverer Posted January 28, 2015 Share Posted January 28, 2015 I've researched building a hobbyist sized diy cnc mill and lathe and based on what I've seen cost wise, that for any type of machine for the home user with an average size work envelope it'll run you from $2500- $6000 for a turnkey set-up. I found this youtube vid. Seems like the maker spent much less than $5000 for a 40w laser cutter. I think Sergeant Crunch posted that he obtained a laser cutter several months ago, though I could be mistaken. That he did. I've seen some of his initial work on his FB page. I don't recall what he got, but I'm sure some forum search-fu can bring it up. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MonkeySloth Posted January 28, 2015 Author Share Posted January 28, 2015 Cool. I pinged him as asked if he'd share some info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegazus Posted January 28, 2015 Share Posted January 28, 2015 I think a 3d printer is a better way to go, and is why I have one. Fraction of the price of those laser cutters. True, maybe not nearly as precise, but a bit more versatile. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MonkeySloth Posted January 28, 2015 Author Share Posted January 28, 2015 Not for buildings and such. Plus the cheapest 3d printer that can do resolutions for 0scale are 10k. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scorpio616 Posted January 28, 2015 Share Posted January 28, 2015 (edited) Also, I really hate how 90% of the manufacturers and retailers don't actually tell you the price unless you spend time talking with them on the phone. Really obnoxious. They are probably trying to judge how much they can get away with asking you for. Whatever they can get away with over costs is pure profit after all. "Retail" set pricing is an anomaly used for convenience in modern times to make sales happen faster to move more merch. Go to a flea market and you'll see lots of sellers who force one to ask what the price is. Edited January 28, 2015 by scorpio616 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heisler Posted January 28, 2015 Share Posted January 28, 2015 Not for buildings and such. Plus the cheapest 3d printer that can do resolutions for 0scale are 10k. I going to have to agree with this. I can't even imagine how long it would take to produce a building in 15mm let alone in 28mm. For buildings laser cutters are definitely the way to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MiniCannuck Posted January 28, 2015 Share Posted January 28, 2015 I have a Trotec Speedy 300. It's an 80watt laser engraver with a print bed of 24"x17". It cost around 36k but they have smaller sizes for less. I went with this company because of the same issues you brought up. Most of the other companies were driving the sale instead of asking me what I wanted to do. Also, nothing was given for price unless I pushed. With Trotec, they took the time to interview me and give me options regarding the machines available and the pros and cons. I also like that they have an office about an hour away and they don't mind me contacting them regarding questions I have. I would suggest going with something that has representation/parts close to you. It is always handy to be able to drop into their demo room to get some advice on power/speed settings. There is also a great community forum that has a lot of information on a number of different printers and the questions to ask before you buy them. It can be found here. I hope this helps. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vutpakdi Posted January 28, 2015 Share Posted January 28, 2015 I have a Trotec Speedy 300. It's an 80watt laser engraver with a print bed of 24"x17". It cost around 36k but they have smaller sizes for less. Oooh, I'm envious. Maybe I can convince my wife that we ought to move near you so that I can go to Tim Horton's, join your gaming group and look wistfully at your laser engraver. Of course, trying to convince her to move would be easier in July than January. Ron 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sergeant_Crunch Posted January 28, 2015 Share Posted January 28, 2015 (edited) I went through a dealer in Arlington, TX that drop shipped the equipment to my door. After doing my research (DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE BUYING ANYTHING) I decided on an Epilog Zing16 with a 40W laser tube. It has a smaller working area (16x12) but is large enough for what I'm doing. 40W is sufficient for cutting any of the materials you generally see being used for gaming. This, plus a copy of CorelDraw and some other optional and required items set my cost to about $12,000. I've registered a business to pay for it. With permission from the moderators I will be making an announcement and where you can go when I've got everything set up, but as for now I'm still working on designing and building stockpiles of stuff. I'm not just doing gaming stuff either. I've been working on stuff to sell at craft fairs and such, as well as engraving going away plaques for co-workers that get reassigned. Keep in mind that you're going to need to either vent the equipment to the outside with an exhaust fan or to a self-contained indoor filtration system. I opted for a $60 exhaust fan from Harbor Freight, some flexible ducting, and an insulation board insert in a window. Edited January 28, 2015 by Sergeant_Crunch 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doug Sundseth Posted January 28, 2015 Share Posted January 28, 2015 One of the founders of Epilog (the original VP of Engineering) is a friend who is quite active in the local SF group. He's also one of the principals of the Denver Area Mad Scientists. Genuinely nice fellow who is also both smart and interesting. Glad to hear that you're keeping the money in fandom. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sergeant_Crunch Posted January 28, 2015 Share Posted January 28, 2015 Didn't know that. I went with that product because everything I saw showed that their support after the sale was outstanding and because they are a U.S. company assembling the equipment in the U.S. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doug Sundseth Posted January 28, 2015 Share Posted January 28, 2015 I didn't actually think it would have been a factor in your decision, but thought it might be interesting to know. I'm not surprised they have a good reputation; I don't think John would tolerate anything that would harm it. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sergeant_Crunch Posted January 28, 2015 Share Posted January 28, 2015 Sorry, looking at my response it could be taken as a bit stand-offish. Not my intent at all. It's actually pretty cool to know that one of the founders is "One of Us." 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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