Laser cutters

[AgSoldier47]

Looking to purchase a laser cutter in the near future. Primarily for the art studio, but also to fabricate my own shroom box, etc, etc for the reef tank.

I have experience with laser cutters and software. But zero experience with the specs and technical aspects of machine.

Does anyone know what I should be looking for? Will smaller machines be able to handle the acrylic material that being cut?

 

[TDEcoral]

Apparently lasers aren't good for cutting acrylic because the edges aren't cut square.

 

[TheHarold]

Apparently lasers aren't good for cutting acrylic because the edges aren't cut square.

That assumes you need a square edge for gluing- I think for most use cases laser works great because it is super fast compared to CNC and leaves a polished surface. A <3 degree angle is not noticeable or problematic for most applications unless you are welding panels together.

For example the slots on this acclimation box took hours on the CNC using a 1/8 bit. A laser could do them in minutes! (With the panels cut on table saw with high tooth blade )

 

[TDEcoral]

Good points. I should have clarified that some recommend against using a laser for cutting acrylic if it's going to be used to create a watertight container (like a tank). Otherwise it's fine.

 

[AgSoldier47]

I was definitely planing on sending glued endges through the table saw. But the edges that aren't butting together are going to get blasted with a laser. For example, holes for frag plugs on racks..... that's potentially a lot of holes.

 

[TheHarold]

I was definitely planing on sending glued endges through the table saw. But the edges that aren't butting together are going to get blasted with a laser. For example, holes for frag plugs on racks..... that's potentially a lot of holes.

Im looking to purchase one for the same general purpose. Struggling to identify the best option; an American made machine is way out of the budget, but I am not sure if a generic Chinese K40 would have enough power (and quality) for 1/4 acrylic.