CNC MACHINE, LASER CUTTER?

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3 posts in 358 days

351 days ago

Hello everyone,
First I would like to state that I know this topic has been addressed before, please forgive me. Looking for the best place to pick up a new or used CNC router. The machine will be used for designs on boxes, and for routing designs for epoxy inlays at are too small and have too much detail to be completed with a hand router that I have been using. Also combat injuries to my arm make hand routing a bear. Is it possible to buy a good used machine? Or is new the only way to go? Have looked at the machines on eBay that are around $700.00 and up, but they are all coming direct from China so staying away from them. Or would a bench top laser cutter be a better option. Anyone that knows a site or a shop that sells used equipment that is not junk please pass the info….Thank you Lumberjocks for all the great info and the amazing projects that are posted daily!!!!

3 replies so far

Chris Cook home \| projects \| blog 108 posts in 446 days #1 posted 351 days ago	I can tell you to stay away from these guys: www.fslaser.com We bought an 80 watt laser system (~$8k) and the product, service and entire experience was crap. Still is as a matter of fact. -- Chris, “as soon as you come up with something foolproof, they come up with a better fool""
ssnvet home \| projects \| blog 1522 posts in 493 days #2 posted 351 days ago	there are many options out there… you need to bracket your budget. -- Matt, Pine is fine, but Oak's no joke!
DavidBethune home \| projects \| blog 505 posts in 1558 days #3 posted 351 days ago	I own a Laser… 60 watt made in China 36×24 work area 25 Grand with taxes, shipping, DUTY and some add-ons. I love my machine.. No problems whatsoever. You can see the machine I have here, although I didn’t buy mine from them: http://www.brightstarlasers.com/B-900.htm I live in Canada.. shipping in the US is cheaper.. My brother in law (he told me I was Nuts to buy China) bought the Epilog (at the same time as I bought mine) 12” a 18” work area made in the USA 35 Watt for 25 Grand.. He’s had three motherboards fail (very expensive to replace) and numerous other issues. We both looked a CNC Routers before buying. They are cheaper but taking into consideration, bit’s going dull and having to replace them often for each type of cutting you want.. HORRIBLE job on softwoods.. they split and splintered.. so we opted to spend the bigger $ and buy the Lasers.. Do some research.. watch some Real Time demo’s and ask lots of questions, if your considering the Router Route.. Have them demonstrate on softwoods etc.. Used Equipment.. hmmmm I wouldn’t but that’s up to you and your budget I guess. Buy a laser.. That’s what I would recommend.. That’s my 2 cents…

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CNC MACHINE, LASER CUTTER?

3 replies so far

Have your say...

Woodworking Skill Share Your woodworking skills are displayed for several lifetimes in each project. Have you had to compromise your project...

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Scrollsawing Intarsia, fretwork, intricate design cutting and more! This forum is for scrollsawers: share your tips, ask questions...

Joinery Have a question? a tip/strategy to share? a challenge, perhaps? Share your "joinery" discussion here.

Finishing The finish, whether paint, wax, stain, or something else, can make or break a project. What are your tips and questio...

Designing Woodworking Projects Looking for information on designing your projects? Having difficulties reading project plans? Looking for help with ...

Power Tools, Hardware and Accessories Are you unsure of which tools, or hardware, you need, or which brands to buy? Investing in tools and hardware can be ...

Hand Tools Wood, your hand tools, you and a little know-how. Share your questions, tips and strategies for the use and maintenan...

Jigs & Fixtures Using a jig is like having a couple extra hands helping out. Show us your jigs, share your tips, strategies and, of c...

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Coffee Lounge Need a break from all the standing and wood dust? Chat with your Forum Friends about their projects, their life, thei...

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Your woodworking skills are displayed for several lifetimes in each project. Have you had to compromise your project...

Woodturning
On the lathe, by the lathe: do you have questions? frustrations? tips? This forum is for all the woodturners out there.

Woodcarving
Relief, 3D, chip-carving, whittling; carving knives, chisels, pocket-knives, power tools. If you are a carver or want...

Scrollsawing
Intarsia, fretwork, intricate design cutting and more! This forum is for scrollsawers: share your tips, ask questions...

Joinery
Have a question? a tip/strategy to share? a challenge, perhaps? Share your "joinery" discussion here.

Finishing
The finish, whether paint, wax, stain, or something else, can make or break a project. What are your tips and questio...

Designing Woodworking Projects
Looking for information on designing your projects? Having difficulties reading project plans? Looking for help with ...

Power Tools, Hardware and Accessories
Are you unsure of which tools, or hardware, you need, or which brands to buy? Investing in tools and hardware can be ...

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Wood, your hand tools, you and a little know-how. Share your questions, tips and strategies for the use and maintenan...

Jigs & Fixtures
Using a jig is like having a couple extra hands helping out. Show us your jigs, share your tips, strategies and, of c...

Wood & Lumber
Different wood requires different woodworking strategies - from cutting to finishing. Share your tips and challenges ...

Safety in the Woodworking Shop
Before you pick up those woodworking tools, take the time to ensure your safety in the shop! Eyes, ears, fingers, and...

Focus on the Workspace
Are you looking for or do you have tips to share regarding the workshop? Storage, equipment placement, efficiency, an...

Sweating for Bucks Through Woodworking
If you are selling your work, then you have entered a woodworking dimension with added complexity and stress. If you...

Woodworking Trade & Swap
All of us are holding onto treasure in our shops, that we either don't need, don't want, or could part with if presen...

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Connect with the Website Gurus and tell us what you are thinking, suggestions, problems, functionality issues, and so...

Coffee Lounge
Need a break from all the standing and wood dust? Chat with your Forum Friends about their projects, their life, thei...