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CNC or Laser?
- Thread starter rjssigns
- Start date
Christian @ Visual Graphx
Active Member
Cnc router is much more flexible if you get a good one, laser has severe limitations to what it can process. We have both and I would start over again with a cnc unless all of my work could be done on a laser.
rjssigns
Active Member
Thank you for information. I also think a CNC would be a better choice. Found some Gerber 404's on the web. Look to be built like a tank.
Now to tell the wife...
James Burke
Being a grandpa is more fun than working
shoresigns
New Member
If you want to "grow into it", it probably makes sense for your first CNC to be a traditional one. Then, when you eventually outgrow it, add a laser and/or waterjet.
Unless you need particular capabilities that a laser might be better for, like wood burning.
Unless you need particular capabilities that a laser might be better for, like wood burning.
fixtureman
New Member
I have both and the CNC router used more then the laser.
BIG EASY DOES IT
New Member
Laser - Straight Cuts and Engraving. Going to be limited by the laser that you can afford. Will depend if your able to cut through wood and aluminum or if your only going to be able to engrave on wood and aluminum.
Traditional Router - Cheaper price Point. Greater range of ability. Far more materials you can use. More finishing options as well.
Although a laser would be perfect for small tag engraving. Just buy blank tags and engrave away.
Going to get about 1/3 the size of a laser machine as you could afford if you went the traditional router way.
Traditional Router - Cheaper price Point. Greater range of ability. Far more materials you can use. More finishing options as well.
Although a laser would be perfect for small tag engraving. Just buy blank tags and engrave away.
Going to get about 1/3 the size of a laser machine as you could afford if you went the traditional router way.
OPENSignsInc.
New Member
Id get a CNC, you can sometimes get a laser module to strap to the side depending on what brand you get.
Christian @ Visual Graphx
Active Member
Here is best of both worlds maybe? https://www.bosslaser.com/boss-lsr-hybrid.html
CanuckSigns
Active Member
We have 2 lasers, there have been times I have considered a CNC router, however there is a guy around the corner with one that we send stuff out to when needed.
Keep in mind a CNC requires a bit more planning, they are loud and dusty, so you need to have a way of keeping the dust out of the rest of your shop.
The lasers require punching a hole in the wall and running an exhaust system to the outside,. You can't cut anything with PVC in a laser, and most of the machines you would be looking at can't cut metal either, you are limited to wood and acrylic really.
Keep in mind a CNC requires a bit more planning, they are loud and dusty, so you need to have a way of keeping the dust out of the rest of your shop.
The lasers require punching a hole in the wall and running an exhaust system to the outside,. You can't cut anything with PVC in a laser, and most of the machines you would be looking at can't cut metal either, you are limited to wood and acrylic really.
rjssigns
Active Member
Wow neat rig! Not 40 grand worth of neat for me though.
4'x4' CNC is what I'll focus on.
If I need laser work I use a shop run by guys I used to work with. Their "big rig" is a 10,000w Hitachi. They also added a waterjet to their lineup.
Christian @ Visual Graphx
Active Member
We are trying to get a demo set up... We want the 6x12 with 9kw auto tool changer and 200w kern for acrylic cutting and metal engraving.
rjssigns
Active Member
Nice! Sounds like a beast and ATC is awesome. In prototyping class we ran Haas VMC's with tool changers.
Can't wait to hear what you find out.
