Hey all, a bit off topic, but here goes:
Can someone recommend a Laser cutter for our Hackerspace?
We are looking for something in the 90w / $8000 range,
and are located in Ontario, Canada.
We are looking for something that is high quality and durable.
If you have a lasercutter in your home/hackerspace, please let me know if and why you love/hate it.
Thanks !
I would layout what you need to cut with a laser cutter and see if you can find a machine that fits your needs.
http://www.ulsinc.com/products/vls660/
This is the 60W laser recommended by a technology instructor at a high school. I have seen this at a Community college as well. However I think it is $20,000.
The VLS are workhorses, we have 5 at the design lab where I work at my uni. But by the time we get them (in Aus) they end up costing closer to 40K.
A Universal VLS6.60 as noted is closer to US$40k. We use the VLS4.60 for production which is about US$27k all in. Then you need to plumb air and ventilation. It’s an outstanding machine. I also have access to Trotec and Epilog as well though prefer the ULS software.
In your price range something like a Full Spectrum Pro series is going to be where you should be looking. US based, imported components but they do final assembly and testing here in Vegas. The software isn’t bad. I had them demo a Pro24x18 a couple of weeks ago. It’s not quite a Universal, Trotec or Epilog but it’s about a third the price at about US$10k plus shipping. It’s a good machine for the price and a good entry level pro laser. Full Spectrum has machines in many hackerspaces including Syn Shop here in Vegas.