What You Should Know Before Buying a Tabletop Laser Cutting Machine
As a wood or acrylic artisan, you probably have used some form of cutting machine in the past. Though the methods you've been using may work fine, you might be considering upgrading your tools. One of the major upgrades you can make is to go with a tabletop CNC laser cutting machine. If you are considering this an option, there are a few things you should know before you make your purchase.
Types of Material
The first thing you need to know before buying a tabletop laser cutting machine is what types of material the machine can cut. Keep in mind that most tabletop laser cutting machines are not industrial strength. This means if you are cutting wood or sheet metal, you should be fine. However, if you are cutting thick acrylics or heavy steels, you may need the industrial contractor to help. You can check the types of materials and grade or weight of those materials that the machine can handle by looking at the side of the manufacturers packaging.
Replacement Parts
You need to make sure that you buy the replacement parts suggested by the manufacturer. These will usually be just a few parts consisting of the laser head and the honeycomb plate to fit the machine. You may also find that the machine you purchase can use other CNC laser cutting tools or different sized laser heads. You may want to consider buying these in a set to have on hand for later use. You will also want to buy cleaning supplies to help keep the machine in maintained condition.
Engraving and Ventilation
You may be purchasing the tabletop CNC laser cutting machine for engraving projects and requests. Though you will likely have no problem finding a machine that can handle the engraving, many materials like leather, will need proper ventilation. This can be an issue when you have a small working space, like an apartment, and very little ventilation options. Consider a machine that has a ventilation system. Though they are more expensive, they can save you a lot of hassle when it comes to ventilating certain projects.
If you are purchasing a laser cutting machine to save money, make sure that you check with professional CNC laser cutting contractors. For example, if you have the same piece that you will be using for multiple projects, it may be cheaper for the professional to handle it. If you are ready to buy your own laser cutting machine, visit a home improvement or industrial supply store near you.