JTech lasers - good or bad investment

[dlcw]

I'm looking at doing entry level engraving on wood, glass, plastics, acrylics, etc.. I'm also going to be cutting very thin pieces (1/32", 1/16") walnut, cherry, oak, maple, baltic birch, plastics, acrylics. It's mainly going to be for hobby applications (model ship building mainly), some work in my cabinet/furniture company. Cutting and working with thicker material, well, that's why I have a CNC machine. LOL

I don't have the $$$$$ to purchase one of the high power lasers (Epilog, etc.), so that option is off the table. Nor do I have the horizontal surface real estate in my shop to put one of the self contained jobies....

I've got 23 years electronics experience in the Coast Guard, so can work on the electronics.

I've been looking at the JTech 3.8W kit for my Shopbot PRS Alpha. I was wondering what luck people have had with this companies' lasers, integration with Shopbot CNC's, company/forum support (like Vectric) and Aspire working with the JTech?

Thanks in advance for any feedback. :D

Don

[Brady Watson]

Read the specs carefully & compare to their lower power one (the 2w one I think) in terms of beam shape and how fine it will cut (kerf). My understanding is the higher watt models have an oval shaped beam (or something to that effect).

-B

[dlcw]

Thanks Brady! Good to know!

My budget is about $1K. This piece of equipment will be 99% hobby use and 1% business. There are plenty of other shops in my area that offer laser work. I don't have a desire to compete with them. That's why I'm looking for a bolt on. My shop has no space for another piece of equipment. I need to keep what space I have free for cabinet jobs, which I've been doing a lot of the last 3 years.

[dlcw]

Ok. Let's expand this to Opt Lasers (out of Poland). https://optlasers.com/

Anyone have any experience with this company and their products on a Shopbot CNC?

Thanks!!

[khaos]

Following with interest. I have interest in the ability to cut 16th" myself.