Need recommendation for purchasing a desktop cnc laser engraver

[Doug Hepler]

I desire to buy a desktop laser engraver for my blades... something I can hook up to my laptop. I plan to move away from stamping my logo and serial numbers. Does anyone have a recommendation for a good machine that will not break my bank, and will work on both 1095 and 440C?

 

[Taz]

I have an Anolex 3030 evo max for a desktop CNC. I use it to slot synthetic guard material, haven't used it for metal yet. You don't need a CNC to laser blades; a dedicated laser would be better.

To do makers mark and stuff on the blades themselves, I am running a 2 Watt Infrared Sculpfun IR2. It can be used on the Anolex with a mounting plate, but I got a Sculpfun laser setup so I don't have to re mount and square the router all of the time.

The steel and hrc info takes a couple minutes to do. Logo is just over a minute, 2 minutes of I slow it down and burn it in deep.

 

[Doug Hepler]

I have an Anolex 3030 evo max for a desktop CNC. I use it to slot synthetic guard material, haven't used it for metal yet. You don't need a CNC to laser blades; a dedicated laser would be better.

To do makers mark and stuff on the blades themselves, I am running a 2 Watt Infrared Sculpfun IR2. It can be used on the Anolex with a mounting plate, but I got a Sculpfun laser setup so I don't have to re mount and square the router all of the time.

The steel and hrc info takes a couple minutes to do. Logo is just over a minute, 2 minutes of I slow it down and burn it in deep.View attachment 2998473View attachment 2998474

Thanks so very much. My original message was lacking; I was going to hook the laser machine up to my laptop. Is this what you did?

 

[PEU]

I have a Mactron 50w JPT source since a couple of years, great machine, purchased many lenses for different focal lengths that fall within my laser column height.

Pablo

 

[Taz]

Yes, the laser gantry/control board connects to the computer and I use LightBurn software to control the laser.

 

[Taz]

Mine is big, I have a 24" x 24" work area. I can cut leather and wood on it with the 11 and 20w diodes and engrave metal with the 2w Infrared

 

[Ken H>]

Yes the laser will connect to your notebook just fine. Depending on if it's a Linux based or Windoz based as to which program to use. I've used a couple different programs for laser, but the 3rd (Lightburn)is by far the best. Cost $100 for the license for diode or IR type lasers (I think IR), but for fiber type it's a $200 license. This is a lifetime license with free upgrades for 1 yr.

I went the CNC route to engrave knife blades (before hardening), then to EletroEtching, then to a 10 watt diode, now finally to a 30 watt fiber. Fiber is the best metal etching, but the IR seems to do a great job also.

 

[Linus Knives]

I have an Xtool F1 laser that does a great job for marking knife blades with an IR laser. I've also cut leather with it.