What brand is a good one for laser/engraver cutting machine

For a business in need of a small format laser I’d recommend sticking with Epilog, Universal Laser Systems or Trotec if you want a reputation for reliability, customer support and replacement parts.

If you can’t afford new, buy used. Get the serial number of the used machine and call tech support to get the service history. We purchased a Universal X-660 around 2013 (I think it was manufactured around 2004) and it’s been running flawlessly with nothing more than basic maintenance and one tube recharge.

The local laser awards shop used a Chinese import and after watching the owner struggle for 10 minutes and fail to engrave one of my projects (before we had our own laser) I decided to stick with US companies that have good software bundled with their machines. Laser engravers are simple and even cheap machines can be mechanically sound. But bad software will make it a pain to use.

The other people I know with lasers use Epilogs and opted for another Epilog when it was time for a new machine.

When we get a second laser, it will either be a Universal or a Trotec. We’re happy with the Universal and see no reason to switch to Epilog which seems to be a comparable product. Trotec has a nice software package and I believe the higher end machines use servos so they are fast.

-- See my work at http://altaredesign.com

Keep away from cheap Chinese if you are serious and using it for commercial purposes.

I have a Trotec which was an overkill for a hobbyist, however, that’s a long story.

I bought it about 12 years ago and it was either a Trotec or an Epilog... Unfortubatelly I cannot totally recall all the pros and cons of each, however, what tipped it over the line for me was the available filter systems for each (at the time) as my intention was to run it out of a bedroom. The Trotec’s Atmos filter was a cut above any of whatever Epilog was offering.

-- If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD

Well it depends. What do you want to cut and engrave, how often will you do it, how big are the pieces that you need to make? What is your budget?

My son and I bought the Universal laser. We could not be happier, once it was paid for. We had a small glass tube laser before that, and replaced the tube three times in two years. Two were under warranty but the last one was not.
The Universal is air cooled, so there is no chiller or water pump. We vent the smoke outside so that was easy. They are not cheap, but I have run mine for 8 – 10 hours many times with no problems.

Keep away from cheap Chinese if you are serious and using it for commercial purposes.

I have a Trotec which was an overkill for a hobbyist, however, that s a long story.

I bought it about 12 years ago and it was either a Trotec or an Epilog... Unfortubatelly I cannot totally recall all the pros and cons of each, however, what tipped it over the line for me was the available filter systems for each (at the time) as my intention was to run it out of a bedroom. The Trotec s Atmos filter was a cut above any of whatever Epilog was offering.

- LittleBlackDuck

I have a 100w Trotec Speedy 400. and agree that is overkill for non-commercial purposes.

I have a 100w Trotec Speedy 400. and agree that is overkill for non-commercial purposes.

- RBA

Sounds like you don’t have a daughter who looses total interest 1 week after you sign the check and take delivery.

-- If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD

Thanks for the responses. You guys that have a Trotec do you know the price range for them?

And for what I want to make I don’t have 1 or 2 things picked out yet. I would like a laser that can do more than just a couple of things. I’ll mainly be using wood in it.

-- Gracie's wooden signs. Middlebury, In.

Thanks for the responses. You guys that have a Trotec do you know the price range for them?

And for what I want to make I don’t have 1 or 2 things picked out yet. I would like a laser that can do more than just a couple of things. I’ll mainly be using wood in it.

- nate22

I know if you had to pay for my Trotec what I paid back in 2009… you wouldn’t be able to pay for it… not primarily for the bank account, but because of the heart attack. They have come down considerably… at least in shekels per wattage.

I basically use mine on wood 95% (MDF 70%, solids 30%) and perspex 5%... that’s why I needed a good filtration system, for the air-bornes. Wood (resin, and glue for MDF) is a killer on the filters…

Most people just think of buying a laser and off you go… I’m sure you’ve investigated software… I use SketchUp Pro (V2018 with Layout) to design, CorelDraw (X8) to fine tune and Trotec’s JobControl to laser. Many other combinations out there, but I’ve found that the most streamline for me.

-- If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD