Laser cutting

This forum is for general discussion regarding VCarve Pro
Post Reply
bbb2541
Posts: 32
Joined: Sat Oct 26, 2019 9:50 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Shark II

Laser cutting

Post by bbb2541 »

Hello all! I'm still pretty new to all of this. I have a Shark II with a 2 watt laser attachment. My question is, can I laser cut objects with the size laser attachment that I have? Is it powerful enough to laser cut through a 1/4" piece of material? I appreciate any suggestions!

Bruce

Steve Misher
Vectric Apprentice
Posts: 88
Joined: Thu Feb 02, 2017 2:40 am
Model of CNC Machine: Axiom AR4
Location: Wisconsin

Re: Laser cutting

Post by Steve Misher »

I don't have a laser, but the size of your laser is for engraving only. I can't cut 1/4" of anything. From what I understand, you would need at least a 40 watt or even 60 watt laser to actually cut anything that thick.
I have thought about getting one for my CNC, but I know I will need something more substantial to cut.

User avatar
TReischl
Vectric Wizard
Posts: 4589
Joined: Thu Jan 18, 2007 6:04 pm
Model of CNC Machine: 8020 48X36X7 RP 2022 UCCNC Screenset
Location: Leland NC

Re: Laser cutting

Post by TReischl »

Simple answer: Nope.

Occasionally I cut .030 veneer and that takes about 5 passes at a snails pace.
"If you see a good fight, get in it." Dr. Vernon Johns

csbrads
Posts: 26
Joined: Tue Apr 07, 2020 10:58 am
Model of CNC Machine: Shopbot PRT 48 x 96

Re: Laser cutting

Post by csbrads »

About the minimum you could cut it with is 25 watts , it would require a couple passes and you would end up with chared edges..

I have two lasers, a 25 and a 150. I usually cut 1/4 inch wood using 75 watts.

bbb2541
Posts: 32
Joined: Sat Oct 26, 2019 9:50 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Shark II

Re: Laser cutting

Post by bbb2541 »

csbrads wrote:
Fri Apr 17, 2020 10:15 am
About the minimum you could cut it with is 25 watts , it would require a couple passes and you would end up with chared edges..

I have two lasers, a 25 and a 150. I usually cut 1/4 inch wood using 75 watts.
Thanks for the help!

bbb2541
Posts: 32
Joined: Sat Oct 26, 2019 9:50 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Shark II

Re: Laser cutting

Post by bbb2541 »

csbrads wrote:
Fri Apr 17, 2020 10:15 am
About the minimum you could cut it with is 25 watts , it would require a couple passes and you would end up with chared edges..

I have two lasers, a 25 and a 150. I usually cut 1/4 inch wood using 75 watts.
Thanks for the help. This answers my question.

bbb2541
Posts: 32
Joined: Sat Oct 26, 2019 9:50 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Shark II

Re: Laser cutting

Post by bbb2541 »

csbrads wrote:
Fri Apr 17, 2020 10:15 am
About the minimum you could cut it with is 25 watts , it would require a couple passes and you would end up with chared edges..

I have two lasers, a 25 and a 150. I usually cut 1/4 inch wood using 75 watts.
Thanks!

bbb2541
Posts: 32
Joined: Sat Oct 26, 2019 9:50 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Shark II

Re: Laser cutting

Post by bbb2541 »

TReischl wrote:
Fri Apr 17, 2020 12:39 am
Simple answer: Nope.

Occasionally I cut .030 veneer and that takes about 5 passes at a snails pace.
Thanks for the info.

bbb2541
Posts: 32
Joined: Sat Oct 26, 2019 9:50 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Shark II

Re: Laser cutting

Post by bbb2541 »

Steve Misher wrote:
Thu Apr 16, 2020 11:21 pm
I don't have a laser, but the size of your laser is for engraving only. I can't cut 1/4" of anything. From what I understand, you would need at least a 40 watt or even 60 watt laser to actually cut anything that thick.
I have thought about getting one for my CNC, but I know I will need something more substantial to cut.
Thanks!

bbb2541
Posts: 32
Joined: Sat Oct 26, 2019 9:50 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Shark II

Re: Laser cutting

Post by bbb2541 »

Thanks to everyone for your answers!

Post Reply