Buying a highly specialized tool that you have never used before always comes with a set of worries and challenges. Being a beginner at a certain skill or craft can be quite frustrating because there is a lot that can go wrong along the way and hamper your excitement and happiness regarding it.
The more dangerous the tool in question, the more difficult the decision gets. And when lasers are thrown into the mix, the whole thing becomes that much harder to figure out. In this article we talk about buying cnc laser cutters and what beginners should look for when doing so. Read on to learn more about what you need to take into account before you buy a cnc laser cutter.
1. Your Requirements
First and foremost, your requirements are the number one thing to consider when choosing your first laser cutter. What are you planning to use it for? In what capacity and volume will you be cutting things with it? Is it a hobby or are you in the mood for starting a small business? You should have a good reason for buying a laser cutter, so ask yourself what it is and whether it is the right thing for you.
2. What Will You Be Cutting?
Another thing to consider in the initial stages of making the decision is what material you will mostly be cutting during your sessions. Is it going to be wood, plastic, paper, metal, acrylic, a little bit of everything perhaps? There are different materials available for laser cutters as well as cutters that only support one or a few. Not all of them can engrave every material, so choose the one based on the material you will be using the most. Also, some are used for larger areas and others are more precise and meant for smaller designs.
3. Your Budget
It goes without saying that something with the name “laser cutter” is expensive. It is a serious tool and a dangerous gadget to be playing around. The technology inside is delicate and the parts are made specifically for it and barely anything else. This means that you have to think of your budget when buying your first laser cutter. Since you are a beginner, you probably do not need the best option available on the market. An entry level cutter should do the trick, perhaps a mid-tier model. It will not only teach you everything you need to know but you will save some money too.
4. Maintenance and Parts
Last but not least, we have to talk about something nobody really enjoys talking about and that is maintenance and replacing parts. You do not want to think about your brand new laser cutter needing any of these, but you have to know what to do if things go south. Maintenance is critical and it can prevent repairs and the need for new parts. Determine if you will be able to do maintenance on your own or if you will require frequent servicing. Some cutters are easier to clean and maintain, others are not. Pick the one that is so that you do not lose money on hiring others to do it for you.
