Watch this before you buy a CO2 laser

If you're looking to buy a laser, check this video out. I share some thoughts on what you should consider when looking to buy a laser engraver for your business. Discount code below!

I bought an OMTech laser for my small business because I outgrew my previous 40w laser.

CAPACITY: Contrary to popular belief, size matters, atleast when we're talking about laser cutting capacity. The size of your laser can limit your potential for many projects, but not all garage shops are created equal and can fit a large industrial laser. I used my 40w CO2 laser for years for thousands of woodworking projects until I finally outgrew it.

POWER: CO2 lasers come in a variety of wattage options, with most ranging between 40-150 watts and can be a great tool to add to your woodworking tools. Diode lasers are also an option if you're doing small leather, acrylic, or woodworking projects that don't require any cutting. However, if you're looking to cut through materials like wood, leather, and acrylic, you'll need a laser engraver that can handle cutting.

COST: You can get an entry level CO2 laser for less than $500 with a cutting capacity of 8"x12" all the way up to 40"x63" for around $8k. Laser cutters and engravers are a great way to make your product stand out on Facebook marketplace and Etsy, and gives you an advantage to provide customized products to your customers.

I cover the various options in each category if you're looking to buy a laser engraver. I hope this video has helped you decide whether or not you should buy a laser and walked you through some of the things to consider when looking to pay off a laser quickly by finding personalized products that sell.

LINKS:

OMTech website (use link and code "VOELTNER5" for 5% off any machine):

Lightburn Software:

Etsy Shop:

Video Equipment Used:

Timestamps:
00:00 Should you buy a laser?
00:40 What is a CO2 laser?
02:55 What can I make with a laser engraver?
03:55 Overview of laser capacity
05:24 Cutting capacity of laser engravers
06:12 Power of laser engravers
08:00 How much does a CO2 laser cost?
10:50 OMTech discount code

#lasercuttingmachine #lasercutting #laserengraving

[Steve]

You are the most underrated channel in the scope of laser engraving.

[Leescreativeart]

One of the best things I remember from being your roommate, is your laugh when you did something silly do you have like a two minute blooper reel of just yourself giggling I think it might be something you want to consider lol great video I need a house or I can have a garage and join the fun and buy a CNC machine, laser cutter, and bring my dreams to life lol

[BruceAUlrich]

Good breakdown. I know you’re loving that thing in your shop!

[ClintonCaraway-CNC]

I researched for months and almost bought a Omtech but after looking at every aspect I went with a Thunder Laser. I have never regretted the decision. It paid for itself within three months. The only problem I have is finding time to clean it.

[quinettabrown]

I really really want to get into this. I'm a stay at home mom battling Stage 4 Cancer & I need something to do lol. THIS is what I want to do.

[JasonGillmanJr]

Stumbled on this looking for videos since my dad apparently decided to pick up an AF3555. Looking forward to seeing it in action when I swing up for Easter.

[Jeffdoeswhat]

Just got that same laser. It’s been great so far.

[gwheyduke]

Good information. Was thinking of using one of these for cutting out 3/16-inch pine whirligig wing blades.

[TinyBasementWorkshop]

Damn, what a monster 😅
Awesome presentation, Matt!

[Deputydog-xkjl]

Thanks for the great video sir!…just starting out and trying to figure out how much I want to be into this in the beginning. This was very helpful!

[stretch]

Great video….I really want to jump up from my Ortur to something bigger and this has been helpful.

[cukymonster]

Well spoken, very informative, thank you

[JohnGrubb]

Great video. Im definitely tempted to add a laser to the arsenal.

[RonMarshallrone]

Nice vid! I'm setting up a af-2440 100w today. I owned a small diode laser and that for itself it 3 weeks so I saw the light and bought the bigger one. Should go good with my CNC machine as well. Good luck man! :)

[ktgcustomwoodwork]

I would love to own one of those myself.

[brandirose]

The only thing that is holding me back from getting this machine, I want something that will laser engrave stainless steel cups. I'm considering the new Xtool P2, but I'm going back n forth.

[DKWalser]

From this video, I understand why you went with the size machine that you did and why you went with a CO2 laser. I don't understand why you went with OMTech. Suppose you were discussing cordless drill/driver. Why did you pick brand X over brand Y? That kind of information about choosing a laser would be very valuable.

[upnorthFPVandEUC]

What is the difference between the red and black models and the blue ones?

[maryturner]

How is it with engraving glass? Which machine do u recommend? Im wantin to do beer mugs wine glasses shot glasses ect. I also want to do metal tumblers. Im not interested in doing wood right now.

[timesparsenjr]

any tips on getting the bed in by yourself?