Does anyone here have a diode laser engraver? Specifically, I am looking at the xTool D1, 20 watt. I've compared it (online) to quite a few other brands (Ortur, Atezr, Sclupfun, and others) and I keep coming back to the xTool. Any other suggestions? This will only be for hobby use, and I don't want to exceed about $1,500. There are a ton of these little Chinese units out there, but it seems that everyone compares theirs to xTool. If anyone has one, let me know how you like it. I'll use it with Lighburn for Linux.

I have a CO2, why are you wanting to go with diode?

I have the Ortur LM2Pro. I also use lightburn with Linux.

What do you want to do with the laser?

I picked up an Elegoo Phecda Pro via kickstarter and it hasn't shipped yet, but they've posted it for ordering on their site as well. I have no experience with it yet obviously, but it is another (less expensive) option if you're interested in adding that for consideration.

I wouldn't say I am "wanting" to go with a diode laser, but that's the way I am leaning. I considered the little K40 lasers, but I'm not convinced that they will perform any better than a 20w diode, and the bed is much smaller. The more "professional" CO2 lasers cost more than I want to spend on a hobby machine. But I certainly could be wrong, that's why i'm here! So, tell me more...

Still haven't said what you want to do with the laser. I only ask bc while diodes are cheaper and really fun, they have limitations. As does a CO2 vs a Fiber.

What are your expectations? We'll be able to help you out with this information.

I love my diode and use it for a small Etsy business. But it definitely has its setbacks especially with cut/engraving time.

V8Aggie said:

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I have the Ortur LM2Pro. I also use lightburn with Linux.

What do you want to do with the laser?

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I am also seriously considering the 20 watt LM3. I hear good things about the Ortur machines. Are you happy with yours?

As for what I want to do...play! Mostly wooden signs, cutouts, and perhaps marking on various materials. General "crafty" stuff, but I think it's one of those things that will do a lot once you get up to speed. I've seen several videos where the 20w even does a decent job of marking/etching on steel.

You can do all of that but you will learn real quick that you want to be able to do more and want to grow. Starting small is the way to go.

I have a ULS M-360 60 watt. It has a 12 x 24 bed that also raises and lowers allowing for a lot of different projects. I bough it to do tumblers for our clients. I have done a lot of tumblers, but also wood work both etching and cutting. I just did a bunch of acrylic labels for a clients restaurant so they can easily change labels and wash them without having to worry about them fading. Also did a restaurants outside sign out of acrylic letters. They are very versatile once you have a grasp of what you can do. I am not like all of the other crazy laser people that put everything in the machine, but I know some that will test any material possible just to come up with ideas.

If you change your mind and would like a larger machine let me know. We are selling this one with the rotary, honeycomb table, attachments, exhaust, Corel license and desktop comp with all of the files. Pretty much ready to go for anything and everything. Also got a brand new laser from Universal a couple of months ago so the laser should be good for about 5 years. I got 6 years out of my last one.

I've got a Laser Pecker 2 that has been pretty cool. I'm actually thinking about upgrading to the LP4 because it has a lot of other things that it can do. It's been fun and I've definitely made some extra cash on the side with it.

How much are you asking for it again?

I have a few.

I have a small 5.5W that was attached to my 3018CNC and run Lightburn to control it. Worked alright but was super slow.

After that I upgraded to an Ortur LM2 Pro with the higher power diode, and upgraded it with an air-assist. Works MUCH better, and I often use it for wood customizations, creating signs from painted aluminum, and a few other middling uses. Also runs on LightBurn.

I bought a cheapish K40 and did some control upgrades to run Lightburn as well, but the size of the laserable area and the 40W power that doesn't seem to really be that much more than the "20W"-equivalent (5.5W optical power) of the LM2Pro means it's been relegated to small side uses where the diode doesn't work. I probably will eventually get other CO2 laser, but it'll be a higher power, more commercial unit.

I've just ordered an xTool F1 for metal engraving and am looking at the Atezr P20 Plus or the xTool D1 Pro with the 40W module as the next diode upgrade. The ability to use the xTool IR laser module in pretty much any of the diode frames is also a VERY interesting concept.

The biggest upgrade for any of the diodes is an air-assist; if there's one thing to add to an existing system, it's that. Makes it work like a much more powerful system.

nwspmp said:

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I have a few.

I have a small 5.5W that was attached to my 3018CNC and run Lightburn to control it. Worked alright but was super slow.

After that I upgraded to an Ortur LM2 Pro with the higher power diode, and upgraded it with an air-assist. Works MUCH better, and I often use it for wood customizations, creating signs from painted aluminum, and a few other middling uses. Also runs on LightBurn.

I bought a cheapish K40 and did some control upgrades to run Lightburn as well, but the size of the laserable area and the 40W power that doesn't seem to really be that much more than the "20W"-equivalent (5.5W optical power) of the LM2Pro means it's been relegated to small side uses where the diode doesn't work. I probably will eventually get other CO2 laser, but it'll be a higher power, more commercial unit.

I've just ordered an xTool F1 for metal engraving and am looking at the Atezr P20 Plus or the xTool D1 Pro with the 40W module as the next diode upgrade. The ability to use the xTool IR laser module in pretty much any of the diode frames is also a VERY interesting concept.

The biggest upgrade for any of the diodes is an air-assist; if there's one thing to add to an existing system, it's that. Makes it work like a much more powerful system.

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Also a great thing to do with a CO2, it helps keep flare ups down. I have been looking at it for my machine, I have never needed but recently did a job where it would have been great to have.

sent you a pm.

Welp, I just said F-it over the weekend and bought a medium-large CO2 laser. Was originally looking at the laserpecker 4, but... the size limitations. Omtech 20x28 w/ a 60w CO2. Wife wants a side hustle and this is one that I can help with.

I would have sold you this one at a good price.

Call me.. 3467758363

I would like to piggy back off this if I can. I have been looking at getting into laser engraving for most materials but mostly for metal. I would certainly start with small pieces like metal wallets, knife blades, etc. Any ideas on what would be good to get started? I may eventually make a small business out of it but just want to tinker for now. TIA.

2ndChanceAg96 said:

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I would like to piggy back off this if I can. I have been looking at getting into laser engraving for most materials but mostly for metal. I would certainly start with small pieces like metal wallets, knife blades, etc. Any ideas on what would be good to get started? I may eventually make a small business out of it but just want to tinker for now. TIA.

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There is two different things you can do with metal. Are you trying to do marking and removing powder coating or anodized or are you trying to actually etch into the metal. That will determine the machine that you need.

X-Tool Laser Engraving

Thanks for the link. I would think something more permanent like engraving or marking. Something not necessarily powder coated.

2ndChanceAg96 said:

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Thanks for the link. I would think something more permanent like engraving or marking. Something not necessarily powder coated.

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Marking you can do with a CO2 or Diode. To actually etch or cut into the metal or cut you will need a fiber laser.

Are you talking about wallets like this?

Yes but also steel knife blades. Maybe I just need to start with those and cups.

2ndChanceAg96 said:

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Yes but also steel knife blades. Maybe I just need to start with those and cups.

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You can do that with CO2, diode or fiber.

I do these and anodized cards on a regular basis with my CO2 and of course tumblers are one of the main items I do on a reg basis.

Awesome. Do you recommend an introductory engraver. I just want to fiddle for now and make family gifts and such

2ndChanceAg96 said:

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Awesome. Do you recommend an introductory engraver. I just want to fiddle for now and make family gifts and such

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Anything but Glowforge. They are not worth the money. A lot of it comes down to how much you are willing to spend and the size of the items that you are wanting to do.

What budget are you looking for? And no, I'm not trying to sell anything for once!

2ndChanceAg96 said:

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Yes but also steel knife blades. Maybe I just need to start with those and cups.

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I have a 10w diode (Xtool D1). It'll permanently mark steel.

We mostly cut wood and powder coated cups, leather, etc.

Here's a silly one I made for my wife. My buddy called it 'exhibit one in the trial.'