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Tabletop lasers

I want to purchase a small laser system, a Versalaser or Epilog mini are the 2 I have narrowed the search to. One question is “is a 25 watt system big enough for the things I need to do”. I have a slate sample, from one of these companies, which I was not very impressed with & I’m planning to do mostly slate plaques, I will also be cutting cloth for embroidery shops & possible cutting 1/4″ wood ornaments. Will a 35 watt make a deeper depression or will a 25 watt do the trick at a different or slower setting. What other questions should I be asking?


I haven’t done any work with slate using a laser, but I have worked with Wood, Marble, Acrylic, Etc. and I was using a 35 watt Epilog unit in these applications. I can comment on using the 25 watt unit or the Versalaser system for cutting 1/4″ wood, but the 35 watt worked fine for me. The additional wattage will also allow for quicker processing times should that be a factor for you. Using the 25 watt unit may require making two passes when cutting wood, depending upon the type of wood you are trying to cut. Slower speeds will also cause increased burning. I prefer using the higher wattage units myself for handling higher production needs and shorter processing times.

A 25 watt unit should be sufficient for cutting thinner materials and surface etching. For deeper engraving or cutting thicker materials, I would recommend using a 35 watt unit. The 25 watt unit will likely require longer processing times. If you should decide on using the 25 watt unit for making a deeper impression, I would also suggest that you try applying transfer paper to the material being processed prior to processing, this will eliminate smoke build- up on the face of the material. It will also reduce the amount of clean-up needed after processing.

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