****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
I've been using this laser cutter for a few months, now. There are a few things that I really like, and some things that I don't.When I first started trying to get this laser cutter to work, I had a terrible time getting good software for it. The manufacturer suggests using LightBurn or LaserGRBL. Unfortunately, neither of these were options, for me, because I'm a Linux user, and am interested in using open-source software.I spent over a week, attempting different open-source, Linux options. It was a very frustrating experience until I finally found OctoPrint.OctoPrint is a Linux, open-source, project that allows you to control this laser cutter, while using a Raspberry Pi. When using a Raspberry Pi, the setup is referred to as OctoPi, and has proven to be the perfect solution, for me. Without OctoPrint, and the OctoPi setup, this laser cutter is just a $280 paper weight, as far as I'm concerned. This is because you can't make it work without appropriate software, and, like I've said, the original options aren't ideal solutions for Linux users who want to stick with open-source software.With OctoPi, I'm able to use the machine with great ease and simplicity. However, I've now come to realize that this machine's mechanical setup, isn't ideal for precision applications. I'm talking about the belts and frame setup.This is the first laser cutter that I've ever used. So, I'm not able to compare it with other designs. However, the capability of the machine to make precise, accurate cuts, is critically based on the belt and frame system. Unfortunately, this system isn't so great for precision work. This is because the belts have to be adjusted, just right, in order to get good results. If they're too tight, or too loose, a precise pattern will have significant flaws. Because I'm human, and can never achieve perfection, this sort of setup causes issues. Certain portions of my results may look good, sometimes, but unacceptable, other times.I've searched for laser cutters that don't use belts, but haven't found too many such designs. This leads me to believe that it's merely an issue with the quality of this machine. Perhaps if I bought one that costs a lot more, I'd get better, more consistent, results.If you're using this laser cutter to engrave pictures or non-precise designs, then it may be okay. However, if you're cutting geometrical patterns, whose precision is critical, then you may have to toy with it; which is frustrating.I should also point out that this machine doesn't come with any sort of fume extractor. I had to build my own.If you search YouTube, and look for safety videos on laser cutters, you'll see why these sorts of bare-bones laser cutters can be dangerous, if you don't supplement them with the necessary components, like a fume extractor.For $280, this isn't a bad machine. However, if I had to do it all over again, I'd probably get something that is more expensive, with a better belt and frame system.
