OMTech 40W CO2 Laser Engraver, K40 Laser Etcher & Engraver Machine, 8x12 Desktop Laser Marking Etching Engraving Machine with Digital Controls Red Dot Exhaust Fan & Wheels for Wood Acrylic More, Blue

I've been using a 5.5W-output diode laser on a 3018 for a while. After reading reviews, I purchased this unit, along with a CW-3000 chiller and a bunch of upgrades. I decided to try out the unit before making any upgrades and I am *REALLY* impressed!Out of the box, mirror alignment was perfect. In fact, the mirrors are hot-glued in place so alignment won't shift. Might be a problem later on if I change mirrors and laser tubes, but for now, it's nice that it won't go out of focus or alignment. The beam diameter is spot on, anywhere on the bed.I was worried about how well it'd work out of the box, and I have to say my concerns were zapped away when it worked without any issue whatsoever. The power is incredible! I started a raster engrave at 30% power and it absolutely obliterated the basswood sheet - I had to switch to 5% power to get the engraving I needed! 20% power is MORE than enough power to cut through basswood without any issues whatsoever.The included fan is actually quite good. People have panned the suction duct, but I find it's excellent. It sucks the smoke straight out. I also now have attached a 130 CFM blower near the window exhaust, and together, they pull everything out. I haven't even installed the air assist yet, because the smoke evacuation is so effective.I'm *sure* I'll be installing the upgrades soon. However, out of the box, this thing is a winner! Only one issue has cropped up - my raster lines are *slightly* wiggly, but this is easily remedied by tightening the belt on the X axis. If you're still using a diode laser, you're *really* missing out. Give this one a try, you won't be disappointed one bit. For the price, it's impossible to beat this unit!Update: I've added LightObject's air assist head and mirror. Be aware that when you do this, it moves the focal length UP by about 12mm. This is actually okay, as you can now engrave and cut taller objects. Be sure to get alignment right when you install it - trace a circle around your current head before removing it. I've also added an ammeter to the ground lead on the laser tube. On my unit, 37% power correlates to 15 mA through the laser tube, which is the most you should probably run the tube. That much power is easily enough to cut most of what I need to do.

Do not buy any of these lasers thinking that it's going to be a finished product. They are ALL a starting point. I give this one 4/5 for overall rating based mainly on value. They can be had much cheaper on ebay, but I bought through amazon for the security of being able to return it. You decide if that is worth the extra $100 give or take.This laser is one of the more recent models and works fine with some modifications. I am still using the stock mirrors and lens, but these are marginal quality and upgrades are recommended. The alignment out of the box was marginal at best. There are a few good websites to guide you through realigning the mirrors. The laser itself and cooling system seem fine. The exhaust fan is almost useless. It may be sufficient for very small projects, but anything more, and you'll get smoke in the room. I ended up cutting a much larger port in the back of the case and adding more fans. I will not that as far as I know, these issues are common with all of this type of laser, so I'm not badmouthing this one, just know what you are getting into with any of them.The software is garbage. Don't even install it. Get Inkscape and K40 whisperer. They are both free, have tons of youtube videos for help, and are far superior to the packaged crap.Lastly, safety. This one has a nice emergency stop button in case things go south. This is nice, but there is no automatic kill switch if someone accidentally opens the main hatch while running. Again, I believe this is all of these lasers, but be aware of this.

It is a K40 and most importantly I knew not to expect the world's greatest machine. it arrived with the box a little beat up but it was packaged securely and it was double boxed with plenty if padding. on the cosmetics, it did have one scratch along the top. on the I side, the bed had wiggled its way loose during shipping so I had to take the rest of it apart to find all the screws and spacers but everything did go back together with no issues. The combination of K40 Whisperer and Inkscape is not the easiest to learn or understand but there are plenty of tutorials on you tube. now out of the box this machine will do most of your basic light duty stuff. the mirrors were not perfectly aligned but it worked. to get the most out of this machine EXPECT to do the upgrades such as new mirrors, an air assist, new bed, modifications to the exhaust vent and fan, adding an ammeter, a new board if you want to use Lightburn. Also a new water pump, maybe a chiller, a small lab jack and table,, and adding a small compressor for the air assist. this list can go on and on. It all depends on what you want this machine for but what you should get out of this is that this machine is highly customizable. you should also know that you will need to learn how to align the mirrors and that can be difficult if you are not patient. Also and most importantly check and double check the entire system when you buy it. mine had a crappy splice job b on the ground wire that runs from the tube to the power supply. It was two wires twisted together with a loose wrapping of electrical tape. That cod have been very dangerous if the tape had fallen off and the ground wires rest against the enclosure. so why not give it one star after all this?? Because I bought it knowing I would have to do some work to it when I got it. if you want or expect a perfect machine, this is not it. for that expect to pay thousands not under 500. Hope this helps but not discourages.