new laser spec Robotec 1610 W8 and W6 2 head

[Ken Witucki]

Hello!!! Thank You for allowing me to join!
Help on a new laser spec Robotec 1610 W8 and W6 2 head ?

[Gene Uselman]

Welcome Ken- that looks like a very serious machine. Is one of the heads setup for cutting metal? I am in Blaine Mn if I can help you in any way. We have many active members but not many with dual head machines. What business are you in, that doesn't seem like a Hobby machine. Gene

[Pete Cyr]

Welcome Ken and thank you for your donation to the RDWORKSLAB.

[Ken Witucki]

I own a millwork company (Valley Hardwoods) in little Falls, MN
I purchase a Red and Black 60 watt 3 weeks ago, and like many want more power and features.
I am try to find a market or the scrap that we produce Most is 19mm hardwood from 150mm to 1000mm long
I hope to cut with one head and engrave with the other. Not sure if a metal non-metal may be best?
Wood work was my hobby but need to find a new one now.
Web: valleyhardwoods.com

[Pete Cyr]

60w is a great power level for engraving - the higher the watts the less resolution you have available to adjust power for engraving.
You have finer control over power with a lower wattage machine.

That is not to say you can't do a good job with a 100w machine - I just don't see being able to control power with the same fidelity.

[Ken Witucki]

What is the best wattage for engraving?
If i have a two head and cut 19mm some what fast, what is the best power?
I have looked but most info is about what you have.

[Pete Cyr]

I will make a couple of graphs to illustrate my point. I am not sure I can prove one wattage over another is better necessarily, but I can show why there is some advantage to a lower wattage.

[Gene Uselman]

I am not sure about how good smaller watt machines can engrave but here is an Aztec calendar that I engraved years ago with my 130w EFR tube and I have trouble imagining any more delicate engraving. I show this to many people and it is dirty from being in the shop and being handled. The top one is white acrylic and the bottom is .25 white corian.

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Aztec cal engrave.jpg

Aztec cal- Corian.jpg

[Ken Witucki]

Do you think with the right lens that the RECI W8 150 watt, RECI W6 130 watt is over powering for wood engraving.
I am try to buy my new double head laser soon. I thinking of changing the cut head to a metal non-metal.
Any one have input for me.

[Pete Cyr]

I have attached two graphs of power. One is a a 100watt and the other a 40watt.
The slope of the curve is steeper on the 100watt particularly in the first 30% of power where most engraving would normally be performed.
The slope on the 40watt is much shallower and therefore you have finer control over power.

Just my opinion - but I see a difference in engraving, particularly photos, on machines with lower power look better in my view - they have better contrasts.

Lens size will also play a role in the quality of engraving - a 1.5" lens will often engrave better than a 2" but a 2" lens is better for cutting and is a good overall lens for cutting and engraving.