Laser or 3d printing

[Hutch]

I want to get a cnc for modeling, I think I might prefer laser cutting wood. I want to keep the cost under $400. How much power is required to cut 1/8 plywood? Is 3d printing a better way to go?

 

[kjd]

You could probably use a 50-60 watt CO2 laser for plywood. A smaller laser could cut 1/8" material but the laser part will last a lot longer when not used at full power. It has been at least a decade since I used a laser cutter, things have probably changed, as far as what's available.

If a laser or printer is better, only you can answer that. The tool used depends on the job being done, so what do you want to build? With a printer, do you know 3D CAD? With a laser do you know 2D CAD?

 

[Hutch]

Not sure, probably buildings. I'm very familiar with 2d and 3d drawing