CNC vs Laser. Which Should You Get First?

Comparing the pros and cons of CNC routers and laser cutters Brought to you by Squarespace. For 10% off your first purchase, go to: squarespace.com...
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[@makeorbreakshop]

"Science is magic that works". Ha love it and thanks for the shoutout!

[@radar536]

Yes, it is a great quote.

[@brockoala2994]

Nonono it's the other way around. He said "Magic is the science that works".

[@c.f.g.2837]

I own both a Boss 100 watt laser and a Camaster Stinger cnc machine. You have really nailed the pros and cons very well. I bought the laser machine first and it was both easy to learn and fun. after 2 years I bought the cnc machine. Well that is very different all together. It will do more than the laser will but the learning curve ( bits to use, wood to use, depths etc.) is 1000 times more difficult unless all you want to make are personalized cutting boards:) I can make a lot on it now but it is overwhelming in the first year.

[@robthewaywardwoodworker9956]

The most informative AND entertaining video I have watched in a VERY long time! Thank you , David!

[@rianwhitby3480]

David, you were extremely funny in this, both the overt jesting, and the Easter eggs many would have missed.

[@WimPrest]

Glass fallopian tube

[@9254dallas9254]

Filet o fishes 😂😂

[@jennieanddavis]

Can’t WAIT to send people with questions to this video. Great work, David!

[@Horchata2336]

“Fillet of fish” is my favorite commentary in this one 😊

[@buffplums]

Fillet of fish, fillet of fish, give me fish to fillet …😂

[@rayj9970]

Awesome presentation. You have a natural gift to draw the attention to the topic throughout the whole presentation. And it answered plenty of my questions. Thanks heaps, Ray from 🇦🇺

[@oglaucio]

I've been looking at this topic lately and this is great timing! Cheers!

[@majora3043]

I learned a bunch watching this, I haven't really looked into lasers so I didn't know what differences there were other than it uses a laser to cut

[@drumunl]

The fallopian tube line got me... David this video was so dang funny!

[@a5ync]

Just wow, having both in my garage I can't imagine a better content than what you just delivered. Amazing comparison, super good feedback. Great job David. Btw I know fume extractors are expensive (and definitely needed) but building one is a really fun project I went through while acquiring my FSL Gen5. Can be done for less than $200 for a laser of 45W (anything more powerful imo requires an industrial extractor).

[@a5ync]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJWwZH-Fd6mke5o

[@Imms79]

Thank you for a very honest overview. As someone nervous about jumping into the deep end of this pool, I love your perspective. Great humor as well, kept my attention throughout.

[@SpencleyDesignCo]

the "filet of fishes" made me spit out my yogurt 🤣

[@robertwolinski7294]

crotch smells, WWII landmines, this video is full of nuggets of amazing knowledge

[@sparkyprojects]

An organisation i used to be a member of had one of the common 60W chinese laser, they were able to just get the tube and replace it themselves, and there's some recalibration, yours may be different but worth researching.

[@bobtorrence3461]

I highly recommend anyone using a CNC router to begin using Fusion 360. That software not only handles the design and guide, but includes a nice customizable library feature of bits that would solve your problem as well

[@patrickschardt7724]

Mastercam is also good as it can be used for many materials

[@dominicv9225]

What about SolidWorks?

[@ClintonCaraway-CNC]

I use Carveco software and love it.

[@gamithaa]

tks, very helpful to understand, its change my mind to go for CNC. tks a lot

[@lonewolflabs7284]

Great video. Was leaning towards the laser, but now thinking cnc. Thanks

[@BDL090754]

What an excellent overview on these machines, I have finally got some knowledge now. So well explained, without all the B.S. Thank you very much.

[@CNCHobbyistGregory]

Great video. I have a Shapeoko, and my next step is to upgrade my Shapeoko with a laser. However, safety comes first with proper air circulation since there will be a lot of smoke

[@mindyhall4638]

LOVED this video; you were on fire! Please keep bringing that wonderful sense of humor to your work; it’s so refreshing! Thanks for all you do!

[@toganick]

Fallopian Tube replacement is SUPER expensive. Thanks for the vid.

[@thebornmaker]

We considered it but if I’m being real, it was much less invasive for us to keep the tubes and just snip and cauterize instead.

[@nkotowsk]

I have both (80W eBay laser and a Onefinity Woodworker). I would probably recommend the CNC first, unless you have a specific project that really requires the laser. The quality+work area vs the price of each tilts heavily in favor of the CNC. If you want a laser that cuts bigger than a 2'x2' square, you're probably going to need at minimum a 130 watt Chinese laser ($6k+), and you'll spend many times more than that for a better brand tool with customer support. That said, I've only had the CNC for a few months, dust collection on the CNC seems to be a huge pain point for me so far.

[@davidwest6019]

Why would you ever be deciding between the two? The applications barely overlap. The reason you get a laser is for cutting precise pieces of slab material or etching, and for specialty applications like welding - not to mention, lasers come in all sorts of types like yttrium, diode, co2, etc for different materials. A CNC router is mainly used to make production ready semi-3D topography for wood or soft plastics only, not simply cutting. In fact, Ive rarely seen it used only for cutting because table saws and band saws are much more efficient. You use a CNC when you want to say create a counter bored hole or depression for a bracket or hinge and to be able to put various tapered bits for undercuts. You would NEVER use a laser for any of this.

[@jtcmlt1]

@@davidwest6019 you my friend ha e no idea of what you are saying. Blessings

[@aaronthomas8834]

The short answer to "should I get the CNC Router or CNC Laser Cutter?" is both... allow me to explain. The Stepcraft M-1000 pictured at 0:23 can do both... you can have a nice 2 x 4 desktop CNC with an ATC and awesome gantry clearance AAAND Stepcraft also sells the Laser module, the 3D printer module, the tangential knife module, the drawing/pen module... etc for the same machine.

[@robertbankhead8661]

I so appreciate your approach to your videos. Of course you want to do it faster whatever the task where some of us enjoy all the tasks a bit more. Thanks again and keep them coming, videos that is.....

[@simonr6793]

😄 🤣 I'm guessing you're uncle Joey's favourite nephew!!!

[@MakeSomething]

Used to be.

[@billdiehl156]

Lots of information in this video! Currently I’m leaning towards the CNC, but I may wait until I can see the Ken Burns 10-part series and for your Uncle Joey’s next trip to Indianapolis. Thanks for putting out this video. I’m sure it’s helping a lot of makers.

[@trevorburford-reade8685]

Lol. Joey knows where you live.

[@billdiehl156]

@@trevorburford-reade8685 😂

[@ClintonCaraway-CNC]

Why anyone would spend over $6k on a 45watt laser with a 2"x12"x20" cutting capacity totally amazes me. You can get a Thunder Laser or Aeon for that kind of money.

[@sigung01]

Amana has a tool database available for free download on their website. It has ALMOST all of their bits. It can be imported into Vectric or Fusion.

[@woodatuse]

You can create your own tool library by downloading the feeds and speeds from Amana/tools today and uploading them into your csd/cam. Again you'll have to adjust them for the strength of the m1000 but you get the general idea from the manufacturer

[@timothypatrick7030]

If you are using a vacuum table, then you should use foam gasket to hold your parts down. Route your part into the mdf table and gasket the inside of the cut lines. You can then drill vacuum holes into the board. When finished you can use cork to plug the holes and move onto the next job. Use at least a 7,000 spindle speed to 12,000 max spindle speed for acrylic and polycarbonate. Mdf cuts good at about 6,500 spindle speed. If it’s 1/2 inch thick you’ll need multiple passes for a cleaner edge.

[@jerel2119]

Great video! I was wondering what is the best budget friendly either CNC or laser to get started with on a budget something well under $1000 and hopefully under 500 thanks

[@waynepettit1863]

Great video, thank you. I would like to buy one of those machines and trying to learn all I can. Question, is your uncle that has odor problems Joe Pantoliano who played in the movie Matrix? You remind me of him, including your actions. Not a bad thing. Be BLESSED.

[@douglassiemens4245]

Thanks for the deep (well, deep for me) dive into the pros and cons. Here's my question: which did you use to create the Ken Burns mask?🤣🤣🤣 Love your puns and sense of humor!

[@GarrettCrosgrove]

I have a small desktop CNC Router and I wish I had a Laser instead for rapid prototyping.

[@paulurbaniak2242]

Honestly I believe you would be happy with either one. You can do so many things on those machines if you got them set up properly. I only have a laser cutter, and it's such a great addition to my shop. The main thing I love about lasers in contrast to CNCs is the relatively low amount of mess they cause. I don't get why people would get mad over this - can't we just have some fun?

[@MakeSomething]

Let's just have fun Paul!

[@3sixtybubba133]

what laser cutter do you have.

[@paulurbaniak2242]

@@3sixtybubba133 I just got one of those chinese 40 watt units (often called K40). It's not much, but it's a great entry to the laser cutting world if you're prepared to spend some time fiddling with all its quirks

[@3sixtybubba133]

@@paulurbaniak2242 you can cut metal right?

[@paulurbaniak2242]

@@3sixtybubba133 No! You can't cut metal with hobby laser cutters. If you want to engrave metal. you heed to use either a fibre laser or use some coating on the metal. But you won't cut through metal with your standard laser cutter. What are planning on doing with the laser?

[@michaelkeymont501]

CNC Cookbook software allows you to manage a tool library with speeds and feeds calculators etc. It’s pretty good. Bob woodward... good guy.

[@Saskajohn]

80% + 10% + 15% haha you said it with such a straight face I almost missed that little joke. Very informative and honest thanks

[@jamessloanofficial]

I was 115% convinced of his accuracy

[@yamlcase230]

Shower thought: Can you use your laser to engrave the recommended rates onto the bit shanks?

[@mattrinne]

David: "Use the comment section below." Also David: "make something" My teenage subconscious:"You don't tell me!"

[@michaelpotase]

This is very informational and seriously funny at the same time love it and thanks for the laughs.

[@sgsax]

Super useful information here. Also had me rolling the whole time. 🤣 Neither of these is on my radar right now, but I appreciate having the info for future reference. I always learn something from your vids (that's videos, just saving time). Thanks for sharing!

[@cherrytrees7255]

Thanks for the info! Can you, or have you done a review of the Snapmakers?

[@jakerazmataz852]

I see you answer a lot of comments 👍. Quick question, retired, just starting, I'm almost set on the xTool D Pro 20w with rotate attach. I've watched a lot of vids and it's seems to be on top. Is this a good place to start.

[@MakeSomething]

I've heard good things. Check out the channel Make or Break for some great reviews. www.youtube.com/@makeorbreakshop

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic comparison, Dave! Thanks a lot! 😃 This is going to help a lot! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@rompowertube]

Absolutely brilliant and fun video! Thank you so much! Great job

[@vockski3173]

My interests involve engineering more than art. As such, the laser cutter comes in handy more often. You get sharp internal corners, less wasted material due to very thib cuts, and you don't have to worry about leaving tabs.

[@CLove511]

For the library of your bits, are you just talking about a database with a user interface? Or do you mean something that connects to your CNC?

[@HiroProtagonistak]

For a home gamer I got a $300 Chineseum laser cutterish and an older lightly used xcarve and carvewright. Less expensive options that do really well.

[@michaelnicholas2417]

Great video. Opened my newbie eyes to the cnc/ laser world

[@Whatshoudiwritehere]

Wow. Thank you very much for organising it.

[@DanielJo-dl3sl]

Not trolling just curious. What did you mean by smells like cancer. Personally I been fighting it for several years now and know a lot of different smells. Are you a fellow warrior? I have been watching a lot of your videos and appreciate them. Right now I am not quite healthy enough to make, so I’m mostly just planning and designing future projects. I did purchase a shaper a few years ago because I have extremely limited space. Right now I’m on blood thinners and my wife has band me from cutting basically. The shaper does require a lot of physical effort, and part of me wishes I purchased a laser or standard CNC machine.

[@jennybarnes4806]

Thought I misheard you when you mentioned replacing the Fallopian tube. 😁

[@brevs8387]

Btw, nice video... Thanks for the break down. I just need to know what I would make most to see what to get first.

[@kd-CarvingAway]

Thanks for the info. I'm not that trilled with my 10w laser. I'm now thinking router.

[@johnhoaglun1]

Red sweatshirt and blue T-shirt… the host like person is messing with us again. I love my CNC router but would like to change it out. I am looking at lasers looking at k40/k60 machines trying to find one with a good bed size. The glowforge has really lit the world on fire but is more expensive than I want to invest. Thank you for all the different ways that you bring us content!

[@warlord385]

MDF is a SOB. This is great. I've been trying to decide for a while

[@kahoycrafts]

This was really helpful, thanks! I def have plans to get a CNC or Laser at some point.

[@wmfranz]

Here is the dome, back with the bass The jam is live in effect and I don't waste time On the mic with a dope rhyme Jump to the rhythm, jump, jump to the rhythm jump

[@pvidrine1]

For your bit library: Create a spreadsheet with info needed then save as PDF. You should not have any issues viewing on your phone.

[@AlbinKmet]

I think CNC brand has a big part to do with it's ease of use, there are some out there that have very easy to use software that they've customized for their machines. I bought a Shapeoko, and while it's maybe not the most advanced in terms of accessories and features (like cutting beneath the level of the machine), it's software is a breeze to get started with, and some niceties like clamping and dust collection are baked into their basic design. Haven't looked back and would recommend for someone looking for an easy, reasonably priced good quality CNC.

[@erwinwozniak]

Great video! Quick question: what material is that wall behind you? Acoustic panels? Looks great.

[@MakeSomething]

Just decorative tiles I got on Amazon. Unfortunately they are not acoustic panels, just for looks.

[@SkunkTreeCarvings]

you can import bit libraries into vectric software tool base.

[@masterricon]

I've been pondering this question myself, super helpful information, great video Dave!

[@safetycitychic]

Love all the pros and cons you mentioned.

[@cockpitconnect]

I really agree with all the pros and cons. I had a laser, I did miss a CNC. Now I have a CNC and not using the laser anymore. CNC have a larger learning curve in terms of feeds and speeds, but once you understand, its awesome.

[@slapcitykustomz1658]

Right you n can also get a laser for the cnc too

[@steinbierz]

@@slapcitykustomz1658 Very true but many that have a CNC with an add-on laser and also a standalone laser typically say don't waste your money on the CNC add-on. I have no direct experience with the add-on lasers but reading forum after forum convinced me to go with separate machines. Of course, budget and space are oftentimes the variables that win the day.

[@slapcitykustomz1658]

@@steinbierz Yeah your right that's the exact reason I'm.building my own c02 laser it's more time consuming building is but the price vs buying the prices difference is huge I can build for half the price

[@robshaw4093]

Great video and nice to see one that was honest and unbiased. What if you can, would you recommend as an entry level or starter laser? Thanks

[@RattledPan]

This is the first of your videos I have caught. I was following another guy that really struggled with talking about specific things to look out for, but rather used the "you learn by breaking stuff" as a bandaid for what he didn't know. Yeah. I don't need to watch a 45 minute vid to know that. 😶😒 That said, I'm leaning into starting with the laser. My thinking is that being able to work with glittery materials, or whatever really catches an eye, might be my start, but the CNC really would need to go in second and not with much delay. I am going to start begging for my money from the government. There is good support through our Social Security office (I'm a 65 yo with a disability), which is kean to get those 65 and healthy back into the workforce, thus not having to pay out monthly benefits. I'm also interested in developing retail avenues for different types of demographics, if I can get all of that together plus import some selected items, I could have a well-rounded assortment of items. But that is so getting the cart before the horse! All of that will take hard numbers, presentation of my products, cost vs. net retail, and all of the support systems to make this fly. There's a thousand "ifs, no-s and maybes" to all of this, but I also have experience going back decades about product selection, marketing products in compelling ways. It is such a grind running someone else's business, especially retailers that blunder. I spent years thinking that I didn't know what I was doing, not why I have had to run from a job to cash my last paycheck before they went under. As any entrepreneur will tell you, "if my business goes under, it was under my helm."

[@jerdow]

Very good info. Earns a solid nch nch of approval -Jerry

[@MakeSomething]

I see what you did there. nch nch.

[@douglasjones6248]

Useful information as I am debating which one to get.

[@junkredo2518]

This view as very informative, I recommend it 105%

[@ManuelPerez-gd4vv]

I like the App idea. You could use MS Access to create a database that has all of the bits stored. Where would you get the details for the speeds and such for each bit? I might be onto something.

[@MichaelWoodrum]

Tools today has libraries for your bits. Both fusion and aspire. Not for everything but, almost. Amana for sure has everything for you

[@RondTripp]

Cool bits! CNC the tool I didn't know I needed.

[@CheveeDodd]

I always wondered why a vacuum table was called a vacuum table! 😜🤣

[@shawnsweeting3108]

With a laser. You can cut peices scaled up or down for a 3d puzzle that comes in flat peices...stack em and its dope I've done it plenty

[@cheeseisgreat24]

For the weekend woodworker who's unsure, I typically still suggest the CNC more than the Laser only because quality of machine for the price, you can get a far more decent of a CNC for your Dollar. That's kind of changing, but we're still a bit of a ways away from the inflection point where Lasers will be more economical for if you're only using it every so often. Though as with anything, it depends on what you want to use such a machine for. For instance, I'm gonna be getting a Laser before I get a CNC because it just matches my desired use-case better.

[@MegaJadon]

Hi buddy How about working on metal products I am considering a cnc any videos about metal products from you ? Thanks

[@sanjuanitaolivas5939]

Great info. Thank you for pros and cons of both.

[@anthonymartinez5144]

Now if you could only have one cnc, would it be the stationary cnc or the shaper origin? I know you have both so if you could only have one, what would you suggest. That's where I'm at now. Would love to have the glowforge as well but that's a few years down the road.

[@mickeymallette2663]

Is the Stepcraft modular in the sense that you can grow the size of your setup over time? I’ve looked at an Avid for this reason. Start a little smaller that I hope to need later, knowing I can add to my setup.

[@hspringsteen]

I agree with what you said about both machines. I am lucky to own an X-Carve and a laser cutter. I use my laser way more than my CNC, and a big part of that is because of the amount of work it takes to get a CNC project to the machine, and how difficult it can be to cut them correctly (for me).

[@UnderMyHatAdventures]

I'm looking for a machine to engrave metal washers, like a lot of them. Any recommendations for which machine/s I should look into?

[@13bushy13]

I thought this was a woodworking channel, not a 'let the computer make my thing' channel /sarc Love it Dave, very informative. Either way, you'd better know what you want to do with it before you buy either. Inspiration won't hit just because you shelled out buckazoids.

[@jscook54]

Good info and well presented. (Info= information. It saves me time. 😜). Thanks for doing this.

[@MakeSomething]

hehe! Thanks Janet!

[@commonsense8710]

Cypher from The Matrix got plugged back in and is doing great. He now does woodworking.

[@sreekanth8408]

What is the best tool for gold acrylic cutting

[@Emmanuela598]

Hey can I use the laser to make gobos (glass metal etc....)

[@JohnMadeit]

You summed it up well.

[@BothoHohbaum]

I heard those co2 laser tubes and their PSUs live for many years, when you stay below their maximum power ratings. I first had a diode laser cutter and decided to extend its oomph with an 80 watt co2 tube which I never run at more than round about 60 watts. That is more than enough in most cases. For fine engravings I can switch back to the diode head. My machine is still quite new, so I will see if KZbin was right about that "stay below max power" thing....

[@quillmaurer6563]

This matched everything I read and heard when setting up a new laser cutter at a job I worked a while ago. Was a 100W machine, but we always used 80W as the maximum setting to prolong laser tube life. The sense I got was that they advertise them at the maximum they can do briefly, but if you want a long life out of it you should run it at 80% or less. The manual pretty much said this. Would really make more sense to limit the software to 80W and market it as a "true 80W machine." But of course that's a harder sell, marketing wants to pump the numbers up as much as possible. And I guess there might be circumstances where you really do need the full power, either fairly briefly or tube life be damned, and being able to use such if needed is better than having the machine limited to a lower long-life setting. On another note, you talked about your diode vs. CO2 - I've been thinking of getting one of those super-budget 30W or something (meaning 3W actual light power) diode machines, the $300 ones. How capable are those - can they cut 1/4" plywood? Everyone says CO2 can do a lot more - can a diode machine do the same thing just a lot slower? I'm just thinking for tinkering and hobby use, so I'm not too worried about speed. I'm coming from the 3D printing world so I'm used to setting it up and walking away for numerous hours. Or are there things the diode laser simply can't do even with enough time?

[@SHKEKEKE]

I like the new talking head corner

[@mandytrosky1888]

I really enjoy the overview and info!

[@alexpressley5918]

weird i think the last video i saw of you was the new drill press or you building that corner. that was a while back. youtube hasnt pushed anything to my subs.

[@jeanlanz2344]

CNC = Computer Numerical Code Thank you for the explanations and comparison. I liked it all except for the smell section... ick.

[@Zarlax]

Fusion can capture the library of endmills and their suggested feeds/speeds/chipload. Stepcraft at some level offers an ATC. Super awesome. They make plastic pin nails just in case you hadn’t seen them. Then it won’t matter if you hit them with the endmill.

[@MakeSomething]

didn’t i show off my plastic pin nailer in the video?

[@Zarlax]

@@MakeSomething the shame I feel for somehow missing this. I think I was too busy shooting myself in the foot with the fusion tip. Sorry man.

[@MakeSomething]

All good! I appreciate the tips!

[@kevintunis6654]

How thin a cut can you make on a board that is 2 inches thick? I am cutting panels the middles of a table for electronics. I was not sure whether to use a CNC or a laser.

[@artist254grafitti7]

Shukran brother.. highly informative

[@leowu6110]

Awesome David! What laser cutter can cut thin sheet metal, like 0.2mm copper/aluminium/steel?

[@MakeSomething]

You would need a fiber laser for that. Unfortunatly I don't have any experience with them.

[@leowu6110]

@@MakeSomething Ah I see, thanks!

[@22cchrs0007]

@MAKESOMETHING Have you tried keeping track of them with an Excell spreadsheet? I'm sure they would have other apps and software for this but for just keeping up with your tooling and preferred settings it works every time. If you would like a template for reference, I can send you one.

[@timzlow]

From ur experience, What is the power required to cut through 4mm Gasket paper and ability to etch Aluminium if we are going for fiber laser ? Thanks

[@MakeSomething]

funny enough I bought sheets of gasket paper to make my own for kart racing but haven't had a chance to try it out yet. unfortunately I have no experience with fiber.

[@timzlow]

@@MakeSomething please update when u have test. i haven't purchase any laser etch machine yet.