Hello 1F community! This is my first post here. I ordered 1F Foreman and am trying to decide on whether to buy the 14W or 24W JTech laser sold on 1F’s website.
I plan on doing more engraving than cutting with it, at least in the foreseeable future. I don’t plan on engraving photos or logos so much but plan on using it to engrave vector art. So, mostly lines with some shaded parts. I’ll leave a link below showing what I mean.
I will be using primarily baltic birch plywood and hardwoods like maple and oak.
Based on all the forums and things I’ve read the 14w is primarily for engraving and can cut where the 24w is primarily for cutting and can engrave. Something I value is time, so I am wondering if it would be a better idea to go with the 24w for this reason. I imagine I can engrave faster with it but I don’t know if there are other things to consider with it, other “gotchas” and whatnot. I figure it’s easier to dial down than to max out and not have enough. I also don’t want to buy the 14w and regret it because its too slow.
Having said all of that I don’t have my heart set on the 24w, I just think, with the zero experience I have with lasers, that I need it. I of course prefer the price tag of the 14w
Can anyone weigh in with their experience and opinions?
I have had both. For engraving either one will do just dandy at the speeds your 1F will run. I believe the 14w may have a slightly finer kerf and therefore in theory potentially better detail, but never to an extent i would be able to discern.
For cutting thr 24w is functional, whereas the 14w only particularly useful in thin stock. If cutting is an afterthought or not a thought at all, save your money with the 14. If cutting is in the cards, heavily consider the 44- its not much more than the 24.
So I don’t know much about the lasers, still haven’t hooked up the used 7w I got, I just want it for engraving small shop logo though. But I gotta agree, 14 or 44 if you’re gonna spend the dough anyway what’s a couple hundred more for double the power!
Interesting. I didn’t even consider the 44w because it sounded like from people online it would burn to fast at the lowest settings and would make for poor engraving. The cost does make sense though… its tough for me to decide but good to know either will do fine. Thanks for sharing your experience with me!
Right, ya the money side of it makes sense… I just am concerned the 44w would burn too easily and make it hard for engraving. But we shall see how I feel in a couple of days. Thanks for your thoughts
@MorganHop is going to release a all inclusive video in the next week or two on our channel that details all 4 current lasers (7, 14, 24, and 44) and showing off engraving and cutting for each one and comparing and contrasting. Might want to wait until that’s released!
