I have also been wanting to add a cutting machine, specifically a laser cutter. What has held me back has been price point. I got into 3D printing when the ender3 came down to around $200 because I was not sure i was going to get into it... now that I am deep into 3D printing I think it saves me money. Printing a few non-purchasable parts for a few expensive things and I think I have saved way more than I spent on the printers over time.
Entry laser cutters are still in the $500 price range and that is a very basic/weak cutter. For that price all you get is a hopped up laser engraver that can cut thin wood etc. For me the attraction of a laser cutter would be the ability to quickly produce large structural parts... and for that I would have to spend a couple thousand at least... and that has been too expensive for me to get into.
If price is concern for you, AND if you have more than one 3D Printer, you may want to look into the laser cutter conversion kits. I have looked at a few of these for the Ender3 and it seems like an affordable way to get into laser cutting for just a few hundred. Basically you swap the hot end for a laser module and then 'print' your cut as a single layer g-code job.
Agreed, It's annoying that mechanical cutters (simpler machines) are more expensive than 3D printers (more complex machines) but that's capitalism. Once 3D printers get soccer mom proof, like cutters, I'm sure they will skyrocket in price too.
It was disappointing to see that there wasn't an easily printable / build-it-yourself cutter. However I'm fortunate enough where the price point isn't an obstacle and although I won't "need" it that much the opportunity for my nieces to use it along with the previously mentioned mischief means I might do it....
I'm not messing with lasers just yet because of the safety precautions I would need to implement but they do look cool.
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