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I wanted a co2 laser cutter so I decided to do some research. As a result, I came across OMTech Laser Systems in the process.

As a matter of fact, after I found them I wanted to compare them to the Glowforge.

If you have followed me for a while then you know I love crafts, like all of them. I have my Cricut but it is so limited when it comes to cutting and engraving.

So, I wanted something that would cut a wide variety of materials, something that would fit with my home office set up, and something that was of great value.

In other words, something that cut with great precession and little effort.

What Different Materials Can An OMTech Co2 Laser Cutter, Cut?

  • Acrylic
  • Wood (cannot cut hardwoods like mahogany)
  • Leather
  • Plastics
  • Fabrics
  • MDF
  • Cardboard
  • Paper
  • Corian
  • Foam
  • Fiberglass
  • Rubber

For one thing, the OMTech website their 40W can cut up to 1/8th inch and the 50W co2 laser machines can cut up to 1/4th inch. But, I have seen in groups where they have cut thicker materials. But I would do some further research before I attempt this.

Not to mention the work area of each co2 laser engraving machine is different. So, I went with a 50W OMTech laser. Of course, price played a big role in my decision. To summarize, the 50w laser systems are most comparable with the Glowforge.

The cutting area of the OMTech machine is about 1/2 inch bigger then the Glowforge. However, the passthrough slots are the same.

The OMTech co2 System has more power and more space than the Glowforge. And that coupled with the low price makes it the best option for home use.

What Are The Biggest Differences Between The OMTech 40w and 50w Laser cutters?

If you want to start with something that doesn’t take up as much space then you should check out the 40W OMTech. It’s a little over $500 and is much smaller. But you can still engrave and get high quality cuts with this smaller laser.

There are a few other differences when it comes to their 40w co2 laser cutter.

  • not compatible with the LightBurn Software
  • 8″x12″ cutting area
  • no passthrough
  • slower speeds

But if you are a beginner, I think this Co2 Laser cutter would be a good option because of a few things. But the price is a major! The OMTech 40W is only $529.99.

You can beat that price with a stick! The resolution of this smaller machine is still better than the GF and you get a much better warranty!

What Materials Can A co2 Laser Beam Cut?

  • Acrylic
  • Wood 
  • Leather
  • Plastics
  • Fabrics
  • Glass
  • Rubber
  • Cork
  • Brick
  • Granite
  • Marble
  • Tile
  • River Rock
  • Bone
  • Melamine
  • Phenolic
  • Aluminum
  • Stainless Steel
  • Titanium

How Much Does A Co2 Laser Engraver Cost?

Quick ComparisonOmTech 50WGlowforge Pro
Resolutionup to 2540 dpiup to 1000 dpi
Total Size40 x 26 x 20 inches8.25 by 38 by 20.75 inches
Warranty 2 year1 year
Engraving Area11.5 by 19.5 inches11.0 by 19.5 inches
Maximum Material Height8 inches2 inches
Engraving Speedsup to 19.685 inches per secondup to 9.8 inches per second
Cutting Speedup to 15 inches per secondup to 0.4 inches per second
SoftwareLightBurn (no internet needed)GlowForge App (need internet)
Laser Tube System50W45W
Rotary AxisYesNo
Financing AvailableYesYes
Pricing$2,199.99$5,495
glowforge pro

Is Glowforge Worth The Money?

Not only is the OMTech 50W laser is a reliable machine with a price range but it comes in under half the cost of the Glowforge Pro. In the box is everything you need to get started, even a rotary axis so you can engrave glasses, tumblers, and other curved surfaces.

And that alone is amazing for small businesses and hobby cutters alike.

So, in my opinion, the OMTech co2 laser cutter is the best laser engraver system and cutter out there. Or at least it was the best choice for me. It has an affordable price, you can cut with high precision, the engraving area is a little bigger than the Glowforge and it does everything I need it to do.

Another really good thing that I love is the warranty 2-year parts warranty on all machines and a 6-month warranty on laser tubes and laser power supplies 60W and below. This feels like my very own buyer protection. Glowforge only has a 1-year warranty.

Also, if you are looking for some projects to get started with laser cutting, my friend Cori, over at Hey, Lets Make Stuff! has some amazing projects to try out!

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2 Comments

  1. I purchased a Boss only because of the support. But, I have heard about Omtech lately. We will see how they grow. thank you

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