19 Nov Iklestar T2 5W Cutting and Engraving Laser Machine Review
Hello. Help. I am a small business owner in need of a compact but good laser cutting and engraving machine.
The Iklestar T2 5W Cutting and Engraving Laser Machine (Engraving Machine, 20W Engraving Cutting Machine with 5W Output Power, Mini Cutter and Engraver Machine for Wood and Leather with 200 * 200mm Working Area, T2 5W) is a 5W laser engraving machine with a working area of 200mm by 200mm. It is also relatively affordable and the ideal size for my small business needs; I had to purchase it. Do I regret this decision? Yes, I am far from impressed. Purchased from Amazon (for £269.96), the Iklestar T2 5W Cutting and Engraving Laser Machine has potential. The presentation of the Iklestar T2 5W Cutting and Engraving Laser Machine was a pleasant surprise. Cheap products are often packaged with a lack of care but this machine arrived presentable. From the foam to protect the machine to the instruction booklet provided, everything looked somewhat sleek. The quality of the Iklestar T2 5W Cutting and Engraving Laser Machine is brilliant. It is heavy and appears to be very durable. The instructions provided are incredibly clear; I was able to put the machine together in about 16 minutes.
With the machine built, I set out to install the software provided. It is not compatible with a MacBook Pro. I decided to look to the internet for assistance and discovered LaserWeb as well as LightBurn. The most recommended option is LightBurn. It is not free but you do have access to a free version. This was not of any use to me as LightBurn failed to even connect to the Iklestar T2 5W Cutting and Engraving Laser Machine. LaserWeb came to the rescue, recognising and connecting with no issues. The Iklestar T2 5W Cutting and Engraving Laser Machine can allegedly engrave wood, glass, metal, stone, leather, cardboard, black acrylic, rubber and textiles. My first use of this machine involved engraving one of the free four wooden business cards provided. My first engraving of a skull was crisp and clean. It looked amazing but it also failed to complete. I then decided to see if I could cut wood. I used 3mm birch plywood and was able to effortlessly cut right through it. Amazing! Regrettably, my amazement was short lived as the laser simply stopped working consistently. It would move as if it was cutting or engraving but no light appeared constantly; it was flashing sporadically.
This is why I believe the Iklestar T2 5W Cutting and Engraving Laser Machine has potential. Unfortunately, the quality of the laser and its cables render this machine useless. Cuts and engravings are inconsistent despite using the same materials as well as settings. Furthermore, I don’t believe laser machines should be sold without an enclosure, honeycomb bed and laser eye protection. They are essential. Why isn’t this the norm, an industry standard? If this machine was any good, I would have had to purchase a laser enclosure separately. This would have cost me almost as much as the machine itself. My experience with the Iklestar T2 5W Cutting and Engraving Laser Machine may not have been the best but I am glad I made the decision to at least try a laser machine. I remain interested and I have my eyes on the XTool M1. It is enclosed and compact. It is just what I am looking for but it is not in my budget. Due to the quality of the laser, I cannot recommend the Iklestar T2 5W Cutting and Engraving Laser Machine. I might simply be unlucky and got a poorly made one but I can only share my exact experience. Do you own a small laser machine? Are you a small business? Share your recommendations and tips please. I need all the help I can get.
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