I have been wanting to get a laser engraving machine for several years (ever since I saw one being demonstrated at a woodworking show). The major obstacle has always been the price. A machine from Epilog Laser, Trotec Laser, or Universal Laser Systems can cost anywhere from $8,000 to more than $50,000. The exact prices depends on many factors such as the size, laser power, and options desired.

In early 2014, I was looking around on the web and found a company near Las Vegas that was selling a laser engraving machine for the hobbyist. After additional investigation, I learned from several blog and forum sites that this company did not have a great reputation for customer support. Those same sites suggested that purchasing a laser engraving system directly from China was worth further investigation.

While some Chinese built systems are not well built and/or have issues with support, there are a couple of companies that manufacture a quality product (and support the machines after the sale). I then started to look at laser engraver machines from Jinan G.Weike Science & Technology Co., Ltd.

I started by requesting prices for two or three models by completing a web form. Within a few hours I received my first message from 'Tina' (remember that the time in China is about 12 hours ahead of the time in the eastern US).

After an exchange of nearly 50 e-mail messages, I was able to select a machine that would suit my needs, These messages allowed me to gather information about the available options, appropriate spare parts to purchase with the machine, and even the desired color.

The model of laser engraving machine that I decided on purchasing is the G.Weike LG6040N. The standard specifications for this machine include: LG6040N
  • 24" by 16" work table area
  • 60-watt Sealed CO2 Laser tube
  • Air Assist w/ compressor
  • Water pump (for cooling the laser tube)
  • Exhaust fan and appropriate tubing
  • Auto up/down platform
  • steel honeycomb table
  • 2.5 focus lens
  • Software and documentation
  • Choice of colors (default color is white)
  • Red dot led to identify location of the invisible laser beam
I did add a few optional items to the above list (some of these items were included at no extra charge):
  • Upgrade from 60-watt to 90-watt laser tube
  • Auto-focus feature
  • Extra 90-watt laser tube
  • CW-5000 water chiller
  • Additional 2.0 and 2.5 focus lenses
G.Weike requested that an international money transfer be used for payment. All of the information necessary for the transfer was included on the pro forma invoice that was sent to me confirming my order. I was requested to send half of the money before the manufacturing of my machine was started and the remaining payment was to be sent when the machine was ready for shipment.

Like most of you, I had never initiated a wire transfer before. It turned out to be rather simple. I didn't even have to drive to the bank. I was able to do the entire transaction via the bank's website.