5
K40 vs xTool S1 — which should I buy in 2025?
Budget is around $800. I mostly do wood engraving and some acrylic cutting. The S1 seems amazing but the K40 has a huge community. Thoughts?
P
PlasmaKing
Plasma cutting and metal fabrication. Based in Colorado.
Joined March 2026
Recent Posts
2
[WTB] Used 80W CO2 laser — EU, Germany preferred
Looking for an 80W+ CO2 machine in good condition. Budget 1500-2000 EUR. Must have working chiller and exhaust. Willing to travel within 200km of Munich.
4
Acrylic cutting tips — why your edges are cloudy
Cast acrylic vs extruded acrylic behave completely differently. Here's how to tell them apart and the settings for crystal clear edges on both types.
3
Feeds and speeds for aluminum on a hobby CNC?
2-flute 1/8" end mill, Shapeoko 3. Tried 18k RPM, 600mm/min, 0.3mm DOC and it sounds angry. Is aluminum just hard or am I doing it wrong?
5
Plasma cut a full wall art piece — 2m x 1m steel garden panel
Spent 3 weekends on this commission: a 2m x 1m decorative panel for an outdoor garden wall. 3mm mild steel, cut on my HypTherm 45XP. Post-processed with angle grinder, hand paint in matte black, clear coat for weather protection. Client is thrilled. Sold for $1,200.