I’m considering getting a Falcon A1 laser engraver, and I’m trying to decide between the regular and Pro versions.
Right now, we’re using an xTool M1 that a friend lent us. The M1 is fantastic, but it’s a bit out of our budget. So, I’m thinking a 10W laser from the A1 might be a good fit for us.
The main thing is that the A1 doesn’t have auto-focus. You have to adjust the focus manually. I saw a video that said you need to set the distance differently for cutting versus engraving.
With the M1, we can engrave and cut in one go. I’d love to do the same with the A1, but if I have to stop and adjust the focus every time it switches between engraving and cutting, that could be a real pain.
So, here are my questions:
Would you recommend a 10W laser, or should I go for the 20W?
How annoying is it to manually adjust the focus for engraving and cutting?
Are there any other drawbacks to the A1 (without the Pro features) that I should be aware of?
Im totally new to laser engraving, but not new to tinkering with things. It’s what I do.
I have the A1 Pro and there is/was some issue with the Autofocus which means manually doing it. Im not sure if they have fixed that yet and to be honest i haven’t even looked because I am happy to do it manually since I have gotten used to it.
It’s really not a pain to do once your used to it. The only time it is a bit awkward is when your engraving something small and maybe oddly shaped but then i just position a piece of scrap wood beside the item and balance the focus tool on that.
I went straight for the A1 Pro because of the 2W IR laser which I am having problems with getting to focus (different story). But honestly everything I engraved and cut so far could have been done with the 10W.
Having said that, I am chuffed to bits with my A1 Pro (except for the 2WIR which im convinced is broken.) and glad I bought it. The extras it hasmake it almost the perfect unit.