I'm doing some real serious research into an engraver/cutter. I can see it being used for a little bit of cutting in the future, but the main goal right now is engraving slate and wood.

After a crap-load of review reading, it has come down the the Vevor K40 (40w CO2) or the Xtool D1 (10w diode).

Vevor has the power and speed but very limited work area (8x12) so stuff like live-edge boards ect is out. It's the cheaper option since enclosure, exhaust venting, cooling ect is all included for around 500. I also have some concerns about the fragility of the CO2 tube since with the pets around the work stand WILL get bumped around a bit sooner or later. Keeping a "clean room" for it just isnt a viable option.

X-Tool wins in the work area (18x18) but is slower and a lot less power. Need to run it at 90+% output to engrave stone. AND once air-assist and an enclosure/venting ect is added much closet to 1k than 500.

Knowing me I'll end up with both within a year or so, but need to start with one of them. The main sideline they are going to be used for to start is slate/stone memorial plaques for pets. HUGE untapped sideline market here. NOBODY does it locally. The hearts, square and circles cost 2-3 bucks each and sell for 20 once done and the 8x12 cost 9 bucks and sell for 50. Decent cash for letting a machine do its own thing while I do something else. Secondary (for the Xtool) would be engraving other shops chartruie boards.

I know, I know. Same as 3-d printing once somebody starts everybody and their cousin will be doing it in no time so it's a limited time window to make them pay for themselves before the price warz. Fricken capitalists !

So, any recommendations between the 2?

<Edit>

Nope, dont want the Creality. Too many issues with their printers and i aint going there again.

[This message has been edited by MidEngineManiac (edited 08-09-2023).]