Mac Compatible Laser Cutter

[Former_Member]

I am investigating buying my own laser to cut fabric, but they seem to only be compatible with PCs. Any suggestions? Thanks

[EsotericLondon]

Hey :)
It is better to have a separate stand alone PC for operating your laser. I am a mac user myself and I have a (very old) PC laptop that is just for the laser. I happened to have one hanging about already, but you should be able to find one on ebay for £20-50, which isn't much next to the cost of the laser machine.

[Former_Member]

Thank for the input. I do all my art on a mac. I am guessing that I could just send it to the PC and print from there? I don't want to invest in all new software for a PC.

[OnceAgainSam]

I'm also a Mac user as well, but I have a separate PC that's just for laser work. I do some design work on the PC, but most on the Mac, then send all the files through the PC to the laser and it's worked out well for the last 2 years. I'm pretty happy with that setup personally.

[Former_Member]

We use a pair of Lasersaurs - these are things you build yourself from plans - but you can get a machine that would normally set you back $30,000 to $60,000 for $8,000 and a TON of sweat-equity!

Anyway, the lasersaur has a tiny Linux computer inside which runs the machine and presents a web-page to any browser on your local network for uploading files, monitoring the cut, repositioning the head, etc.

If necessary, I can run BOTH of our machines from a cellphone! (or a Mac or a PC or a Linux machine or a ChromeOS machine)

[OpticalPowerLTD]

RM, not good for the average laser user, many don't understand the dangers of IR and suchlike so building a laser isn't a task for the average end user.