Does anyone know of a good source of information on what laser types, strengths, lenses, wavelenghts there are vs the materials they will engrave? I am wanting to build a galvo laser engraver with a 2 to 4 foot focal length. I am watching a ton of youtube videos on the subject, but it is pretty scattershot and give no specifics about lasers.
For instance, if galvo lasers are cheaper and many times faster for engraving, why are most people buying 2 axis CNC gantry systems to engrave? Also, to engrave just wood at high speed, why would you choose a CO2 over a 532nm YAG or say a 40W Blue Diode? In addition, I have no idea how to calculate the focal lengths for the different laser systems.
If you are a laser guru or know where I can find a compendium of this info, feel free to chime in. Otherwise, I guess I will just keep on trucking on youtube.