Did a lot of research on lasers before settling on an Epilog. When I first started researching lasers, I had never used a laser and still had not at the time of my purchase, so my knowledge of these machines was nothing. My only knowledge is my background using CNC metal cutting machines and designing software.

I looked at all the major players, Boss, Laguna, etc. and as I was researching C02 lasers I noticed most of these have a water cooled head and the life spam of the laser is about 1500 to 3000 hours before a recharge. I also noticed in the forums people kept mentioning Epilog and Trotec as American made lasers, however, they were out of their price range.

I learned early on in my business, sometimes it doesn’t pay to invest in equipment that is not the best in the industry if your able to so I started researching these two companies. Right away I notidced the prcing of these machines about three times that of a Chinese import. However, the laser on these units are air cooled, a total different RF frequency and last three times as long. Another MAJOR deciding factor was that Epilog and Trotec are American made companies. With the current state of affairs right now with China, i would rather buy American.

I noticed that the new machines from both companies have the iris camera system allowing you to place artwork exactly where you want it. In my mind I liked this feature because my current business involves mostly custom one off products. I decided i wanted a newer machine with the camera system.

Ultimately I would like to have either the Trotec Speedy 360 or 400 or the Epilog Fusion Pro in 120 watts. Main reason for this was the size of the table and the speed of the laser at around 170 ipm. Now that I know what i wanted it was time to decide on a company. I found some used machines that I could afford to purchase so I called both comapnies on the price to recharge an 80 watt laser. If memory serves me correct, Epilog was around $1500 and Trotec was around $3300. The prices may be off a few dollars, but Trotec was twice the price.

This was the deciding factor so I chose to go Epilog. I spoke to both representatives from each company prior to my decision and both were very helpful. From what research i did both companies did well in support, with Epilog edging out Trotec in customer support. I did like Trotec better for their online training presence. Laser Dan puts out a log of informational videos and I really liked this about Trotec. Bottom line, the decision was made on the price to recharge the laser.

I purchased the laser used, it was a little over a year old, brought it to the shop and started using it. There has been a bit of a learning curve trying to incooperate the laser into my business with all the new possibilities afforded to me. So far I have been very happy with the laser, an Epilog Fusion Edge 60 watt. It wasn’t the pro series at 170 imp, my laser runs around 120 ipm, however, for the price I am happy with the machine. Eventually I see us expanding into a Fusion Pro 120 watt with a 4’ bed to accomadate larger jobs.

Hope my insight can help you decide on your next laser. My thoughts and opinions are mine from experience and I cannot compare the Epilog to the Trotec because I have never used a Trotec.