Are you looking for a laser engraver that can handle large and thick materials, deliver high-quality results, and offer a range of features and options? If so, you might want to consider the Epilog Legend 36EXT, a legacy laser engraver from Epilog Laser that has been praised by many users for its performance and versatility.
In this article, we will introduce you to the Epilog Legend 36EXT and its main features, compare it to other Epilog laser engravers in the market, and show you some of the benefits and applications of using this machine. By the end of this article, you will have a better idea of whether the Epilog Legend 36EXT is the right laser engraver for you.
What is the Epilog Legend 36EXT and what are its main features?
The Epilog Legend 36EXT is a laser engraver that was launched by Epilog Laser in 2008 as part of their Legend Series. It is a legacy machine that is no longer in production, but it is still available from some sellers who offer used or refurbished units.
We have also written a detailed review of its counterpart: Epilog Zing 24.
The Epilog Legend 36EXT has a large work area of 36″ x 24″ (914 x 610 mm), which allows you to engrave and cut materials up to 12″ (305 mm) thick. You can also remove the table to accommodate materials up to 14″ (355 mm) thick.
The Epilog Legend 36EXT has a range of laser power options, from 30 watts to 120 watts, depending on your needs and budget. The higher the wattage, the faster and deeper you can engrave and cut. The laser source is a state-of-the-art, digitally controlled, air-cooled CO2 laser tube that is fully modular, permanently aligned, and field replaceable.
The Epilog Legend 36EXT has a memory buffer that can store unlimited files up to 64 MB. This means you can send multiple files to the machine without waiting for each one to finish. The rolling buffer also allows files of any size to be engraved.
The Epilog Legend 36EXT has an air assist feature that attaches an air compressor to the machine to remove heat and combustible gases from the cutting surface. This improves the quality and safety of your engraving and cutting process.
The Epilog Legend 36EXT also has some standard features that make it easy to use and operate. These include:
- Auto focus: automatically adjusts the focus of the laser to the surface of the material
- Red dot pointer: shows you where the laser will fire and helps you position your artwork on the material
- 2″ focus lens: provides optimal beam quality for most applications
- Relocatable home: allows you to set a new home position for your engraving or cutting job
- Flash upgrade electronics: enables you to upgrade the firmware of the machine easily
The Epilog Legend 36EXT also has some optional features that enhance its functionality and versatility. These include:
- Rotary attachment: allows you to engrave cylindrical objects such as bottles, glasses, mugs, etc.
- Vector cutting grid: supports thin materials and reduces backside burning during cutting
- Vector pin table: lifts materials off the table and reduces backside reflection during engraving
- Air compressor: provides compressed air for the air assist feature
How does it compare to other laser engravers in the market?
The Epilog Legend 36EXT is one of the most powerful and versatile laser engravers in the market. It has many advantages over other laser engravers, such as:
- High speed: The Epilog Legend 36EXT can engrave and cut at speeds up to 120 inches per second, depending on the material and settings. This means you can complete your projects faster and more efficiently.
- High quality: The Epilog Legend 36EXT can produce high-resolution images and crisp text with up to 1200 dots per inch (DPI). It can also achieve smooth edges and fine details with its high-frequency pulsing technology.
- High reliability: The Epilog Legend 36EXT is built with durable components and designed for easy maintenance. It has a robust metal frame, a sturdy belt drive system, a self-lubricating carriage system, and a modular laser tube that can be replaced in minutes.
- Easy to use: The Epilog Legend 36EXT is user-friendly and intuitive. It has a simple control panel with LCD display, a USB port for direct printing from your computer, and a print driver that works with most graphics software. It also has an auto focus feature that eliminates manual focusing errors.
- Compatible with various software and materials: The Epilog Legend 36EXT can work with any Windows-based software that can print to a printer, such as CorelDraw, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, AutoCAD, etc. It can also engrave and cut a wide range of materials, such as wood, acrylic, metal, glass, leather, fabric, paper, etc.
However, the Epilog Legend 36EXT also has some disadvantages that you should be aware of, such as:
- Discontinued model: The Epilog Legend 36EXT is a legacy machine that is no longer in production. This means that it may be hard to find new or used units for sale, and that the warranty and support from Epilog Laser may be limited or expired.
- High cost: The Epilog Legend 36EXT is a high-end laser engraver that comes with a high price tag. Depending on the laser wattage and the optional features, the Epilog Legend 36EXT can cost between $20,000 and $40,000. This may be beyond the budget of some hobbyists or small businesses.
What are some of the benefits and applications of using the Epilog Legend 36EXT?
The Epilog Legend 36EXT is a laser engraver that can offer you many benefits and applications for your personal or professional projects. Some of these are:
- Versatility: The Epilog Legend 36EXT can engrave and cut almost any material and shape you can imagine. You can create custom designs, logos, text, images, patterns, etc. on various surfaces and objects. You can also use different settings and techniques to achieve different effects and finishes.
- Productivity: The Epilog Legend 36EXT can help you increase your productivity and efficiency by reducing the time and labor required for your engraving and cutting tasks. You can send multiple files to the machine at once, engrave and cut at high speeds, and produce consistent and accurate results every time.
- Creativity: The Epilog Legend 36EXT can unleash your creativity and allow you to express your ideas and vision in unique and original ways. You can create stunning artworks, crafts, gifts, decorations, etc. with your own style and flair. You can also experiment with different materials, colors, textures, etc. to enhance your creations.
- Profitability: The Epilog Legend 36EXT can help you generate income and profit by creating products or services that are in demand and have high value. You can sell your engraved or cut items online or offline, offer custom engraving or cutting services to customers or clients, or use your laser engraver as a marketing tool to promote your brand or business.
Conclusion
The Epilog Legend 36EXT is a powerful and versatile laser engraver that can handle large and thick materials, deliver high-quality results, and offer a range of features and options. It has many advantages over other laser engravers in the market, such as high speed, high quality, high reliability, easy to use, and compatible with various software and materials. However, it also has some disadvantages, such as being a discontinued model and having a high cost.
If you are looking for a laser engraver that can meet your personal or professional needs and expectations, you might want to consider the Epilog Legend 36EXT. It is a machine that can offer you versatility, productivity, creativity, and profitability for your projects.
