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  • Why choose Smoke Ranch CNC?
    We’re a 100% disabled veteran-owned business built by people who use the machines we sell. We’re not just here to sell you something we’re here to help you grow. From matching your machine to your shop colors, to training your crew, to picking up the phone when you need help we’re with you from your first cut to full production.
  • How do lasers compare to plasma?
    Laser machines do cost more upfront, but they deliver significantly cleaner cuts, faster processing, and greater precision—especially on thinner materials. You’ll spend far less time on cleanup and get better results right off the table. Lasers also create less heat distortion and are ideal for high-detail work or production-level jobs. If you’re working with sheet metal or looking for speed, consistency, and a better finish, a laser is often the smarter long-term investment.
  • Do you offer training?
    Yes, onsite training is included with every machine purchase. Our goal is to ensure you feel confident and capable operating your equipment from day one. Training includes our quick-start guide that covers everything from startup and software basics to cutting procedures, maintenance, and proper shutdown. You're also welcome to visit our Boise, Idaho facility at any time. Whether you're looking for additional training or want to get a closer look at our machines before purchasing.
  • How do I know what cut settings to use?
    We’ll help you get started with the right settings for your materials during installation and training. Your machine will come preloaded with standard parameters, and we can also share real-world settings from other users. That said, cut settings aren’t one-size-fits-all, they vary based on your material, thickness, gas, and even your shop environment. We’ll walk you through the basics and how to adjust them, but hands-on experience is key. You’ll get a feel for it faster than you think, and we’ll make sure you’re not starting from scratch. Once our online cut chart and support materials are ready, you’ll be able to find them [here].
  • What’s the consumable life like?
    If you take care of your machine, consumables like nozzles and lenses can last anywhere from several weeks to a few months. Their lifespan really depends on a few key factors—like how clean your material is, how consistent the air pressure stays, and how the machine is operated and maintained day to day. We'll walk you through what to watch for during training so you can catch early wear and get the most life out of every part.
  • What’s a good starter machine?
    The right starter machine depends on what you plan to cut. For shops working with thinner materials, a 1.5–3kW open-bed fiber laser offers solid performance at an affordable price. If you need to cut thicker metal or work faster, it’s better to choose a higher-powered machine upfront to avoid outgrowing your equipment. Financing options may help if budget is a concern. Upgradeable options are planned for the future, today’s machines come ready to perform as configured. We’re happy to help you find the best fit for your needs and budget.
  • What power options do you offer?
    We’ve got you covered from small shops to heavy production. Our lasers start at 1.5kW and go all the way up to 40kW+. If you're not sure how much power you need, we’ll help you choose based on what you’re cutting and how fast you want to go.
  • What thickness can it cut?
    That depends on your laser’s power and setup, but here’s what our machines are capable of with proper assist gas and dialed-in settings: 2kW – Stainless Steel: up to 3/16" – Aluminum: up to 3/16" – Carbon Steel: up to 5/8" 3kW – Stainless Steel: up to 3/8" – Aluminum: up to 3/8" – Carbon Steel: up to 3/4" 6kW – Stainless Steel: up to 3/4" – Aluminum: up to 5/8" – Carbon Steel: up to 1.25" 12kW – Stainless Steel: up to 1" – Aluminum: up to 1" – Carbon Steel: up to 1.75" 20kW – Stainless Steel: up to 1.5" – Aluminum: up to 1.25" – Carbon Steel: up to 2" These numbers reflect real-world cutting results from our machines. Keep in mind that gas choice, material quality, and cut speed all affect final results. We’ll help you get dialed in during installation, and a detailed cut chart will be available on our website soon.
  • What machine sizes can I get?
    Our most popular sizes are: 5x5, 4x8, 5x10, 6x12, 6x20 Custom sizes? Yep, we do that too. Just let us know your layout and goals, and we’ll help you figure it out.
  • What kind of gas do I need?
    Different materials need different gases: Oxygen for thick mild steel Nitrogen for stainless and aluminum Compressed air (with a dryer) is great for budget-friendly cuts on thin metal, we also sell rotary screw compressors that are perfect for this setup.
  • Can I cut tube and pipe?
    Absolutely. You have two options: – A standalone tube laser, or – A combination machine that cuts both plate and tube using the same gantry. We offer rotary-ready configurations that can handle round, square, rectangular, angle, and channel tubing. Available cutting lengths range from 12' to 40', depending on the model. If you’re interested in tube cutting, let us know up front — these features need to be built into your machine during manufacturing and can’t be added later.
  • How much space do I need?
    As a rough guide, the machine dimensions of a 5x10 tables is very close to 7'6"x15'9". Adding approximately 2'6" to the width and 5'9" to the length. We recommend giving yourself a few extra feet around it for loading material, unloading parts, and accessing the components for maintenance.
  • Can I get matching colors on all equipment?
    Absolutely. Our standard color combination is a gray and black combo and we're happy to include your custom accent color to match your laser, compressor, press brake, whatever you’re ordering. Send us a color code or reference photos and we’ll take care of the rest.
  • Do the machines have to be enclosed?
    No. We offer both open-bed and fully enclosed Class 4 fiber laser machines. While it’s not illegal to run an open machine in the U.S., OSHA and ANSI safety standards recommend enclosures especially in shared workspaces or commercial shops. If you're not using an enclosure, you'll need proper PPE (like safety goggles), restricted access, and other safety measures to keep everyone protected. Bottom line: You’re responsible for making sure your setup is safe. Enclosures make it easier to meet that standard.
  • Is it against the law to run a Class 4 laser without an enclosure?
    There’s no law that says you have to have an enclosure — but here’s what matters: OSHA doesn’t spell it out, but under the General Duty Clause, they expect a safe work environment, and they often refer to ANSI Z136.1 as the go-to laser safety standard. ANSI Z136.1 says Class 4 lasers should be fully enclosed or have serious safety controls in place — like locked rooms, PPE, signage, and trained operators. If you're running a laser in a wide-open area or near other people, the standard basically expects you to treat it like it’s enclosed — whether it physically is or not.
  • How long does it take to get my machine?
    While we can’t guarantee an exact delivery date up front, we’ll provide you with a personalized estimated timeline based on the specific machine(s) and any customizations. Most machines are fully delivered and installed within 8–12 weeks from the time your order is placed. This includes custom building, overseas shipping, delivery, and full setup with training. We’ll give you a personalized ETA based on your specific machine and keep you informed every step of the way. See how the full process works here.
  • Do you offer financing?
    We don’t offer financing ourselves, but we work with four great financing partners who understand fabrication equipment. You can check out all the details and reach out to them directly on our Financing Info page.
  • What software comes with the machine?
    Our machines use different software depending on the model and configuration. Commonly used programs include: CypCut / FSCUT TubesT LightBurn AutoCAD Fusion 360 We’ll make sure you know exactly which software is needed for your machine and help you get started with the basics during training. To get the most out of your system, you’ll need to continue learning your chosen software on your own. Each program comes with its own manuals, tutorials, and online communities—and we’ve gathered trusted resources to help you along the way. See our continued training resources here.
  • Do I need to know how to design to use a laser?
    You don’t need a design background to get started—but some basic design skills will make your experience much smoother. Many new users start by purchasing ready-made DXF files or using templates, which is a great way to learn. If you're brand new to design, expect a learning curve. You may need to spend time editing files or fixing errors, especially if you're using files you didn’t create. We’ll help you get started and point you to tools and resources that can speed up the process. Over time, many users pick up enough design knowledge to feel confident creating or customizing their own files.
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