If you're outfitting a small fabrication space or just need to replace a worn waterjet part, the first big question is which side of the laser plasma waterjet cutting world you actually live in. Two very different options sit side by side: the Longer Ray5 Laser Engraver/Cutting Machine at $247.99 and the CNC Waterjet Ruby Orifice Set at $37.35. One is a complete laser engraving and cutting machine; the other is a 10-piece consumable set for an existing waterjet cutter. The right choice comes down to whether your next project is engraving/cutting or maintaining a waterjet.
Quick verdict
The Longer Ray5 is the pick when you need a standalone touch-screen laser engraver and cutter. The ruby orifice set is the pick when you already run a waterjet cutting machine and need replacement orifices. The decision hinges on whether you are adding a new cutting capability or replenishing an existing waterjet setup.
| Product | Listed Price | Condition | Focus | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Longer Ray5 Laser Engraver/Cutting Machine | $247.99 | Used | Standalone laser engraver/cutter with touch screen | |
| CNC Waterjet Ruby Orifice Set | $37.35 | New | Replacement orifice set for waterjet cutting |
Where the Longer Ray5 wins
The Longer Ray5 is a full cutting system, not just a component. Its 20W laser with a 0.08x0.1mm compressed beam is designed for fine engraving and cutting, and its fast maximum processing speed supports detailed work. The built-in 3.5-inch color touch screen lets you monitor progress and adjust engraving speed on the machine, and four connection modes give you flexibility in how you send files. If your goal is gift personalization or other laser engraving/cutting projects, this is the tool that actually does the work.
Where the ruby orifice set wins
The ruby orifice set wins on consumable practicality. It gives you multiple orifice diameter choices so you can match your waterjet's current setup, and the 12.5x6.5mm overall size is a common form factor for waterjet cutting machine holders. This is the only product of the two that directly supports an existing waterjet cutting workflow, and it does so at a lower listed price than the laser machine.
Longer Ray5 Laser Engraver/Cutting Machine
The Longer Ray5 is a complete laser engraving and cutting platform. The 20W laser head is paired with a 0.08x0.1mm compressed beam, and the 24000mm/min maximum speed is suited to high-precision engraving. Its built-in touch screen lets you monitor progress and adjust speed directly, and the four connection modes make it easy to fit into different workflows. It is a strong fit for gift personalization and more precise laser cutting work. One caveat: the unit is listed as Used, so plan to inspect it before relying on it. Its listed price is far higher than the orifice set.
CNC Waterjet Ruby Orifice Set
This set of 10 ruby orifices belongs in the maintenance drawer of anyone who already runs a waterjet cutting machine. It includes multiple orifice diameter choices-0.20mm, 0.25mm, 0.26mm, 0.30mm, and 0.33mm-with an overall 12.5x6.5mm size meant to fit waterjet cutting machine holders. Pay attention to the selected specification: the size option in this listing is 0.33mm. That makes it a practical, low-cost consumable choice rather than a standalone cutting tool. The main limitation is that it is a consumable, not a standalone tool, so it only helps if your waterjet machine is already working and uses this orifice form factor.
Final choice by use case
Choose the Longer Ray5 if you want a complete laser engraving/cutting machine with a touch screen and fast processing speed, and you are comfortable buying a used unit. Choose the ruby orifice set if your waterjet cutter needs replacement orifices and you are working with the size options in this set.
