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Laser etcher/cnc machine

Started by warmcanofcoke, Jan 27, 2020, 10:42 pm

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warmcanofcoke

I have recently been investing in tools designed so that my hands are never near swirly blades of death every again.

I've acquired a drill press. I now own a stand up belt sander. I would rather handle the wood than the blade.

So, I made my first transition over from analogue to digital.
I've ordered this:
3000mW Blue CNC Laser Engraving Machine

Regular price $499.95
USD $299.95 USD

https://universalengraver.com/products/3000mw-blue-cnc-laser-engraving-machine-photography-automotive?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&cmp_id=1811602539&adg_id=74915861452&kwd=&device=c&gclid=Cj0KCQiAsbrxBRDpARIsAAnnz_M_9cQaN-u4o4kmWaX19wf02X_g3K9S1fBdYe9Anbvyrl95lFFNQVsaAldlEALw_wcB

3000mw-blue-cnc-laser-engraving-machine-3000-engraver-universal_559.jpg
3000mw-blue-cnc-laser-engraving-machine-3000-engraver-universal-table-metal-electronics_738.jpg3000mw-blue-cnc-laser-engraving-machine-3000-engraver-universal-auto-part-longboard_640.jpg

Ideally I'd like to cut some Roundels.

More ambitious ideas will follow.

So now I need several sets of protective goggles.

http://tardisbuilders.com/index.php?action=dlattach;k=-321;topic=8886.0;attach=192285;image

I look forward to learning more.
why doesn't the Guide mention them? - Oh, it's not very accurate.
Oh? - I'm researching the new edition.

Rassilons Rod

Nice! I wish I had the space for more.

I bought this last year and I love it!

It's a combination belt and spindle sander (the motion is very much like the console's time column,  in both cases ;) )

Triton TSPST450 450W Oscillating Spindle & Belt Sander 240V
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B071YGYR2N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_K68lEb10MRW7K

51wdk3+EcCL._AC_SY400_.jpg
51iPfd4A5uL._AC_SY400_.jpg
In the cities in the streets there's a tension you can feel,
The breaking strain is fast approaching, guns and riots.
Politicians gamble and lie to save their skins,
And the press get fed the scapegoats,
Public Enema Number One.

fivefingeredstyre

You're giving me ideas, guys. The Girlfriend will not be pleased...

fivefingeredstyre

Quote from: warmcanofcoke on Jan 27, 2020, 10:42 pm
I have recently been investing in tools designed so that my hands are never near swirly blades of death every again.

I've acquired a drill press. I now own a stand up belt sander. I would rather handle the wood than the blade.

So, I made my first transition over from analogue to digital.
I've ordered this:
3000mW Blue CNC Laser Engraving Machine
Nate,

Possibly a daft question but does it cut as well as engrave? I've had my eye out for a decent/affordable one of these for ages

davidnagel

Quote from: fivefingeredstyre on Jan 28, 2020, 08:33 amI've had my eye out for a decent/affordable one of these for ages


Ditto. Watching thread with interest.
Regards
David

warmcanofcoke

Jan 28, 2020, 01:39 pm #5 Last Edit: Jan 28, 2020, 01:50 pm by warmcanofcoke
Quote from: fivefingeredstyre on Jan 28, 2020, 08:33 amNate,

Possibly a daft question but does it cut as well as engrave? I've had my eye out for a decent/affordable one of these for ages


It says it does.

This is a different model and it uses a 2.5W Laser to cut acrylic and wood. There is a leaning curve, I understand.


H has better luck here:


The "CNC" in the description suggests it will serve. I may have to upgrade the laser unit, but I don't know that yet.
why doesn't the Guide mention them? - Oh, it's not very accurate.
Oh? - I'm researching the new edition.

Rassilons Rod

I'm no expert, but I could well imagine it depends on the thickness of the material.
In the cities in the streets there's a tension you can feel,
The breaking strain is fast approaching, guns and riots.
Politicians gamble and lie to save their skins,
And the press get fed the scapegoats,
Public Enema Number One.

scotland yard

The lasers I know both cut and engrave, it's just a matter of how strong you set it. A standard laser will typically cut acrylic and wood with a 3mm thickness very well. It can cut deeper, but the problem there is that the "underside" will be larger because the laser usually tends to sort of "curve". If you have any doubts, please do ask.
Oh my giddy aunt!!

No More

The detail lower down on that site seems to say it'll cut 1/6" deep on wood or leather if equipped with a 15W laser.  Surprised that the two are similar density or heat resistance, but OK.
I note that 15W must be in the "ask us about upgrading to a higher powered laser".

kutan66

Can you get 1000W laser upgrades to cut a Gallifreyan symbol on the moon?!

warmcanofcoke

Jan 30, 2020, 01:52 pm #10 Last Edit: Jan 30, 2020, 02:54 pm by warmcanofcoke
Just came across this video.

Meet Maslow, the $350 CNC Cutting Machine May 20, 2017 [more like $500 USD $12 shipping US, $60 worldwide]


interesting....

https://www.maslowcnc.com/

This may be a later purchase.



why doesn't the Guide mention them? - Oh, it's not very accurate.
Oh? - I'm researching the new edition.

warmcanofcoke

Feb 01, 2020, 06:29 am #11 Last Edit: Feb 01, 2020, 06:30 am by warmcanofcoke
Quote from: warmcanofcoke on Jan 27, 2020, 10:42 pm

So, I made my first transition over from analogue to digital.
I've ordered this:
3000mW Blue CNC Laser Engraving Machine

Regular price $499.95
USD $299.95 USD

https://universalengraver.com/products/3000mw-blue-cnc-laser-engraving-machine-photography-automotive?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&cmp_id=1811602539&adg_id=74915861452&kwd=&device=c&gclid=Cj0KCQiAsbrxBRDpARIsAAnnz_M_9cQaN-u4o4kmWaX19wf02X_g3K9S1fBdYe9Anbvyrl95lFFNQVsaAldlEALw_wcB

3000mw-blue-cnc-laser-engraving-machine-3000-engraver-universal_559.jpg
3000mw-blue-cnc-laser-engraving-machine-3000-engraver-universal-table-metal-electronics_738.jpg3000mw-blue-cnc-laser-engraving-machine-3000-engraver-universal-auto-part-longboard_640.jpg

So, I have a thought: If I buy additional rail extensions, I could feasibly have a 4'x8' working space.

I could adapt the easel idea for CNC kit I have already ordered.

Now I need to find out if these rails can be purchased.
why doesn't the Guide mention them? - Oh, it's not very accurate.
Oh? - I'm researching the new edition.

warmcanofcoke

Had to track down Kevin's Roundel stl file. Thanks mate.  ;)

Quote from: Theta Sigma on Sep 01, 2017, 12:03 am
Everything is up on my google drive.  STL files and FreeCAD files

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B9wuQYOPzaXcQjIwZGgxTG4tMm8?usp=sharing

BTW, I have also updated the Shapeways shop with the new STL files.  I have a new former on order and will update everyone on how well it matches as soon as I get it.

https://www.shapeways.com/shops/theta-sigma

Quote from: Theta Sigma on Nov 16, 2017, 12:56 am
I uploaded the thinnest version of the full roundel STL to my Google drive "FULL THINNER ROUNDEL KEVIN FINAL.stl".  However, be advised that this version does not take into consideration the most recent changes to the former.  I never created a full roundel render of the most recent former profile.


If I'm going to make roundels/Doctor Who Stuff - Time to track down some files.
why doesn't the Guide mention them? - Oh, it's not very accurate.
Oh? - I'm researching the new edition.

warmcanofcoke

Feb 04, 2020, 04:35 am #13 Last Edit: Feb 04, 2020, 04:58 am by warmcanofcoke
So I ordered the product through Pod Computers. My mate Arpad (R-Pod) tells me there is a package waiting. So we'll go to our local watering hole after work. Taco Tuesday. I will have the package after that.

So I started watching youtube reviews in order to understand the product better. There are some 3d printed parts that will improve the mechanics

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3258506
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3639200

and a few inexpensive upgrades of varying degrees of difficulty to improve the machine. https://shop.watterott.com/SilentStepStick-TMC2130-V2

There are different types of lasers. Diode Lasers are weaker but less expensive, there are CO2 lasers 60W, there are Fiber Lasers (The budget of a small country.)

It is recommended to upgrade your eye protective laser glasses to something more robust.

Quote
Laser engrave? EleksMaker CNC Review and test


Important upgrades for the EleksMaker PCB laser CNC machine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzO9skEYqwY


Product Overview - EleksMaker A3 Laser Engraver
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kz0L-EpYiMk
why doesn't the Guide mention them? - Oh, it's not very accurate.
Oh? - I'm researching the new edition.

kutan66

In the instructions, does it say not to try and etch your name in a disco ball?!