Full Version: Build Your Own Laser Machine?
From: MR C (MOSHE) [#14]
8 Mar 2007
To: Mononeuron [#13] 16 Mar 2007
From: sroehlk (ELECTECH1) [#15]
8 Mar 2007
To: MR C (MOSHE) [#14] 8 Mar 2007
You can check here, only see 40 watts but you might ask.
http://www.plansandkits.com/lasers.html
From: Dave Jones (DAVERJ) [#16]
8 Mar 2007
To: MR C (MOSHE) [#14] 8 Mar 2007
From: Trout Bum (PBROCK1) [#17]
15 Mar 2007
To: ALL
There is a program called DeskCNC that works very well with PWM lasers. I used it with one I built. It even does good vector conversions from bitmaps. You use the Plasma cutter post processor that is contained in the list of post processors.
I can help you make it all work with stepper motors.
I have the program and a spare controller board and also a Russian 20w water cooled RF excited laser that works well with PWM I'm not using. It has a 2.5" focal length lens mounted on it.
It would be a less expensive start until all your bugs are worked out
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#18]
16 Mar 2007
To: Mononeuron [#17] 16 Mar 2007
Trout Bum's post sounds as though it was directed at you.
http://engravingetc.org/forum/index.php?webtag=EE&msg=5933.17
From: Mononeuron [#19]
16 Mar 2007
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#18] 16 Mar 2007
Hi all,
Sorry I haven't been back here for a while but work, visiting friends and the laser table have taken up most of my time. You can find the link of the laser building here
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33485
if you are at all interested. Some of the pictures are a bit small and I really haven't had time to write a full description of the building yet but I will add that very soon over the next few weeks.
Thanks for the info Stunty.
Hi, Trout Bum,
I have seen DeskCNC and nearly bought it about 2 years ago but went with Mach2 and Desk Proto instead but I would definitely like to check it out. I use DeskArt as well but find it very hard to clean up the files for it to work properly when engraving in wood.
I am using a hybrid design on the laser table with servos for the X and Y axis and steppers for the table rise and A axis rotary attachment. I have gone for 4 screws to raise the table but in hind sight I think it would have been better with a scissor jack arrangement as it would be more stable. I still might change it if it proves too unstable with the x axis whizzing along at 3-4 meters a second
The Russian laser sounds interesting and I would like to build another laser at a later date to engrave marble and granite slabs and I think 10-20 watts is fine for that (correct me if I'm wrong)
Does anybody know if the aluminum first mirrors in laser photocopiers would work for very long in a low powered laser setup, say 30-60 watts? I strip a lot of copiers down for their parts and would love to try it out. I may when the laser is up and running.
Thanks
Richard.