Laser Cutter
- Thread starter NCRC5315
- Start date
Railrunner130
Well-Known Member
McAfee has an issue with the first link you put up.
From what I can gather, laser cutters can be very finicky. Art Fahie (Bar Mills) was telling me that weather temps and humidity have a lot to do with performance.
Personally, I'm looking for good CAD software that won't break the bank. Once I'm happy with my results with a CAD program, I'll get someone to do the cutting until I decide to take the next step. Many manufacturers are willing to cut things here and there.
From what I can gather, laser cutters can be very finicky. Art Fahie (Bar Mills) was telling me that weather temps and humidity have a lot to do with performance.
Personally, I'm looking for good CAD software that won't break the bank. Once I'm happy with my results with a CAD program, I'll get someone to do the cutting until I decide to take the next step. Many manufacturers are willing to cut things here and there.
Red Oak & Western
Active Member
NCRC:
I have a 500mm x 300mm 50W laser, similar to your first link (no problem getting there). There is a large learning curve and you need to be fairly mechanically inclined. While they are delivered "ready to use", its not quite true and there are many adjustments you need to be familiar with.
I'd suggest watching the Sarbar YouTube videos starting with this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvrMeUUzaBo&t=128s
Russ currently has over 125 episodes uploaded, going into far greater detail than you are yet ready for.
Also checkout the RDWorks Learning Lab forum: https://rdworkslab.com/
My user ID is Kevin Johnson
Railrunner:
Sign up for Fusion 360. Its free for hobbyists and small businesses. Then checkout the YouTube videos by Lars Christensen to learn how to use it. I design in both Alibre and Fusion.
I have a 500mm x 300mm 50W laser, similar to your first link (no problem getting there). There is a large learning curve and you need to be fairly mechanically inclined. While they are delivered "ready to use", its not quite true and there are many adjustments you need to be familiar with.
I'd suggest watching the Sarbar YouTube videos starting with this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvrMeUUzaBo&t=128s
Russ currently has over 125 episodes uploaded, going into far greater detail than you are yet ready for.
Also checkout the RDWorks Learning Lab forum: https://rdworkslab.com/
My user ID is Kevin Johnson
Railrunner:
Sign up for Fusion 360. Its free for hobbyists and small businesses. Then checkout the YouTube videos by Lars Christensen to learn how to use it. I design in both Alibre and Fusion.
flyboy2610
Loveably weird
If I may ask, what precisely do you intend to DO with this machine? Are you looking to do engraving, metal cutting, etc? Or are you wanting it to cut wood parts for kits?
Would a CNC router serve your needs? New router bits are a lot less expensive that a new laser.
Would a CNC router serve your needs? New router bits are a lot less expensive that a new laser.
Cut wood and plastic parts, for making buildings, some engraving, and of course to be able to say I have a laser cutter. 
Seriously, with my diabetes, my hands are very dry, and working with fine dust from model building, is raising heck with my hands. Thought this might be an alternative.
Seriously, with my diabetes, my hands are very dry, and working with fine dust from model building, is raising heck with my hands. Thought this might be an alternative.
flyboy2610
Loveably weird
I don't really have any recommendations for a CNC router. I was just thinking that if cutting parts was your interest a router may prove to be less 'intensive' to set up and learn. I had some RC airplane parts cut for me by a fellow with a CNC router. The cuts were very crisp and precise. I will try to contact him and see if he has any recommendations.
Thank you, I would very much appreciate that.
flyboy2610
Loveably weird
I pm'ed the guy on the other site. I'm waiting to hear from him.
