Decisions, Decisions, Decisions.
Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2014 11:35 am
Hello group;
I am debating whether to build a larger cnc router or try my hand at a laser engraver/cutter.
It took me years to get my cnc router up and running along with all the add-ons and features I wanted. However the cutting area is approx. 12 x 12 inches. My interests have grown beyond my wooden clock hobby to other wooden art that I can do with the cnc.
I?ve always wanted a laser engraver cutter but settled on a DIY cnc router that would cut my wooden gears. It was the cheapest way to go at the time.
While I was trying to wrap my head around the cnc community I feel I was left in the dust with all the other advancements and interests. Such as the 3d printers.
I?ve noticed that the laser cutters have really come down in price, like the Chinese models for around $579.00.
I?d like to jump on the band wagon and try my hand at the laser engraver/cutter. I like the concept of the 3d printers but I want to continue making wooden clocks. So I?m looking into lasers for under $700.00
My questions are:
What would be a decent store bought laser that can cut wood gears (how thick) and engrave photographs?
Can I convert my cnc router into a laser cutter?
What?s the different between the 40 watt co2 lasers and the blue ray laser or any of the ones that don?t use the co2 tube?
What?s the difference in software, driver boards, break out boards, Ardunino , etc, etc. ?
How much of my cnc router can you use to cut out some costs of buying a complete Unit.?
Am I trying to combine two different worlds into one?
Do I need to learn a whole new language ?
What extension does laser code us compared to nc code?
Sorry for all the questions. But I need to know if I should put one or the other or both on my Christmas wish list. (LOL)
Jerry
I am debating whether to build a larger cnc router or try my hand at a laser engraver/cutter.
It took me years to get my cnc router up and running along with all the add-ons and features I wanted. However the cutting area is approx. 12 x 12 inches. My interests have grown beyond my wooden clock hobby to other wooden art that I can do with the cnc.
I?ve always wanted a laser engraver cutter but settled on a DIY cnc router that would cut my wooden gears. It was the cheapest way to go at the time.
While I was trying to wrap my head around the cnc community I feel I was left in the dust with all the other advancements and interests. Such as the 3d printers.
I?ve noticed that the laser cutters have really come down in price, like the Chinese models for around $579.00.
I?d like to jump on the band wagon and try my hand at the laser engraver/cutter. I like the concept of the 3d printers but I want to continue making wooden clocks. So I?m looking into lasers for under $700.00
My questions are:
What would be a decent store bought laser that can cut wood gears (how thick) and engrave photographs?
Can I convert my cnc router into a laser cutter?
What?s the different between the 40 watt co2 lasers and the blue ray laser or any of the ones that don?t use the co2 tube?
What?s the difference in software, driver boards, break out boards, Ardunino , etc, etc. ?
How much of my cnc router can you use to cut out some costs of buying a complete Unit.?
Am I trying to combine two different worlds into one?
Do I need to learn a whole new language ?
What extension does laser code us compared to nc code?
Sorry for all the questions. But I need to know if I should put one or the other or both on my Christmas wish list. (LOL)
Jerry