LaserUser.com Forum (formerly RDWorksLab)

Charles

The hex driver of the “gold” tapered drill set is 1/4” so if you compare it to the rest of the picture they are pretty big. The smallest one is probably 1/8” to 1/2” or so.

Maybe cut the taper you want on a piece of steel rod “positive” and use it a a reamer in a drilled hole in the aluminum blank with valve grinding compound.

Actually look at MSC OR McMaster for tapered reamers. Where I use to work we had some small tapered steel pins for making fixtures. I bet there was a reamer for them.

Frank

McMaster had a tapered end mill. Perfect for this application. 2mm diameter on the tip and 10 degrees taper.

I don't know if you have seen this- LightObject apparently designed and sells them. This would be for engraving of course but it is an interesting idea.
And it could be easily enough constructed to try it?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKZeiFjFpT4

Correct me if I'm wrong, but we generally want a tiny bit of pressure combined with strong cross flow to remove fumes while engraving OR we want very strong high pressure flow for cutting.

I feel like the true ultimate air assist would redirect flow between a high speed nozzle coaxial with the beam for cutting, and a nozzle like you sent in the video for engraving.

You are correct- the low pressure while engraving is to prevent backwash on the lens- otherwise the more cross flow the better. I have 3 high velocity
2.5" fans on magnetic mounts that can be positioned as needed as well as a twin 6 inch automotive fans that are individually gimbal mounted for more serious airflow modification on an Exh Aux switch. Airflow on a large bed is complicated.