I'm looking at CO2 lasers and really trying to decide what I want and build vs buy. I currently have a 3D printer and a homemade CNC making random stuff people ask for and things I dream up. There are things that lasers do better, so I'm interested in adding the capability - mainly cutouts and engraving (with a rotary option in case that comes up). I'm thinking 50W for now, but open to any thoughts.
So, really just looking to start the evaluation process and this seemed like a good place to get some information. Looking forward to learning a bunch from this group.
Hi All
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Scott Woehl
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Fri Jan 22, 2021
- Location: Mequon
- Country: United States
- Nickname: swoehl
- Laser Machine Make or Type: Looking
- Laser Power: 50
- Laser Bed Size: 16"x14"
- Home Position: BL
- Control Software: LIGHTBURN
- RDWorks Version: na
- Ruida Controller: RDC6445
- Windows Version: 10
-
Gene Uselman
- Posts: 2181
- Joined: Thu Jul 07, 2016
- Location: Suburban Minneapolis, Minnesota, US
- Country: USA
- Nickname: Gene
- Laser Machine Make or Type: QC
- Laser Power: 130W
- Laser Bed Size: 900x1300
- Home Position: TR
- Control Software: LIGHTBURN
- RDWorks Version: RDw .19 & Lightburn
- LightBurn Version: Latest
- Ruida Controller: RDC6442
- Windows Version: Win 10 Pro
- Accessories: I have a combining lenses, pin tables [homebuilt], honeycomb tables , wireless remote, Modifed Ultimate Air Assist, home built non-powered rotary device, PrusaMK4 and Mini Prusa printers.
You are wise to study the field a bit and we have a couple people building their own lasers. The Ruida 6445 controller is good in my humble opinion and you might look at the Lightburn software with that- it is inexpensive and very capable. Read all you can and then ask any questions you might have. Gene
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The days that I keep my gratitude higher than
my expectations, Well, I have really good days.
Ray Wylie Hubbard- unfortunately deceased