laser engraver

lumberjack_jeff · #1 Sun 12 July 2009, 20:57

Has anyone fit a laser engraver to a Mechmate?

The reason I ask is that I can envision a need to mark parts for kits as they come off the table.

Run the code to engrave all the part numbers, then run the code to cut out all the parts.

The finished side would have to be facing down, but with upcut bits, this seems natural.

Probably just easier to engrave the numbers with a 1/8" bit.

Kobus_Joubert · #2 Sun 12 July 2009, 22:48

Hi Jeff, I would like to have a laser on old BBB. What I have seen so far is very impressive....fine detail can be done with the laser that a small bit just can not handle.

So if you or anybody else know where one can find a affordable CO2 type laser, please let me know...I will fix it next to my router.

Allegheny · #3 Mon 13 July 2009, 04:56

If you do a search function on the archives here, there was an extensive set of threads on building a MM to laser granite. Many facets of the application - choice of laser, power supplies, mirrors and beam tubes, etc., were covered in great detail.

If I can dig them up later today, I will post the links for you.

There are several sources of used/refurbed laser tubes here in the US:

http://www.usedlasers.com/

http://www.laserresale.com/

I don't work for either of these, etc.

Brian

KenC · #4 Mon 13 July 2009, 07:35

Hi,
There are 2 threads in the old archive.

http://www.mechmate.com/Forum/messages/47/2584.html
http://www.mechmate.com/Forum/messages/47/15123.html

Hope this helps.

Cheers

servant74 · #5 Mon 13 July 2009, 09:47

I was wondering if putting a small 'secondary' router just for 'engraving' purposes might be useful, or some other kind of 'print head', even an ink marker pen!, though not as cool, would probably be less expensive and easier to accomplish.

An inexpensive laser would be great.

servant74 · #6 Mon 13 July 2009, 10:02

After looking at Epilog, they get away with 'heavy' lasers, by mounting the laser in the fixed portion of their gantry, and just moving light weight lasers and optics. For safety issues, they enclose their entire unit and make an interlock to dis-engage the power to the laser tube when it is opened. (Tube cooling stays engaged, from what I can tell. I do not have one to say for sure.)

Gerald D · #7 Mon 13 July 2009, 10:07

A cross between a marker pen and a laser . . . . . . . a soldering iron for a bit of pyrography?

Travish · #8 Mon 13 July 2009, 16:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gerald D

A cross between a marker pen and a laser . . . . . . . a soldering iron for a bit of pyrography?

Very simple and effective! Nice thought!