Laser Cutter for 3mm Ply and Balsa

[MarkWills]

Hi All

I make small models of things for dolls houses, items for train layouts and arcade cabinets and so far I've mainly worked with balsa wood and used craft knives, and a small Proxxon scroll saw.

I've been asked to make some models in 3mm plywood that have to be precise, so I'm looking for a laser cutter.

Is there a basic cutter I could use for 3mm ply and balsa ? I'm not worried about using it for anything else more than that.

Any idea's / info would be great.

Thanks all

Mark

Similar Threads:

• Balsa Laser Cutting Jobs
• Newbie- New user> building a cnc depron/balsa cutter?
• plasma cutter for balsa wood
• Kit or Already built Balsa/LitePly/Depron CNC cutter?

[rjsavell]

Mark,

You could use a laser, the main down side would be you would either have to sand off the burn marks or if you are going to paint, you can just paint over them. The laser burns through wood instead of cutting it and leaves the edge dark brown to black. If you want to go that way I would recommend at 3.5W or higher if you as you can always reduce the power if you need to or increase the feed rate.

I hope that helps,

Randy

[minicncuser]

I can cut 3mm plywood with my 60 watt laser is not fast but it cuts you wanna make sure you have one with the air blowing out with the laser my 40 watt would cut though but it start the top on fire

[scadvice]

A 40 watt laser should cut 3mm ply without problems. I cut 6 mm with no problems at about 25% power 3 passes. I've noticed that different plywood cuts differently it may be the glue used... If you want to have a clean surface tape it with blue masking tape. That prevents the Smokey deposit and the laser doesn't even notice it. If you have trouble it usually is the focus is incorrect. Air assist will help prevent fire flares and improve the cut depth and keep your lens clean.

[MarkWills]

Hi rjsavell, minicncuser, elephantcnc

Thanks for the replies, very helpful.

@rjsavell - I'm not worried about the burn marks as these will be covered when I decorate them.

@minicncuser - I've seen a FL K40D cutting 3mm ply on you tube and this machine has the air blower. Would this be ok ?

@elephantcnc - great pics. Once the laser one is cleaned up / sanded, it looks as good as the other one. I guess the only difference is that the laser one cuts out the feet ?

Thanks again
Mark

[cinematic2]

Hi Mark,
Randy is right, with a laser cutting plywood, the edge will become dark brown or black.

No Jack, Randy is not right.
Randy is trying to cut with insufficient power what makes cutting very slow and dirty.
If you use 80 or 100W CO2 laser cutting will be quick and almost clean. Just a bit darker only.

[cinematic2]

Just like here.

[brian257]

K40 should be fine for your use, but I would highly recommend upgrading the DSP, software, and lens with parts from lightobject. Take a look there and on their fourums.

[UnionTech]

I agree with you, sir.

When cutting the plywood, the laser needs an air pump. If you we use the 60w or 80w power, and quick speed, the cutting edge won't be very black.

Besides, the laser cutting edge is cleaner and smooth than cnc router.





E-mail: bill@union-cnc.com Web: www.union-cnc.com
--------------Jinan UnionTech Machinery Co., Ltd-------------

[phil123456]

I would recomend 5.6W or 8W Endurance DIY engraving / cutting machine for that

The Endurance DIY engraving / cutting machine for home, workshop and for your business.

have a look

there is no way that machine is powerful enough to cut through wood
none of the examples shown on the web site show wood beeing cut
you ****ing spam