building laser machine

[woodfish510]

I'm new to the site, but have read many post on lasers. I'm thinking about trying to build one. Where do I find plans on this? If not building one who should I buy a laser from? wklaser or hxlaser??
Thanks all!
Dave

[sntlewis]

Get ready for an education and $$$....

Basically, lasers are "moved" similar to plasma cutters, so think plasma table (which ever size you want, mine has 2'x4' cutting area).

Next, consider what you are going to cut. Read "thicker = more power" (to some extent). Wood cuts easy, metal doesn't!

My laser is a flowing gas laser (ex-surgical laser) vs sealed laser.

Too many questions to give more answers.

Stan

[jmg]

Hi,

Whichever way you decide to travel (build or buy), I'd love to hear about it. How about posting your experiences as you go along?

It would be appreciated greatly if you did!

jmg

[sntlewis]

closer to joy... AC servos are somewhat tuned. I get 200 in/min and 30 in/sec^2 acceleration.

Back to calibrating laser power/machine speed issues.

I have cut (though not real nicely) up to 1/4 birch plywood.