Few Quick Questions

[AnglePark]

Hello,

I'm interested in an affordable laser ($3K range) -- for hobby purposes only -- and want to know which of the Chinese-made lasers work directly from CorelDRAW. Also, of those, do any have the autofocus feature?

I'm an experienced graphic designer, and fairly competent with computers (and some hardware), and a little mechanically inclined, so I'm not worried if I have to focus myself -- but it'll help if I don't have to worry about it.

Thanks!

-Barry

[zax15uk]

Barry,

Almost all of the Chinese systems (except the small tabletop models) include Corel drivers, and you should be able to find one close to $3k.

The 'auto-focus' isn't much to worry about. In most cases it is just a mechanical contact sensor. Without it you just move the table up/down with an adjustment knob until the lens is the correct height from the work surface. You will be provided with a 'ruler' of the correct size, so just turn the adjuster until it fits between the material and lens assembly - a couple of seconds at most and not at all complex.

What is your intended use for the laser? Cut, engrave, both? Wood, Acrylic, Anodized Aluminum or other materials? Thickness? Then I can try to help you find the right system.

Zax.

[AnglePark]

Thanks for the quick reply, Zax!

I mostly intend to cut wood -- architectural models for gaming. Occasionally I may engrave patterns in the wood (stone or bricks, etc.), but mostly cutting 1/8" or thinner (bass?) woods and ply.

My plan is to make a master -- most of the time -- create a mold, and cast final models and duplicates in resin. The laser likely won't run every day, or for extended lenghts of time.

Price is a big factor, as I want to save money for a 3D printer... eventually. ;-)

[zax15uk]

I would recommend a CNC router instead.

It would allow improved cutting of thicker and alternate materials. You can also engrave with sufficient depth to produce a mold.

You only require a small machine, something with a rotary cutout tool (rotozip) or small router (bosch palm router) would be ideal.

I purchased a machine from K2CNC which has been excellent, but their prices have gone up over the last few years so you may be able to find a similar tool for less.

Zax.

[AnglePark]

Thanks Zax. I've looked at the Craftsman Compucarve in the past, but didn't think it would provide the detail I would like in smaller models. I was hoping the 40W lasers would be able to handle 1/8" wood and give better results, even if I have to assemble the models after cutting out the components.

I'll take a look at the CNC routers again. Thanks for your input!

[zax15uk]

The CompuCarve is not what you need, that is designed for wood workers and does not have the accuracy for delicate parts.

A good quality small CNC router (using 1/16" micro end mill bits) would be ideal for your application, but that is not to say a laser wouldn't work great too.

The laser has some benefits, for example you don't need to worry about material clamps - although I use double stick tape most of the time and it works great and is very simple. It produces less noise and doesn't have a spinning high speed end mill to worry about, although you do trade that for an invisible laser beam that can be just as dangerous. The kerf is smaller so you can make more intricate designs without needing to understand the limitations of the end mill on internal corners etc.

If you decide a laser is what you want, then I would recommend a 60W machine to give added flexibility. The cost would be higher compared to the CNC router.

Zax.