Build Thread- laser table build!!!!

[AmbiguosMind]

Hello all

My partner and I figured we wanted to build a laser table after his completion of his own router table he has completed recently. Our design is to accommodate a 4x8 sheet of whatever. We plan on operating a 100w CO2 laser as well. We have already started our design of the table and its axis too. We plan on fully enclosing this machine with windows on the lid for viewing purposes and a ventilation system that will be located at the lower section of the table.

Here are a few pics of what we have so far

[AmbiguosMind]

We are waiting on our shipments of the Nema 23 motors and all the belts and idler pulleys as well. Our next big purchase is going to be the controller card but are in the middle of decisions right now of which card to run on this machine. Does anyone out there have input on this matter? I am being steered towards the dsp controller from lightobject but was initially going for the full spectrum retinaengrave card. If someone could give any personal or hear say forums regarding this please don't hesitate to share guys. Please leave all criticism and concerns with this build because we are open to ideas or changes. Let us know what you think.

Thanks

[markymark1]

How exactly would I go about purchasing just a laser? I am already in the process of building a table with a mobile gantry system but recently switched from the idea of using a router to using a laser. I figured I could find an adjustable laser so I could have a bigger variety of materials I could make stuff out of. Just wondering what laser I should get I just want something that can engrave on stones and cut wood plastics and possibly metals depends on how expensive a laser that could cut steel would be hoped maybe you had a price it would cost as well.

[Exsecratio]

Hiya AM,

I'd tend to go towards lightobject to be honest. RE and FSE may well be a good card but comments here rightly or wrongly have made me pause before going that way and some of these have been from VERY clever people I know and have a lot of respect for.

best wishes

Dave

[piman314]

I have started an on a similar project, but it is a little more modest. It is 40w and only 4x4.

My setup will be similar, a welded frame, similar liner slides. but i have two questions.

First how large is the focussing lens you will use? ( the largest I found was 25mm in diameter)

And secondly why are you moving the work area up and down for the z axis instead of moving the focussing lens?

[PeteV]

Originally Posted by markymark1 How exactly would I go about purchasing just a laser? I am already in the process of building a table with a mobile gantry system but recently switched from the idea of using a router to using a laser. I figured I could find an adjustable laser so I could have a bigger variety of materials I could make stuff out of. Just wondering what laser I should get I just want something that can engrave on stones and cut wood plastics and possibly metals depends on how expensive a laser that could cut steel would be hoped maybe you had a price it would cost as well.

Hello there,

My first post! I have a Kern system with a Coherent laser it looks very well made and flexible in the mounting options, I don't know if they sell direct but worth a try!

I can send you pics if you like.

-Pete

[AmbiguosMind]

Originally Posted by Exsecratio Hiya AM, I'd tend to go towards lightobject to be honest. RE and FSE may well be a good card but comments here rightly or wrongly have made me pause before going that way and some of these have been from VERY clever people I know and have a lot of respect for. best wishes Dave

Hey thanks dave this is the advice that we are looking for on the motion controller card.

[aventtini888]

hi , i think you can find on alibaba a pci controller or a complete set . I paid you it abut 600$ whiteout shipping and it was really good 9A steeper motors . Now im developing a large 1kw laser and if you want something professional you can try at Siemens 840d

[ltran2000]

I have build 5 lasers, size 3x4 feet, using dsp from lightobject and never have a single
problem, that is model 2011, seem like model 2012 has more problems but Macro always
come up with a fix, for fullspectrum rectina I once consider to buy , but after reading that the site
is highly filter, so you will never know that it is a good or bad card, and no support,the thing i like about LO DSP
is that once you send the job to dsp you don't need window any more, no worry about disconnect issue like fullspectrum rectina or other controller i have use,and the support is excellent from LO.