Trying to educate myself for DIY laser engraver build
I am currently building a 3D printer from scratch (using an existing 3d Printer) When I am done I will have nearly all the hardware to do another build, so I want to build a laser engraver. I have a 3d Printer board (Big Tree Tech SKR 1.4 Turbo) controller board. This was initially built for 3d printers, but I see some have adapted it for laser engraving.
My question and what I am having a harder time finding info on....is what kind of more job specific controller board is being used on the engravers. I would assume you should be able to pick up a more job specific controller for about that 50.00 range. I\
Is there a break out board needed to interface between the two?
The 3d printer controller board is great for controlling the Axis movement, but in my opinion falls a little flat in controlling the laser. (PWM output?)
I would like to use LightBurn, and will be starting out with a Diode laser. Due to initial expense I would like to start / get into this using a diode laser module, but I am also open to suggestions on the software.
I think I may have also been looking in the wrong areas, but this and lightburn's site are the 2 forums that help, I am also open to other good DIY / Build forums you may have stumbled across.
Re: Trying to educate myself for DIY laser engraver build
Keep in mind that if you only need it to engrave the outlines of shapes you don’t really need PWM.
The answer depends on your skills, time to develop it, the CAM software you would like to use to create the shapes, vector vs raster, your budget. So if you already have the hardware then that limits your features but helps define a direction. Good luck.