cvoinescu wrote:Your friend isn't right, or, at least, he or she isn't painting a complete picture. it has a much, much wider kerf, and can't cut sharp inside corners like a laser; and it creates a lot of chips and dust, which are harder to control and get rid of than smoke.
So, I hope I made your decision harder again. You can thank me later.
Umm thanks? <G> He has a point though. I already use a router for much of the work. My 'drum spindle machine.' is a a home built unit that holds a post/spindle at a specific angle (for taper) while I am 'rough carving' it via a slot, using a 1 HP router. I turn the spindle by hand as I work. Much of the primary shaping for the finials and plaques are done via pattern carving with a panel router. Dust and chips are something I don't worry about. I have a dust collection system that is very efficient. (5 HP industrial blower and filtration unit) I even have a vacuum table setup for 'clampless' router work. (It was a leftover from an old vacu-forming project.) You can see why he called BS! on my argument for the laser? <G>
I'm still going to build a laser. The question is, do I do it first or, after I have the CNC unit running? I'm going to think on this over 'Santa/Turkey/Giftmas day.'
I've let the family know I'm looking for cash, to 'build a project.' They're used to that from me.
That may be the deciding factor. Large cash layouts are _not_ on the table at the moment. Been some house repairs that have pretty much killed the bank account for 'toys,' and, after Yule is a slow time for selling stuff. I've already ordered the bracket hardware for a Buildlog, since I have decided to build one, 'hell or high water.' The order of construction is the only thing I am contemplating.
The CNC unit I have pretty much set my mind on is the 'Shapecoko' It's expandable and, they have a sale on the parts kits right now.
So, best of the season to you. Chat in a few days, I think.