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Steve's 2x4 Laser Build

PostPosted: Fri Jan 16, 2015 1:09 am
by spk64
I am considering building a laser cutter\engraver to go along with my other equipment. Already built a couple of 3d printers and a CNC router which is working great.
Was looking at the laser for thinner materials more intricate details and engraving. I have a mechanical design close to being complete.
Many of the design aspects were borrowed from several designs by some great builders before me.
Specs:
24" x 48" working area
80 Watt Laser
LO Optics
DSP Controller
Motorized Z
Pass Through Capability
Here is what the full assembly may look like.
FullAssembly.JPG

Skins removed
NoSkins.JPG

Cut Box and Other Panels removed
NoPanels.JPG

CloseUp showing the gantry
NoPanelsClose.JPG

Re: Steve's 2x4 Laser Build

PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2015 11:46 pm
by spk64
I have stated to begin this project. Not sure how long it may take but it is a start.
Ordered the linear rails and cars found a new supplier that I am testing out. My original design had Hiwin EG15 rails and Cars but the new source was about 1/3 the cost. Ordered a set and if they work great otherwise I will spend the money on the Hiwins.
All my extrusions were cut to length. Since we stock and go through a lot of this material I purchased from my place of employment. Saved 30-40% doing this.
In all use 4 lengths of 1020 and 5 lengths 1010.
Plenty of stock.
IMG_2606.JPG

After 30 Minutes had all the 1020 cut.
IMG_2599.JPG


Fast work with the right equipment. Cuts like butter and all cuts nice and square.
IMG_2607.JPG

30-40 minutes the next day and all the extrusions are cut.
IMG_2605.JPG

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Next up is hauling it home and to my shop to begin tappping the ends of all the extrusions and adding the holes for bolt access. The assembly will be with end fasteners for a clean look when assembled.
Also received the mirror mounts and the cut head to verify the design before cutting the mounts.

Re: Steve's 2x4 Laser Build

PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2015 2:22 pm
by sshwarts
Just curious, what was the source of lower cost block and rails?

Scott

Re: Steve's 2x4 Laser Build

PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2015 2:47 pm
by spk64
sshwarts wrote:Just curious, what was the source of lower cost block and rails?

Scott


http://www.aliexpress.com/store/group/L ... 01122.html

I am planning to do a full review of these over on CNCzone.

Re: Steve's 2x4 Laser Build

PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2015 2:52 pm
by spk64
Some quick shots of the Lightobjects Pro Mirror Mount and Head.
IMG_1483.JPG
IMG_1484.JPG

IMG_1485.JPG
IMG_1486.JPG

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IMG_14881.jpg

Re: Steve's 2x4 Laser Build

PostPosted: Sun Jan 25, 2015 3:46 am
by spk64
All the extrusions have had the ends tapped.
Took about 30 minutes for 250 holes.
IMG_1489.JPG

IMG_1490.JPG

And my economy end fasteners. Flanged button head cap screws.
IMG_1491.JPG


I did get started drilling some access holes and test fitting the frame together. No pics yet but will have time tomorrow to continue the build.

Re: Steve's 2x4 Laser Build

PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 1:15 am
by spk64
Frame roughed together. Ran out of end fasteners so will have to continue later in the week.
So far everything is going together as planned. Assembly is a bit of a rubiks cube as everything has to be assembled in the correct order.
IMG_1493.JPG

Re: Steve's 2x4 Laser Build

PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 5:09 pm
by orcinus
Am i going insane or is chrome?

A day or so ago, when i was looking at your thread from my phone, everything was fine.
Now some of the pics are upside down and some are sideways.

Did desktop Chrome lose the ability to interpret the JPG orientation tags all of a sudden?

Re: Steve's 2x4 Laser Build

PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2015 1:43 am
by spk64
No, you are not insane. I just checked and all rotated in weird ways on my chrome desktop.
I think it was from uploading direct from ipad and not desktop. Apple pics do not follow the rules for keeping pics oriented correctly in the different Windows programs.
Now I need to try and fix them :cry: :cry: :cry:


ok, Should be good now.

Re: Steve's 2x4 Laser Build

PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2015 11:06 pm
by orcinus
I think it's a regression in Chrome, as i could've sworn it used to work fine before (i upload a lot of snapshots from my iPhone and iPad too).

Anyhoo, thanks and sorry for going offtopic :)