Bruce Walker published a new build:

Read more about this build...

 

Thank you, Mark. I am kinda proud of it. It is still a work in progress. I need to go back into my story and add how I added a custom Z axis with a custom quick-change tool mount so I can use different lasers. I also hope to get a drag knife setup working for cutting vinyl and such.

First, I plan to put the box to work making some custom Christmas gifts, but I do plan to paint it. I have a battleship gray color in mind. It would be great to have some OB stickers to tag it. Can you get my address from the Part Store? If not, message me.

Thanks, again, for the kind words.

 

Why yes; yes it is. I forgot to mention that I 3D printed a custom Z axis in my build story. When I realized I would need to move the laser up/down to preserve focus based on the thickness of the item I was etching, I decided a Z axis was needed.

I will write up the Z axis add-on in a Project and include my STL files. After I finish that write-up, I'll add a link to it in the build. I'll also add a reply to this comment thread after I do so you should get notified.

 

I added a post about my ACRO Z-axis mod including my STLs: Project - Acro System Z Axis Upgrade With Interchangable Tool Mounts

Once I let my machine rest a bit I will try to add some decent pictures of the mod on the machine.

 

Yeah, especially for PLA; ABS is easy to print with an all-metal E3D V6.

PETG can be messy to print. Getting the settings dialed in to prevent build up of filament on the nozzle takes a while, and getting the first layer right is pretty critical because build up of filament on the nozzle will peel your print off the print bed. I seem to have to fuss with it for a while any time I switch back to PETG.

 

Sounds like a winning solution. I've never used the smear/slurry adhesion techniques.

For PETG I print on FR4 board lightly sanded and use glue stick. Adhesion is good, but if I try to print my first layer too thin the nozzle gathers filament as it prints - especially when doing solid infill - and as the sticky mess on the nozzle grows the problems multiply. ABS is much more forgiving in this regard.

 

Yes, it filters the laser light similar to protective laser glasses. It is rated at OD 3+, so not as protective as some glasses. Good for scattered/incidental light, but probably not for direct beam to eye protection. As mentioned in the build description, I got it from J Tech Photonics. They have three sizes available, and as of this posting the 12"x12" & 24"x12" sizes are on sale: Safety Gear Archives - J Tech Photonics, Inc.