I currently use 3d printers for all my parts and projects I have 6 of them. I'm wanting to add a laser cutter to my collection of machines. I've got the frame and motors figured out all I'm needing is help for where to buy a laser tube from and what power I should snag. I want to cut acrylic 1/2 or less, some wood and if at all possible 6-10mm thick aluminum all though that's not a necessity. Any help is appreciated! Apologize if this is in the wrong section.
Aliexpress/Ebay 80-100w for 10mm Ply and plexiglass. Make sure you have GOOD VENT. Don't do it in the basement. Laser for Alu?
It will be going in my shop and I have an industrial fume extractor set up in it. I work in a weld shop so when we upgraded I snagged one of our weld line extractors for scrap price works amazingly in a tiny garage. I was hoping someone knew of some where outside of aliexpress the price of the laser on there is fine but shipping is murder.
Co2 laser will not cut metal.. (I dont believe at least)... I know mine wont. I think you need a different type of tube... I would suggest checking out: LightObject Laser Cutters and Engravers Sometimes get replacement parts from them when the vendor is being a douche bag.. or has extremely high prices! (FSLaser!) How do you plan on controlling this? Not the stepper(s) aspect.. but the tube itself? What controller board are wanting to go with? I would suggest going with at LEAST a 90w CO2 tube..... but if you want to do metals... then get whatever size is suggested for that.
I mostly intend to cut acrylic and engrave wood. I was hopeful I'd be able to get something that could cut thin aluminum 6mm at max really. But if not that's not a big deal. I know co2 lasers cut metal but generally extremely high wattage ones as we have 2 5000w co2 lasers at work. But like I said in general just want to cut acrylic and engrave wood. Thickest acrylic I want to cut would be at max 12-15mm thick
