4 ms·

Looks pretty cool, but it seems like it would be impractical to use regularly for small things due to the hassle of purchasing, storing, and disposing of large

by elihu 10y ago

Looks pretty cool, but it seems like it would be impractical to use regularly for small things due to the hassle of purchasing, storing, and disposing of large quantities of abrasives. (I wonder if higher-pressure commercial machines consume less abrasives?) My point of comparison is that I own a 45 watt laser cutter from Full Spectrum [1], which I'm pretty happy with. The machine is kind of expensive, but the cost of operating it is very low. Just have to keep the mirrors properly aligned and clean, and top off the water bucket and scoop out dead bugs from time to time. The main operating expense is the material, and I can get 1/4" or 1/8" birch ply for under a dollar a square foot. I can't cut metal or glass or ceramic or stone though, which is where a water jet would come in handy. Another advantage of a water jet is that you don't have to vent smoky exhaust. (Fortunately, I live in the top floor of an apartment, and if anyone notices they probably think I'm running a barbecue.) [1] http://fslaser.com/Product/Hobby http://fslaser.com/Product/Hobby

atomical 10y ago
Is it possible to cut metal with a more expensive laser cutter?
- auxym 10y ago
  Yes, but in most cases you'd be looking at industrial-scale machines. Better find a smaller local shop and send them a .dxf, they'll have better access to raw material anyways. Buying sheet metal in small quantities is expensive and a pain. Small laser cutters are really fun though. Other interesting materials (besides wood) that can be laser cut with good results are acrylic and delrin. Delrin has great mechanical properties but can't really be glued effectively. Acrylic cracks easily but has the advantage of being easily "welded" with some solvents (acetone can work in a pinch but isn't the best, dichloromethane is great but requires most safety precautions).
- elihu 10y ago
  Sure, but it takes a lot of power to do it and the price goes up really fast. I think once you get over about 100 or 150 watts it's possible to cut thin metals. To cut think plate steel takes a lot more. Since I've just got a 45 watt machine, I don't have any experience with metal. (I have been wondering if I can cut copper foil tape with 45 watts, but I haven't done the experiment yet.) There are other considerations besides wattage, though. Different wavelengths are better at cutting different things. I've also heard of releasing pure oxygen at the point where you're cutting helps. (Even low-end laser cutters typically use an air compressor to blow smoke out of the way and, paradoxically, prevent the material from catching on fire.) Reflectivity can also be an issue. I know someone who runs an industrial laser cutter and they avoid brass because too much of the light just reflects back and tends to damage the machine.
- deleted 10y ago
  [deleted]
pmorici 10y ago
I've used an industrial OMAX and it consumes a lot of abrasive as well it's just the nature of the technique.

by elihu 10y ago

atomical 10y ago

Is it possible to cut metal with a more expensive laser cutter?

auxym 10y ago
Yes, but in most cases you'd be looking at industrial-scale machines. Better find a smaller local shop and send them a .dxf, they'll have better access to raw material anyways. Buying sheet metal in small quantities is expensive and a pain. Small laser cutters are really fun though. Other interesting materials (besides wood) that can be laser cut with good results are acrylic and delrin. Delrin has great mechanical properties but can't really be glued effectively. Acrylic cracks easily but has the advantage of being easily "welded" with some solvents (acetone can work in a pinch but isn't the best, dichloromethane is great but requires most safety precautions).
elihu 10y ago
Sure, but it takes a lot of power to do it and the price goes up really fast. I think once you get over about 100 or 150 watts it's possible to cut thin metals. To cut think plate steel takes a lot more. Since I've just got a 45 watt machine, I don't have any experience with metal. (I have been wondering if I can cut copper foil tape with 45 watts, but I haven't done the experiment yet.) There are other considerations besides wattage, though. Different wavelengths are better at cutting different things. I've also heard of releasing pure oxygen at the point where you're cutting helps. (Even low-end laser cutters typically use an air compressor to blow smoke out of the way and, paradoxically, prevent the material from catching on fire.) Reflectivity can also be an issue. I know someone who runs an industrial laser cutter and they avoid brass because too much of the light just reflects back and tends to damage the machine.
deleted 10y ago
[deleted]

pmorici 10y ago

I've used an industrial OMAX and it consumes a lot of abrasive as well it's just the nature of the technique.