Laser Upgrade

I'm thinking about strapping a laser module to my cnc router to enable me to laser onto something that I've carved after watching a cool video which sparked my imagination to further an idea I'm working on.

Can anyone recommend an all in one kit suitable for just lasering an image? and also another option that would enable me to cut things like 4mm ply. Cost is a major consideration for me as I'm just setting myself up so I'm not averse to chinese ebay stuff if it would get me by til things have moved on and I can afford quality.

If anyone can think of any other info useful to please let me know too!

Cheers

Attempts at an all in one machine never gives good results. Much better and probably safer for your eyes to have a separate machine.

You'd really need a 40W CO2 laser to cut ply. Your best bet would be to get one of the blue box lasers from eBay and sort out the rubbish electronics.

Just about everything you need to know here
https://www.machsupport.com/forum/in...c,12444.0.html

thanks for the replies, to be honest the cutting bit isn't really that important to me - what I really want to do is to engrave a picture onto a wood surface. If I could do that cheaply somehow using what I have then that is the way i'm going to have to go. No pennies left in the bank for a laser - I've just built my router :)

Just to engrave cut paper cloth and leather etc I use a 2.8w unit from aliexpress but would be slow in CNC router, I just knocked up a 2 axis nema17 driven unit with Ramps 1.4 and Arduino Mega 2560 including bearings etc under £200 runs Repetier firmware and software code produced straight out of inkscape. The laser comes with TTL driver 0-5v control same seller I got mine from good enough to engrave and simple to wire use 0-5v supply same as spindle 0-10v setup.
mine http://www.aliexpress.com/item/REAL-...00009.1.33k3rt

My router is pretty quick as it is using rack and pinion for the X and Y axis - I really dont want to have to buy another machine as I need the z-axis (I think) to achieve what I want to...

this video is what I'm looking to try...... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUIrS3Ot1I4 I've got no doubt that my machine could go quicker than that too.

You could strap a laser diode to your machine and use the PICengrave software as shown in the video. Two things come to mind though: Extraction and air blast. MDF and wood, smoke when being etched, you will need to have a good extractor fan and some sort of hood. The air blast ensures the laser lens stays clean but also that your piece does not catch fire. All doable, just remember, do not stare into the laser with your one remaining eye :D

The impressive video of a 150w Co2 laser is worlds away of anything will be achieved by a 2-10w diode.

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Originally Posted by lucan07

The impressive video of a 150w Co2 laser is worlds away of anything will be achieved by a 2-10w diode.

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True, but CO2 lasers at 150W do not give good results when engraving at low intensity. For wood shading, I would go diode any day as you can greyscale with ease.