laser cutter/engraver rebuild build log

[gavztheouch]

Build attempt number 1.

Lots of errors on this build.

Pvc plastic mounts
Mdf mounting board
The Y axis motor shaft coupler rods were too small in diameter.

Lots of backlash...

Basicly the 40w laser is way too small for the large bed size I made, so either I get a new laser or I rebuild it smaller. As im not keen to sink more cash into this project and I also need the space and want a compact unit im going to rebuild smaller.

Im thinking about a steel frame to mount a ballscrew driven y axis (moving table) and then a cantilever x axis with either ballscrews again or belt drive. The X axis needs to be faster for raster engraving but the best laser results I have seen are from Tweekie cnc little router/mill/laser contraption and his great machine uses screws or ballscrews?

The cantilever x-axis can move up and down in the Z to allow for different work heights and then laser head optics will also be adjustable for fine tuning.