Hi All,
As many before, I've caught the bug to build your own laser, and Bart's design is by far the best out there.
Thanks to him for all the time devoted to this project to allow others to learn and dream.
My plans are to go with the 2.x design with an adjustable z-stage.
So far I've received the following:Extruded Aluminum from Misumi
Belts from Econobelt
Bearings from VXB
DIY optical path from Lightobject
40W laser from Lightobject (It arrived perfectly packed, and no breaks, but beware of its length (see below))
40W laser psu from Lightobject
24V electronics psu from Lightobject
24V water pump from Lightobject
Radiator and 12V fan from Lightobject
100mA digital meter from lightobject (will also get the analog version from Bart to compare the two)
And the rest I plan on getting from Bart through his kits:Hardware Kit
Plastics Kit
Skins Kit
Electronic Kit
Linear Bearing Kit
Mechtronics kit (minus the bearings and belts pre-purchased)
Acrylic Window
Z Axis Upgrade Kit
Air Assist Nozzle
Laser Interface PCB + Drivers
Interface Panel
Analog Current Meter
and Mach 3 since this is my first project into a CNC hobby (besides school)
The beginning of the build:
- Extruded Aluminum Parts
Staging Table:
- Power Supplys, Optical Path, Bearings, Belts, etc.
I hit my first roadblock when I noticed the 40W laser I ordered from lightobject was 1000mm in length, which happens to be the full length of Bart's design. At first I thought it was a mistake, and I possibly got a larger laser by accident, but it is 1000mm as stated on their website.
- Tube is longer the longest extrusion =/
My plans will be to extend the design by 300 mm on the right, but keeping the cutting area the same. This will allow the ability to install a higher powered laser (60W) in the future. I will use the extra room for the the tube in the upper half while possibly using a bottom to house a water cooling reservoir with a radiator + cooling fan to blow out the back / or right side. I will have to provide some sort of division to prevent any cases for water getting to the electronics.
So word of warning to those planning their laser designs to be careful of the tube length before ordering.
David