[CDN38]

How crazy of project is it, and is it possible to convert a Camtech L20 laser engraver to a CNC? I have had an experienced CNC operator tell me the gantry would not be able to deal with the vibration from the spindle due to lack of mass. Others have said it can be done. I have the option to get the machine for an extremely reasonable price. Worth going down this road? I have a very short window to jump on purchasing the machine, so I am trying to get as much info as possible as quickly as I can. I'm a woodworker, computer savvy, no CNC experience.

Looking forward to hearing what the collective has to say.

[Dean448]

I don’t know the machine however lasers are usually higher speed, lighter duty steppers, belt driven with much lighter duty components (and drivers) because there is no load on the lens assembly. CNC routers are have similar speeds for rapid moves but, screw driven and heavy duty due to high cutting loads.
Laser software and the laser controller is also not designed for wood cutting.
I would think you could cut wood but only at very low feed rates. I would use the laser as intended. A laser cutter is a very versatile tool with a lot of capabilities.


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[CDN38]

From what I have been told, the Cam Tech machine was built to be capable of being used as a CNC. Chain driven, not belt, and heavier duty motors. I know they are not a common machine out in the market place, but there are some users here on the forum. Hoping some people with experience on the machine can share some insight.

[mari-ee]

From what I have been told, the Cam Tech machine was built to be capable of being used as a CNC. Chain driven, not belt, and heavier duty motors. I know they are not a common machine out in the market place, but there are some users here on the forum. Hoping some people with experience on the machine can share some insight.

I've been looking at fiber laser engravers as they seem to be able to engrave finer detail than I can achieve with a high speed spindle and they have pretty reasonable prices for say a 30W machine. However, the software that typically comes with them seems to cause users a lot of issues for rotary engraving, never mind full 4 or 5 axis work. So, I'm wondering how feasible it would be to attach a fiber laser source with simple fixed focus optics onto one of my existing cnc machines similar to how many users have done using a diode laser ? Are there any particular issues with doing this or in controlling a fiber laser source ?