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Jim, Your idea is totally legit also, functional and elegant. I have a problem placing to much emphasis on the "Coolness" factor $$ . :)

Mcarter, Scoring never works for me, especially with at tube. I would suggest first a miter saw (diablo blade), or a metal band saw blade. I am sure others on this site have better experience on...

Without knowing the full scope of your project. Possible look at an acrylic hull, 6"dia or 6"sq tubes are not that uncommon.

Interesting to learn about the low power stability issue, that is a good thing to know. By output lens, I meant the actual output end of your laser tube itself, inside the gold metal ring in your...

Dang, that is a solid fault symptom. I like cinematic's idea, do you see it before the first mirror? This may sound condescending, but have you cleaned the laser output lens?

I just finished a 800 x 900mm laser build using linear v-guides from open builds, and was pleasantly surprised with there product. They might be a cost effective alternative to designing your own...

Wow it has been a long time. After over nine months, I have finally gotten my laser project to a functional condition. You will notice it has some similarities to my initial attempt, but it is far...

Very interesting, it looks like I have a weekend project. :)

Excellent insights, thanks very much. Keeping the gantry square and minimizing binding was my big concern. Quick follow-up question, about squaring the gantry semi-independently. I assume that will...

Tagging onto this thread since it comes pretty close to answering my questions but not quite. I am using option #2 for my dual motor axis set-up, but i am just as partial to using option #3. #2...

Unfortunately I have to agree with you RC. The new word is "generation snowflake", those who want/expect others to protect them from everything.

I experimented with some Igus Drylin linear rails for an x/y laser application, and was not impressed. Too much "sticktion" and play with both regular and preload bearings. I could not get rid of...

Starting another laser build, and I really want to use a specific type of reed switch for my limit switches. Based on what little I know about the switch, I can not find the vendor/supplier for...

Just a quick update/question. My build here has stalled because I still cannot decide on what type of laser to use. I like the simplicity of a solid state laser, but the more i study, the more i...

If you access to it, try 3M VHB Double sided tape. Some of that stuff is actual used to secure glass to AL.

Thank you for the compliment, it is amazing how much thought you can put into a design while you are waiting additional funding. :) Also this site has helped me solve so many roadblocks, I design...

Jfong, et al, Nice layout, definitely would like to see where it goes. Your layout closely mirrors my rebuild project, it must be some type of universal truth in design. The posts are coming faster...

Starting a new thread looking for, and showing major rebuilds to the "Generic" K40 laser engravers. A friend gave me a laser engraver to play with, and I quickly realized how simple and how limiting...

Hey Skinner, I would like to see some pics of your 8020 conversion. I am in the process of building a system with a larger envlope my self, using 8020 Q-frame. I am just having a problem deciding...

I agree with you Leeway. I just googled the spec for the THK HSR-25s and it shows a standard seal with an option for a double seal or metal scrapper. I like the idea of a strip brush just to move...

Hey Adam, a lot depends on the type of linear bearing you are using. Most of the big names (NSK, THK, Hiwin) incorporate a " wiper" plate mounted on each end of the bearing block, just for that...

Dang-it, you guys have just given me another idea. I will have to investigate possibly going back to mounting the laser on my main machine, but modify my dust-boot to act as a beam shroud... and it...

How cool I came across this post today, Thanks VPL. I to was looking for a way to integrate a solid state laser into my 24x36 machine, however I figured the motors and drivers were way over kill for...

Time to resurrect an old thread. I am rebuilding an old laser table, and I am using one of these akz250's with Mach3. Nothing fancy, just 2 axis and a laser trigger. My question is, what pins and...

Just to throw my $0.02 in, I recommend grounding every piece of metal/aluminum you can on your machine. From many personal experiences, don't trust fasteners, bearings, etc to carry to ground. I...

Hi jkeith, Good question, with no good answer. I had zero experience with CNC machining two years ago. I had to ask the same questions, and had a similar budget. First off I had to decide how...

Hey Props, where did you get the brush skirt for your dust boot? I have been looking for a new one to replace my rubber skirt.
M.C

Hey All, The machine has been up and running for a year now , with 200+hrs of run time. It has run like a champ, but I figured it was time for a PM and a few upgrades. So here are a few pics of...

Thanks for the suggestions on software, I can now narrow my search down from $6k, to something more reasonable. Every part on my tool has a story. I work in the semiconductor manufacturing...

Way Cool, Thanks Rick. I am slowly increasing my tool investments as I learn more about what I need. The turbo-cad may just fit my need. i have not looked much at CAM packages yet. The machine...