[xairflyer]

Been through these threads but cannot seem to find one that is a simple as buying a laser to bolt to a DIY CNC machine that will cut 3 mm ply.

I am not looking for anything to hi tec just would like to cut some balsa and ply on my homebuilt router.

[fishface]

Hi. I have a cheep and cheerful 40W CO2 laser from China. It will zip through 3mm birch plywood on about 40% power at 400mm/min, if that gives you any guide to required power.

The mirrors and lenses of a laser need to be kept spotlessly clean so if you make a combined CNC/Laser machine you will have to clean all the optics each to you switch between them.

[TurbineJesse]

You can't just "bolt on" a laser to a standard CNC machine. A laser cutter/engraver is made up of many precision parts, including the laser tube itself which is quite long, mirrors, lenses, ect. Certainly not something can be supplied as "bolt on".

You either need to convert your CNC machine to a laser machine, OR buy/build a dedicated laser cutter/engraver.

[fishface]

It sounds to me like TurbineJesse has just "thrown the gauntlet down" to you xairflyer! Go on; add a bolt on laser to your CNC.

[Bec Weir]

You can't just "bolt on" a laser to a standard CNC machine.

You either need to convert your CNC machine to a laser machine, OR buy/build a dedicated laser cutter/engraver.

A quick search of YouTube says you are incorrect.

[TurbineJesse]

If there is a bolt-on laser module for a CNC machine that can cut 3mm plywood as the OP asked, then please post a link. I've not seen one myself. The only economical way I'm away of to do this would be with a glass laser tube, which due to it's size, can't be mounted directly to the gantry.

[KriegKuts]

I always wondered if it was possible to mount a smallish tube vertically and run it directly into the focuser. Then, only 1 set of lenses needs cleaning. Good luck..

[ger21]

Here's what's involved if you want to add a laser to your router.

Tweakie.CNC - CO2 Laser Cutting.

[tjb1]

Here's what's involved if you want to add a laser to your router.

Tweakie.CNC - CO2 Laser Cutting.

That was a pretty nice explanation of all the steps...I wonder how much it cost though.

[underthetire]

I have turned 2 off the shelf haas machines in to laser cutters. It can be done, but as said dust will be an issue switching back and forth. One is a fixed optics 400 watt yag with flash lamp, the other is a fibre 200 watt yag. Obviously co2 is better for wood though.