Non-powered "spindles"

[Tom Smith]

It seems everyone does the pen test to make sure things are working, but I imagine there are other cutters that can be used here - for example, vinyl or paper cutting using a drag knife

I would think the holy grail would be a laser cutter, but I value my vision too much to start experimenting with those. Is anyone planning on adding a laser to their ShapeOko?

Tom

[pourcirm]

I've considered trying to add a laser to my setup eventually, but like you am unsure how best to approach it. I've found a few ideas for lasers that aren't quite as high powered and threatening so they may be a good introduction.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Pocket-laser-engraver/

http://www.rog8811.com/laserdriver.htm

I may try out one of these laser drivers down the road and let everyone know how it goes.

- Ryan

[nogthree]

With the current gantry setup, reflecting a laser is going to be problematic to say the least.

I'm currently designing a holder to take a Woodburning Tool/Soldering iron, mostly to work on Leather but I imagine working on wood would be pretty novel too.

[RedOko]

@pourcirm,

Do you have a cost estimate on this 2 design. Being a package unit and low power this could be a good set-up for our unit.

[pourcirm]

I'll have to look into the Laser Diode specifications and price a bit more, but the rest of the parts are easily obtained switches, resistors, etc.

Rough estimate minus the Laser Diode would be no more than about $15 USD. (Not including shipping costs.)

I'll try to get a more accurate estimate going, but like I said I have to look into the Laser Diode cost.

- Ryan

[JCPhlux]

hey that is not bad. I thought the cost would be more than that.

[AngusF]

I could definitely see doing a laser upgrade for my machine. Even if only for engraving, it would be a wonderful tool to have access to.

[jhllt67]

Hey guys, just wanted point out this laser:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-5-2W-445nm-Blue-Diode-in-Module-W-Leads-Aixiz-Glass-/170644449122?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27bb33a762

Its a little more expensive than most of the others but as far as I know its the most powerful laser diode you can get (over 2 watts optical).

I built a simple constant current driver circuit and mounted it and was really surprised how well it works. It is a little touchy on the focus but I can cut anything up 1/16" plywood no sweat.
It can also cut 1/8" ply but it takes multiple passes and chars the edges pretty bad. I'm thinking an air-assist should help out.

The whole setup was less than $100.

[Tom Smith]

That sounds really cool - I don't suppose you have a picture of your setup? Are you cooling the diode with a heatsink, or something more involved like water cooling?

[jhllt67]

I'll see if I can take some pictures this weekend.
As for cooling, I've just been running it on a small heat sink and fan and it seems to stay cool.
I also recently got a little peltier to experiment with to see if I could drop the temp and maybe pump some more current in.