Laser cutter

[Bobble]

Hi guys and gals,

I'm not sure if I'm posting this in the right area so if not please accept my apologies.

I'm very interested in getting a Laser Cutter,I have a million ideas buzzing round my brain and on paper for war gaming stuff,board game stuff and household things, and was wondering if any of you kind people could point me in the direction of a good, reasonably priced entry level laser cutting machine?

I've seen some on ebay and had a look at companies that produce them but I'm not really sure what I'm looking for to be honest. I want a desktop style machine that cuts approximately A4 size.

Thanks in advance for any help that you can offer

Steve

[OSHIROmodels]

Don't get a cheap one from China as the parts don't last long and there's not much customer support.

Spend the money for a decent one made here or in Europe (or even imported from America). Lotus, Trotec and Universal are the brands I'm familiar with. Pay a bit extra though and get a service contract as well, it'll be worth it until you can figure out the main teathing problems.

Extraction would probably need looking into as well depending on what and how much you're cutting.

cheers

James

[Bobble]

Thanks,James

My parents have agreed to let me use their garage as a workshop so extraction will hopefully not be too much of a problem.
Will check out the brands you have mentioned

[Vanvlak]

If you're working on polymers, please do get extraction, that stuff is not good for anyone. And any paper and wood related material can produce quite an intense smell - the mdf model I received in the post today, in a sealed bag, still has a very strong smell.
And don't skimp on safety glasses designed for the wavelength of the laser you're using, they're essential. At least not unless it's a fully enclosed system which includes laser barriers all round.

[Rich H]

I've got one.  A cheapy Chinese effort and it's been going strong so far...(that's done it...) it's been a couple of years at least on and off.

Beware though they have some 'interesting' features... like the X-Y not actually being 90 degrees and no safety features at all (Like the metal case being connected to earth)
The build quality is poor but it's all fixable.  Parts aren't hard (they are pretty straight forward really) but you are taking a BIG chance that it'll be DOA.

Software is appalling to begin with but you can easily work around it with practice.  Mine runs bespoke software called WINSEAL.

Extraction is important so is cooling and I've modded to add a basic air assist. 

To see what I've done with mine see here:

http://www.warlordgames.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=51&t=10505

This was the most extreme example, the undercarriage was a LOT of bits...
http://www.warlordgames.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=51&t=17105








If you are in the North West you are more than welcome to come take a look.

[Bobble]

Thanks for the info and the offer Rich,unfortunately I'm in the South east but thank you

[fastolfrus]

Where in the North West?
We are in Scarborough but do the uni run to Lancaster on a regular basis.

[Rich H]

Between Preston and Blackpool

[fastolfrus]

So, not far from Lancaster at all....

I'll look to see when the next Lancaster beer festival is on.