I do engraving every day. Here's what you need: (Get a plastic nose piece as well)
http://www.2linc.com/engraving.htm
http://www.2linc.com/images/SLET_dim_3_4.gif
Type: Posts; User: SomeSailor
I do engraving every day. Here's what you need: (Get a plastic nose piece as well)
http://www.2linc.com/engraving.htm
http://www.2linc.com/images/SLET_dim_3_4.gif
I also have a laser and you can't mark aluminum like that so he may come back to you. Whatever you do, DON'T engrave into the tanks. They can be stamped, but should not be engraved. It will render...
I would also be interested. Sounds like a fun project. It could easily consume a person, but a fun project nonetheless. :)
I have upgraded from as early as the first version of Corel. I've never had any issues. I run X6 now and just got an email last night that X7 is available. Good program all around.
Here's a simple idea for a spring loaded pen holder I used.
I often use one to verify my layout on a piece of Dollar Store posterboard before cutting a sheet of aluminum. I also have a plotter...
I'd say you're pretty close to their design. :)
http://www.cncrouterparts.com/images/dtdk2.jpg
Since most patent law is based on first to file, I'd step carefully if you were thinking of...
It is neat to see how many of you make money with your ShopBots. Mine has paid for itself several times over now and keeps me pretty busy. I still have a day job, but feel I could easily keep it...
I do vinyl boat signs and often use a product called "Real Gold" or "Sign Gold". It's a 22 carat product that really makes a difference on a boat transom.
I also work hard to get things shut down by 6:30-7:00 pm. I make plenty of noise, but not any more than the average hobby woodworker in the neighborhood. I also never start early on the weekends.
Add me I suppose too. Seattle, WA area.
Have you put something on 10,000 Garages?
Wow. Impressive, but how many hours did that take? And 10 sheets of ply? Yikes!
Well done, but better you than me. :)
That's the biggest reason I have my laser (Pinnacle ZX 100W) in a different room from the ShopBot altogether. The dust is hard enough to keep off the mirrors a room away. I can't imagine having a...
Looks like something a laser would be well-suited for. Fixturing something that small would be challenging but if you were doing many I'm sure you could work out a clever vacuum mount.
I used a wavy index like that to work 9 ft long sections of lite ply through my laser pass-through doors. If you think about your limitations too long you start to believe you are limited.
...
Pretty handy having all the cameras mounted and ready to go... video produced and rendered and uploaded... all on the same day. ;)
I like the idea of indexing the material in. I do that all the time on my laser for longer pieces. I've indexed pieces over 9' long through an 18" table. :)
I played with one at the Woodcraft in Seattle. Didn't have the heart to tell the sales guy about my 'Bot. :)
I suppose the best question is what will you be doing with it?
Yep. That would be my concern too.
The reason I ask is you might be able to cut those for him and then counter ste them to be plugged afterward. That would allow you pre-load the board a bit there in your shop and be sure it'll pull...
As a boat owner myself, I'd worry about it having problems over time. How many attachment points do you plan across the length?
I'm doing boat dash panels that are laminated with an acrylic sheet and I get through the ~ .135" overall thickness in three passes of .050" it leaves just enough material for the last pass to clean...
I cut aluminum all the time and usually make two passes at .65 ips or so at 14000 RPM. I get good chip loads and clean edges. Tool life is acceptable as well.
I got mine all squared.... snugged things up and finished the assembly. Then right before I fastened the spoil boards down, checked it one last time and got it dead square.
It might be because you quoted low too. :)
I charge a flat shop rate of $65/hour + layup and tooling (depends on job).
Many sign shops here have Bots too. Mostly for working foam signs.