Kind of a trick question. There is no "Z" axis /3d control, on a laser machine. You can control the on/off of the laser beam to burn hotter in some places and less in others to simulate 3d engraving with a laser, but true 3d is a term more suited to a CNC machine.
The US built machines are actually quite good at 3D- Chinese glass tube lasers will do it but not as well. This is a sample put out by Kern laser in my home town in Minnesota, they are about 2" each and *very* highly detailed. DSC00925.jpg
Didn't say a laser can't do 3-d work, just that a CNC is better suited in most cases.
I do laser engraving, however when I need to remove a lot of material, the CNC is the machine I go to 90% of the time. Just depends on the job. If the job requires deep cuts, the CNC is the way to go. A CO2 laser looses it's focus the deeper it goes. The more out of focus, the less power it has. Again, I'm talking in generalities. Both will do 3d, just a matter of which is more practical for a given job.
Yep... the right tool for the job. A mech engraver would be hard pressed to engrave the text on the canopy or the ivy leaves on the building. I love lasers, what do you have? I also had a '70 Z-28, is yours an early or late version? Gene
Very nice [signs and car]. I took a class from Dan Sawatzki and a couple others a couple years ago, very interesting and learned a lot but I am 72 and just sold my signshop this year so I can make stuff for me for a change. I finally have the tools and skills to do what I please.
Thanks Gene. I'm 65 so I'm starting to lean towards getting personal projects done too. I've got stuff around here that's been on the list for too long.