Laser Engravers

[GlenP]

Hi guys and gals hope all is well. I am doing some research on laser engravers for mugs, plaques and glass stuff. I am sure I would find more uses but that is what a hopeful venture needs me to engrave. So all you folks with laser engravers I need some input on machines, size of watts (I know size matters) and anything else you can muster up. I am keeping my fingers crossed here but if this flies right I will be a busy man for awhile. I have always sandblasted on rocks, glass and wood but the quantity may be more than sandblasting can produce in the required time line. Also want to make it easier on me.:)
Hoping for some good info...I am sure a few of you guys have a laser engraver as well as a trusty shopbot cnc. Thanks in advance

Glen
:cool:

[gene]

I have a 75 watt with the glass bottle/mug holder used less than 2 hours for sale Cost 28000 will sell for 20000 24x32 table epilog

[mikeacg]

I have an Epilog in my shop. Bought new in May 2000 (25W 12 x 24, $15,000), replaced the beam 3 years back ($1500), and it's still going strong. Epilog makes an entry level machine for less money but it doesn't have the rotary for doing mugs. Their service is great and the machine has worked flawlessly!

[larry_r]

Glen

I just ordered an 80 watt unit from a Chinese company 24 x 36 with an indexer. I mostly cut 1/4 wood plywood, thus the 80 watt requirement. We are planning on cutting acrylic also. I would loved to have bought a USA model but, could not afford.

The laser will be used to complement our hardworking Shopbot.

I would go to one of the laser forums and ask your questions there. Sawmill creek is a great one.

Good luck
Larry

[ken_rychlik]

Larry

I have a guy wanting me to cut some .090 plastic for him because the fumes from doing it with his lazer are to strong. He said something about needing a fume extractor. I've never seen one run, but thought I would pass along that you may need to be carefull of that when cutting plastic.

Kenneth

[GlenP]

Hey guys thanks. Larry I hear ya about the cost. I am looking at a offshore unit. The company here in Ontario makes afew mods to it. I also am looking at a 24 x 36 with rotary attachment. Email me with more info on your brand you bought and any other info. I am going to check that link right now. I wish I could afford a north American unit but not in the cards. I thought there were more guys on shopbot forum with lasers. Anyhow hope everyone is surviving the times.
GLen

[larry_r]

Ken,

Thanks for the advise.

I did order a fume extractor. In fact, it was the last option I added. I was originally going to exhaust outside, however, I knew my heating bill would go way up while using the laser in the winter.

Larry

[chodges]

We have a 75-watt Epilog Legend 36EXT that's about 4 years old. We use it every day in our sign shop, and it produces fantastic work.

I could talk for days about our experience with this machine, but your inquiry is pretty specific so I'll stick to that ...

Laser machines shoot the light beam at a series of mirrors, then finally through a lens. That lens has a specific focal length (distance from the lens to your workpiece) that is required.

When you laser surfaces with a curvature, the machine will focus itself (if you have the "auto focus" feature) at the point where it will begin lasering. If this point is on the apex (highest point) of the workpiece, then the image will be better along the apex and deteriorate (become faint because it is getting out of focus) as the distance from your lens to the workpiece varies, either up or down, because of the curvature.

The remedy for this is to use a rotary indexer to hold your workpiece. This device will rotate your workpiece as it is being lasered, which helps to keep your image in focus - especially on surfaces that are arcs of a true circle. Odd shapes, like a 3D carving of a cow, would still be very difficult to keep in focus.

I hope this helps a bit. If you need more explanation, feel free to call me at (901) 526-0491. Charlie