It followed me home- can I keep it?
More than one person has made mention of my packrat tendencies. On dragging home a pile of stainless conveyor sections one time, the wife said “What’s that?” partner remarked “I’d guess shiny and free” OK, I may be a bit of a magpie. I do have a very nice drill press as a result of this, and many other things.
A couple weeks ago I dragged home a 25 watt Universal Laser. I have been playing with it, and yesterday finally got enough smoke collection to get serious.
At 25 watts this will not do steel, esp. since it’s CO2, but wood and most plastics will do nicely. Once in a while I garbagepick cool stuff. FOr those keeping score this is a ULS25e. Anyone wants some laser engraving done, I’m in the learning and practicing mode, and welcome the opportunity to play.
13 comments Og | Uncategorized
Og’s Laser Tattoo and (unwanted/unsightly)
Hair Removal Emporium.
Just searched and found the PDF of the user’s manual. You got the complete, functioning unit for free?
Very nice.
Hmmm, cuts leather. My machete needs a scabbard.
If you had a CNC mill to hook it too you could start turning stuff for the local farmers market and pick up some coin.
CNC mill would be for repeatability.
I saw a really neat carving in the lid of a humidor turned out by such a machine.
Paul: I am constantly surrounded by CNC machines.
Range??
About an inch and a half.
Og, your use of the term ‘drag home’ made me laugh, because I had an instant flasover to Rachel Lucas’ site and the video of Primo trying to drag a log.. *chuckle*.
Be aware that the laser tubes lose effective power over time. May have to increase power/lower speed to get a job done, quite similar to speed and feed in machining.
Get your hands on some black anodized aluminum sheets (try laserbits.com), it engraves beautifully. Coreldraw might be a good idea, too.
Looks like the power is pretty good. Think the tube is relatively recent. Mostly hope to do checkering/scrimshaw.
Was it JUST the laser? Or did it come with the table and x-axis do-dad, too?
The Patch Factory has been kid-in-a-candy-store after one of those to cut printed material for the longest. Universal assures us it will work, but we may experience SOME scorching. I’d love to know how much.
M
You adjust it until it doesn’t scorch. Send me a sample and I’ll test it for you. I have the whole deal.
I’ll do that after the First (I’m off on staycation until then.)
Thanks.
M
Safety first:
Always remember not to look at the laser with remaining eye.