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Gregory

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Posts posted by Gregory

  1. 3 hours ago, Bill Hudson said:

    Are they compatible with Mac? Dose one also need a computer drawing program?

    I would say 'yes' to both of those.  Most, if not all, tabletop lasers use a USB interface.  My experience on laser user forums tells me MAC users tend to have more interface problems due to driver issues.

     

    The software that usually comes with DIY lower cost lasers is notoriously not very useful.

     

    A sight I visit a lot Is the Support Forum for LightBurn software..   

    More info about the software here:  LightBurn

     

    Visiting that forum will tell you a lot about what kind of issues people have. Using it for model ship building can be as useful as any number of other tools.

     

    Whether or not you can use LightBurn depends on the controller board of the laser.

    It is a very robust cutting/engraving  program, that has limited creation tools.  It works best with images that you have already prepared with other editing programs like Adobe or Corel.

     

    The usefulness of the laser itself depends on your goals and building technique.   You can create virtually any part that you see in todays kits that include laser cut parts.  You are essentially limited to 2D, but depending on your own creativity, you can create 3D parts by building it up in layers.

    You can even explore carving by using the laser to create rough templates, then finishing them by had.

     

    The table-top lasers tend to be relatively low power, and not able to cut through very thick material.  They would be most useful for engraving.

     I used a low power one for a while, and found it useful for essentially 'etching' a pattern on plywood or whatever, then using a scroll saw to cut it out.

    The scroll saw would tend to follow the laser burn more so than a drawn patter.

     

    If you decide to get a laser, be prepared for a steep learning curve in order to use it effectively.

    Another thing to consider, is that the lower priced, put it together yourself, lasers are even more of a challenge before you even begin to burn anything..

     

    P.S.

     

    As  Jaager  mentions above, you do not want to operate a laser inside a house/workspace without some kind of forced ventilation system to the outside world.

  2. 12 minutes ago, rshousha said:

    I was just commenting on the price comparison between then and an American website. 

    You insinuated shopping at Cornwall was a bad idea and unfair to other retailers, and compared them to cheap Chinese knock-offs..

     

    The price difference was for European kits, which would obviously give Cornwall an advantage.

     

    Also, you mentioned price breaks for bigger players.  I believe that is common practice for a lot of products.. 

    Ever priced one screw vs larger quantities?

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