Total newbie here planning on building a laser cutting machine. I hope someone could answer a couple of dumb questions.
I noticed that most commercial machines the laser is under the table, and the beam is focused on the work with mirrors. If I mount my laser directly on the gantry machine, will the movement affect/damage the laser or shorten it's life?
What kind of laser should I be looking for if I wanted to use a large variety of materials? I would hope it is possible to cut everything from acrylic, plywood, steel and brass. What thicknesses are realistic for a DIY machine?
That is enough questions for now. Thanks in advance for your help.
Kel.
I noticed that most commercial machines the laser is under the table, and the beam is focused on the work with mirrors. If I mount my laser directly on the gantry machine, will the movement affect/damage the laser or shorten it's life?
What kind of laser should I be looking for if I wanted to use a large variety of materials? I would hope it is possible to cut everything from acrylic, plywood, steel and brass. What thicknesses are realistic for a DIY machine?
That is enough questions for now. Thanks in advance for your help.
Kel.