Working on a CNC laser machine at home
If you have the money and space, just do it, buy a cnc laser cutting machine.
The technology of material processing by laser was explored only 20–30 years ago, but in such a short period of time laser machines have superseded other equipment.
The laser beam passes through a system of mirrors and a special lens that focuses it to a small point before reaching the surface of the material.
The main advantage of laser machines is the highest accuracy, which has no analogues among other tools. In addition to accuracy, laser machines have high speed of operation and low power consumption. We are talking about carbon dioxide laser machines, which occupy the major share of the laser machine market.
Laser machine at home. Is it possible or not?
The word “CNC machine” conjures up giant factories that work three shifts and non-stop production of car parts and other massive workpieces.
In fact, a laser machine can be slightly larger than a printer in size and take up only half a table. Such devices are popular with DIY enthusiasts at home.
Laser Engraving Machines for Home Use
Tabletop CNC laser cutting machines are just as accurate in laser cutting and engraving as models for large production facilities. The only difference is the transmitter power, speed and material handling. Tabletop machines with low power are most often used for home use. Of course, you can’t cut out kitchen furniture or doors on such machines, but you can make small pieces of furniture or parts of some design.
Wattsan 0503
Materials: Various
Engraving/cutting area: 50 x 30 cm
Power: 50W
This engraver has the largest working area, among the models in this article, its size — 500x300 mm, and the maximum power of the tube — 50 watts. Wattsan 0503 is designed for serial engraving and cutting non-metals: wood, acrylic, leather, fabric, plastic. This machine can engrave: glass, ceramics, some stones. Aluminum and other soft metals can be engraved on this machine with thermal paste.
The speed of engraving and cutting is — 500 mm/sec. This speed is achieved due to its design; the front bar slides out to make room for through-cutting. This allows the engraver to work with materials of unlimited length.
WATTSAN will help you make the best quality products, at the lowest cost!
Materials: Various
Engraving/cutting area: 27.9 x 49.5 cm
Power: 45W
Glowforge Pro does for laser cutters what Cricut has done for craft cutters; this is a beautifully designed ‘laser printer’ that removes the mess and fuss and packages it all in a clean and approachable device. This model is the top Glowforge laser cutter, while the brand has a the medium Plus edition and a slightly less powerful Basic model.
The Glowforge does the same cutting and engraving as many of the best laser cutters on my list, but its design keeps any mess inside the machine (a filter sucks away any dust and debris into an external air filter. Designs are sent to the machine via a bespoke app, and the Glowforge machines support Windows, Mac and tablet devices.
The Glowforge Pro uses a high-spec Class 4, 45 watt. As for me, this laser not the most powerful you can get outside of an industrial use. Ideally need to be used with the Glowforge Air Filter accessory. If you compare price and quality, and the duration of the machine, honestly Wattsan wins. There’s more beauty and branding than quality.
Wattsan micro 0203
Materials: Various
Engraving/cutting area: 30 x 30 cm
Power: 40W
This small engraver is suitable for imprinting on the surface of non-metals, and for cutting material up to 4–5 mm thick (for plywood). The working area of the machine is 200x300 mm, and the power of the emitter is up to 40 watts. The model has an air supply to the cutting area and a ventilation system. Cellular table, which is included with the machine, is convenient to work with small parts, simplifying their cutting and engraving. In the cover of the machine is tinted glass, it does not obstruct the view and will save your eyes from retinal burns. The machine is connected via USB, which allows you to connect external sources of information.
What can you make on a homemade loom?
- Fake felt — it’s used to make appliques, holiday figurines, toys over children’s beds, coasters for hot dishes, and more. The laser cuts the contour of the product and all of its elements with high precision;
- Paper and cardboard crafts — business cards, cards, garlands, holiday decorations, home decor. Small laser power of desktop machines will cut tissue paper without leaving charred edges;
- Items made of fabric, leather and leatherette — the laser burns out a pattern on the material and a perforated decoration is obtained. You can also make appliqués and stand-alone items;
- Cliche, stamps, seals — thanks to high positioning accuracy, which is equal to 0.01 mm, the machine applies all images with perfect detail. The machine can make any kind of stamps.
- Working with plywood — there are a lot of options for what the machine can do with plywood. Examples: coasters, cutting boards, figurines, signs, etc;
- Acrylic crafts — the material is great for creating interior decor, figurines, coasters and caskets;
Engraving — during engraving power of laser tube is used by half, so the surface is not cut through, and the pattern is applied to it. Engraving can be applied to leather and fabric, glass, and wood products. The advantages of laser engraving are accuracy and durability.
Using a Laser Engraving Machine at Home
Before installing a laser engraving machine at home, make sure the work surface is level, as the machine must be held strictly horizontally.
Despite the small size of the machine, it is important to observe safety precautions:
- work with an exhaust hood;
- Ventilate the room during and after operation;
- Wear a respirator if you are prone to allergies;
- Do not watch the machine while the lid is open;
- do not allow light to come in contact with your skin;
- Keep children away from the machine;
Do not cut PVC on the machine. Polyvinyl chloride releases toxic substances at high temperatures, causing asphyxiation.