Matt Schrum
11-06-2015, 2:37 PM
Hi,
I have a CNC machine with a trim router on it that I use quite a bit depending on the project at hand. I'd like to add a small laser to my set up so I can burn/engrave wood and possibly leather. I'm thinking mostly small logo work (like "signing" the bottom of my work, etc.) and not so much actually cutting anything. While CO2 lasers look slick and all, that's beyond my needs at the moment and there is no easy way to affix it to my CNC.
This is just for a hobby and not for production work-- and I was leaning towards a 1 to 2 watt IR laser based on my needs and budget. Does that sound reasonable to you or do you folks have any differing recommendations? Is there a certain wavelength that works best on woods? I've seen some recommendations for a blue laser, others for IR, etc.
This is my first foray into lasers, so all help is appreciated.
Thanks!
-Matt
I have a CNC machine with a trim router on it that I use quite a bit depending on the project at hand. I'd like to add a small laser to my set up so I can burn/engrave wood and possibly leather. I'm thinking mostly small logo work (like "signing" the bottom of my work, etc.) and not so much actually cutting anything. While CO2 lasers look slick and all, that's beyond my needs at the moment and there is no easy way to affix it to my CNC.
This is just for a hobby and not for production work-- and I was leaning towards a 1 to 2 watt IR laser based on my needs and budget. Does that sound reasonable to you or do you folks have any differing recommendations? Is there a certain wavelength that works best on woods? I've seen some recommendations for a blue laser, others for IR, etc.
This is my first foray into lasers, so all help is appreciated.
Thanks!
-Matt