My Son and I had use of a ULS 4.6 at "Tech Shop" for 6 months before they closed.
I have search and found nothing in our area (Co-Op, maker space, etc),So looking at purchasing one.
It would be used in a non production (hobby) setting by Me, Son, and graphics artist daughter.
The majority of the work would be raster and vector etching.
I would like to try engraving some gun stocks.
Light cutting, acrylic up to 3/16, balsa ply up to 1/8", reg ply up to 1/8"
Work area absolute min 12x24", preferred 16" x 24", 24" x 36" if there was a fire sale
If a lower powered laser is better for etching, I don't mind a slower cutting.
Mechanically and electronics I am very well versed in, I have an electronics bench and a small fab shop out in the garage. I built my own 3D printer, but do not feel like doing that with the laser. A kit maybe.
I would prefer better electronics and firmware (controller).
On etching un stocks,I am assuming carriage based laser could only etch/engrave the flat "side" of a stock,, what type of machine would be able to wrap the engraving around the curved parts?
I'm not against getting a used chassis and installing my own electronics,
12x24 I would like to be under 2000.
16x24 I would like t be under 3000
Am I dreaming?