Getting a bit further with it. Mounted the CO2 laser "table", and had a much around with the optic mount positioning etc
I have a few L brackets for the optics on the way, should make alignment much easier.
I've also been granted permission to use the schools CNC machine to cut parts, so I'll be cutting some CO2 tube mounts from 12mm thick acrylic hopefully this week. I should be able to have some burning by next weekend if I have time, but a few last assignments due (End of year 12 yay! ), so maybe not for another week or 2 yet once they're all over.
All my optic mounts will be on L brackets, just put it there to see.
Glad to see this project is still alive!
I'v been following all the ins and outs from the start and love what I'm seeing.:beer::beer:
Thanks for keeping us all posted on your progress!
Well, I was getting excited as I'm now at the point where the alignment is only off by a few mm! But I discovered something that is gonna put a hold on this even further
I noticed that the Y axis would actually be aligned fine at one end, go out of alignment at the middle, then come back into alignment at the other end. Well, turns out the 10mm diameter rods I'm using for the Y axis are too weak, and are flexing very slightly in the middle
This means I'm probably going to have to upgrade to 16 or 20mm (Same as the X axis), but I've run out of money at this point in time
This can be solved in a pair of different ways, for "long" carriages ..... using 2 (or 3, at angle) 20mm bars, or adding a sort of "rail" and rollers for support the weight of the focusing holder.
Both the systems have advantages and disadvantages, and depending from the structure of your supports, can require some extra work and the placement of some diagonal reinforcers.
Yeah, I've seen that diagram, but since I'm using the vertical optic mount, it'd have to be mounted vertically. Also, I can't really get access to those parts here in Australia. A single 1 metre piece of t-slot is $40!
If you cannot modify too much the original design, but can get some "L" shaped and "U" shaped alu bars, there is a possible alternative solution ..... not the better one in absolute, but it can work.
Going to eat now, when i come back, i try to draw some examples using a pair of your pics ..... in these cases, images are always better than words
Haven't done an update on this for a looonnnggg time. I recently just moved down with my dad, who is a mech engineer. He seems very interested in getting the laser cutter up and running, as he wants to cut out some model aircraft parts to which he can attach a motor and actually fly them.
We are working on getting all my stuff here to the new house, so then we can hopefully get it running once and for all.
I've decided i'm going to aim to get a DSP controller, as mach3 doesn't seem to want to play ball with me