jrbernier Milepost 266.2 The Cricut machine will cut .030" - .040" Evergreen styrene with the 'deep cut' blade. And it does it much faster than most laser cutters. I watched the demo's on Trainmasters TV - They can cut an entire building in minutes. For most structure modeling, this is a good way to go. The Micro-Mark laser and the Cricut Explore can cut from most vector graphics drawing programs - and there is lots of 'free' ones available for download. Myself, 2D cutting of Evergreen siding, and Grandt Line/Tichy windows will satisfy most of my needs. I still will wait for that $2000 machine to drop in price. In the meantime, I plan to use my other half's Cricut Explore to cut out structures. I just have to make sure I do not use here normal cutting blade! Jim
Milepost 266.2
The Cricut machine will cut .030" - .040" Evergreen styrene with the 'deep cut' blade. And it does it much faster than most laser cutters. I watched the demo's on Trainmasters TV - They can cut an entire building in minutes. For most structure modeling, this is a good way to go.
The Micro-Mark laser and the Cricut Explore can cut from most vector graphics drawing programs - and there is lots of 'free' ones available for download.
Myself, 2D cutting of Evergreen siding, and Grandt Line/Tichy windows will satisfy most of my needs. I still will wait for that $2000 machine to drop in price. In the meantime, I plan to use my other half's Cricut Explore to cut out structures. I just have to make sure I do not use here normal cutting blade!
Jim
Jim,
Have you actually cut one of these styrene sheets (.03"-.04")? I am asking because I am seriously considering buying one of the Cricut Explore machines for this purpose. I wondered if there is a buildup along the cut lines from displacing the styrene material? Also, what is the accuracy of the cutting; ie: +/- .010" or what? I have looked at several videos and reviews on the machine but don't seem to get these answers clearly defined.
-Bob
Life is what happens while you are making other plans!
I suspect it's a matter of terminology here. Micromark says "safety switch" but indicates the laser shuts down when the cover is lifted. So it must be wired into the control circuit . That is a interlock to me, not just a guard. Virtually any circuit can be defeated, interlock or otherwise of course, but I suspect one would have to do more than remove the safety switch or tape it down, based on the way Micromark says it works.
One also has to presume they've given more the cursory attention to the potential for accidents here. Not good if your new whizbang machine is suddenly putting people's eyes out. There's considerable obvious liability with a machine like this. I supect that it would take more than casual tampering to disable the safety features. On the other hand, the law may not even require that, I don't know. Lasers generally have a warning sticker on the label of the laser, but that will be far from obvious embedded inside the case with this product. There may be little more involved leggally than that and some verbiage/warnings in the manual. Looks to me like Micromark went over and above that. But call them up and ask if that's somehow a showstopper in a potential purchase.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
maxman It also says that there is a safety switch "so that the laser beam shuts off if you lift the cover".
It also says that there is a safety switch "so that the laser beam shuts off if you lift the cover".
Bob,'
Based on my experience with laser kits, the kerf is miminal, certainly less than with a razor saw or kinife.
Not certain I have read all the specs, but how much "kerf" is involved for various thickness and materials?
Bob T
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Cool! Now when ya cut off a finger, it'll be cauterized, too!
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
Yes, the interlock was one of the features they insisted on as they developed the design. It and several other issues commonly encountered were resolved in the process. This even goes down to the shipping cartons designed to help assure damage-free delivery.
The transformer maxman mentioned will be available, but from the wording it seems to me it will be an extra-cost option. My workshop is next to the laundry and switch panel, so if another 220 volt outlet were needed it's close by. Obviously YMMV depending on where your laser might be located. Electricans don't come cheap if you're not in position to DIY.
These are discussed, along with software choice, etc, in the document Neil provided the link to.
That's right.
I see you read it all.
Tom Piccirillo
Micro-Mark
jmbjmb Be sure to read the part about needing 220.
jmbjmbWhile it wasn't mentioned, I assume there's an interlock in the cabinet.
Acording to the link Steve provided, MicroMark provides a transformer to go from 110 to 220 (unless I am not understanding what they're saying).
Just read the link to the MicroMark FAQs. Right now this is still too beta and too expensive for me, but the concept looks great for when the price comes down.
Two points: Be sure to read the part about needing 220. I have that in my workshop, but not every home has a readily available 220 outlet since the typical ones are stove and dryer. So you may have to include the cost of an electrician to install 220 where you neeed it.
My second point is for everyone who gets one of these, which should have been high up on their FAQs is EYE SAFETY. A laser of this power can do some serious retina damage quickly from reflected light. While it wasn't mentioned, I assume there's an interlock in the cabinet. I also assume there are plenty of people out there who will defeat the interlock so they can see the laser work. Folks, please don't do that, please don't try to watch the laser, and please don't try to see what cool tricks you can play. You only have one pair of eyes.
jim
I have been using CorelDraw for over 20 years now and have version 10 at home. This was a very expensive software for individual home purchase back then ($500+) and I was able to keep my copy when I retired almost 8 years ago. I use my Corel for creating labels, signs, logos, and recently, decal artwork. I still don't use all the capabilities of the software, only what I need. One advantage to it is the import/export ability. I can bring (import) almost any file format into Corel and use it for my artwork.
I like to make accurate scale prints for my HO layout, like the interior for the Athearn Hustler. Because I can set the size of a rectangle or circle to 3 decimal places and place each item on a separate layer, I can control a lot of what I am designing.
I can understand why CorelDraw was chosen for the default software and there may be others out there that would work, Corel is a long standing proven design tool.
Neil,
Thanks for the link. I think it's a pretty good argument for why this is a package deal. It's well thought out and designed so that the user spends their time learning how to use the machine, rather than figuring out how to make it work. Parts is parts, but a complete system approach like MicroMark took with this product will save a bunch of end-user frustration. I suspect that this effort will also result in this continuing to be a product line that will endure and develop as demand for it increases as people start enjoying its capabilities.
BTW, for those who still have a concern over the software, it looks like CorelDRAW has a pretty extensive ability to import different file types, as well as the potential to add more. That should address the interest in the use or import of files created by other software.
http://www.webreference.com/graphics/corel101/9/index.html
That is a rather dated link, so this one may be more up to date:
http://apps.corel.com/partners_developers/casb/serviceb/puttogether/idesign/fileformats.htm
Don't know if the software intended for use includes the complete Graphics Suite X5 that Corel offers, but it seems to have a LOT of supported file types:
http://corel.force.com/index/articles/en_US/Master_Article/000011308-Supported-file-formats-for-CorelDRAW-Graphics-Suite-X5?retURL=%2Fapex%2Fkbsearchresultspage&popup=false&lang=en_US&productTopCategory=NONE&applicationSubCategory=NONE&productSubCategory=NONE&topicCategory=NONE&topicCategoryText=NONE&subTopicCategory=NONE&subTopicCategoryText=NONE&articleId=kA060000000L35g
I'm a total newbie when it comes to 3D/visualization software so those with a siginficant knowledge base might weigh in.
Hi everyone,
The folks over at Micro-Mark are friends of ours and they have already written answers to some of the questions in this thread. Click here:
http://www.micromark.com/html_pages/misc/the-micro-mark-difference.pdf
Neil Besougloff
editor
editor, Model Railroader magazine
jrbernierThe Cricut Explore Air cutter is under $300 - MRH's Trainmaster series (subscription like MR Video Plus) did something in November, and will be doing another installment next week on cutting structures out of styrene. Quite impressive!
Looks like it only does paper and cardstock, but if you can enter your own designs, you could make shingles very easily.
NP2626However, I still have no problem admitting that the computer has eliminated millions of jobs.
And created tens of millions more. End result...net gain in jobs.
It may even be one of the larger factors in "Gutting" the middle class!
That was accomplished by companies sending jobs over to China. A billion people willing to work for pennies on the dollar is tough to compete with, regardless of whether computers exist or not.
Steve S
I suppose it's like any other product. If sales are slow, then there may not be more. I suspect you're talking machine tools? In a sense, the laser is a bet on a new, emerging technology, rather than a fancified version of an old, rather long in tooth in terms of current interest.
In another sense, it's a shot at remaining relevant. I'm fairly certain there's not really an expanding market for a mill or lathe, no matter how computerized and gee whiz it might be. Yes, still people interested, but if you bring in 1,000 of these this month, you might follow on with an order for 2,500 six months from now (numbers pulled out of thin air here for the sake of making a point, not because I have any insights in this specific item.)
That said, I hear NP2626. Computers seem to be associated with a lot of bad things in life, as well as good. I've had the same arm's length relationship with them. But I've also been involved in empowering people through using computers (which we won't go into here for it's obvious political content when discussed in detail) from the local to the international level. Computers others control can lead to mixed results in your life. Computers you mostly control (because it's hard to say how much control any of us have over these darn things) can be very good things, allowing you to achieve stuff you could only dream of years ago. One good current example of doing this is the Maker movement.
Thus, in my mind, this laser is a step toward putting mo, betta tools in the hands of us regular folks. It's up to us whether or not this is a net bnenefit. But it will also make possible some really cool kit building, most of all, because if you go to the trouble of making one and documenting it properly to burn it, then you can make multiple copies for yourself or others. The possibilities at a time when some see crisis in how RTR is taking over everything may even be revolutionary, bringing all those small factories and businesses back from wherever those jobs were exported to and putting them in the hands of hobbyiests eager to put those tools to work.
One potential problem area I see is, MicroMark has marketed several rather expensive machine tools in the past under their MicroLux brand, and then suddenly dropped them from their catalog. Does that mean you can no longer get replacement parts or support?
Steven S NP2626 Hey, CNC eliminated good paying, highly skilled tool and die maker jobs! Which is like arguing that the computer industry has been bad for the econcomy because it destroyed the jobs of those people who manufactured typewriters. Steve S
NP2626 Hey, CNC eliminated good paying, highly skilled tool and die maker jobs!
Which is like arguing that the computer industry has been bad for the econcomy because it destroyed the jobs of those people who manufactured typewriters.
So, thanks for putting in a day’s work, Steve!
NP 2626 "Northern Pacific, really terrific"
Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association: http://www.nprha.org/
I'd expect most things other than metal smoke when the laser cuts them. This seems to have been anticipated with this laser, as it includes an exhaust fan and duct to remove it. I presume this means you could hook it up and use the dryer vent or other means to deal with taking it outside.
mlehman delray, Everyone has their favoritie tools, techniques, and materials, so personal prefernces are important. Micromark indicates that cutting PVC is definitely not recommended because of "hazardous smoke." However, it is rated to cut acrylic up to 3/32" in a single pass, up to 1/4" in multiple passes. For styrene, up to 1/8", while noting "for most plastics, we recommend multiple passes at high speed and low power."
delray,
Everyone has their favoritie tools, techniques, and materials, so personal prefernces are important.
Micromark indicates that cutting PVC is definitely not recommended because of "hazardous smoke." However, it is rated to cut acrylic up to 3/32" in a single pass, up to 1/4" in multiple passes. For styrene, up to 1/8", while noting "for most plastics, we recommend multiple passes at high speed and low power."
I recently bought a channel marker buoy kit and it had laser cut styrene parts which had a brown 'burnt' coating around the 'cut' marks. I had to clean this off before solvent welding the parts, but it reminded me of the possible 'side effects' of cutting plastics. I don't know how this kit was made; single pass or multiple pass, other than the fact that it did produce smoke as a result.
NP2626Hey, CNC eliminated good paying, highly skilled tool and die maker jobs!
NittanyLionCoreldraw seems like an odd choice for the drawing format.
I agree. Considering that there are free programs out there (like Inkscape or FreeCAD) that export in DXF and STL, it's a shame they limit it to a commercial program's format.
delray1967A small 5 axis mill would be a better choice for me,
For cutting out shapes from styrene sheet, you only need 3 axes.
rrinker To be replaced with a new skill - designing and drawing in 3D. No easy task. Only part missing is an affordable 3D scanner - build one pilot model, scan it, and make 100 copies with the 3D printer. --Randy
To be replaced with a new skill - designing and drawing in 3D. No easy task.
Only part missing is an affordable 3D scanner - build one pilot model, scan it, and make 100 copies with the 3D printer.
--Randy
I have been exposed to Auto Cad and yes, your right learning CAD is not an easy task. Tally in the fact I have no interest in learning it and that I think I know where the fun in this hobby is for myself and it's simply not where I am heading!
I use mostly plastic for my models so a laser isn't the right tool for me; I think lasers can't (or shouldn't) burn plastic. A small 5 axis mill would be a better choice for me, but that isn't practical either (a good one is probably 10,000...used); tolerances in the 0.0002 range is needed to produce smooth curving surfaces. If we could produce rough 'stock' with a 3D Printer, then finish it off with a CNC Milling machine, I'd be for it...but then that could turn into a hobby (or job) all its own.
I've done ok with glue, files and an Xacto so far; I program CNC machines and can produce 3D models in several CAD programs for work...I build models for fun. It would be great to make exactly what I want, exactly when I want but anticipation and desire keep the hobby interesting. If I didn't want an interesting and challenging hobby, I'd pay a layout maker to do all that 'fun' stuff for me (no offense to the layout makers or their clients).
Model Railroading is FUN! (even the hard or frustrating aspects)
http://delray1967.shutterfly.com/pictures/5
SEMI Free-Mo@groups.io
I see no one asked how long the laser tube lasts. Usaully 1000 to 1500 before it needs replacement for a 40 watt unit. Then, does Micro Mark sell replacememnt tubes? How hard is it to replace the tube and realign it? All questions that should be answered before I'd buy one.
The software I don't care for. What's wrong with using a free cad program such as Drftsight? Why does it have to be CoarlDraw. DraftSight is a vector program. Send a DXF file out to a CAM program to get your G-codes and you're all set.
Here's a laser I'm looking at. http://fslaser.com/products/lasers/hobby-lasers/newhobby
Ya, I have a large model buget.
New York, Vermont & Northern Rwy. - Route of the Black Diamonds
protolancer(at)kingstonemodelworks(dot)com
Thanks for all the interesting comments.
I suspect the choice of CorelDRAW balances several issues. Good functionality, a reasonably paced learning curve, technical aspects in conjunction with the hardware, and cost. The fact that it's used by other for essentially the same purposes suggests they're likely made a good choice, although I'm not familiar with Corel. And I doubt the hardware is abolutely wedded to the software. Using some different is likely well within the realm of possibility. But if you like hacking, then there's no great concern. If not, then you're just like the rest of us, we'll work with what's brung to the table.
I'm in HO, so I don't have any real concerns about a 10" table capacity. Sure there are a few things that may need a bigget formar, but I'll bet this cover most bases. And there's always next year's improved model, where adding higher capacity is low-hanging fruit to freshen the product. Patience here will likely be rewarded.
I really like the idea of designing, burning and offering kits. This could revolunize those model specific prototypes, historical group merchandise offerings, and many aspects of how we go about building stuff. Make no mistake. There will be skills developed and used with this laser. You don't just push the button on the screen to make something with this. You acquire the skills to make it so. That's good for the hobby.