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
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.
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
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.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
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.
-Bob
Life is what happens while you are making other plans!
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
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).
It also says that there is a safety switch "so that the laser beam shuts off if you lift the cover".
That's right.
I see you read it all.
Tom Piccirillo
Micro-Mark
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.
Cool! Now when ya cut off a finger, it'll be cauterized, too!
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
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
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Not certain I have read all the specs, but how much "kerf" is involved for various thickness and materials?
Bob T
Bob,'
Based on my experience with laser kits, the kerf is miminal, certainly less than with a razor saw or kinife.
maxman It also says that there is a safety switch "so that the laser beam shuts off if you lift the cover".
Jim,
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.
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
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.