Milepost 266.2 NittanyLion Coreldraw seems like an odd choice for the drawing format. Wonder why that's the one they picked. it seems to be a standard software package for a lot of these machines. A friend bought a large table top cutter and it has drivers for CorelDraw and AutoCAD. CorelDraw is much more affordable and does not have the vertical learning curve of AutoCAD.
NittanyLion Coreldraw seems like an odd choice for the drawing format. Wonder why that's the one they picked.
Coreldraw seems like an odd choice for the drawing format. Wonder why that's the one they picked.
it seems to be a standard software package for a lot of these machines. A friend bought a large table top cutter and it has drivers for CorelDraw and AutoCAD. CorelDraw is much more affordable and does not have the vertical learning curve of AutoCAD.
Coreldraw, I thought, ended Mac support with version 10. That's one of the reasons it seems odd. Plus it's just after a vector format, correct? Makes no Illustrator support unusual in my eyes.
Found this on Ebay thru another Google search but don't know how good the accuracy is. Good price thought; $599.
-Bob
http://www.ebay.com/itm/high-speed-co2-laser-cnc-router-engraving-cutting-equipment-40w-cutter-engraver-/191528154704
Edit: Just noticed shipping cost: $210.00??
Life is what happens while you are making other plans!
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
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
And the MACHINE continues to arise! All hail, MACHINE!!!
NP 2626 "Northern Pacific, really terrific"
Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association: http://www.nprha.org/
This is a technology I would definitely buy into. Some years ago I worked for an aerospace co that utilized...extensively, both yag and HeNe lasers on the industrial level to repair jet engine blades and vanes. They were used between 3 and 6 KW depending on the the material being used/worked on...mostly superalloys. I had so often imagined...at the time how lasers could be used in the hobby. Looks like I'll be finding out.
In regard to Coreldraw. I've personally preferred it to Photoshop CS. Coreldraw in doing followup artwork in CGI is far easier...a little more intuative. Photoshop...especially if you are new to it...can be daunting to learn. I'm hoping the driving software will eventually be expanded to Gimp and Inkscape, which are even easier to learn.
I'm looking forward to any developments with this equipment and technology in our hobby.
Mark H
Modeling in HO...Reading and Conrail together in an alternate history.
I saw this and thought it would be a great 'tool' when the price comes down about 25% of what it is now (or more!). I use CorelDraw for making my sign and decal artwork and I can see why they would want this type of program; it is a vector based software, that is it uses solid lines rather than a bunch of dots as in a raster software like PhotoShop. I can see making my own laser kits or special parts for my HO layout. I am amazed at how fast technology has moved in the past 5 years, with 3-D printers and CNC routers for the home hobbiest, and now laser cutters. As with all of these 'tools', the operator needs to learn how to design parts on a computer and visualize how they will go together and what tolerances are needed for proper 'fit and function'. I hope I live long enough to be able to afford and use some of these 'toys'/'tools'.
Hrm, ten inches is pretty small.
I figure the hard part is actually designing the structure or whatever it is you're making for yourself, so if it turns out good...why not start running a few more and selling them? 'Tis but a musing.
NittanyLionI wonder how long it would take to recoup the costs selling small kits on ebay.
One problem with this machine is that it has a fairly small cutting area--less than 10 inches per side.
I've seen people build DIY cutters using Blu-Ray lasers and parts from old scanners and printers. But I don't think they're capable of cutting much more than cardstock, although they could engrave patterns into thicker materials.
Here's a Kickstarter campaign for a cutter kit. I'm not sure what their final price will be, but they're offering early bird specials for as low as $550.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mrbeam/mr-beam-a-portable-laser-cutter-and-engraver-kit
Steve S
Now that I've had more time to think about, I wonder how long it would take to recoup the costs selling small kits on ebay.
LensCapOn$2K would be low for light industrial work if they are rugged enough.
might make sense for a club to buy.
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Hello All,
I'm at a wait and see mode (and saving-up mode).
Can you imagine the possibilities of 3-D printing and a Laser knife?
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
I think it's neat, but.... Better, more important things take my money right now....
Now, if I happen to be given an extra couple thousand and have nothing better to get....
So, along those lines, if anyone would like to supply one for me to "test for them"........
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
When Apple introduced affordable desk top publishing in1985, the printer cost about $2,000 in 1985 dollars. The price dropped since.
$2K would be low for light industrial work if they are rugged enough. A small time laser-cut kit company might do things in house. It's also cheap enough for big bugget hobbiests. My price point is $500, if it could be lined up to cut printed models to perfect form. Yes, it can be slow.
Got my April 2015 NMRA Magazine and inside the front cover on the first page is a new ad from Micromark offering the Microlux LaserKnife 2525. Comes with software, tech support, and an online parts library. Requires CorelDraw v. 11 or higher. Very neat stuff, if you have just under 2 grand to drop on it. I don't right now, but it is something to aspire to and could certainly revolutionize how we think of kits. In the future, there may be software versions and it's possible those will be the only form a kit may come in. But that's progress and I personally look forward to it.
What do you think about this new machine?
Note: If you want to worry over the price, please take it over here:
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/245773.aspx
This discussion is about the technology and ideas people have about using this machine and the ones that will follow.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL