Laser engraving machines

[greg]

Hi. Does anyone have/use a laser engraving/cutting machine for luthier work?

For our business, my wife and I have stands that I make out of wood engraved by a laser machine. In talking with the operator, they showed me some wooden items that had firstly been engraved, then a piece of sheet abalone/paua shell cut out using the same machine and inlayed/glued into the wood.

Does anyone here use such a machine for their guitars etc? Are you happy with the results? Are there better machines/solutions? Can anyone recommend a machine or brand of machine?

Thanks.

[simso]

Im in negotiation at the moment for a laser engraver. They work exceptionally well. Ive had access to another persons for a while

The biggest downside with cnc machines is the setup and software to run them properly

[greg]

Hi simso. Care to share some details about the machine such as make and model etc, bed size and the Z axis range? I can't be snooping too much around our current suppliers equipment. The machine I have seen is what I would consider small with a bed size of 600mm x 400mm with a 150mm Z axis. Not sure what you would be looking for with Luthier work in mind. I have experience with CAD and 3D software and preparing file for CNC cutting for use in the marine and cabinet making industry so am confident I could adjust to the work flow. Our engraver actually uses Coral Draw to save files with the 'Illustrator' extension format. Looks like a fairly simple set up computer wise. Also not sure if 3 phase power or regular 240v.

Cheers

[simso]

I will hit the guy up next time I see him and write the details of his machine down. The one Im negotiation with is still disussing laser strengths required and z offset heights

[simonm]

I know nuttn' 'bout this stuff.
Here is something somewhat related that looks interesting. http://www.olsonguitars.com/shop_fadal.html
About $100k second hand.

[greg]

^^

I received a preliminary quote yesterday for a Universal brand desk top laser engraver with a 600mmx300mmx150mm bed for NZD $22k. This included everything to get up and running (except a PC and suitable graphics program) plus a one day tutorial.

Probably need different bed dimensions than noted, but would be interesting to hear from someone who uses an engraver.

[Ormsby Guitars]

A friend of mine has just moved into importing laser machines. He brings in chinese machines, upgrades the electronics, uses different lasers, extended tables, different software etc etc. This guy is anal about quality. He's talking $2000-5000. They are using a variety of machines for their own business, and contracting to a bunch of companies. Will find out more.

[kiwigeo]

youtu.be/

[simso]

The problem with most chinese stuff is the software, so your mate is on the right path perry. The macghine constructions are as good as they get, but the chinese to english software and manuals let good products down

My atc cnc router (8 tools) has taken me almost 3 weeks just to work out the software. Its mind boggling to say the least

Steve