[hackerspaces] Laser cutter vs CNC router

[Sam Ley]

One big thing you can do with a CNC router that is hard to do with a laser
cutter is pocketing, or anything 3D. We built a bass guitar, rendered out by
the CNC in 3D straight from the Solidworks file using Vectric Cut3D, and a
two-sided cut. Likewise, v-carved text, embossing, etc., are all benefits of
a router.

Lasers can cut with very low kerf (good for material waste), cut thin or
delicate materials, and do fine engraving on metals and plastics.

-Sam

On Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 8:26 PM, Ron Bean
<bucketworks at rbean.users.panix.com>wrote:

> While we're talking about laser cutters--
> what can you do with a laser that you can't do with a CNC router?
>
> Obviously, the laser is better for thin materials, and the router is
> better for thick materials. But there's a lot of overlap there.
>
> We've been fortunate in our scrounging, and we'll soon have one of each
> (both need some work, but we're getting there). Right now the laser
> only works at 1/2 power, and it needs some new bearings.
>
> _______________________________________________
> Discuss mailing list
> Discuss at lists.hackerspaces.org
> http://lists.hackerspaces.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss
>
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