I've been having the best time learning the ropes with my new CO2 laser. I think the hobby possibilities are endless!
Over the weekend I cut a couple more portals for my layout.
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That came out great! Technology!!! JohnA
That is awesome. That might be exactly what I need for my standard gauge tunnel portals. 
Oh man that is cool! I need one!
Cool Stuff Charlie. I just ordered a new laser for our shop. Can't wait for it to get here. Was told 6-8 weeks for production.
Out of curiosity, did you use an existing CAD design or draw up your own? Just wondering if we had a repository similar to the 3D printing for Lasercutter designs (DXF, DWG, SVG, or other formats).
Wow great look CHARLIE!!!👍👍. Now on to making buildings.
@MichRR714 posted:I've been having the best time learning the ropes with my new CO2 laser. I think the hobby possibilities are endless!
Over the weekend I cut a couple more portals for my layout.
Absolutely sweet. Very nice detail.
Mike
@Vernon Barry posted:Out of curiosity, did you use an existing CAD design or draw up your own? Just wondering if we had a repository similar to the 3D printing for Lasercutter designs (DXF, DWG, SVG, or other formats).
This was a new drawing.
Thought I'd share the timber portals and walls too.
@MichRR714 posted:I've been having the best time learning the ropes with my new CO2 laser. I think the hobby possibilities are endless!
Over the weekend I cut a couple more portals for my layout.
Charlie,
I would imagine your laser came with safety goggles. Use them!
Lou N
Curious with laser, are they able to cut to varying depths? I've wanted to do formstone rowhouses like those so ubiquitous in Baltimore, but there have never been any commercially-available formstone O scale walls. Unlike brick, it has a much more three-dimensional aspect to it, like that seen at this link: Baltimore formstone rowhouses
@Andrew B. posted:Curious with laser, are they able to cut to varying depths? I've wanted to do formstone rowhouses like those so ubiquitous in Baltimore, but there have never been any commercially-available formstone O scale walls. Unlike brick, it has a much more three-dimensional aspect to it, like that seen at this link: Baltimore formstone rowhouses
Yes the equipment is capable of varying the intensity of the laser performing what would be considered an engraving to achieve the look your going for.
@Vernon Barry posted:Out of curiosity, did you use an existing CAD design or draw up your own? Just wondering if we had a repository similar to the 3D printing for Lasercutter designs (DXF, DWG, SVG, or other formats).
From the inception of the 3D forum folks were encouraged to submit any and all 3D formats... i.e., Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) or Subtractive Manufacturing (CNC, Laser cut/engrave) etc. Folks kind of got focused on the printing... it would be nice to see some other formats introduced to the OGR community.
3D (varying power in single sweep) engraving is NOT possible on most of the Laser cutters.
Engraving is very time consuming.
I use scoring instead to make brick patterns on my GlowForge.
@MichRR714 what laser did you get? I know you told me once!
I was thinking about getting one of the cheaper table top ones like the Longer Ray 5. I'd like to make my own windows and doors mostly, and possibly wall sections. I'd also like to laser thin brass. Supposedly the Ray 5 and others like it are capable.
the 20 watt Ray 5 lasers will not cut brass or any metal. The best you can do is engrave or score metal after coating it.
You need a 6,000- 10,000 watt plasma laser to cut metals.
HERE is a nice bridge model from Etsy. For a few dollars you get the .SVG file to use on your laser cutter.
note the "living hinges" use to create curved surfaces from Flat stock
Click on the upper right link to see more laser cut bridges.
@Norm Charbonneau posted:@MichRR714 what laser did you get? I know you told me once!
I was thinking about getting one of the cheaper table top ones like the Longer Ray 5. I'd like to make my own windows and doors mostly, and possibly wall sections. I'd also like to laser thin brass. Supposedly the Ray 5 and others like it are capable.
Norm my machine is a 60 watt CO2 laser.
The ones I was looking at were in the 10-20W range. The 20W ones are claiming they can cut .05mm metals. Poking around in my metals bin, I'm thinking the thickest brass I'd want to cut is .25mm. Hmm. I use my resin and FDM printers almost daily now and think a laser cutter would be an awesome addition. Just trying to decide how big to go I guess. I am at the point where I want to scratchbuild all my own components from now on.
