Do you have Inkscape or other graphics program? If so, you can convert a raster image to a vector image by using a trace command. If you don't have anything, I can try making it for you. Send me a link or file.
@Neville You could build your own laser cutter, but I think it is a lot more work than one realizes. There are all the safety issues to consider as well, venting the gasses from the burning of the materials, keeping the laser cool, eye protection so you don't blind yourself. Another issue is dealing with the cutting surface as if you just put whatever you are cutting right on top of the plotting surface I am sure the beam would likely score that and possibly after time cut through. But if you are really set on building your own check out this: http://www.instructables.com/id/Zach-Radding-Homebrew-Laser-Cutter/, and maybe look at the related posts as well. Another option for what you want to do is a CNC machine, which you can make with your plotter as well, just search for DIY CNC on instructables.
had this big office next to the upstairs train room with only a computer in it
Laser, spray booth and workbench was down in the garage and it was 42 degrees c in there the other afternoon , not possible to work in.
So my wife mentions that the office is not being used ... 10 minutes later it is planned and desk tops bought, laser split in two the next day and with the help of a stair trolley and a strong son and friend it is upstairs
two days later and ducting all done, spray booth in and connected just after this photo and first job on the work bench
what a pleasure to have a dedicated railroad workshop next door to the layout after leaving my previous one behind in South Africa 3 years ago when we migrated to Perth, Western Australia
O did I mention it has ducted air conditioning
what more could a man want, .. Besides more time in the shop
That's 15 $100 kits or 30 $50 kits or . . . Two or three buddies together and . . . $1500 is a bargin these days, mine cost over $4000 not to long ago. Russ
A modeler I know from the nscale.net forum just bought this one for a little over $300. He showed pictures of a few test parts he made and the looked ok. No idea how something like this might hold up but for $300 all you need is make 3 buildings and you're making a profit!
Comments
Conversion of raster to vector
Craig,
Do you have Inkscape or other graphics program? If so, you can convert a raster image to a vector image by using a trace command. If you don't have anything, I can try making it for you. Send me a link or file.
Regards,
Stogie
DIY Laser cutter
@Neville You could build your own laser cutter, but I think it is a lot more work than one realizes. There are all the safety issues to consider as well, venting the gasses from the burning of the materials, keeping the laser cool, eye protection so you don't blind yourself. Another issue is dealing with the cutting surface as if you just put whatever you are cutting right on top of the plotting surface I am sure the beam would likely score that and possibly after time cut through. But if you are really set on building your own check out this: http://www.instructables.com/id/Zach-Radding-Homebrew-Laser-Cutter/, and maybe look at the related posts as well. Another option for what you want to do is a CNC machine, which you can make with your plotter as well, just search for DIY CNC on instructables.
New workshop
here is my nice new workshop
had this big office next to the upstairs train room with only a computer in it
Laser, spray booth and workbench was down in the garage and it was 42 degrees c in there the other afternoon , not possible to work in.
So my wife mentions that the office is not being used ... 10 minutes later it is planned and desk tops bought, laser split in two the next day and with the help of a stair trolley and a strong son and friend it is upstairs
two days later and ducting all done, spray booth in and connected just after this photo and first job on the work bench
what a pleasure to have a dedicated railroad workshop next door to the layout after leaving my previous one behind in South Africa 3 years ago when we migrated to Perth, Western Australia
O did I mention it has ducted air conditioning
what more could a man want, .. Besides more time in the shop
Craig Hepburn
Perth Australia
...
I cannot underestimate the importance of a good workshop!!!
That looks nice!
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Benny's Index or Somewhere Chasing Rabbits
new laser projects
Been some time now so here are some of the projects I have been working on
Firstly the nearly complete main station building made from acrylic
second is the underground station
now experimenting with the building fronts for the shops at the underground station
templates cut
glued for test fitting and painting
Thanks to Rick and Michael and all their superb work and pictures I have managed to get some great ideas on how they do things with the laser
Any tips will be gladly welcomed
Craig Hepburn
Perth Australia
next laser building coming together
parts painted and placed for test fitting
Craig Hepburn
Perth Australia
It looks like a laser would
It looks like a laser would be ideal but a $1500 and up it is still out of reach of most modelers myself included.
-Doug M
That's 15 $100 kits or 30 $50
That's 15 $100 kits or 30 $50 kits or . . . Two or three buddies together and . . . $1500 is a bargin these days, mine cost over $4000 not to long ago. Russ
I did say and up.. -Doug M
I did say and up..
-Doug M
A modeler I know from the
A modeler I know from the nscale.net forum just bought this one for a little over $300. He showed pictures of a few test parts he made and the looked ok. No idea how something like this might hold up but for $300 all you need is make 3 buildings and you're making a profit!
Michael
The Georgetown & Allen Mountain Railroad