Full on excuse…….

[Wingedwheel]

Ok guys, I know I started a build thread that has stalled for a minute and I’m guilty of putting some things off until it cools down outside but nobody ever really explained to me how much time I would have in retirement to pursue things I enjoy doing without schedule constraints. That being said I will get back to the “76 next month on another trip down to hang with pops but in the meantime I have to share my latest toy. I have always been an avid woodworker/furniture maker but used professional basic tools. I decided to up my game so I pulled the trigger on this. I’m looking at options for software as I’d love to be able to run this with my tablet.

 

[Wingedwheel]

Alright, it showed up today and I’m having a blast! I had to assemble the frame, trolley, motors, belts and harnesses but it was easy, well constructed and I got a different software that was recommended by a lot of people that use these machines. Trying out some photos as well. I wish there was a way to load a vid directly on here.

 

[Wingedwheel]

So here’s something else. I can etch metal and could carve the 650 logo on a tank, side cover, engine cover. My head is swimming with possibilities. Oh yea, cut perfect gaskets.

 

[Wingedwheel]

These test pieces came out nice…..

 

[Wingedwheel]

This thing will cut precise lettering. These were from a piece of 1/8” Masonite.you can see a spot I had it a bit too slow. Was able to engrave on a painted metal surface but still working on Aluminum and porcelain.

 

[Wingedwheel]

I’m making good progress with the laser program. I usually get through about half of a tutorial before I start falling asleep. I go play with the machine and come back later. That usually triggers something in the “Oh yea” section of my brain.
This thing is PRECISE, and I’m learning what works with what material. I’m not just getting out there and burning things now lol.look at the individual pieces from this logo and keep in mind I can go smaller.

 

[Wingedwheel]

I tried something new today. I took a pic of a gasket, measured it and sent it to my laser program. After entering the vectors I was able to reproduce the gasket.After a few runs to determine power and speed I cut one from a sheet. Doing an overly proved it to be darn near perfect.

 

[Wingedwheel]

Anybody got a pic of the left side cover gasket they want to send me? I only need to know the height and width. I want to make that gasket but my new set is at the southern shop location lol.

 

[Paul Sutton]

When you get onto Perspex/Acrylic/Polymethylmethacrylate the laser does not burn or melt its way through. The heat from the laser causes the polymer to de-polymerize thus releasing methylmethacrylate vapors. These vapors are a sensitizer so make sure you are in a well ventilated room or use an extractor. The good part about Perspex it you get a nice clean cut free of any charring.

 

[Wingedwheel]

Thanks Paul, I am totally aware of what materials I should and should not be cutting. Funny thing is I can cut acrylic all day but am told not to cut lexan. I have to be careful with my power settings as well. I have a pretty well ventilated area in my garage I use this and I’m really considering installing an exhaust hood. I can make one with a bathroom fart fan and go right out the side wall of my workbench.

 

[Wingedwheel]

I would say it’s not as bad as welding in the garage with the door down….

 

[Wingedwheel]

Made some projects for some friends out of pieces I had lying around.

 

[Paul Sutton]

Just curious, can a laser cutter carve out designs in acrylic to specific depths, or does it just go straight through??? I was thinking of those acrylic badges on the XS1B.

Thank you.

 

[Wingedwheel]

Just curious, can a laser cutter carve out designs in acrylic to specific depths, or does it just go straight through??? I was thinking of those acrylic badges on the XS1B.

Thank you.

It does go right through however you can put a piece of reflective (white not shiny like chrome)material underneath and it will reflect and “burn” your design into the Acrylic. Lexan is a no-no due to fumes however regular plexiglass is considered safe. I do have an exhaust fan set-up over my laser bed though. I’m also looking at reversing that to a downdraft because as the fan pulls the smoke up around the components it leaves soot on everything. Not badly but enough to where it might eventually cause problems.

 

[Wingedwheel]

Almost all the files I use are created from images I find online using the program I run. Paul, send me a pic of what emblems you’re talking about and I’ll conduct an experiment.

 

[Paul Sutton]

Here is an example of the early badge taken from Ebay:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/302160361745?hash=item465a293911:g:pgUAAOSw-I9g5E-u

The word Yamaha is pressed/cast/moulded into the badge. Then the color, black and chrome are applied. These early badges seem very expensive now and I just wonder if there is a relatively easy way to reproduce them? In the past I have taken these, sanded the raised areas to remove the color and black, and then resprayed with the color I wanted.

 

[Wingedwheel]

Anything I do would be flat with no raised letters but let’s see what it could look like.