Laser Cutter Mod

In this instructable you'll learn how to mod your laser pointer to make it more focused and even cut things

Please vote for this if you liked it!!!! Every vote counts, thanks

What you will need:

1. Laser 100-500mw ($40,00)
2. Prestik
3. Black widow firecracker casing
4. Disposable camera's lense
5. Something to burn (electrical tape)

I will NOT be held accountable for any damages or loss sustained during or after the build therefore you build this project at your own risk

If you would like to see my laser in action and how to focus your laser please visit my other instructable:

https://www.instructables.com/id/Start-your-fire-with-a-laser-this-winter/

Step 1: The Casing

1. cut the cracker or casing in half
2. Pour out the contents
3. Cut a 2cm long piece off of the casing
4. You'll be using the 2cm cut off

Step 2: Construction

1. put the prestik around the sides of the circular lense
2. Put the lense into the back of the casing
3. Put a little bit of prestik around the bottom of the casing
4. Put the lense side of the casing into Laser pointer.
5. Put prestik around the casing to secure in place

Step 3: Rather Be Safe Than Sorry

always wear laser safety goggles that are rated to the exact frequency of your laser!!! Sunglasses do not work!!

Never point at humans or animals

Hazardous to eyes

Do not point at any form of vehicle because you are wasting your time!!

Focal point is +- 2-6cm away from laser

30cm + the laser is harmless with the attachment on!

Comments

[BBailey711]

Question ... I am new to this all but am an experienced Engineer. I am also a Radio Control Aircraft modeller. How big a Laser do I need to cut light metal say the wall thickness of a 1/2" copper plumbing and 1/32" Balsa Wood to 1/2" Plywood. And would it work on your 3 axis bed to do Rounting solid objects and 3D printing?

[John T MacF Mood]

BBailey711, most of the solid state lasers cannot cut or engrave metals. CO2 lasers can, but their costs are from $400.00 up to $5,000.00 US. There are American based companies that sell complete units. CO2 units need water jacket cooling on the tube, and ventilation for fumes, many of the better ones come with the kit to cool, and vent their systems. I'd recommend the American vs. Chinese. Tube life is not as long as you might think, but they do have replacemnts avaliable.

If you're in the market, eBay has a great and varied selection, but the unit should prominently state they are assembled (unless you like the DIY thing) and include complete assembly and software. Steer clear of GearBest, it took 4 weeks to arrive (China), with NO instructions to build, no software, and it took 3 weeks to get them to send me the instructions and software on a .500 mW (one half watt) unit, just for light work.

The solid state ones also cannot cut or engrave acrylic either.

[Palframanl]

I used a 500mw laser at 532nm
And it can cut electrical tape, burn my black painted side table and light a match unassisted

[Palframanl]

So first things first. The purpose of the instruct able was to show you how to focus and add to an already powerful laser that can cut. The mod helps to focus the laser even more than the factory fit lens.

[Poppy Ann]

what power laser pointer did you use? plus what will it cut?

I have a laser pointer from banggood and it will burn items with no mod's and only £5.24 ($8.12) including postage but i doubt it will cur anything more than very thin dark paper, i am in the process of building a cnc machine which i hope to fit with a milling head/ 3d printer head and a laser cutter/engraver at the moment the only laser that can cut what i want is a 40W CO2 but the problem is that it is longer than the machine as i had decided to try and keep it at less than 18" (457 mm) and the smallest decent laser tube is around 30 inch (750 mm) so i think i may have trouble either building it the size i want or not bothering with the laser part and just have the router and 3d printer.

regards Poppy Ann.

[iceng]

I don't believe this works.

[seamster]

Looks like fun. Do you have a video of this cutting through anything?