First Real Laser Engraving Job

[kmmcrafts]

This first job will more than pay for the machine. This is an easy job because they brought me the cutting boards and supplied  the graphics. Standard laser engrave rate is $1 a minute for laser time, and it takes me  17 minutes each. Got one done so 209 more to go. lol 

[rjweb]

Kevin, that's excellent, glad it is all working out, RJ

[kmmcrafts]

Thanks Roy, I'm also glad it's working out since I can no longer scroll saw for long hours every day I've been really stressed about how business might go.. Gotta say it's been a stressful 1.5 - 2 years wondering what would come of all the sinus and dizzy issues I've had..Since I quit scrolling I am gradually feeling better.  Gotta say though, I much rather be scrolling than lassering but I'm also just thankful I'm not having to go be a walmart door greater too, .. Not that there's anything wrong with that.. but after being my own boss for 35+ years it's hard to go back to punching time clocks and working their schedule.. 

On topic of this job.. I was able to utilize the two small lasers by taking out the laser bed and making up a makeshift platform to set the cutting boards on so I was able to knock out 65 of these today.. 

[BadBob]

You are making me lust after a laser.

[kmmcrafts]

1 hour ago, BadBob said:

You are making me lust after a laser.

They're a handy tool to compliment other projects and all around can be fun to make things with.. but that said in my case now days currently only running the laser is actually quite boring if you have nothing else to do in the shop.. After getting the 3 machines up and running I got quite bored just sitting there feeding each machine about every 17 minutes, LOL.. BUT, if I were to be able to run these while doing a little scroll work or something I could see time going by faster and making more product and money.. Yesterday I ended up working on the car doing rear brakes,and sway bar links while I was also running the lasers, so I was able to get a lot of things done while making some money.. The hard part of this was making sure to remember to remove my greasy gloves so I didn't get grease on the cutting boards.  I managed to remember but right at the last minute so there was no ruined boards but came close a couple times, LOL.  I can see this being quite boring too if there is nothing to do but run the laser. I'll bet I'll end up having the cleanest shop around though once I really get into lasering if there is nothing to do, I'll end up cleaning or something, LOL. 

[BadBob]

57 minutes ago, kmmcrafts said:

They're a handy tool to compliment other projects and all around can be fun to make things with.. but that said in my case now days currently only running the laser is actually quite boring if you have nothing else to do in the shop.. After getting the 3 machines up and running I got quite bored just sitting there feeding each machine about every 17 minutes, LOL.. BUT, if I were to be able to run these while doing a little scroll work or something I could see time going by faster and making more product and money.. Yesterday I ended up working on the car doing rear brakes,and sway bar links while I was also running the lasers, so I was able to get a lot of things done while making some money.. The hard part of this was making sure to remember to remove my greasy gloves so I didn't get grease on the cutting boards.  I managed to remember but right at the last minute so there was no ruined boards but came close a couple times, LOL.  I can see this being quite boring too if there is nothing to do but run the laser. I'll bet I'll end up having the cleanest shop around though once I really get into lasering if there is nothing to do, I'll end up cleaning or something, LOL. 

I can think of many things to do while I wait, not the least of which is to catch up on my reading list.

If I had space for it, I would buy one today.

Edited April 8 by BadBob

[Gonzo]

Very cool Kevin, nice to get a job to pay for the machine eh?
 

 I’m curious though, does the laser create a lot of smoke?

[kmmcrafts]

3 minutes ago, Gonzo said:

Very cool Kevin, nice to get a job to pay for the machine eh?
 

 I’m curious though, does the laser create a lot of smoke?

It sure does if you don't hook up the ventilation system.. a lot of smoke in a hurry too, LOL. These enclosed co2 lasers come with a vent system much like a vent for your cloths dryer to vent the smoke outside.. I would never buy a open frame diode type laser unless of course I planned on making a enclosure for it. I don't have a photo handy for my set up as I really haven't set this machine up permanently yet. But what I've done is made a board to fit in the window of my shop to temporarily install the through wall vent,  and I put 3/4" foam self adhesive insulation around the board to seal it off.. Put it in the window when using the laser and take it out when done lasering. Works well but when the wind is blowing just right I get some smoke blown back inside as I don't have any piping extending out past the window far enough and it's coming in between the two window panes of the double pane windows. I can stop or minimize it by putting a piece of the foam strips in between the windows.. At some point I plan to make a permanent through wall vent but I want to be sure of where the lasers final spot in the shop will be before I cut a hole in the wall, LOL 

They liked the way these turned out that now they've added another 50 boards so I'm currently working on getting those finished up.   

[kmmcrafts]

Here is a photo of my temp setup. Note the fire extinguisher is not too far away. While I’ve never had any fire issues yet but is quite common from reading laser forums and groups so I’m ready if / when that comes. Seen many shops burn down from these machines. Have another hanging on the wall my my entrance door too. Must have before ever running one of the lasers in my opinion. 

[rjweb]

Kevin, nice setup, RJ

[Gonzo]

Thanks for the information Kevin, much appreciated. Been kinda/sorta been thinking about getting one. Now I’m not so sure. Would only be able to use it during the warm months. So maybe 4-5 months out of the year. 

[kmmcrafts]

4 hours ago, Gonzo said:

Thanks for the information Kevin, much appreciated. Been kinda/sorta been thinking about getting one. Now I’m not so sure. Would only be able to use it during the warm months. So maybe 4-5 months out of the year. 

Yeah, I can't really run mine all year long either.. Well I do run my smaller ones all winter long by running antifreeze in the cooling system. The new set-up that I'm currently using will not even run in temps below 40F without bypassing the safety of the water chiller. 

There are a lot of smaller desktop type models that are totally self contained and many people run them in a spare room in the house and do a makeshift vent out the window much like I did shown in the photo. My two smaller ones are more of a desktop and are easier to move around and set-up etc. 

If you have any questions about them feel free to ask.. I'm far from any kind of pro on these as I'm still learning a lot but I'll answer if I can, LOL