Got a little sidetracked :)

I got my tax refund and decided to get one of these cheap CNC routers from China. I got the 3018 Pro and a 5.5 w laser to go with it. I highly recommend getting some real safety goggles, the one it comes with do not seem to do anything. I got some from Amazon and now I can’t see the beam at all which is what I think you want.

It went together very easy and so far it’s worked quite well. I’ve cut some wood with it without any issues, and I am really liking the Easel software from Inventables to create tool paths and run the machine. I was thinking about buying the pro version, but honestly what they charge it’s really not worth it to me. It’s around $12 per month, every month, and you really don’t get a whole lot more. I’ll probably end up dusting off my copy of Cut-2d from Vectrix, and might even go ahead and get VCarve pro eventually. One thing I can see that’s going to happen is first I’ll be getting a real spindle and then build a larger frame for it.

The laser is pretty nice too, does engraving really well, and will actually cut 3mm plywood, so it will definitely be worth an upgrade. The laser module is a diode version and this actually has me considering getting a more powerful one for the full size laser cutter that I’m building.

Burlington Mini Maker Faire

Work has been very busy lately, and that combined with the upcoming Maker Faire I haven't had a lot of chances to work on much.  I still need to make some minor fixes to my printers to prepare for Saturday, and I have to make some signs and start printing out the Yoda heads :)

I have ordered another printer, this is actually a kit from Banggood for an acrylic Prusa I3.  I'm going to add a heated bed to it and we'll see how well it performs.

I have also been working on cleaning up my two workshops at my house in preparation for the Laser Cutter build.  I've finally got the last parts I needed (the laser tube, power supply and controller) so I'm ready to start the assembly.  The first step is to hook up all the electronics and make sure that's all working, then I'll be starting on the frame.  I still haven't decided what material to use for the panels, but I might get some panels from Inventables to use.

Then I have my Rostock 3DR to put together, I've had all the parts, but again no place to build it.  I had let my workbench get cluttered and it's just not good to try and put together a printer in a cluttered workspace :)

I also want to put together my 1.75 extruder for filament, and also the chopper so I can do colors more consistently.