Benbox is pretty terrible, but look for T2Laser or a new program called BenCutLaser.
There's a forum dedicated to these machines (you should be able to find by searching).
Type: Posts; User: zax15uk
Benbox is pretty terrible, but look for T2Laser or a new program called BenCutLaser.
There's a forum dedicated to these machines (you should be able to find by searching).
You may be out of luck with Windows 7, although you can try the Windows 98 and XP compatibility modes. If that doesn't work you either need to setup dual boot or you can install Microsoft VM which...
Corel is the best option, and importing dxf's to Newlydraw works great.
The amount you need to apply as a contour depends on the material, but i would suggest 0.02 - 0.04 mm as a starting point.
...
You need to use a low resolution (dpi) for glass to look good, the image is created by micro fractures so if you don't have sufficient spacing between points it will look blurred.
A damp paper...
It could be, but I haven't seen a machine where that was the case. It may be a fixed parameter in the model settings (which you may be able to edit).
If you use the manual jog keys can you exceed...
Bob,
If you are using Newlydraw there should be a 'Prop' button to the right of the model name in the engrave screen. It will bring up a box with 2 tabs, click on the device tab and change the...
100W would be marginal and depends on the epoxy (glue) and other resins in the wood, so I would suggest 120W+ (this is based on Chinese glass tube CO2 lasers).
If you are considering a higher end...
Inkscape is an open source design program and will not 'run' these low cost desktop lasers. What you have likely seen is a plug in that can drive a laser or more likely the laser had a print driver....
The PSU may not be wired correctly, depending on your model the interlock and/or laser enable circuits need to be grounded or held at correct input.
Zax.
Many of the problems would be solved with a water jet guided laser. I don't know if they are available in sufficient power levels for your purpose but it is something to look into.
Zax.
I would not recommend laser for this application, you will find ultrasonic cutting to be far superior and lower cost.
You could probably get by with an oscillating knife, or if you only need...
Hi Adrian, so the machine was working before you moved it?
Does it initialize when powered up or is it completely dead?
If it's dead, check the EMO switch is released, rotate it so it pops up....
The split text sounds like a mechanical issue, losing steps would be my guess. This could be from running too fast, excess friction or some other factor.
It would be easy to check, after running...
Hey Neville,
As geekinesis suggested it is likely due to alignment, resulting in the beam reflecting and creating your ghost but if alignment is good I would check that the lens isn't cracked.
...
Yes, oops! Not good.
Was it mechanical damage (impact) or a result of local overheating due to insufficient coolant flow and/or trapped air?
Zax.
There are several possible causes.
You may have moved the axis past the home sensor, turn off the system and move it gently back to the active area and allow the machine to re-home.
A belt may...
I don't recommend adding a CO2 laser with flying optics ($600) to a CNC unless you are going to build an enclosure around the entire machine with suitable safety interlocks. If your CNC is a fixed...
You can get excellent results cutting paper and card (providing it is not corrugated) using a CO2 laser.
The best results are obtained using higher power and faster speeds, but for paper even >25W...
The output resolution is different to the photo resolution, although it is a good idea to have them matched.
twehr is absolutely correct, I was going to mention the best results are usually with...
It sounds like Baggy's suggestions are correct. You will get better results at lower power but also try a lower dpi, which will also speed up the job.
Zax.
If you plan to engrave (raster) it will be important to keep the inertia down, as you will want fast speeds in the scanning direction. I would recommend at least 100mm/s (~250ipm) for both axis, and...
There are several actually, Sketchup would work using plug ins to get the functionality you need or you could try a standalone program (here's one to try DAK Engineering - Ace Converter).
Zax.
Dave,
I understand your frustrations with ND, yes it has some limitations and quirks but for a hobby system I believe it is satisfactory.
I design in ArtCAM or SolidWorks and send jobs to my...
Re: hot sand wood burning (marquetry)
I don't believe it is applicable for your application but here are some examples:
Wood Inlay text, Section 1
French marquetry - French marqueter - Video -...
A laser would be suitable and you won't need anything too powerful.
I have also done this with CNC and a pyro pen, it's slow compared to a laser though and I agree laser would be a better option....
I agree with Tweakie. I think the laser would open up additional possibilities, but if you aren't interested in exploring other options a laser is probably overkill.
Zax.
Chris,
If I understand correctly the answer is no regarding CO2, what you will do is remove the coating but not engrave the base metal to any extent (certainly not 3 mils).
I'm not familiar...
I agree that laser cutting some wood results in dark edges from resins, and this cannot be prevented, but where the inert gas helps is if you are getting flame-ups that are burning the edge...
The results depend greatly on the type of wood, but air assist using an inert gas will help.
Zax.
Nice job Tweakie, that's very slick.
Zax.