Plywood for laser-cutting

[Phil G]

I can't see the need for shallow pockets, unless I'm missing something?

Hi James, the real reason for looking at pocking the cork is I can't guarantee I can all ways get the same size of plywood what I have found if you get hat they have in the country at these more thinner sizes, IE anything below 3 is really nominal so of my so call 2 is in fact 2.5 thick and some of my 3 is 3.1 My thinking was if I pocket the cork, I get the option of adjusting the pocket depth to suit, Plus it becomes a perfect location template in its own right, and also helps deaden the sound.
I did wonder if fully burn out pockets would be a dirty job. the slowness I expected.

plan B I will try burning the 4 tight corners of the cork to pocket size and then mill out the main body of the pocket.
cheers
Phil,

 

[James Walters]

Ahh, I get it. Sorry, when I wrote that earlier I thought you were just pocketing the plug sockets. I can now picture the situation more clearly. Have you thought about maybe bonding the cork to a piece of thin ply and running it through something like a drum sander. Most joinery shops have them and they're great for reducing cork to a consistent thickness. You could probably get away with just taping the edges to a backing board with some double sided tape, and peeling it off afterwards. Just a thought.

 

[Martin Wynne]

I am not sure 10 watts will be enough to get good stable results IE likely will need two pass or too slow a speed thus getting too much over burn, but there is only one way to find out.

@Phil G @James Walters

Hi Phil,

This might be a crazy idea from someone who hasn't got a laser-cutter.

But if it won't cut all the way though from one side, why not turn it over and cut again from the other side?

You can easily mirror the plan in Templot.

It needs a reasonably accurate means of register to get the second side in the right place on the bed, but if it's the underside it's not too critical. The tapered chair plugs are located by the first 1mm depth on top, so provided you can cut the top side accurately to that depth it should work ok. Turn the power down on the second side so that it doesn't cut deeper than needed.

cheers,

Martin.

 

[Steve_Cornford]

Hi Phil,
Have you tried BBS Timbers
They appear to sell 2.5mm birch ply.

Do you particularly want ply as you dont appear to be wanting re-arrange your timbers so that the grain is longitudinal?

Maybe the MDF available in NZ has a more consistent thickness.

Steve

 

[James Walters]

I can confirm that cutting from each side works a treat. One needs to think it through though. I have a little registration jig which I have made for my machine which I use on certain jobs.
With the correct focussing, it can minimise the kerf draft and make clean up easier and more accurate for very thick parts, say 12mm+

 

[Phil G]

Hi Phil,
Have you tried BBS Timbers
They appear to sell 2.5mm birch ply.

Do you particularly want ply as you dont appear to be wanting re-arrange your timbers so that the grain is longitudinal?

Maybe the MDF available in NZ has a more consistent thickness.

Steve

Hi Steve,
yes BBS is one of the supplies I have tried
re the grain, I am not looking for the exact gain per every timber, however because I am modeling to prototype scale for Heaton Norris junction most of the curves are quite gentle, so most of the grain direction will be applicable.
Bit unsure about MDF most of what is make locally uses urea formaldehyde as the bonding material, so not over keen to
laser that. Not whilst I am still such a novice anyway.
cheers
Phil

 

[Steve_Cornford]

hi phil,
Do you have any model aircraft stores near you?
They often have suitable high quality sheets of ply.
Steve

 

[Phil G]

hi phil,
Do you have any model aircraft stores near you?
They often have suitable high quality sheets of ply.
Steve

Hi Steve,
There are only two model shops in the whole of Auckland, both stock a bit of everything and not much specific.
The down side of a total population of 5 million is not many outlets to choose from
cheers
Phil

 

[Phil O]

Hi All

Having splashed the cash on a laser cutter, I need some materials, I'd like some ply for 4mm timbers and for building carcasses and if you know of a supplier of laser cuttable plastic, I would be obliged.

Many Thanks.

 

[Terry Downes]

Hi Phil,
I purchase from the following. Hobarts (www.hobarts.com) and 4D model making materials (www.modelshop.co.uk). Which Laser did you go for?

 

[James Walters]

LaserPly, Hobarts, Hindleys. Google them. I've used them all with no problems.
Same applies for plastics although the options for cutting plastics are limited with a diode laser. Certain colours & clear will not cut.

Have fun with you new machine. Did you get the Mk2 or the Mk1?

Best,
James

 

[Phil O]

Hi James/Terry

Many thanks for your quick response. I hope that it's the Mk2, the photos look like it. I now have to wait for it to be shipped and arrive here in a few weeks time.

Terry, the one that James reviewed on Martin's Happy New Year thread.