Messages

7371

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: The Laser Project.

« on: October 10, 2009, 04:59:10 AM »

These are my first thoughts on the control circuit for the laser tube.
May be changed a bit after I have thought it through but looks good for now.

Tweakie.



Update; Diagram updated.

7372

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: The Laser Project.

« on: October 10, 2009, 03:49:24 AM »

Sure have Sam.

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/sopis_c/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=

If you need it I have the address of the supplier which I can pm.

Tweakie.

7373

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: The Laser Project.

« on: October 09, 2009, 12:43:13 PM »

The water circulating pump has just arrived from China.

This is actually a chemical pump with ceramic shaft and seals with no metallic parts in contact with the fluid flow. It has a continuously rated, 12 volt brush less motor with a life expectancy in excess of 40,000 hours (which should see me out if it is as good as it is claimed). 

Tweakie.

Update:-
Now that I have had a chance to inspect and test the pump it does contain two stainless steel parts: a wear plate behind the impeller and a spire clip to retain the impeller, both parts are non-magnetic.

7374

General Mach Discussion / Re: Laser/Impact Engraver Plugin

« on: October 09, 2009, 03:54:56 AM »

For others that follow.
Bart has found the answer to his question:-

The ENGRAVING triggering is output on the DIGITAL TRIGGER pin which you will need to assign to a pin and enable.

Tweakie.

7375

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: The Laser Project.

« on: October 09, 2009, 03:18:20 AM »

Hi Dan,

No, the router will still be fully functional by removing the focus lens and fitting the spindle.  I will, however, have to provide caps for the laser output aperture and Z axis mirror (although this component can easily be removed by releasing two bolts) to protect the optics from dust etc. but routing will not be affected by all the other parts. The additional weight of the complete machine is another matter. 

I have researched the project before starting and I did gain a lot of practical experience from using the low power diode laser but my progress is all 'hand to mouth' and I am purchasing the parts as and when required. Wish I did have a cookbook to follow but the internet is a wonderful thing for gaining information once you have separated the facts from the speculation.

My next job is to establish if the CO2 tube I have has its anode/cathode electrodes in electrical contact with the water cooling as this will decide if I use a closed loop heat exchanger (non metallic) of if I can use a forced air radiator and in addition is ethylene glycol electrically conductive at 18,000 Volts ?.

Still a long way to go.

Tweakie.

7376

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: The Laser Project.

« on: October 08, 2009, 11:29:31 AM »

After a rainy day I have made a little more progress.
The EHT unit has been fitted to the frame and the enclosure for the CO2 tube has been constructed. The focus lens assembly has also been completed.
And a picture of my little helper.

Tweakie.

7377

Tangent Corner / Re: The Dickies are done.

« on: October 08, 2009, 08:46:54 AM »

    

Tweakie.

7378

Tangent Corner / The Dickies are done.

« on: October 08, 2009, 03:16:45 AM »

She finally got around to washing my 'Dickies', said she would wash the trousers next week.

Tweakie.

7379

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: Half Size Douglas Motorcycle :D

« on: October 08, 2009, 03:06:46 AM »

Brilliant work Rob, just brilliant.

Tweakie.

7380

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: Gertrude Gets Some!

« on: October 07, 2009, 04:17:25 AM »

Good advice Chris.

A lesson to us all is to take care what we post and where we post it.

Tweakie.