So I successfully acquired one used scanner for my laser cutter/etcher. I lucked out and found one on Craigslist for $5. I am really looking forward to taking it apart and seeing what it looks like on the inside. It seems to be an old Epson that has parallel ports and everything. I haven’t something with ports like this for at least ten years or more. The world seems to enjoy giving me more reasons for me to feel old. (I really am laughing at this thought.) I am going to get another one from my brother, that is far newer, some time soon. It will be interesting to see what the difference between the insides are.
I am still researching diodes. I am pretty certain that I should get a 2W 445nm blue laser diode. Finding one within my budget is proving to be difficult. It should be strong enough to cut, or at the very least etch, the thickness of cast acrylic sheeting that I would like it to. It will probably take a ew passes to get all the way through a single sheet that is 1-2mm thick. But at this point something is better than nothing. I’ll be happy if it etches at all. That is my very base requirement for my device.
I have been doing some test etchings with the laser available to me in the University’s lab. (pictures shown below) The University’s one is running a 40W laser though. 1. I can’t afford something that heavy duty, because the laser itself is over $100. 2. I think a laser that strong would be far too much for my little machine to handle. There’s a little hope in me though that I will find the exact diode I need at a price that I can afford. Cross your fingers (and toes) for me.
