laser cutting/3D

[mighalpern]

Hi folks:
I have a question for the group on which laser cutter/ 3D printers they are using,  what are the pros and cons.  One of my fellow Gandy Dancers is seriously looking at getting one.  He was eyeing the micro mark  one and then came across this glow forge model http://glowforge.com/
the micro mark one requires an outside water source for cooling ( I take ) and the other is self contained.
Anyway I am not a CAD expert or laser expert so I am asking.  I know there are probably other brands too.
he has a budget of 2k  and both the micro mark and glow forge are that.
All input is greatly appreciated

Thanks
Miguel

[Chris333]

Why not just farm out the work?  I recently had 4 passenger cars cut for a whopping $26.

[mighalpern]

Hi chris:
yes good option, although I know he want to make some custom buildings, but i guess you could just send the drawing or photo in and get it done?
who did you go with?
thanks
Miguel

[Chris333]

Mostly it depends what program you draw with. You need to find someone who runs their laser with the same programs. I use autoCAD so I have stuff cut by Mt. Blue Models and Monroe Models.
http://mountbluemodelco.com/
http://www.monroemodels.us/

Mt. Blue has a finer focused laser if you need very intricate work done. They charge by the cut time. So cutting a box and cutting a box with etched siding. The siding box will take much longer to cut. 

There are others out there. I recently got to watch 2 laser cutters at work. He told me one was $8000 and the other was $17000. It would be nice to have my own, but for as cheap as it is to have it cut it's not worth it to buy one yet.

I'm sure others can list more laser cutting services.

[CodyO]

@Chris333  did those cars happen to be N scale Erie models?

[Chris333]

@Chris333  did those cars happen to be N scale Erie models?

Nope, not even N scale 

[Alaska Railroader]

I have a high end LaserPro laser ($20,000 new) and can do very fine focused detailing, have lasered items smaller than the head of a pin. At this time I only take accurate drawings done in CorelDRAW including allowances for material thickness. I have many different materials and they are included in the price.

I have one client for custom cutting and he sends me drawings that are perfect. Not very many people can do that, thus the reason I have just the one client   I spend the rest of my laser time doing my own work and am not accustomed to problems like redos on someone else's drawings, this takes time to recalibrate and re-laser. If it costs me more time and materials to do it will cost money for the client.

Hahaha, probably scared everyone off.

[wazzou]

@Alaska Railroader
Karin, I'd love to order a bridge from you.  I need your e-mail addy as I don't do PayPal, so looking for another option to work with you.

[Alaska Railroader]

Sent you PM Bryan, thanks.