$60 Laser Engraver / Cutter - Engraving Cutters

$60 Laser Engraver / Cutter
I drool on my keyboard when I look at those fancy laser cutter/engravers that cost $$thousands, so I figured out how to make one for $60. That's right -- 60 bucks.

My design is not EXACTLY like the multi-$1,000 models, but it will let you do a lot of the same work. Figure on 'manual' rather than 'computer-operated'. This means you don't have to learn CAD, or even have a computer. It can also be used as a portable (bonus!). Did I mention it only costs $60?

When I saw the cutting laser that Stephanie Maksylewich made, I knew all that was missing was some way to control where it points and burns, and a variable AC power supply to control the intensity. See the video here.

I decided to mount a cutting laser on a pantograph, (and see below) used for centuries to copy, enlarge, and shrink an existing drawing. But instead of a pencil lead making the duplicate, we'll use the laser to cut or engrave.

I built a variable power supply out of 10 simple electrical pieces, and a pantograph out of four yardsticks and some nuts and bolts.

Remember to always treat this device with respect -- it's an industrial-strength handheld power tool, even if it looks homebrewed.

step 1First things first
First, read through this entire instructable before buying or assembling anything. I'm using mine to prototype a new product, and I couldn't justify putting $$thousands$…

step 2Rough Description
You'll need a drill and drill bits if you make your own pantograph, some epoxy or silicone caulk, tape, rubber bands, ballpoint pen or pencil, toothpicks, needle nose plier…

step 3Tools You'll Need
Tools: Drill motor, a 3/8" drill bit (for the bolts) and a 1/2" drill bit (make a hole for the 12mm metal tube that holds the laser) for drilling wood. If your drill mo…

step 4Materials You've Gotta Have
'''Yardsticks''' 4 yardsticks (Home Depot 611-269, $1.29 each) or any long, thin strips of light, stiff material you can drill through. This will be your pantograph. If yo…

step 5Make the Pantograph
This is the 'printer' part of the project. A pantograph lets you copy something without requiring much skill (other than a steady hand). It will enlarge or shrink from the …

step 6Pick Your Power Supply
This next section on power supplies is a little lengthy. You may be able to skip over most of it, or you may have to read it carefully three times. You already know how muc…

step 7Laser Stuff
When your laser stuff arrives, read every word in the next section all the way to the end. Out loud. Twice. Don't cheat -- I'm watching you. This laser will immediately …

step 8Assemble the Laser Parts
Study the schematic wiring diagram carefully. Print it out if you can. Download it and expand it if you wish. Slip the small heat sink over the voltage regulator (see ph…

step 9Ready to Solder
At this point, you should still be reading all the way through before you begin anything, right? A hot-melt glue gun will come in handy for semi-permanent mounting of t…

step 10Adjust the Laser Lens
You should now have a working pantograph. You should also have all the electronic components soldered together. You should also have collected a DVD burner laser as describ…

step 11Put the Pieces Together
You now have the pieces you'll assemble for the finished project. When you're satisfied, you may wish to press the laser through a piece of plastic food wrap, then put i…

step 12Burn Some Stuff !
Use good judgement with this project. No flammable stuff nearby, no tricks or horseplay. A fire extinguisher or maybe a towel nearby to throw over any flaming surprise is a good thing.