Superb Open Source CNC Laser Cutter

The Open Source movement sets another fine example with this superb 2-axis laser cutting/engraving station.  This is version 2.0 which has a more compact size measuring 12” x 20” x 4”. The DIY laser cutter/engraver has a manual vertical axis but you can opt-in for a digitally controlled one.

The electronics as well as all moving metal parts have been designed keeping simplicity and strength in mind. The neat thing about this laser cutter and engraver is that it could give commercial CNC machines a run for their money.

What’s really handy is that Open Source machine has a large community behind it. Head to the Buildlog.net blog and join the forum to view all drawings, schematics, build instructions, and source files that are available for free.

read the rest of article...

The Art of Box Making

[Darcy] has a bit of a love affair with cardboard. What started out as a simple way to mail things cheaper by making custom sized boxes has turned into the full-blown art of box making. He originally started by making the boxes by hand, but after he got suitably adept at it, he quickly refined his craft by adding in some technology. He now designs the boxes in SketchUp and then uses a home-made CNC router to cut and score the cardboard into even fancier styles.

His blog has a whole slew of his cardboard box designs and it’s actually pretty cool to see what he’s come up with. He also has a bunch of tips for making your own, so if you’re one of those lucky hackers who can sell the things they make, it’s definitely worth a look! If you’re not selling anything perhaps a cardboard lamp shade is more for you? To see a video example of one of his CNC cut boxes, stick around after the break. Now all he needs to do is design an automatic box folding machine!

CAUTION: LOUD VIDEO

read the rest of article...