"Affordable" laser cutter?

[Aaronw]

Is there such thing as a hobby laser cutter for plastic? I seem to recall seeing kits in the past similar to what resin casters do, but with precut plastic parts and was wondering if there is a tool out there in the high end hobby tool range ($1000-2000)?

I'm guessing that what I remember seeing was likely someone who used professional tools for their day job and did kits on the side, but thought I'd ask. If such a thing exists it must be on a few peoples wish list.

Thanks

[jeffb]

scale modeling by chris has a cnc engraver..they can cut all kinds of neat stuff. they mostly use it to cut thier garage kits. i never saw the invoice, but i know it wasnt "affordable" by any stretch...

[Aaronw]

I've done some searching online and unfortunately it seem to be the trend to make people email for a price. I did run across a couple of small ones in the $1000-1500 range, but the working size is really to small to be of use for models 6x8" or so. I did find a place near my Dad's, that carries laser cutters I may hit them up next time I visit and see if they can recommend something that costs less than a new car, if such a thing exists.

[monkeyclaw]

Aaron; I haven't seen any of that type of equipment down in the price range you are looking....that being said; I have been researching the same type machines for a while....I did see a company on ebay that has complete rabbit cnc machines, with the dell laptop and software to drive it for around $5000.....that's about the least expensive machine I have found; and if memory serves; those machines cut in X,Y,and Z axis.... For me it's a matter of time until both hands don't function; but I want to continue working; putting out new model products; so I won't have a choice but to go digital.... The other option I have explored is finding a good engineering company in your area that has 3-d scanning /printing and CNC capability....Having projects done this way is usually more costly than doing it yourself; but less expensive than buying the equipment...The BIG cost is in the digital modeling time...getting the 3-d model "right" fopr whatever machine is doing the work....You can always feel free to email or call me; I can try to give you as much info as I can.... the one handed typing is really slow (LOL)..........Matt

[Aaronw]

Thanks, $5000 might be an option depending on what it can do. If it can work for a living doing real paying work (I don't know maybe plaques and such?) I might be able to swing something like that with a few years to plan ahead. I'm eligable for retirement in 2018, and just looking for things that might keep me busy and maybe even earn a little extra money. There are lots of things that pre-cut plastic would do as well or better than resin while keeping costs down. I have run across a few places that will do custom work and depending on the actual time required may be an option. The prices I've seen run around $10 / minute for plastic, if the machines are fast and could cut several sheets per minute that would be a pretty reasonable cost.

That 3d printing looks like it has a lot of potential in the future. I've seen at least one model built that way. On another forum someone made a model of a fantasy airplane using that technique. It was about $100 for a 1/72 fighter sized model with minimal detail, a bit much for a model but it seems like it has real potential for mastering resin parts.

I guess I'm just a tech geek, I love learnng how to play with all of this stuff (resin casting, decals, photo etch etc) even if I don't do a lot with it.