More re laser cutting service

[Ron K. Jeffries]

See:  http://www.built-to-spec.com/blog/laser-cutting-services/ 

They offer a nice Rasberry Pi case for $12.50 and provide design files if you wish to make your own.

Their stock RasPi case is black. I'd rather it be transparent. 

Item 2:

Has there been further discussion about possibly having a laser cutter?

Totally off-the-wall idea:

What if... I take a sound but older 22 ft travel trailer, and turn it into a laser cutter on wheels.

It would be able to plug into AC naturally, or could have a generator for venues with

no power.

This approach allows the investment in a laser cutter to serve multiple geographic locations. 

Think of it as  a food wagon for makers. (I know, that's a stretch. LOL)

Realize I need to get up to speed on this whole area, and may well be smoking dope in terms

of the viability of the the general idea.

For my research, which laser cutters (not more than three) should I do "due diligence" on?

$3K purchase cost or less?

File this possible brain fart under "RonJ doesn't know what can NOT be done."

be well,
---
Ron K. Jeffries

805-567-4670

[John Gomm]

I've heard of a maker truck -mobile tool workshop- existing on the east coast somewhere. The more compact city to city distance over there might be an advantage. Wouldn't be surprised if there are suitable grants for this sort of thing.
Epilog seem to be the big name in laser cutters, so see what they have, because its most likely to have good software.
The 40W hobby model from Full Spectrum comes in at 2.5k. Make sure you get good etching capability, coz it is very impressive to etch photos into stuff you've made.
Knowledge exhausted
Dr John

[john fisher]

I really like the trailer idea. I have  talked with friends about a full semi-trailer or shipping container as a some-what mobile worksite. Turns out somebody knew somebody with a rolling machine shop in a semi.

For computers you need an inverter-generator, or better yet, a battery pack with 120V AC inverter charged by solar panels and the genset. For gennys cheapies make way too much noise.

The trailer would be a fantastic PR front at various festivals and fairs. Kind of thing that would make Gizmag etc.

John Fisher

On 08/03/2012 08:35 AM, John Gomm wrote:

On Aug 3, 2012 7:30 AM, "Ron K. Jeffries" <rjef...@gmail.com> wrote:

See:  http://www.built-to-spec.com/blog/laser-cutting-services/ 

They offer a nice Rasberry Pi case for $12.50 and provide design files if you wish to make your own.

Their stock RasPi case is black. I'd rather it be transparent. 

Item 2:

Has there been further discussion about possibly having a laser cutter?

Totally off-the-wall idea:

What if... I take a sound but older 22 ft travel trailer, and turn it into a laser cutter on wheels.

It would be able to plug into AC naturally, or could have a generator for venues with

no power.

-- 
John Fisher

[john fisher]

really off-the-wall:

http://community.benchmarkemail.com/users/Torchmate/newsletter/Torchmate-Overstock-Sale-Specials

-- 
John Fisher

-- 
John Fisher

[Michael Bales]

I also found a screen printer / sign maker who may be interested in putting in on a laser cutter, more details will follow.

[Ron K. Jeffries]

Another use case is fabricating rubber stamps.

---
Ron K. Jeffries

805-567-4670

[John Gomm]

Actually there is already a kit in the hackerspace that makes rubber stamps using a photo mask, but you probably aren't personally interested, just scoping out applications.

If anyone is interested, ask me to show you. Also makes stencils for shallow metal etching or glass etching.
Dr John

[Ron K. Jeffries]

Rubber stamps is NOT a great application for laser cutter, totally agreed.

[JCM]

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fsl/affordable-20x12-laser-cutter-engraver-assembled-i?ref=category 

$3000

--
Jay Miley