Uses for a D40/K40 Size Machine

[wmgeorge]

Considering the purchase of a new Chinese made laser engraver and before I spring for that and the Upgrades.

Just wondering what people are using these small machines for, just hobby things or any business items? It looks to be an interesting project but would like to know if the smaller machines have any uses?

[Toasty]

Sounds like you're putting the horse before the cart.

If you need to engrave parts that will fit in a converted k40 then it's a great machine. If you need to engrave something that's 30" long then no, it won't work for you.

I don't understand why you would need one if you don't have a use for it. Isn't that kind of like buying an office building then trying to come up with a business to put in it?

Yes, there are thousands of uses for one. What do YOU want to do with it. Once we know that it will be easier to let you know if it will work for that purpose.

[wmgeorge]

Sounds like you're putting the horse before the cart.

If you need to engrave parts that will fit in a converted k40 then it's a great machine. If you need to engrave something that's 30" long then no, it won't work for you.

.

I guess I was looking for some examples of things that can be done with a smaller machine. I have owned in the past a CNC plasma and a small CNC wood router. People think they are neat and love the work, but bottom line they see the imports from India and China and want you to price your work accordingly. Sold some work on eBay but the shipping costs and making a profit got in the way of sales. Lots of lookers, but not enough sales to make it worthwhile.

[1n2]

.[/quote]

I guess I was looking for some examples of things that can be done with a smaller machine. [/quote]

There's a topic where people can pop up their work..
I personally make

panels for flight simulators
gears and gearboxes
PCB's ready for etching
All manner of beechwood ply plaques and shapes
Boxes and drawers

As has been mentioned above if it fits in your machine (300x200 ish ) the world is your bi valved mollusc

John

[todmaerin]

Personally, I do models/parts and gaming aids in addition to all of the small projects people ask me for (like lin bins, business cards, etc.) I'm currently working on a range of 6mm "epic" scale sci-fi buildings for Dropzone Commander and Robotech. And I've done a lot of stuff for Warhammer-- from terrain to custom vehicle plating to chapter logos, to movement trays and gauges/rulers/tokens. Once my fiance gets her stuff ironed out, we'll be adding a lot of doll house stuff too.

-Tod