Very small laser

[Mike Davis]

Ive got the Longer 5W and the Longer 20w Lasers and they are amazing machines

I watched your video. I don’t like videos because they cause me to have more questions than answers. I really need to take a few spoons and bowls and see the process and results.

 

[Artisan Pirate]

I watched your video. I don’t like videos because they cause me to have more questions than answers. I really need to take a few spoons and bowls and see the process and results.

totally Understand, I know Mike Matthews had a 10w laser thats also a Longer I believe

 

[mkepke]

Thanks but I don’t have a computer. Only my phone and iPad. I use computers all day at work and don’t even want to see one when I get home.

Given this and if all you want to do is sign your work, consider a woodburning pen instead of a laser.

80-90% of CNC work is the computer-side of things. The actual CNC machining is the 10-20% remainder.

-Mark, who was in the shop this evening running calibration test patterns and materials tests on his laser.

 

[Mike Davis]

Given this and if all you want to do is sign your work, consider a woodburning pen instead of a laser.

80-90% of CNC work is the computer-side of things. The actual CNC machining is the 10-20% remainder.

-Mark, who was in the shop this evening running calibration test patterns and materials tests on his laser.

I have a Colwood wood burning set. I used it for years, it takes time, is not consistent, looks bad to me. That’s why I bought the branding iron. Branding works great for bowls and flat work. Doesn’t work for my spoons. Also it would be nice to add the year and species. I heard or read that some lasers can be programmed from a phone or iPad.
One of the guys at work has a Longer brand laser. I’m going to see if he will show me how it works.

 

[mkepke]

Far be it for me to talk anyone out of a new tool

If you want I can give you a remote tour of my set up. I think my it’s pretty typical for a hobbyist.

-Mark

 

[mpeele]

Here you go, meets all you requirements except I could not find lense focal length but it's probably short since is promoted as an engraver and not a cutter :

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805272552478.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.105.7b20H2W3H2W3iQ&algo_pvid=3b0ae5ec-4d35-4f7c-a3ec-2353bb8c446a&algo_exp_id=3b0ae5ec-4d35-4f7c-a3ec-2353bb8c446a-52&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21USD%21278.41%21189.32%21%21%21278.41%21189.32%21%402101fb0a17219230097396236e6849%2112000034874544991%21sea%21US%21134856862%21&curPageLogUid=VhbyUo1M7U3Y&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A

Less than $500 and no computer required.

Without a rotary you will have to have a long focal length lens. A 3" lens will give you a good 6 mm depth of field but the spot size will limit the sharpness. An engraver typically has a very short focal length which will maximize power and detail.

I think to do what you want to do you'll probably spend about $1000+ and invest a fair amount of time to get set up to do a quality engraving.