Building a CO2 laser?

[Jmmsbnd007]

Hi, a friend and I are looking to build a CO2 laser. We eventually plan to attach it to a CNC device and make a cheap CO2 laser for cutting metals and engraving stuff. How much wattage would we need? I assume we'll need gaseous CO2, so we can just pick up a tank at a welding supply shop. Power supply (neon sign transformer)? Water or aircooled? Any suggestions? Thanks, we appreciate it.

 

[dighn]

try google, esp the groups search. tons of resources on usenet

 

[optoman]

Good Luck.

You will probably need a couple of watts if not more.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Ask Fencer128 when he comes on. He is the resident laser expert.

 

[Jmmsbnd007]

Originally posted by: dighn
try google, esp the groups search. tons of resources on usenet

Uh, we already checked google. From the looks of it, it takes at least 30 properly focused watts to cut sheet metal. So much for an easy laser.

 

[silverpig]

Is it gonna be a giant "la-ser"?

 

[iwearnosox]

I've had no trouble constructing one although the velcro keeps slipping off of my shark's head.

 

[dighn]

Originally posted by: Jmmsbnd007

Originally posted by: dighn
try google, esp the groups search. tons of resources on usenet

Uh, we already checked google. From the looks of it, it takes at least 30 properly focused watts to cut sheet metal. So much for an easy laser.

heh it looks like a ton of trouble. from the looks of it you can't just use co2, needs to be a mixed of a few gasses.

 

[silverpig]

Originally posted by: iwearnosox
I've had no trouble constructing one although the velcro keeps slipping off of my shark's head.

I will not tolerate your insolence! Throw me a fricken bone here. All I want is fricken sharks with fricken laserbeams on their heads okay?

 

[sharkeeper]

It's not difficult to make a flowing CO2 laser. Sealed tube? Forget it!

If you want something to cut hard materials and with speed, count on at least 150W! Lesser amounts will fuse materials and melt stuff but cutting speed requires power.

Whether you build or purchase, it isn't going to be cheap! There is no such thing as a cheap work laser!

-DAK-