I got my SendCutSend laser mount back. I think it turned out great and provides an extremely solid and simple mount. This was the first time I’ve had SendCutSend tap holes for me. I was very happy with that service. Makes for a really clean install.
Tell me more about your design - looks like it doesn’t need compressed air but is manually deployed.
I really like Avid’s laser system but just don’t want to deal with using a compressor.
Hello Tim
The AVID deployable laser is pretty slick. But I don’t have the EX Control system and I don’t do production work. My AVID CNC is in my farm shop so I’m not going to leave the laser on the machine unless I’m using it.
I have the OPT 45W laser and the mounting plate I drew up is drilled and tapped to mount OPTs Pro Dock magnetic mount. I made the probing rod able to slide up out of the way after probing for the laser X,Y,Z. Then I just snap the laser on the mount and go. With the laser removed and the dock cover on, the bottom of my mount is well above the spindle collet. It mounts to the existing threaded holes on the spindle side of AVIDs Z axis. Mine is the most recent Z axis version. I don’t know if those holes are the same in previous versions of the Z axis. Everything is nice and ridged. I was able to up the X axis acceleration without any noticeable laser vibration.
Joel
Joel,
Thanks for the info! You have a really slick setup! My machine is a 2019 version running Mach3. I probably won’t update because I am a Hobbiest.
Currently, I have a separate laser machine but would like to mount a laser on my Avid. I carve 3D wood maps and would like to use the laser to engrave roads and streams.
I will examine your photos and maybe produce something similar!!!
Thanks!
Tim
On the side of my Z axis, the threaded holes are in 2 columns 20mm front to back and up and down are in 40mm rows. If you have a drawing of your laser mount holes, I’d be glad to update my drawing to fit and upload it SendCutSend. With all the mounting holes threaded and the red powder coating, the mount cost me about $70. I had tested the setup with a 3d printed a test version. But it was far too flexible and the laser wasn’t stable.
I run UCCNC. Their laserengrave module works well with the setup. I plan on using the laser a lot with VCarve Pro.
Joel
Nice clean setup.
If your rod mount is not insulated from the powder coat, you should be able to ground your magnet wire on the machine chassis and then you don’t have to connect it to the rod each time. It works for the spindle too with all of AVID’s spindles.
They powder coat after drilling and tapping. I’ll have to check with a meter. I bet the rod isn’t grounded the way I have it.
Joel,
My current laser is a separate stand alone machine. I probably won’t get an Opt laser that can be mounted on my AVID machine until next year.
Looking at your photos, it looks like your Z Axis mount block is a lot thicker than the one on my 2019 machine. My is about 25 mm thick - photo attached below of mine.
So, if you could just send me the file, I could do the modifications myself. That is a really nice offer to share your design and do that work!!!
If you can tell me where you got the fittings that hold the adjustable rod, that would also be very helpful.
Post some photos of the things you make!
Thanks!
Tim
Joel,
I think your original design could work fine on my machine by just putting the holes closer together. I would just drill and thread holes in my narrower Z block that would be a little closer together than in your design.
But bending it and installing it in the slots would be stronger and a lot easier so I think that is the route I will go when I get going on this project!!
Thanks for info about the clamps! Finding the right parts is sometimes a challenge so your info saves a lot of time!
I went to your website and noticed that you raise hops. Washington grows 3/4’s of the hops in the U.S. and when you add in the other Northwest states, nearly all the commercially grown hops. So, I was a little surprised that you are growing them in Kansas!
I have grown them in my yard. They grow crazy fast and took over the support wires for the power pole and grew up to the transformer so I had to cut them down. I can’t remember the variety - maybe Cascade? - but they were popular ones for local beers.
There are some great YouTube videos showing the harvesting machines used in eastern Washington to harvest the hops. Western Washington used to have a huge hop industry but it was wiped out by what was called a hop blight but it was actually an aphid. The industry moved to eastern Washington when early irrigation systems were developed in the late 1800’s.
Thanks!!!
Tim
We grew about 4 acres of hops for several years. Sadly, a few years back we had multiple years of drought that wiped out most when we couldn’t keep the irrigation going. We still have some we use for our own hombrewing. You do have some amazing hops out in the Pacific NW!
I just kind of guessed on your Z axis dimensions. When you get going on the project I’d be glad to help. Just as ballpark reference I uploaded the design to SendCutSend.com looks like they would laser cut and bend the part for about $50.
I spent yesterday trying to get my machine trammed up and the spoilboard surfaced. I kind of struggled with the front to back tramming. It’s close now but not perfect.
Joel
Does anybody else have issues with the laser flying off the dock mount at the end of the job? I have ait tethered to the Z axis so it doesn’t really hit the ground, but I’d prefer to figure out a better way to stop it from jumping off the dock.
I just had the same concern. I moved my laser mount to the left side of the spindle so it could reach the x and y zero. But that leaves the laser hanging over the ground rather than the bed when the machine goes back to zero. Looked a bit vulnerable. Would be nice to have some kind of lock, but I guess the dock protects the laser if you accidentally drive it down too far?