130 Watt CO2 Laser

[Frankqv]

We recently purchased a 130 Watt CO2 laser. It has opened up new horizons of products we can produce cost effectively.And it allows us to change basic patterns without having to get new dies made. Great for prototyping,and production. Maybe we should have a Laser section and we can learn from each other,just an idea. We have cut 2 oz Veg-14 oz Veg very effectively,engraving is easy.

i’ll  post some work in the coming weeks.This is the engraver/cutter.https://bescutter.com/collections/lasers/products/business-level-52x36-co2-laser-cutter-engraver-100w-to-150w?variant=33972278919  The reason we opted for this unit was we had viewed other Chinese engravers,the boxes were thin sheet metal,pretty flimsy. This unit weighs in at over  a thousand  lbs ,the othe ones we viewed were <750lbs. The linear ways are pretty robust,and the other owners spoke highly of the machines. There is some assembly required,and the focusing of the mirrors is time consuming. All and all we’re very happy with the new addition. I took the time while waiting for delivery to digitize all the standard Holster patterns, which we don’t have dies for,and even some we have dies that I wanted to modify.

[LatigoAmigo]

That is good to hear. I also have a CO2 laser (a "homemade" 100 w), and have enjoyed the experience. Here is my latest project.

[Frankqv]

I think the repeatability makes it a useful tool.we do everything from Bridles to holsters,wallets ect. New patterns are easy to whip up. Nice work,very nice.

[LatigoAmigo]

My niece teaches print-making at the local junior college, and she refers to the laser-cutting process as "edition-able" because once you have the pattern you want, you can produce it over and over. I'm kinda caught up in the world of one-offs, but maybe someday I will design something I'd like to repeat.

[RockyAussie]

I am seriously thinking that this laser stuff could have some merit in it. I have been doing some prototype production work recently that I believe would probably only be realistic to do with a laser. I am curious to find out if a 40 watt can actually be used to cut 3mm (7to 8oz) with the right software and such or not? @LatigoAmigo That bag looks good and different as well.May I ask if after cutting is there much work in cleaning up the edges before applying edge coat? I mean such as in the crew punch strap holes in your bag and similar.

6 hours ago, Frankqv said:

Maybe we should have a Laser section and we can learn from each other,just an idea

I think that would be an excellent idea. Lets do it.

[LatigoAmigo]

On 4/3/2018 at 2:17 AM, RockyAussie said:

May I ask if after cutting is there much work in cleaning up the edges before applying edge coat? I mean such as in the crew punch strap holes in your bag and similar.

What you see are "raw" edges, which burn black. After cutting, there tends to be some smoke and heat residue on the surface, including the edges, so after wiping everything down with a damp microfiber cloth, I clean it up with saddle soap. I prefer Farnam Leather New Glycerine Saddle Soap which is a spray. Works wonderfully. Then I finish with a leather dressing like Obenauf's, paying attention to the edges, which helps get rid of the burnt leather smell. Hope that answers your question.

[LatigoAmigo]

On 4/3/2018 at 2:17 AM, RockyAussie said:

I am curious to find out if a 40 watt can actually be used to cut 3mm (7to 8oz) with the right software and such or not?

The determinant is not just the weight of the leather, as the way the leather is processed also makes a difference. For example, I have some "stuffed" leather that took many passes to cut through, most likely due to its density. Even though I'm using a 100-watt laser, I'm finding that it can take 6 or more passes to get the cut and finish that I want in that weight leather. The software can make some difference, but generally that is governed by the manufacturer. You will find that the process requires trial and error, as there are many variables to consider.

[RockyAussie]

Thanks for the input @LatigoAmigo. I guess cleaning up the charring on the edges is something that will have to be solved before I commit to too much expense. I will try and get a bit done somewhere to have a look at it further.

[chuckgaudette]

I've been disappointed with cutting leather with the laser. I'm using mostly soft leather about 3mm and the charring is just too much work to get off. What I do is use the laser to score the pattern on the back side of the leather and then finish the cut with a knife. That way there is much less clean up.  It's more work than if I had a clicker and some dies but at least I can get the pattern outline on the piece accurately.

[Frankqv]

Chuckdette,We have some charring,but I’ve been able to back off on the power tto minimize that. Excess charring could be focal length not set right?  All of our molded fold over are all double sided. 2-2.5 oz/ 4- 4.5oz glued back to back. We  cover the 4.5 oz side with low tack sign transfer tape. We trim the sides so we end up with 20 + ft2 laminated. We can slip it in the front door of the laser. I nest the patterns which maximizes yield. I use an outlined font to mark the make ,model,,IWB/OWB on each holster.We maintain specific inventories,so I’m able to mix the holster cuts on the one piece.