That was the next thing on my list, a laser engraver and cutter. I just had to add it to my collection of tools to create beautiful things. So I scoured the internet in search for design ideas and created my own version out of 20×20 and 40×20 linear rails, some CNC’ed perspex, a control system, a few stepper motors, and of course a blue laser. Mine is capable of producing 3.5W of blue light. Allegedly.
I made the control board from an Adafruit Metro Mini 328 with GRBL firmware and some Pololu DRV8825 drivers. It came out pretty nice, I was able to engrave perspex and different types of wood, but also anodised coloured aluminium. The laser just burns off the colour, as you can see in the pictures below.
