Re: Laser links ?

Now, what would be really useful would be a means of turning a cheap
laser pointer into a short-range distance finder and using it to
digitise / scan parts on a mill or router as it could be a lot faster
than a touch probe,

Rab

> [This is OT but linked]
> Do a search on google for Sams laser faq' it's _real_ good. The

basics of a

> CO2 laser are:
> Mirrors, totally and partially reflective
> Borosilicate glass tube around 6mm - 24mm in diameter ~1m long for

discharge

> tube
> Larger tube to surround the discharge tube with coolant (water)
> High voltage transformer(s), 15 - 30kV and the more amps the more

output

> you'll get
> Vacuum pump, anything at or below 20 microns will do fine
> CO2 gas, maybe even CO2 laser gas mix if you can afford it
> Pump for coolant
> Neon laser or diode laser pen for alignment of mirror
> Variac to alter input
> Regulators valves etc
> Small cuddley toy, preferably a rabbit, for use as test target
>
> There are a few parts on the laser that'd be great if they were

machined.

> The mirror mounts for example, would be much simpler if you have

access to

> CNC machines to cut them out. There is a site out there offering

pre-made

> 'homebrew' kits up to 200watts. I think I even saw a gantry type

table

> powered with one of the kits on his page. I'm sorry I don't

remember the

> address, now it's up to you to go mental on google with CO2 homebrew
> searches.
>
> John H.