Laser Cutter

[skilliyay]

Bit of a long shot, but I need to borrow a laser cutter with a working area of 710 x 460mm, any suggestions welcome

[joko]

err...ask someone who has one if you can borrow it?

sorry i don't understand what you want here...?

[redcrx]

borrow? what are you wanting to cut?

[redcrx]

without knowing what you are wanting to use it for no-one will really be able to assist.
Lasers have bed sizes up to 4000 x 2000mm for industrial use but with prices upwards from �350,000.00 no-one would let you borrow it. Theres the programming issues, running costs, training for use to consider.

[skilliyay]

Sorry, for being vague. I need to cut some thin plastic (correx) using a CAD file I have.

redcrx - actually u can get desktop laser cutters for <�5,000 google "versalaser"

like i said, a bit of a long shot, just if anyone knew a model club/ school/ colege, that might lease one

thanks

[heathfield]

Like Redcrx says, what do you want to cut? There will be a something of a difference between a laser cutter for steel, and one for greetings cards.
Better than borrowing, why not take your work to the cutter? Google provides links to 'laser cutting services'

[redcrx]

if you have the CAD file all ready then why not just call around a few laser companies or water jet cutters and ask if they can cut for you. The lasers i have experience with are all metal cutting (up to 20mm thick and very large) rather than plastics but most companies would give quotes on small batches and even free issue at times.
whereabouts are you based? I may be able to find somewhere

[redcrx]

oh and i am aware of the desktop lasers, but as i said, industrial lasers cost a heck of a lot more. My last one was �650k and i certainly wouldnt let anyone borrow it lol

[skilliyay]

Im based in Gloucestershire, I need to use the cutter for a small number of prototypes, hence I don't won't to pay big tooling/set up costs hope that makes sense. thx red

[Mattk]

a local college or uni maybe ?

[markja]

we are doing a local bank this weekend and will be leaving it behind 'cos the cash we're having away will stop us from carrying it after the job. so wait till you hear what bank just got done and pop down to ask the plod if you can borrow it before they bag it up as evidence. and no i'm not telling what bank it will be. you'll just have to wait.
good luck,
fingers smith and crowbar jones.