I've gone out of my skull (or "Ancient HP Pen Plotter -> Laser Etch/Cutting Machine")

[Starbuck3733T]

An email I just shot my dad after I remembered (to the best of my memory) that he's got a working HP DraftPro E size pen plotter he's not using anymore:

Dad,
Do you still use this beast? If not, I've got a neat idea that it could be put to use on with a few small modifications. I'd modify the paper-path axis so that it would slide a flat table on bearings back and forth, as to handle thicker, stiff stock like 1/4" to 1/2" thick plexiglass or metal. Second modification would be to the pen unit: replace the "pen holder" with a laser, and create circuitry that, depending on the pen selected, would set the laser's power. Also, the 'pen lift' trigger would be used to turn the laser on and off. What model is the plotter? Do you have any books for its serial interface? What do you think of this crazy Idea?

--Son

[mnpctech]

Isn't that sorta like Spiv's project?

[zer0]

so are you trying to make a lazer echer or lazer cutter or just something wich will point at it?

also if its going to cut stuff you will realy need a realy powerful lazer wich will 1 cost a lot 2 be hard to find (i think) and 3 use a lot of power. anyways what ever it is good luck :)

[fivecheebs]

ambitious, but very cool ... I hope you get a positive responce from the old man ;)

[Da_Rude_Baboon]

I think George W has been on the phone to star... "Hey m8, you rememeber that Starwars thing Reagen was keen on..." :lol:

If this works Starbuck it will be absoloutly awesome!

[Starbuck3733T]

Isn't that sorta like Spiv's project?

Yes, and I have to pick his brain on where he got the laser. I've seen smaller ones that will do 190mW for ~$700 or so, but I have no idea what I'm looking for. Also have to figure out what he used for bearings. I'm thinking that If I've got a 48" head travel, I'll only need 24" or so of paper path travel... might be able to use linear bearings out of old inkjet printers. (Its not like I don't have a 300 user building that regularly throws that sort of thing out).

so are you trying to make a lazer echer or lazer cutter or just something wich will point at it?

also if its going to cut stuff you will realy need a realy powerful lazer wich will 1 cost a lot 2 be hard to find (i think) and 3 use a lot of power. anyways what ever it is good luck :)

I hope to be able to cut or etch. It'd be awesome if I could get the fine level of control a versalaser has, but I doubt it.

Power = not a concern. I've got the skills or the pre-existing equipment for a high-current DC supply. We (and it hurts me to the bottom of my soul) THREW OUT a 200 amp @ 12V DC supply. It was a MONSTER. I can make what I need, the joys of an EE degree.

Laser is somewhat of a concern though, not sure where to get it or what to get for that matter.

ambitious, but very cool ... I hope you get a positive responce from the old man ;)

I'll let you know.

I think George W has been on the phone to star... "Hey m8, you rememeber that Starwars thing Reagen was keen on..." :lol:

If this works Starbuck it will be absoloutly awesome!

Nah, it was his daddy "Regular Bush". George W is a bit busy to bug me. "Regular Bush" demanded that, if this works, I make him a mantle piece for his ranch in the shape of calvin pissing on john kerry's logo type. Its probably a christmas present for George W, though. :D