wolfster

Thanks!!! Thanks as always Gadroc! Just in case anyone is struggling like me, Whatsell has put together this excellent tutorial http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?p=1785040&posted=1#post1785040

Thanks for the excellent tutorial Whartsell, please could I have a copy of your SAS panel sketch?

Amazing! The external visuals look better then the real simulator pics: Full size images: http://www.moody.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/photos/070727-F-4569G-083.jpg http://www.moody.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/photos/070727-F-4569G-082.jpg http://www.moody.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/photos/070727-F-4569G-002.JPG

Hi Agrasyuk, I also like the idea of self contained devices based around the Arduino board. It would be amazing if there was a firmware (or other clever way) that allowed the board to interface to Helios (Stunning application, thanks Gadroc). Given the off the self availability of the board, it's relatively low cost and the number of shields (bar the power requirements you could even have a wire free, WI-Fi enabled panel!) it would be a real enabler for a newbie pit builder like myself. Unfortunately I lack the intellect, lab coat and blackboard required to write code at this level but I'm keen to learn from others. Have you got anywhere with your research? Thanks.

All good arguments for and against but I think Metalnwood has hit the nail on the head. My pit build will needs to fit around two children, a wife and work so it will have to be done as and when I have free time, which makes other options more difficult. I'm currently looking in to the LG3040 (thanks again Metalnwood)from G WeiKe: http://wklaser.com/product/11_186.html as it has the DSP control system (as recommended by Gadroc) and a good balance between the machine footprint and working area (400x300mm). Just need to get the funds together now!

Thanks for the advice gents, it's a far point regarding the outsourcing of panel cutting and I had never considered a using a collage or a makerspace type service. I'm not sure it those options are available where I live, but I can see the added benefit of having experienced people to hand that I assume comes with using a collage or a makerspace service. I have to admit that owning my laser does bring out my inner James Bond villain and I would use it for other projects asides pit building but I'm not made of money and I need to consider all options.

Thanks for the warning metalnwood, I'll investigate pricing. UK import tax (20% + extortionate handling fees) and delivery could be an issue with systems sourced from overseas (the Chinese ones are located in the UK) but I fully appreciate the benefits of buying a 100% working machine from a reputable supplier. The price of my pit build is escalating even before I have started!

FYI the machines I'm looking at are: Desktop model: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PRECISE-CO2-LASER-ENGRAVING-CUTTING-MACHINE-ENGRAVER-NEW-USB-PORT-/290838270084?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item43b74fd084 and DSP model: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-50W-PRO-CO2-LASER-ENGRAVING-CUTTING-MACHINE-ENGRAVER-/121045891202?_trksid=p5197.m1992&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D14%26meid%3D4575485876917361242%26pid%3D100015%26prg%3D1006%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D121045891202%26

Thanks Gadroc, the guide is extremely useful. Given my very limited coding knowledge, I'll take your advice and stay away from the open source option. I just need to weigh up the costs of upgrading (fixing) a D40 compared to buying the next model up. A quick, ill-researched calculation based on the Lightobjects.com's D40 upgrade kit, ebay pricing and UK import duty: Desktop machine (D40): · Machine purchase cost, delivered:~£500.00 · Upgrade kit with delivery and import tax: ~£560.00 · Air pump and 10% for unforeseen costs: ~£120.00 Total cost: ~£1180.00 Next Chinese model up with DSP, air assist and larger working area: Total cost delivered: ~£1760.00 There seems to be a fair amount of extra features with the higher priced model, I'm just uncertain of the quality. With the upgraded desktop laser option, I know the machine has been fixed and I should not incur extra costs (bar a tube replacement). I really need to find a solution to venting the fumes to ensure I'm not smoking the house out each time I use it.. More research needed.

Thanks for the advice gents, it is appreciated. Looks like a laser is the way forward, space is a problem so unfortunately it will have to be one of the smaller machines but I will see if there are any slightly larger machines that will fit my work space and budget requirements. I hadn't considered fume exhaust which could be a major head ache as my "workshop" is a garage which is integrated in to the house. Filling the house with fumes is a sure way to push my long suffering wife over the top... I will do some more research in to the modifications (and cost) that are needed to the cheap ebay machines, I did find an interesting open source replacement laser driver board project to replace the existing Chinese control boards (http://www.laoslaser.org/) for about ~£150 which could be a way forward.

Hi all, I'm a total newbie to the world of home cockpit building but I have been totally inspired by the absolutely stunning cockpit examples coupled the community spirit of this forum, to start my own project. I've been reading the forums for a number of weeks and have come to the conclusion that a CNC machine for building panels is a must (especially given my skill with hand tools!). Due to my limited budget, I would be looking at a Chinese eBay type machine but I cannot decide between a CO2 Laser engraving / cutting machine, which I've seen great results on Gadroc's and Agrasyuk build pages and a CNC milling machine such as the CNC3040. The CNC milling machine feels like a more flexible option as it can mill lightweight metal parts but I'm not sure how good the engraving results are. I would really value the input of the community in my discussion making process. It would also be fantastic to get some photos of panels created with a laser and milling machine for comparison and the types / models of the machines used. Thanks in advance and happy new year to one and all