Custom Laser Cutting?

[YodaMcFly]

Does anyone have any experience with having parts (plywood) custom laser cut?

I don't have access to a laser cutter, and although I *could* make what I need either with a jigsaw, or by modifying existing pieces, I thought it might be worth checking to see if anyone had tried the laser route.

Specifically what I need are bulkhead pieces that fit the 2.5" (not 2.6") Estes body tube (e.g. the Partizon). I want to build an e-bay for it, but the experience of turning down a commercial 2.6" bulkhead for the one example I have flying now triggered my inherent laziness.

Again, if I have to, I'll probably just cut 'em out with a jigsaw or a holesaw, but I was hoping for something a bit cleaner.

 

[markg]

My local makerspace has one. I've used it for fins, centering rings and a bunch of baffles. I've cut 1/8 plywood and 10mm baltic birch with no issues. I use OpenSCAD or AutoCAD for designing, then put it into Adobe Illustrator for 'printing'.

I was actually just there last Friday and cut some fins and centering rings for a 5.5" cluster project as well as a set of baffles for an Estes Prowler.

Here's a really easy to use OpenSCAD script for generating baffles :

https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/openscad-centering-ring-generator.134650/

cheers - mark

 

[Gary Byrum]

Use your Google map and type "Laser cutting in (your area)", and see what pops up. I did that and found the perfect place to get mine done in the next town over.

 

[SCP]

How about Nate Kinsey? I am sure he can chime in here........... just a plug for a well respected laser cutting specialist.

 

[MikeyDSlagle]

How about Nate Kinsey? I am sure he can chime in here........... just a plug for a well respected laser cutting specialist.

I thought he did CNC router work. Either way, he does great work.

 

[YodaMcFly]

Thanks for the ideas. Sadly, the closest maker-space is an hour's drive away, although I may still try to join them. Similarly, the closest "local" places that advertise cutting services are over an hour's drive away.

 

[Locksmith]

I drive just under 45min to my local maker space and I assure you its well worth it. Most makers are pretty laid back and if you go on a friday or saturday night im sure you will fine someone more then happy to help you.
There are hundreds if not thousands of programs and ways to create the files you need "dxf" for laser cutting I would recommend inkscape for basic shapes, I personally use Fusion360 but only because I use it for everything "3D design,STL's for 3d printing, DXF for Laser cutting, and gcode for CNC cutting" again the maker space will help you with these.
If you are not in a hurry I can cut it for you and mail it out.