CNC Zone has a sub-forum dedicated to this sort of machine and it’s brethren, but it’s languishing for lack of activity. The most current post on the K40 is over a year old. Maybe we could move in and liven it up a tad…
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/
There’s a variety of other Chinese laser subforums, for the Redsail etc.
I’m sure with the number of us here, we’d rate our own K40 sub.
Maybe just start posting in the General Laser thread and let the mod see we’re a serious bunch willing to contribute.
They have an incredible array of talent in CAD/CAM and all CNC disciplines over there.
Another one I belong to, but caters more to scratch builders is OpenCNC.
Both are worth a look.
I think a lot of our “horsepower” is wasted here due to the clunky format. I’d like to support Google, but the health of the group is more important.
I’m expecting this to get big.
This machine is the 1st that’s really practical to bash for your average experimenter, being basically a kit that’s pre-assembled.
Additionally it appeals to the less technical crafters.
I’m hoping it’s quality will improve and cause it’s popularity to jump to phenomenal levels IF/WHEN the manufacturers put on some interlocks and write a real manual. Then it could go mainstream. Especially with better software. Look at what Cricut and Silhouette have done with what amounts to an inkjet printer with a blade in it, and a very minimal (but user friendly) software package.
On the other hand, all it would take is for some inexperienced person to laser a hole in their hand, burn the house down, etc then call the laywers to pretty much ruin a good thing.
As always, sorry for rambling on.
One last thing, Google mods, if you’re out there, or if anyone knows how to contact them, be it known we would like a more mainstream format. If there’s anything that can be done. I hereby volunteer my time to assist in any way if we can be accommodated through the Google family.
I sincerely appreciate the resource Google has set up for us here, and would expect it has exploded the same way under many headings. Our brothers (and sisters) under different subjects may be asking the same question, and I’d imagine Google is already considering an improved format.
Maybe all we have to do is wait a while?
Scott