This is not a formal proposal, at this point just a collection of possible ideas and whatnot.

Notes:

• Unless a big corporate sponsor is making us a donation or *really* good deal, I'd venture the most we could realistically afford is in the 40W range.
• What will the SHFD think?

Possible lasers

• eBay “K40” style laser
  • Pro: Cheap ($4-500?)
  • Con: Windows-software only (in stock configuration, anyway)
  • Pro: Upgradeable over time (replace electronics w/SmoothieBoard, other improvements)
  • Example modifications
• GlowForge
  • Con: Kinda pricy (3-6000)
• Epilog
  • Con: Expensive ($12K?)
  • Pro: Really nice
  • Pro: Industry Standard
• Full Spectrum Laser
  • Con: Kinda expensive ($3500+)
• LightObject
  • Con: Slightly expensive ($3000+)
• LaserSaur
  • Con: DIY
  • Con: Somewhat expensive (on the order of $6-7K)
  • Pro: actually 100W, rather than 40
• Buildlog.net
  • Con: DIY
• G Weike
• Random used find
  • Con: Used (tube could be just about dead)
  • Con:
  • Pro: Could be a really good deal