Seven Kingdoms Open Source Bartop Arcade -- Episode 590

Awesome build.  I like how the track ball lights up.  It must be nice having access to a laser cutter.

that is one of the things i recommend anyone who wants to invest in tools. first get a rliable 3d printer, and the next thing is a basic C02 laser. its incredible how many things you can make in a short timeframe with it. google around you may surprised how many open fablabs or makerspaces you can find that give you access to such a device.

Thanks.  I will keep an eye out for open fabs.  I know I can get access to 3D printing at select public libraries in my town.  Maybe the same applies to laser cutting.  Definitely something I will look into.

my local makerspace actually has the same C02 laser I do. I tried it there once and it made my decission to by the same model very easy. I just calculated how often i might use it and how much the hourly cost was vs buying one and since i use it for a lot of projects it just made sense to get one myself.

I just found out that one of the librarys here has two laser cutters.  Epilog Helix and Epilog Mini.  I will have to take advantage of this... even if it's just a small project to get me started.  Thank you for inspiring this new curiosity for me.

I just found out that one of the librarys here has two laser cutters.  Epilog Helix and Epilog Mini.  I will have to take advantage of this... even if it's just a small project to get me started.  Thank you for inspiring this new curiosity for me.

yes, you should , those are both a lot nicer than what I have!
when you get really into laser cutting ...a google search for galvo laser gets you deeper down the rabbit hole, I recently fell in and bought a 50W fiber laser to engrave metal ...the couriosity pretty much never stops!

You are putting it to good use.