photo etch, laser cut parts

[CMDRTED]

I have scoured our site for machines methods etc for small scale detail parts. The scale is 1/400. Some companies make parts close to and in 1/400. You can substitute 1/350 scale parts in most cases, but the cost is prohibitive. after I designed a 1/400 scale destroyer escort I toyed with the idea of using toms modelworks brass etch k gun racks etc. they cost @ 25.00 us and I thought that was crazy. then multiplied by the other ships I want to build and you can see where the costs are as much as some of the machines out there. Looking at the silhouette machine, then the emblaser machine and then photo etching I was wondering / looking for advice from you all which would be better. this is in the sense of cost per machine, definitely accuracy of parts and ease of use. Keep in mind my ultimate evil plan is railings, radar dishes, maybe lattice masts, depth charge racks and those little doodads that are tough or impossible to pull off as paper.

[rickstef]

would a 3d printer be able to make something that fine?

[a380]

i am 100% sold on the emblaser! here's a thread that i had started a while ago. david hathaway comment is especially enlightning.

emblaser laser cutter

[CMDRTED]

A380 I am 95% sold on the emblazer also. the only drawback is the cost. Do you find you need the 4 watt instead of the 3 watt. Rick 3d printers may or maynot be the answer. the resolution needs to progress a little for the parts intended.

[Kevin WS]

It is pretty costly!

The early version is around 600 British Pounds, or 760 USD. And that's on special!

The new version is over three times that!

A pity, but at those prices out of reach for me..........

[a380]

i have the a4 size emblaser 1 with the 3w laser. works fine for my purpose. i paid $700 total including shipping and the vetric software. They recently introduced the emblaser 2 which is much more expensive. unlike the emblaser 1, the 2 is pre assembled, factory focused and has a 5w laser unit. They have a very active forum and dominic is very good about answering any questions you may have. hope this helps!

[darter]

Have a look at this video on making your own PE.

He has a strong accent but the process is understandable, cheap and easy.

https://youtu.be/NntLi4KcLlI

[CMDRTED]

Darter, I saw the same video and was wondering if any one here has done this. most award winning models are bristling with pe parts. the parts are pretty costly but they look very good. I know the 700-800 dollar laser will give great results but come on 700-800 dollars? if pe parts and supplies cost 100-200 dollars to make and DIY parts are not that difficult and come out as good as commercial then that is a bargain. the laser has the advantage as accuracy and of course paper parts keep the model as "paper pure" as possible. If I was crazy rich or didn't have two leeches er college students to support the laser would be in my shop now. Please all keep the opinions coming, I trust you guys in this field.

[VinceM]

I think it looks fantastic, but wondering, are there any hazardous chemical disposal problems?

[CMDRTED]

the chemicals are pretty easy to come by. radio shack used to have those supplies as they had pcb stuff in most of their stores.