Cutting and lasering the same project..

[ttabbal]

Just wondering if I'm missing anything before I try it. It seems like I would make 2 toolpaths, one for the cut and one for the laser. Use the same X/Y zero for both, Z would be based on the tool and the laser focus distance which I would set on a piece of scrap the same thickness as the work piece. I saw an option in Fusion 360 for laser/plasma that seems like it would not generate Z movements, is that the way to go? 

The cuts would be basic contours with the laser used for lettering. Material is just simple plywood.  

[tjstandley]

I did not have luck generating the G-Code for Laser using the GRBL post processor config in Fusion 360. I have successfully created DXF's to import into Inkscape and generate my G-Code with the J-Tech extension. I followed these YouTube videos from Tim Clark:

Part 1:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZV1pd7MPyk&list=LLTWaWJhBKkeqwjjCX6JVnHQ&index=4&t=0s

Part 2:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMIhBd8ydQ0&list=LLTWaWJhBKkeqwjjCX6JVnHQ&index=3&t=0s

-Tom

[ttabbal]

Thanks for the tips, I'll look into that.

It just occurred to me that X/Y are going to be different from the router as well, so I'll need a witness mark to align the laser to.

[tjstandley]

Yes, alignment with different zeroes is definitely tricky. The witness mark is a great idea. Also, keep in mind that the Controller State coordinates in UGS are a great way to do measuring and offsetting. If your laser mount is in a consistent position, you can zero your coordinates, plunge mill a small hole in some scrap, then move your laser to center on that hole. The coordinates will show your X and Y offset of your Laser to your Spindle.