« back to Power Tools, Hardware and Accessories forum
Forum topic by Gene Howe | posted 09-17-2017 03:43 PM | 1364 views | 0 times favorited | 19 replies | ![]() |
![]() |
09-17-2017 03:43 PM |
Topic tags/keywords: woodburning I’ve got a small Gearbest laser engraver on order and I have no laptop. Which small one would be best for running their software? And, are their other methods for importing designs? -- Gene 'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton |
19 replies so far
#1 posted 09-17-2017 04:20 PM |
Windows or Mac? -- Lew- Time traveler. Purveyor of the Universe's finest custom rolling pins. |
#2 posted 09-17-2017 04:22 PM |
Some quite acceptable netbook-style laptops For $400 or so you would get a bigger, better screen, |
#3 posted 09-17-2017 05:41 PM |
Loren offered good advice. Here’s a link to a starting point- -- Lew- Time traveler. Purveyor of the Universe's finest custom rolling pins. |
#4 posted 09-17-2017 05:57 PM |
Thanks, Loren and Lew. -- Gene 'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton |
#5 posted 09-17-2017 06:05 PM |
Would you be using this computer for creating your patterns or templates? I would think you would want wifi on it so you could take it to the house to find images or templates that you could download and use for the machine. Either way, I think the basic netbook would do the job and have wifi anyways. |
#6 posted 09-17-2017 06:06 PM |
I just use old computers that are free or cheap. My laser is run by a Compaq desktop that’s probably 15 years old. It came to me free from a relative that bought it off a local company that was selling their obsolete systems cheap. Flatscreen monitors are available for a couple dollars at thrift stores so I ditched the CRT and saved some space. The software package for your machine should tell you the operating system requirements and that determines what computer you need. -- See my work at http://altaredesign.com |
#7 posted 09-17-2017 06:55 PM |
My gearbest runs on an old XP box just fine. Lasing isn’t CPU intensive. I use PaintNET as a image editor and AutoCAD 2k for line art. Tip: set your DPI to 254 as the laser step is 0.1 mm. benboxlaser.us is the users group. Zax is the factory man. I have it online so I can search for free clip art. My review M -- The hump with the stump and the pump! |
#8 posted 09-17-2017 08:30 PM |
Hey Mark, it was your review that pushed me over the edge. You made it look like so much fun. -- Gene 'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton |
#9 posted 09-17-2017 08:31 PM |
If those are your only requirements, check to see if there is a computer repair place near by. You may be able to pick up something really inexpensive. A buddy of mine gets most of his computer stuff from his local Goodwill. You might also check with the local school district IT department. -- Lew- Time traveler. Purveyor of the Universe's finest custom rolling pins. |
#10 posted 09-17-2017 08:44 PM |
Good work Gene, I will wait patiently to see the results of you new arrival. School chuck outs are a good source of equipment. Sound all very interesting so I am off to check out Madmark2’s contributions to see what Gearbest Laser engraving is all about. -- Regards Rob |
#11 posted 09-17-2017 09:02 PM |
You know that Madmark2 should change his name to “shifty” he hasnt got a laser engraver its actually Madmark OMG there are some dodgy woodworkers on there thses days. -- Regards Rob |
#12 posted 09-18-2017 04:24 AM |
I’d pick up a used thinkpad off ebay. I just got a T430s for about 160 shipped, it’s still a great machine. -- Allen, Colorado (Instagram @bobasaurus_woodworking) |
#13 posted 09-20-2017 03:05 AM |
Hi Gene. We have a place in town called Compreneu and they refurbish laptops and pc’s and put what ever system you want on them. i bought my last laptop from the with windows 7 for $185. How may watts is your laser?. We are looking for one for our high school. cheers, Jim -- Jim Jakosh.....Practical Wood Products...........Learn something new every day!! Variety is the Spice of Life!! |
#14 posted 09-20-2017 04:36 AM |
Just throwing this out there: A laptop in a dusty shop environment will clog full of dust really quickly. A desktop PC will still get dusty, but it’s usually very easy to just open the side panel and give it a couple little bursts of compressed air from a foot or so away to knock all the dust off. Laptops are much harder to get into. -- Woodworking from an engineer's perspective |
#15 posted 09-20-2017 05:54 AM |
That’s a good point. A small desktop might be just the thing. -- Allen, Colorado (Instagram @bobasaurus_woodworking) |
Have your say...
You must be signed in to reply.
|
Forum | Topics |
---|---|
Woodworking Skill Share
|
13201 |
Woodturning
|
2814 |
Woodcarving
|
569 |
Scrollsawing
|
416 |
Joinery
|
1894 |
Finishing
|
6348 |
Designing Woodworking Projects
|
7910 |
Power Tools, Hardware and Accessories
|
32773 |
CNC Woodworking
|
330 |
Hand Tools
|
6453 |
Jigs & Fixtures
|
1804 |
Wood & Lumber
|
7278 |
Safety in the Woodworking Shop
|
1633 |
Focus on the Workspace
|
2635 |
Sweating for Bucks Through Woodworking
|
1272 |
Woodworking Trade & Swap
|
5419 |
LumberJocks.com Site Feedback
|
2396 |
Coffee Lounge
|
9660 |