I have made significant progress on my DIY laser roll cutter project
[230224 MMD]. The software is working well with maybe a few bugs to
fix and some advanced features to add.

I just found a few inexpensive laser engravers that are well suited
to adapting to roll cutting as they are based on a standard metric
extruded aluminum strut. This can be cut and re-purposed more easily
than with engravers that have more sophisticated structures. With a
10-watt (output power) laser these cost as little as $200 depending
on the model and the source.

I am ready to test my prototype thoroughly. I also am considering
developing a set of custom parts so that anyone with basic tools can
build one of these without special tools or having parts machined.
As is always the case, it is much less expensive to have parts made
in larger quantities. I hope to be able to use only stock parts and
custom metal parts made by SendCutSend: https://sendcutsend.com/ 

In order to determine if I should bother developing such a kit or
if I should just build my own, I need to get an idea how many people
would be interested.

My program takes punch roll MIDI files and outputs G-code to drive
a GRBL-based engraver. Cutting is continuous not requiring additional
page feeding. The program is highly configurable to allow for a wide
variety of rolls to be cut. All settings can be saved in any number
of configuration files which can be shared.

If several people adopt this system it is conceivable that the
efforts of setting parameters can be shared. I might also consider
making custom configuration files if adequately reimbursed.

My initial estimate of the total cost not including assembly is that it
will cost less than $1000 for the laser, the software and the custom
parts. Of course this estimate is subject to a reasonable quantity of
parts sets made. Cost drops dramatically with quantities over 50.

I understand from former endeavors that the vast majority of people
who express interest drop out once it is time to put up some money.
So please contact me and be honest about how likely you are to want
to build one of these. I can send pictures of the prototype as well
as other details to interested parties.

I will probably ask for deposits before ordering parts as I do not want
to be stuck with a bunch of parts that I can not use for anything else.

Spencer Chase
Garberville, California
http://www.spencerserolls.com/ 
spencer@poodlex.com.geentroep [delete ".geentroep" to reply]