This project began when I started a goal to transform my ender 5 3d-printer into a self designed laser-cutter. I wanted to create a low cost laser cutter that I would have complete control over, being able to use the gantry for other purposes in the future.

I created the design without CAD, working on the design along the way, 3d-printing  self designed brackets when needed. The laser cutter was made from the ender 5 almost entirely, using almost all of the original hardware. I used a modified Arduino with a CNC control hat, using GRBL 1.1 to control the axis, and using a combination of Inkscape and universal gcode system in order to create a cartesian map, and then a gcode path.

I was able to get multiple projects done, including a run of Christmas ornaments for my entire extended family. However, I eventually re-assembled the ender 5, as I am in the process of a larger, more permanent gantry, which can be found here.