This is not a new concept, but I wanted a small tool to quickly determine the laser kerf (width of cut) for projects where I need tight fitting parts. Also, I did not want a large tool, as I sometimes do not have a lot of excess material to spare for testing. (only uses 20mm x 70mm of material)
Cut this out your target material with appropriate power and speed settings. Then just slide the gauge through the hole, and the kerf is displayed above the base.
Also useful when trying to determine the correct offsets to use for press-tight joints, especially for soft materials. Just push the gauge up until the desired joint tightness is achieved. Then use the number displayed above the base to set the cut process offsets.
WARNING: The kerf width displayed is the TOTAL width of the cut made by the laser. When setting the offset for your cut process, use HALF of the displayed value.
Kerf range: 0.00mm to 0.40mm, in 0.05mm increments
Hole in base accommodates up to 8mm thick material.
| Kerf_Guage.svg |
