Laser vs Water Jet

[xo18thfa]

I have some tender frames, cab sides and fenders I want cut out for my latest Gauge 1 project. Nothing that requires extremely close tolerance. The material is 1/16" and 1/32" brass. What are your suggestions/experiences on laser vs water jet.

Many thanks in advance, Bob Sorenson

[Jim_Nolan]

Waterjet is more expensive and is able to cut thicker material than Laser but in gauge one that is probably not a problem. The finish on the cut edge is better with water jet but for me the cost effective solution is laser cutting

[Curtis_F]

Bob,

Shops that do Laser cutting generally don't like materials like Brass or Aluminum because of their reflective nature which prevents having a nice clean edge.

Get price quotes for both processes. If the Water-jet isn't much more expensive, or you just don't want to spend time filing off the rough edge, I'd reccomend going that direction.

Also, when shopping around for a shop that does water-Jet cutting, ask if their cutter has a gyroscopic head. It's a relatively new technology that pivots the cutting nozzel to compensate for the connical kerf normally seen when laser or water-jet cutting. At 1/16" and 1/32" it doens't mean a whole lot, but the thicker the material the more important it becomes.


Cheers,

Curtis F.