Arduino 3-axis Mini Lazer Paper-Cutter (plotter)

[updated 2025 - fix broken link for videos]

I read many posts and now I had finished my first mini Lazer Cutter.

The design is simple and reliable ( u can see the video )

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It is using Arduino Duemilanove (or UNO) + GRBL (0.8c) + 100mW blue/ violet lazer with external battery power supply (5V)

Drawing program is inkscape + gcodetools, gcode sender is Unversai G Code Sender

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Also, most of the technical things (especially about GRBL) u can find in the following articles.

https://www.instructables.com/id/MicroSlice-A-tiny-...

Step 1: Main Body...

I had read many GRBL lazer-cutter design (especially using CDROM as axis-motor) most of them is beautiful but I can't made them. It is because I did not have powerful tools to make them, even prepare a wooden board is difficult to me.

Since I think the axis-motor is running smooth, I use a metal frame together with few blocks to setup the structures.

I think u know how to build it by looking at the photo.

The tricky thing is.... u need to buy 3 small stages or u might get 3 slightly different stages from old CDROM... and all the stage/ metal frame are connected with a wooden block

the circuit in a small plastic box (photo) is a variable DC voltage supply, u can use any similar things instead.

Step 2: DIY GRBL Shield

I am using easydriver for controlling the movement of the stepping motor but I prefer to buy a "CNC shield for UNO" ( just search it in google )

<updated 2025> It is now better to buy a ESP32 version of CNC control, it can even control in App.

The CNC did not need any sketch, but u need to upload the GRBL firmware for it. U may need to make some modification or use modified Grbl firmware if u want the use as plotter (z-axis servo) or lazer/ motor

Download link :

https://github.com/grbl/grbl

U can use any Gcode sender even website version of sender

Universal gcode sender

https://universalgcodesender.com/

Chilipeppr (html)

http://chilipeppr.com/grbl

If u only got Arduino Duemilanove, never mind, u can upload the bootloader to UNO (same as ATmega328) then just combine the shield and MCU.

I recommend to buy the CNC shield, this model using easydriver, and need to soldering.

I had soldered IRF510 for controlling the on/off of the lazer on the shield, together with power jack. It can support higher Watt lazer if necessary.

Step 3: Sharing...

Video : setting up the lazer cutter

Video : Lazer cutting - paper

Video : Lazer cutting - thin cloth

1. I try to make 3-axis CNC miller first with CDROM.... however, the final product really big in size.... if u are interested please watch the video....

2. I make this 3-axis lazer cutter because I can still cut paper whatever the platform is not leveling. just repeat the gcode with different depth...

3. Grbl Controller 3.5 is great but if u are using Arduino Duemilanove, there might be some problems on communication. Also, Grbl controller may have problems in interpret G-code generate from inkscape. If so, please using other sender...

Step 4: About Using the Stage

first, using appropriate drill size to drill a hole; and the second time I use a large one to make a hole for accommodate the screw head (Photo 4). So, it also the slider move without blocking by the screw head. (using flat-top screw)

For the stage, all the metal parts is not fix on the epoxy well (the epoxy is fragile), so the better way is using "wooden block" as medium (the epoxy parts are clamp tight between the wooden board and the screw). Also, if u using wooden board as medium, the holes you drill does not need to be very accurate, because u can make fine-adjustment (leveling) on the wooden board and the body frame.

Last but not least, the maximum movable distance is only achieved by applying object with similar width on the top of the slider (Photo 5), so, I can apply a larger working platform after I had added a wooden board (similar width) on the top of the slider.