We have recently upgraded our laser to one with a bit more power and a 36" x 24" bed.

Laser cutting is limited to mostly wood and plastics. Thickness up to 1/4" can be accommodated in soft woods, such as balsa, basswood, spruce, and pine. For plywoods, 1/4" liteply and 1/8" ply is the realistic maximum for clean cuts. Plastics are limited to approximately 1/8" thicknesses to prevent melting problems. Text can be etched onto the parts as well, but, will add significantly to the cost. We can cut up to 1/4" pine/spruce/bass.

Cutting can be done from most line drawings. Autocad and CorelDRAW format drawings are our standard for cutting. We can scan artwork but this will involve a setup cost for conversion to line drawings. Any questionable content will be resolved with the customer prior to cutting. To be sure your lines will cut as drawn (and to reduce cost) convert all lines to polylines. Sample formats for drawings are on the download page.

Standard prices are $1 per minute of laser time. If your drawings are cut ready then there will be no setup fee. See the instructions link for details. Any setup cost will be estimated prior to starting work and will vary with the type of work required. Cutting can usually be estimated by the wood required, $4 per sheet of 4"x36" balsa and $0.10 per sq in of ply (up to 1/8" ply). We will agree on a maximum price before cutting.

When your graphic requires modification you will be contacted about additional charges prior to any cutting.

The process goes as follows:
1. You send cut files and we review them for compatibility with our system.
2. We provide you with an estimate for the work.
3. If you agree to the estimate then we cut the files.
4. We calculate the exact cost, plus shipping and send it to you by email.
5. When you pay the charge we ship your parts.

There are no refunds for custom work.

If you need design work done, such as converting paper plans to cut files, we recommend Alan Bradley at adbradley@terracon.com

Drawing format guidelines