Following the recent comments about laser cutting paper rolls, I
thought that I'd throw in a few comments myself.  I have a laser
cutter, a rotary attachment and I am an electronics engineer.  I have
designed many circuits and circuit boards and have an understanding of
the laser technology.  Many of you will know that I use the laser to
cut out the Castlewood Busker Organ kit.  If you don't then check out
www.castlewoodorgans.com

One comment was that with cutting paper there was a fire problem,
but there isn't.  It cuts paper just fine, as long as you cut one layer.
I cut out the organ pipe gaskets in very thin card and have cut paper
too, so no problem there.

Using a commercial laser cutter to cut out rolls would just not be
economical.  It would be a very large investment used for cutting rolls
and, except to satisfy some fanatical bent, you wouldn't bother.  I have
been given a small laser tube which I had planned to use for this
purpose if it is of sufficient power, but that will require me to build
a special power supply.  I already have a working pen plotter which
I can rearrange for the paper and mirror movement.  With all the
ancillaries of special optics, I think effort would be much better
directed at building a punch.  At least you can punch several rolls at
a time.

I am certainly not against using modern technology for ancient
purposes, but I know how much effort goes into design and perfecting
projects and I just can't see the justification as things are.  I am
probably in the best position having the both the equipment to hand and
the interest to do such things, but the work entailed is not trivial.

I entirely agree with Robbie's comments and think that they put matters
in a good perspective.

Tom Newsome
Castlewood Pipe Organs