I decided to use my laser to make Astrolabes. I’ve always had a fascination with them, and now I can share them with the world. They are analogue computers that date from the Middle Ages, that can tell the time, predict rise and set times of the sun and stars, and find the positions of celestial objects given a date and/or time.
Mine are made from White Birch ply with MDF core, and (optionally) Acrylic, with brass hardware and a leather cord hanging loop. They are completely functional and have been updated for the modern user, so they’re marked in English and use conventional compass directions.
Below are all the instruments I currently make: Larger ones (about 10″ diameter), L-R: Planispheric Astrolabe with traditional rete, Planispheric Astrolabe with acrylic rete, Universal Astrolabe (Saphea Arzachelis). Smaller ones, L-R: Lunar Volvelle, Planispheric Mini Astrolabe, Nocturnal.
If you’d like to get hold of one, all my instruments can be found here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Wavytail?section_id=30383363
If you already have one, or are curious about what they can do, here are some instructions: https://wavytail.com/astrolabe-instructions/