How to BUY a 50W Laser? A basic buying and modification guide
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 พ.ค. 2019
- Buying a laser, what one to get? I show you what I have and some of the option out there when buying a laser engraving machine.
RD learning labs: / sarbarmultimedia
Buy a 50W laser(with LightBurn software): amzn.to/3764QpK
Buy a 50W laser: amzn.to/3dpKXuZ
𝗠𝘆 𝗩𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝗮𝗿:
Panasonic GH5 amzn.to/35ZeQgp
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Zhiyun Crane V2 Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer: amzn.to/2NKp2kz
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My Audio Gear:
MXL 990, XLR Connector Condenser Microphone: amzn.to/3elRw1K
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USB-C to Micro usb cable: amzn.to/3cfcrSb
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Apple Thunderbolt 3 cable: amzn.to/3clTwVV
G-RAID with Thunderbolt 3 amzn.to/2uQppFx
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Apple USB-C to SD Card Reader: amzn.to/3cgGXeo
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.03 styrene white www.ebay.com/itm/184252123854
.06 styrene white www.ebay.com/itm/402018310594
.03/.06 styrene black www.ebay.com/itm/184268703876
𝗟𝘂𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘀
www.ebay.com/itm/401616408360
Arteza Products goo.gl/v9Lda3
Arteza 24x36" Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat goo.gl/qiXukm
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3D printing and laser cutting and scanning service info here: www.botzen.com
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Congrats on your recent purchase, man! I've had my machine for about four years now, and it has certainly paid for itself several times over. My experience was that I used to go to a MakerSpace local to me here in Los Angeles, and went with the initial intention of 3D printing a few things, but each time I went, the printers were always down. Since they had a laser cutter as well, I inevitably kept using that instead, and became a big fan- to the point at which I bought my own machine. Prior to this, I had always known about Epilogue, which makes fantastic machines, but waayy too expensive. I ended up getting mine directly from a manufacturer in China - a 100 watt (no brand name) machine with a 2x3 foot bed. I feel I got a better machine for my money, though one problem is the lack of support, so the troubleshooting is completely on me. Also, it has a dongle for the motion controller, so if I lose that guy, I'm hosed as well. Would pretty much have to switch it out to a different one.
A few thoughts from watching the video:
- I ended up buying a dust blower from Harbor Freight. The blower that originally came with mine was 220v, but when it crapped out, I went looking for a replacement, and everything was super spendy. I just made a little box to support it, and have it going through a vent directly leading to my alleyway. I would buy a carbon filter/scrubber unit, but like you mentioned, they're pretty expensive.
- For the temperature gauge, I bought one of these: www.aliexpress.com/item/1PCS-W1209-DC-12V-heat-cool-temp-thermostat-temperature-control-switch-temperature-controller-thermometer-thermo-controller/32713892704.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.3258a9c01wlJGS&algo_pvid=6572c02b-dc23-462e-b0f1-5a3da51ddd70&algo_expid=6572c02b-dc23-462e-b0f1-5a3da51ddd70-3&btsid=9447691b-6663-46bf-a37b-60b5b95e6ad5&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_1,searchweb201603_53 I then connected the relay to an alarm, so that when it hits a certain temperature that I don't want to exceed, it triggers it. This sensor goes directly into my water return bucket.
- On the subject of your cooling tank, I was always told to use purified water, as the minerals can start to form deposits inside the tube. While my water tank is usually "less than ideal" (dust and debris sometimes make their way in), I have never had an issue. That said, I'm not sure if antifreeze is okay to use or not. Just a thought.
-Last, something that commonly happens on my machine, and I don't know if you have experience it yet (or have the function on yours), but if your water pump isn't circulating/operational, it may cause your machine to appear broken (you go to fire, and the laser doesn't function). I mention this as a couple weeks back I was taking my machine apart, and getting ready to buy a new laser tube, when I checked the pump one last time. Saved me $700 bucks.
Thanks for posting the video, and I look forward to seeing all the awesome stuff you make with it!
I am in process of a DYI 60W and this encouraged me to get it finished.
Great advice. Thank you! I used the Trotec model in Canada and just feel in love with the diversity of a laser tool. Want to get my own eventually.
The joke in our shop is that once you learn how to use a laser cutter, everything becomes a laser cutter project. Game changing tool. Congratulations!
Absolutely changed how I make stuff, the precision is off the chart compared to making stuff by hand, and infinitely repeatable.
This was super helpful, thank you.
wow thanks, I needed that, just sent BACK a flux beambox pro, lots of issues. the time I spent trying to get it to work, I could have spent upgrading one of these!
Thank you for your thorough report and insights!
You are most welcome, feel free to share on social media
Great Video Eric Thanks
First Things i did:
Ampmeter installed.
Added foamtape to all lids to prevent uncontrolled airflow and Fumes.
Added 4 40mm holes to small front lid to make sure all Air is sucked in here.
Closed all unneccessary holes with ductape.
Closed Back of top Cover with ductape.
Added flowmeter in waterhose.
Realigned all mirrors.
Leveled the bed as good as possible.
Glued the bed to the frame to prevent wobbling.
Added 3d printed crank for z movement.
Added 7812 stepdown converter circuit to add 12v Led strips and future 12v parts.
Chassis Part there the lasertube ist screwed on vibrates a Lot - fixed with 3d printed angle.
Wow, nice! Thanks for sharing, much appreciated
My idea is to build my own, that way I get all the features I want and I am not limited to some manufacturer. Plus I have the freedom to get a more powerful laser down the road and just plug it into the build.
Eric, Air assist is NOT a flame extinguisher. The air assist actually adds oxygen to the fire and while it may help blow it out, that's not what it's for. Air assist is to help clear the soot and other particulate from the cutting area.
I only have a K40 so mine is probably not even 40 watts but from the Facebook group I belong to (Laser Engraving and Cutting) they seem to suggest getting a proper watter chiller (helps keep the water going into the tube cool, if the water going in is too hot, cutting power is reduced and it wears out the tube)
For the exhaust fan, I ended up getting a furnace blower fan and rigging it up, got it for free, and it's super quiet on low speed and not terribly loud on high.
Ben Ryherd, thanks for sharing, yes, I misspoke a bit there about the air assist.
@@EricStrebel No Worries, it happens. Just didn't want people to think that if they got "Air Assist" that they could leave their lasers unattended while they were running (Which is a huge no-no no matter how comfortable you are with it, or how good of a machine it is)
Great video! Thanks for uploading
Nice video. Learned a lot. Thanks for sharing! Cheers! : )
Most excellent, thanks for checking it out and leaving a comment.
One of the first things I did when my 80w arrived was to check the optics, you’ll find they’ll be grimy with oil residue from transport and storage. Also cleaned off all the excess grease on slides and swarf in the bottom. Like you I love my laser cutter :D
I replaced all mine with better quality optics the second week I owned it. Made a HUGE difference!
Where did you get the replacement optics and what kind did you use?
@@EricStrebel Hi Eric. I got the parts from here:
www.lightobject.com/K40-Upgrade-Parts
Specifically, the focusing lens is Part #: LSR-ZNSE1838HQ
The reflecting mirrors are Part #: LSR-MIR25MSI
Hope that helps.
Cheers...
Nice, what sort of improvement or boost did you get or observe
@@EricStrebel The new optics gave me a smaller spot size and less burning and charring around the cut (kerf) at the bottom end of the power range. There was a slight power increase, in that I could get the laser to cut at about an 8-9% reduction in laser power at the very low end. This could also allow for slightly faster cutting speed at the same laser power, but that's not really what I was after.
The goal in changing out the optics was to get the laser to cut with the smallest spot size possible (narrowest kerf possible), in very thin material (adhesive backed paper).
The new optics gave slightly more power at 11-12%, with a "cleaner" beam/spot.
The OEM mirrors and focusing lens were just awful on my machine. Not sure if everyone else had a similar experience. My focusing lens was particularly bad. It was very cloudy, which for CO2 based lasers, is not desirable.
All in all... I'm mostly happy with the machine. The mechanics are pretty good. The control is functional. The laser is pretty crappy though. Beam quality sucks and gets worse as you go up toward the limit in laser power.
When the laser tube starts to degrade, I'm going to replace the laser and power supply with a higher end unit, provided the mechanics are still in good shape.
Got a link for the temperature sensor? Also, what is the maximum current you're supposed to be running on the 50W?
good advice, but if you wanna get started in lasering right away, dont hesitate with the 40w. just know that youre going to outgrow it super fast. also air assist is easy to add. and it's definitely important to save you from fires.
Fantastic video, thanks for taking the time and sharing this video Eric! This was 5 years ago, do you have any new advice on a laser purchase now?
I still have the same machine, I do wish it had a bigger bed
Can you set up your turn table?
I’m doing Duck calls wood & Acrylic materials.
Thank you
Dan
Eric, you want to change the automotive coolant for demineralized water as soon as possible. Automotive coolant is self cleaning, that means a bit abrasive. On the other hand, water shows better when it's time to be changed.
What do you think about the OMTECH Polar Desktop Laser?
Eric you are very lucky to have found a good one on ebay. I have bought a 40 W and it tanked in less than 2 months. I bought a 60W monster and it was DOA. BTW only on ebay do you have to pay for that lift. I paid $150 so they could just leave the 60W in my driveway. 375 pounds!! And after I sent it back they did not refund me for something that was not my fault, they damaged it(the freight carrier). And I had to go through ebay to get the seller to return my money for the laser($2349)! I just bought an Orion 50W from a reputable affiliate(Yes REPUTABLE) and no other charge to deliver to home or anywhere else and I paid $1399 for it and added the 3 year warranty for another $58. Yes a warranty! Orion does not sell their lasers on Ebay. What does that tell you? I would not advise buying expensive items on ebay. You might get lucky but you are more likely to get shafted. I think they are rejects and they buy a lot of them for cheap and fix them up and sell them. The 2 that I bought had a lot of flaws.
Perhaps I got lucky, but I do totally expect parts of the laser to fail at some point. At some point the laser itself will fail and the tube will be replaced with a higher wattage one
Can you provide a link to the fan you showed? Please and thank you.
You can find those on ebay, watch my foam core spray booth video, I got mine online at Mendards
Hello. 6040 50w china. What is the maximum thikness you can cut acrylic you can cut, with one or more pass to have reasonable good edge?
Is it good to do more then one pass?
(10-15mm) thx
I've cut up to 1/2 in in multiple passes of acrylic in the past
Thanks for lessen
Lesson
Eric, is the affiliate link in the description for the exact same model/seller that you purchased from? Thanks.
Yes, it is, same color too! Good luck
This looks incredibly similar to some of the laser cutters I've run. Any chance it has a Ruida controller? I was going to see if you mentioned LightBurn, and lo and behold!
Yes that's what mine is, but you should check with the seller to make sure it is I'm pretty sure it is but it never hurts to double check
Thanks for the video. My eyebrows went up a bit when the hole saw went into your machine!
Looks like the Amazon link is unavailable at this time. Got an eBay recommendation? Also, what is the maximum material thickness you can cut?
Max us about 1/4" I will update the link soon, thanks for letting me know
@@EricStrebel Thx, and NP!
what thickness acrylic / hdpe can you cut with it ?
1/4" 6 mm with out any issue
You showed in the video using antifreeze for cooling.
I’m looking to purchase a unit.
I live in Wisconsin and i would need to keep the laser in my garage.
Two part question.
Will the cold otherwise damage or hurt any laser Machine?
And
Any pros, cons, mods (other than price) to using antifreeze over distilled water?
Lastly,
I am looking to get the Orion Motor Tech 50w or Preenex version
Orion appears to come from Orion Motor Tech Direct., and the Preenex from a warehouse in Memphis on Ebay. The Preenex is allot cheaper than the Orion.
You mentioned a buying from a US seller. Would I have any issues from these two chinese machine, or do you have another recommendation under the $2k mark.
I suspect the cold won't hurt it, however there is liquid use to cool the machine. I used a mixture of distilled water and anti freeze. Water expands when it freezes so I would be wary of leaving it in a place that is not temperature controlled.
I only have experience with my machine, so I can't comment on there two machines you mentioned. Check the reviews and ask other people that have owned them for better feedback. Best of luck!
did you end up purchasing the cheaper version out of Memphis(Preenex)?
A laser is a useful too. I would suggest checking your local makerspace/hacerspace first.
Just like 3D printers it's a useful tool but will need to make a lot to make it worth your while.
If you still need one at home/in the shop you et least learned a few tricks.
I've played with lightburn. It's a good piece of software. Not freeware but worth the price.
Depending on what you want to make opt for a draw tool with a coordinate system.
I'm struggling quite a bit with inkscape as it all approximate and not exact.
From past experience at my local hackerspace (Bitlair) I suggest investing in chiller for the water.
Chilling the tube to 20 degrees C will increase the live of the tube considerably.
Note: The guys at Bitlair build the lasercutters from scratch, It's about €3k each. (Chinese import would be €2k).
(Note: Everything is more expensive in Europe.)
Life of the tube
What drawing software do you use? Great videos👍👍
Sketchbook, it's free.
It sounds like you had a good experience with your ebay retailer. Do you mind sharing with us whom you worked with?
Hi, dear friend, I work for a laser manufacturer. They are very professional. If you need laser machine, contact me.
CNC awesomeness.....
I've always been toying with the idea of getting one for model making and yet wary at the same time.
People claim there's a risk of styrene catching fire or damaging the hardware over time even if there's an air assist and ventilation and some people claim thin copper sheets work (as a quick alternative to photo etching model kit parts), while others claim it doesn't.
Well it will not cut metal, but I do see evidence of light scoring on some metals. I think it will definitely depend on the power of the laser.
Even most videos using professional lasers on thin copper sheets use at least twenty passes, so that doesn't surprise me.
Hi Erick! I just bought a 50W laser machine like yours on ebay, but I having a hard time to find acrylic plates larger then 24" X12", I'm interested in make signs, do you know a supplier? I'm in Boston, and thanks for the video.
You need to find a plastic supply house in your area, they will have full 4x8 sheets of acrylic
I will, Thanks a lot!
Hi, where did u find this nice round Ampmeter, i only find this round one for A not mA ?
ebay
@@EricStrebel thanks nfor your fast response, can u say me what search keyword u used, cause im no native english speaker ?🙈🙈
I have this machine. Is it ok to put anti freeze in water. How much to put. In water.
Maybe 50/50
@@EricStrebel will I have to change it more often
I don't think so it's just like putting that stuff in your car
@@EricStrebel aloha from Hawaii
Cheers, watch out for Kilauea
Missing the RD works link?
Joshua Paxton first link....
What do I need to engrave hot wheels
A laser with some vector files of the graphics you want to engrave, and some hot wheels of course.
What is a good cheap brand to use
@TimothyStalley918 link in the description to the one I have
Are the sharks included?
I wish! Lol, thanks for leaving comment, love it 😊
Lots of great info I hadn't though about. I'm currently playing with a 7 watt laser on my CNC machine. I works great for cutting paper, cardboard and 3/32" basswood. The engraving is really good too. The main problem with it ...... Sooo Slow to cut the 3/32 basswood. I have cut, "burned" through .145" plywood with about 6 passes at 3 ipm each. So I have been watching videos trying to collect enough info and personal uses for a brand of laser I don't have to fix after delivered and decent service after the sale. While looking through you links I assumed this was the one you bought..(Buy a 50W laser: amzn.to/30hK9kR
) Unfortunately that link didn't work. Thanks for the great information!!
I now want to buy a laser.
Darren Tarbard, good luck you are gonna love it! have fun and thanks for the comment
Why always :" currently unavailable" at Amazon ?? this video is only 18 months old ??
Go to K40 laser resource. Looks like they have them in stock on Amazon.
What's a laser?
LIGHT
Thanks for sharing, Eric. I'll post a link to your video in the Shop Hacks Facebook group here... facebook.com/groups/shophacks/permalink/437467873488107/
I have a Glowforge but I'm very interested in the Chinese lasers because I think they are within reach of a lot more people than the US brands. Did you have to replace your power supply or any other components? I've heard that a lot of the Chinese lasers need power supply, control board, fan and pump upgrades.
I'd love to hear more about any upgrades you do.
Thanks again...
Awesome thank you for the post, that helps me a lot. No power supply issues yet. knock on wood!
Instead of some visuals we get your face in the camera camwhoring the whole time. Nice!!
A laser or a laser cutting machine ? Lasers do a whole lot more than cutting. Be more specific.
Watch the video it will become clear when you view it. Thanks for your comment and support