Laser Engraver Experiences

[cstroke]

Interesting stuff when you keep going down the rabbit hole LOL...

I had to re read this entire thread to make sure my next question wasn't answered already..
When they spec a size out as far as working area, they are just saying which lens is included and that would be for column heights if it was the super tall one??
Thanks in advance
Chris

[rdj357]

Haha YES it certainly is!!

They (the industry) does use the 'working area' size to classify the lens. Technically it is a focal distance and at that focal distance, the lens has a working area of that which is provided. For larger work areas the tower/column for Z has to be taller because of the longer focal distance lengths. I have a tall Z tower because I have and use a 300mmx300mm lens but also have a 150mmx150mm so I can run it down until that lens is in focus for what I'm working on. For instance, my 300x300 lens is in focus when the head centerline height is about 24". So if I am engraving a tumbler on a jig as I showed in an earlier post with video, the material surface where I'm marking may be 4-5" above the bed so I have to have a tower tall enough to set the head at ~30" above the bed. That's why, if you specify you want a larger lens when you order a machine, you will be told you need a taller Z tower or a spacer to raise it up.

[cstroke]

So you'd probably always be better off to spec a larger lens since you can always change to smaller lenses and move it down rather than having to order another tower at a later date.

[rdj357]

So you'd probably always be better off to spec a larger lens since you can always change to smaller lenses and move it down rather than having to order another tower at a later date.

Exactly - or at least get a taller Z tower and/or a spacer to have on hand. Like many things in life, it can be too short/small but not the other way around!

With a larger lens you won't have as much - we'll call it "effective" power. This is because the spot size will be considerably larger so the power is spread out over more area, thus less concentration of intensity and less ability to damage material. So it's always good to have a selection of lenses to do different work. We use the 150mm lens for direct metal engraving and the 300mm lens for leatherette and anodized aluminum engraving for example.

This site has some pictures of the relationship between field size, focal distance, spot size, etc. https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9. ... up_id=6430

[cstroke]

Closer...
Ive shifted away from the Cloudray, sort of sounds like they are having a few issues with quality control..
Thinking of the one below, 80 watt or 100 watt. with the 300mm for the height and pick up a few smaller lenses.
Any down sides that you know of with a bigger wattage laser other than the price??

https://www.sfxlaser.com/US-Stock-Split ... ng-Machine
Thanks in advance
Chris

[cstroke]

Welp... I pulled the trigger on a 100 watt MOPA.. so now we wait..

[Joe Jones]

Welp... I pulled the trigger on a 100 watt MOPA.. so now we wait..

We gaze upon you in awe, as you strut by, wearing your tailored leather jacket and designer shades.

Joe

[rdj357]

Welp... I pulled the trigger on a 100 watt MOPA.. so now we wait..

Sweet, I'm in the final stages of ordering a 60w Galvo CO2. Happy New Year! lol

[cstroke]

Good grief these things come quickly.. Mines in Kentucky already.
I'm not looking forward to the learning curve... UGHHH..
I'm anxious to see your galvo Co2 stuff..
Joe are you doing any work with your fiber??

[Joe Jones]

Good grief these things come quickly.. Mines in Kentucky already.
I'm not looking forward to the learning curve... UGHHH..
I'm anxious to see your galvo Co2 stuff..
Joe are you doing any work with your fiber??

I have not yet gone back to the shop to work. I know it is chock full of machines and tools, and the most recently added machines, but I will get out there when the weather warms up a bit, I HOPE. There are other priorities that are demanding my time right now, and even THEY are not getting the attention they deserve.

Joe

[acourtjester]

Now they are selling a 40 Watt Diode laser ( 8 X 5 Watt)
https://www.xtool.com/products/40w-lase ... _source=ld

[Joe Jones]

Now they are selling a 40 Watt Diode laser ( 8 X 5 Watt)
https://www.xtool.com/products/40w-lase ... _source=ld

Yes, I know. I bought two of them. If they work well, great. If not, I will have a 'YUGE sale.

Joe

[plasmanewbie]

Now they are selling a 40 Watt Diode laser ( 8 X 5 Watt)
https://www.xtool.com/products/40w-lase ... _source=ld

Thanks Tom, that's awesome, cuts that wood like butter!

Yes, I know. I bought two of them. If they work well, great. If not, I will have a 'YUGE sale.
Joe

Let us know how those work out for you Joe.

[cstroke]

No real updates here..
Stupid busy with shop stuff and other stuff I picked up and so far behind..
I have messed with the fiber laser a little bit, enough to get a bit of an understanding of it but only a few small projects with it so far even though I have several jobs I need to do on it..
Co2 laser is behind LOL.. I have cases of cups etc.. sitting everywhere..
Metal shop is behind too.. ugghh... The joys of a one man band..
JDS has added some very nice glass ware the "on the rocks" glasses are very heavy and nice..
Bought some enduramark charcoal glass and it's nice stuff.. It really makes the glass etching pop.
I'll add a few pictures once I get caught up.
Hope all is well for you guys.
Chris

[rdj357]

We're covered up as well - add in a very behind HVAC department! lol

I didn't get the CO2 galvo ordered - I just don't have the space to put it, looking at buying a very cool place to move the store but it will require a full remodel, trying to put that deal together. Too many irons in the fire and not enough hands! lol

Hang in there! - Robert

[Joe Jones]

"It looks like we are all in the same predicament.

Joe

[cstroke]

Anyone considering a laser you might want to research full spectrum laser and avoid them for the time being.
Sounds like they have quite the shit storm going on right now.
Higher up employee was basically selling their lasers through himself and then they were cancelling the purchase order..
After quite a bit of time to the tune of 100-500k the CEO caught on.. He's been bricking "stolen" machines( The customers were duped and had no idea what was going on)..
How the CEO is handling it is mind boggling..
Laser everything has a pod cast or video on it, it's a two part one so far..
My advice would if you have your heart set on this brand to wait a bit to see how it all shakes out.

[adbuch]

I have been looking at them, so thanks for the heads up!
David

[cstroke]

https://www.podbean.com/ep/pb-8fv48-13e7ae9 episode 1
https://www.podbean.com/ep/pb-p3jc8-13e9436 episode 2
Worth a listen, it has a bunch of info especially if your laser is cloud based.. Almost a buyer beware on anything you buy with a cloud based system.

[cstroke]

A few laser things..
I don't see that I posted this before, I can't remember what went on yesterday LOL..
Anyhow, I had this complicated flange to draw up, odd holes placement slots etc... Was going to sacrifice a piece of sheet metal but all I had was mostly full sheets and I didn't want to use it.. So I put a big chunk of cardboard on the CO2 and used it for as my sample.. Worked great..
Just ordered a mobile tool cart from home depot for the fibers new home.. Figure I can keep lenses and materials in it and the wood top for the work..
I got the 61x24" one, If i need to I can extend the top for the laser to sit on..
I haven't done much with the fiber and honestly still need to make sure everything is set up correctly, the learning curve isn't what I thought it would be it's going better so far than I expected.. Only thing that's weird is nailing settings for different powdercoats etc... With the CO2 it isn't as picky with the different powders.
Hope everyone is staying busy and staying out of jail..

[rdj357]

I have also used the CO2 for prototyping - it's great! I bet the toolbox setup will work great! At our store, we have a 5' kitchen sink cabinet base and a 6' piece of countertop on it so we have the doors and drawers for storage and a stand for the laptop. Gives us a place to stage pieces that we're engraving. So that is similar to what you'll have going on.

No jail so far! lol Busy as hell which everyone keeps telling me is good hahaha Glad you're busy and getting some fun going with the lasers!