Ready to push the button and buy a laser....

Maybe ;)

Looking at getting one of the eBay offerings, all seem the same, probably a 60W model so i end up with about 30-40W at the cut.

Watched loads of videos, realise the machines, as most chinese stuff does, needs a lot of fettling and tuning, realise that they over-drive the tubes to get more out - bad idea, and so-on so hopefully there will not be too many surprises in store.

First question - most vids show them cutting white card/paper, supposedly because it looks good and shows defects well. I have a possible task in mind that uses BLACK card, about 0.25mm thick - will they cut this as easily? My guess is yes but...

I was looking at building one but there is no way to put even the motion together for what these machines are going for so buying and fixing is the way forwards.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Davek0974

Maybe ;)

Looking at getting one of the eBay offerings, all seem the same, probably a 60W model so i end up with about 30-40W at the cut.

Watched loads of videos, realise the machines, as most chinese stuff does, needs a lot of fettling and tuning, realise that they over-drive the tubes to get more out - bad idea, and so-on so hopefully there will not be too many surprises in store.

First question - most vids show them cutting white card/paper, supposedly because it looks good and shows defects well. I have a possible task in mind that uses BLACK card, about 0.25mm thick - will they cut this as easily? My guess is yes but...

I was looking at building one but there is no way to put even the motion together for what these machines are going for so buying and fixing is the way forwards.

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Yeah bought a blue and white one and it has not needed any work since buying it.

Black card will not be an issue.

Looking at this one....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2016627522...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Should be ok, will expect to do some fine tuning but thats half the fun i think ;)

Dave,

It looks to be identical to mine.

You are welcome to come and play with my 60 watt Chinese chappie before you part with your dosh. There's a bit about it here:

http://madmodder.net/index.php/topic...html#msg126523

and here:

http://madmodder.net/index.php/topic...html#msg126442

Thanks for the offer Andrew,

I think i'm fairly certain it will need work and I'm ok with that, i like to go through and fine-tune stuff anyway, its a good way to learn all the dodgy parts and i had already spotted those terrible universal sockets - i've got some IEC ones in the CNC building parts box so they will go in pretty much exactly as your one.

I put in an offer tonight, see if they take it or not :)

Ok, i ordered one this morning, fingers crossed.

Few q's for starters...

Are there any "preferred" sources of acrylic and laser-ply sheet ?

Everyone just use the pump-in-a-bucket cooler, plain water, de-ionised water, any additives?


Two things i will be getting is a 0-50mA meter for tube current and a power measuring probe/device - these seem pretty essential things for starters.

Dave you reckless devil !


I used to use a bucket & pump, but it filled up with dead spiders and flies, and I wanted anti freeze in it as mine is close to a roller shutter door. As the dogs often come and visit me I didn't want poisonous antifreeze in an open bucket - so I got one of the cooler units described in this thread:

http://madmodder.net/index.php/topic,11786.0.html

Apart from having to replace the pump as described in that thread it's been very good.

I've been buying plywood and acrylic from Hindleys

https://hindleys.com/

Thanks, i'll look out for a chiller type unit, not too bad price on the bay but if it can be got for less then happy days ;)

Hindleys looks good, i seem to recall getting some engraving plastic from them some time ago.

Can't wait.....

Fancy plastics can be got from 908ltd.co.uk