Just a very quick update ...

Something I hadn't considered ! ... dust !
I make tons of it with the CNC router...

Absolutely no good at all for the laser optics ! lol ... really obvious, but I overlooked it ..

I have another dust extractor being delivered today, and will be making a lot of changes to get the workshop dust down as much as posible.

The laser has an exhaust fan, which blows all the fumes outside... but, the air in the machine has to be replaced from somewhere ... that somewhere is the room it's in, and hence the air quality will make a difference to your machine use.

2 problems with dust.. 1st dust on the optics will reduce the output at the cutting point.
2nd, and most important.. the laser beam will heat any dust it sees in it's path. If it happens to be on a mirror or focus lens, then it will heat them, and potentially destroy them !

Cleaning and aligning the optics should be a regular task anyway, but a dusty room is an non starter !


Apart from that, I'm happy to say I've learned enough so far to put the machine to use and have started selling it's output :)