redsail Laser Cutting Machine Cutter Engraving Engraver 500 x 700

**mekanik** · 13-03-2015

Hi
I don't have a CNC machine of any description so can't help with the software side of things but from what you are describing it would appear that the stepper ratio setting is @ fault, ie you need double the amount of steps to get the correct movement of you axis, should be any easy enough fix for someone that is familiar with the software you are running, hopefully someone with more knowledge can help.
Regards
Mike
PS
Apologies if that was a load of bo**ocks

**CTR** · 15-03-2015

We used to sell the Redsail machines many years ago. From memory, the M700 and M500 lasers from Redsail are driven directly in the X and Y axis without reduction belts. This means the X and Y stepper drives should have the same dip switch settings (the micro toggle switches on the motor drives, between the two connectors).
If these are identical, check the Vendor param/ step length(um) values. Again, the X and Y axis values should be the same (or almost, as belt tension stretch may mean that the values need tweaking a little to get accurate results).

**sthdklen** · 21-03-2015

Hi thanks very much for the reply. I managed to sort out the x axis problem by halving the values etc. Now though, I have it perfectly aligned and It won't cut. Even when I check each mirror to make sure its central, then keep the laser head still and pulse at full power it doesn't go through the wood. I seem to get about 1mm engraved if that. Alignment is perfect it just seems there is not enough power even if I have it at 90%
Any ideas what could be causing this?

Thanks in advance

**gavztheouch** · 21-03-2015

How many watts is the laser tube and what type of wood are you cutting?

**CTR** · 25-03-2015

Originally Posted by gavztheouch

How many watts is the laser tube and what type of wood are you cutting?

Wood is a very variable material and difficult to define the power and speed required.
However, if the laser tube in the M700 is 50w then try to get a piece of 3mm acrylic which should be able to be cut at a speed of 8mm/sec and power of 65%
If this is not possible, then I suspect the laser tube may be low in power, or, the optics are not clean and aligned correctly.
All this is assuming the software machine parameters are set correctly.

I hope you are successful at getting it working.

**calida** · 31-03-2015

Strangely I have the same issue. I've finally got mine working and now it won't cut through 6mm acrylic at full power (50w). Shows a slight shadow so i'm thinking its probably alignment or cleaning issues.... anyone any other ideas???

**Isaac** · 03-04-2015

Put a touch of receipt paper over the last mirror and test fire the laser. It should be center of the hole. Shadowing usually means a cracked mirror(including the last one in the tube) or the beam is clipping on of the mirror mounts(usually the laser head).