Potentiometer problem on Chinese 40w laser.

[andyisko]

Hi, can anyone help ? The potentiometer on my Chinese 40w laser normally operates in a linear fashion working from 0-14. 14 is the maximum power. It now only produces any power between 1 and 3. 2 appears to be producing full power on the laser and rapidly tapers off in either direction.
As a complete electronic ignoramus, I am assuming that the pot is faulty. However the specification is illegible, so can any one tell me what the correct specification for the pot is please. I thought it was a 5k 2w, but I am not sure. Otherwise could something else be causing my problem?
(complete newbie to forums so apologies if I am in the wrong place etc.)

[andyisko]

Thanks for the quick reply. I have discovered that the pot is a 2 watt 1k pot. However, I tried a similar pot which reacted in the same way, so I am beginning to think the problem may be with the power supply unit. If that is the case then I am totally lost. The laser cutter is a Chinese k40 purchased via eBay, other than that I don't have a makers name.