I was not expecting this…..
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- Опубліковано 26 тра 2024
- In this video, I'm going to take you through my recent experience of changing a laser tube on my CO2 laser engraving machine. But I'm also going to show you all the maintenance steps you need to keep your laser cutter working at its best including tips to get those mirrors properly aligned.
So, if you want to keep your laser cutter operating like a champ, or you're just curious about how these machines work, make sure you check out this video. And, of course, don't forget to smash that like button and subscribe for more laser-related content!
Also, something that should be checked! After making this video we double-checked the mA gauge with the digital one inside of the machine and it was slightly off by one or two mA. So double check that you are getting a correct reading! Thanks for watching everyone.
Mirror Alignment Videos that helped me:
@computercreationz • Thunder Laser Co2 Mirr...
@JaysToDoList • How to Align Co2 Laser...
@EdmondsWoodshop • How to align your mirr...
Laser and CNC Files: twomoosedesign.com/collection...
Patreon: / twomoosedesign
Items I use:
Aftermarket Lens Kit: amzn.to/3TMDuLD
Isopropyl alcohol for cleaning mirrors: amzn.to/3nq1ZSE
Tape for mirrors: amzn.to/3TNXnC2
Exhaust fan: amzn.to/42OhvIk
Reci Tube (more expensive but comes prime) amzn.to/3Zpa1Z6
Chiller: amzn.to/42O2KF9
List of my favorite shop products: www.amazon.com/shop/twomoosed...
Lasers mentioned:
My laser - lagunatools.com/cnc/co2-laser...
Omtech - amzn.to/3lW68gE
Glow forge - amzn.to/40PRMgy
Diode laser - amzn.to/3KhwJx9
Links are affiliate links, we get a small kickback for each purchase at no cost to you! thanks for the support!
Instagram: / twomoosedesign
Main Website: twomoosedesign.com
#laser #lasercutting #laserengraving
00:00 Introduction
00:44 Replacing the laser tube
02:57 The truth about laser tubes
06:53 Machine set up
07:25 Mirror alignment
11:07 Bed Leveling
11:43 Swapping lens tubes
12:20 Should you buy a laser? - Навчання та стиль
I would go nuts trying to keep up what power to set.
I like the way Thunder Laser under advertises the power of their lasers. If you order a 100watt you get a 120watt tube and they set it up so running at 100% in Lightburn give you 100watts out of the tube. You don't have to worry about running it to hard. I cut all the acrylic for PwnCNC and my Nova 35 100watt cuts through 1/2" thick acrylic great.
I am planning on upgrading to a 130watt tube when the time comes. It is actually what most companies would advertise as a 150watt but again it will be throttled back to 130.
Lasers are so much work. It's good to get that information out for sure.
I love having one! I’d like to try one of those fancy higher end ones just to see what it’s like. I might get one of those small diode set ups too for fun just to see what a $1000 laser is capable of.
The same thing happened to me November 2021. I discovered that my Laser tube failed because the water pump stopped working.
On my DIY machine I did not install a flow meter. That was a big expensive mistake.
Maybe consider upgrading to a higher Watt laser tube and power supply.
For example, if you're using a 40 watt laser tube to cut 6mm thick wood. It would take a lot more power than if you were using a 100 watt tube. To cut the same 6mm. The less power you need to cut, the longer the life.
I would also mention slower speeds lower power, but I know it will slow down production.
Great video by the way. I have been watching for a bit now. But just subscribed lol.
Awe man, hard lessons Learned. Hopefully I can upgrade in the near future! Thanks for watching and the sub! I appreciate it.
Awesome video, very informative!
Thanks Frank! I appreciate it 👊🏼👊🏼 Do you have a laser?
@@TwoMooseDesign you’re very welcome! Naw I don’t but I know a little more about them now 😉
@@FrankDoesIt awe dude you'd love one. Even if its one of those desktop deals. its great for adding your logo to stuff or customizing anything really.
@@TwoMooseDesign heck yeah I can see it being super handy!
Great video! If memory serves I followed up with you shortly before I got my laser. Almost identical to yours. I got the 150W Laguna EX, I had one tube to bad, and fortunately it was still under warranty when it did, and the damn thing is just a pain in the ass. It does great things but it has been referred to as my shop princess. It's a high maintenance machine that sometimes makes me pull my hair out. :) It is good to know that others think similarly of their laser. :)
😆😆😆 they are definitely finicky! I wish I got the EX the extra size and power would be greaaaaat. Do you by chance know why the tube failed? And how long did it last?
@@TwoMooseDesign I still to this day have no idea why that first tube went bad. I heard through the grapevine that they had a "rash of bad tubes" around that time, so that would have been probably last April or May. It literally went bad about 2 months after I got the machine, and I bet I didn't have but maybe 100 hours on it. I still have the bad tube boxed up, sitting in the corner. A friend of mine literally has an advanced degree in photonics, or something crazy like that, and she said she would like to diagnose the issue. Hoping she gets to it sooner than later.
@@todds4101 interesting 🤔 yeah I don’t know either 🤷🏼♂️ I’m more so just curious on others experiences, sounds like yours was a lot like mine lol like did I do something? Or could I have? Or would of happened no matter what 🤔
I went with a Trotec in my shop so I didn't need a chiller. Plus, it's a ceramic tube that has a run time min of 8 years. You pay a lot, but downtime is something I never have time for. Lol
Wow! That’s nuts, if you factor in new tubes every 1-3 years sheeesh 😆 if you have the budget it’s definitely the right move if it’s the heart of your business
If I ever get busier with laser work I will absolutely trade this Laguna in for either a Trotec or Epilog. Epilog lasers are made about 100 miles away from me, so one of these days I might take a road trip to their manufacturing facility and see what they have to offer.
@@todds4101 I’ll have to look into trotec I’m not familiar with them 🤔
They are the ferrari of lasers. Mine moves at 170" a sec. Bills out a $4 a min and is a workhorse
@@ensane13 Everyone I talk to that has operated and/or owned a Trotec swears by them.
Happened to me last month. Tube was less than 2 months old. No idea what happened because my machine has an interlock that is supposed to prevent the tube from firing unless the chiller is running, but it didn't. 150W tube costs $2000 where I am (Australia).
Oh man! Sorry to hear that, that really sucks 😬
Oye Bro tienes video de como se le coloca control remoto a la cnc
And I think it's worth mentioning that had I to do this laser thing all over again, I would probably go with either Trotec or Epilog. Owners of especially Epilogs say they are bullet proof, but I didn't want to spend that kind of $$ when I originally went with the Laguna. What is the old saying? If hindsight was 20/20, or something along those lines? Anyway, I would probably fork up the extra cash and go with a product that guarantees little to no issue (and the Epilogs are air cooled). Good luck my friend. I've gotten a few things from you on Etsy if memory serves. You have a good thing going in your shop.
I agree, if I was a full time laser shop I’d definitely spend money on a more professional machine. I have heard the same thing on being bulletproof and metal laser tubes! 🤯 but I agree budget was my issue and I knew nothing about lasers
I swear by my Epilog. 4th one since 2003. Worth every penny.
@@James01520 I’ve heard great things about them from fellow makers
@@James01520 that's great to know. This Laguna is working pretty well now, but it regularly makes me pull out what hair I have left so I'm sure the bomb will drop at some point.
Thanks for all the information. I was going to buy the Laguna 150w when the crud started two years back and desided to stop due to so many businesses on hold. But contacted Laguna a yesturday and looking at the smartshop 150W EX. How well do you recomend it. I have a 4x4 Laguna swift CNC and love it. I posted a video last week making a large U.S. Customs badge. Please let me know your thought on the Laguna EX150W. Great review and Thank you.
Hey! I think it’s a great machine and have always had good luck with laguna support. Other than our tube going bad I haven’t had any other issues. With lightburn it’s easier to run than a 𝙲𝙽𝙲 once you get the maintenance down. A laser is an awesome addition to the shop, wish I bought one sooner.
Someone said that if you add some dish soap to the water that the bubbles will not get into the tube. Don't know how true that is.
Cool video, great info, can you engrave on aluminum with your machine ?
Thanks, appreciate you watching. So all co2 lasers can etch the coating off of items but cannot engrave into metal. So for example if you look up anodized coated products on amazon you can etch off that coating to the bare aluminum and looks great. Another example would be you can etch off the powder coating of an item to the bare metal. If you want to truly etch metal you need a fiber laser.
@@TwoMooseDesign 10-4
What red dot are you using to see your adjustments??
It came with the machine 🤷🏼♂️
Gave you a Sub. Thanks.,
I appreciate it 😁
I want to see one of these tubes roll down some stairs.
lol I'll try that next time
I've had USA made Epilog Lasers since I bought my first one in 2003, only replacing to upgrade. Air cooled, next day laser replacement, reliable.
Oh dang! Impressive, I’d love to try one
wow
14:1
I bought a laser from a company in CA and the tube crapped out after 3 hours. When I called the company they stated they would reimburse me for a new tube, just send them a receipt. After over a year of calling them, I have given up on them ever standing by their word.
Awe man! That blows. Sorry to hear that
You're going to have more busted tubes in that dusty shop. Get your wallet out.
Guess I’ll have to build another shop