Laser Question

[haasmarc]

I am not sure if this is the right place for this but I will be using it to make N scale items so here gos...

My brother-in-law has this laser:
http://morntechusa.com/50w-co2-laser-machine-engraver-cutter.html

With the auto focus and Roller type simple cylindrical attachments.

He needs to sell it and of course I am getting a premo price if I want it.  I know nothing about lasers.  Is this a good laser to use to cut wood for structures etc?

It is a 50W CO2 water cooled laser.

Thank you for any knowledge/insight you can share.

[Chris333]

I think you mostly want to be able to focus the beam to get a very fine line (for N scale) So you can cut the narrowest lines possible.

[C855B]

It appears to be suitable for cutting modeling wood or even some types of plastics. The specs say it will cut MDF to 8mm, so it can certainly handle 1/16" basswood or 1/8" modeling plywood. The main question I have is whether you are able to turn the power down so you don't vaporize thin stuff, although I'd be surprised if you couldn't given the variety of materials they say it can handle.

I drilled down in the site and found the manual PDF: http://db.tt/K1KE0hRK. Maybe that can help with your decision.

Good luck. Sounds like fun.

[GimpLizard]

Speaking of lasers... has anyone else seen this? http://www.micromark.com/microlux-laserknife-2525-laser-cutter-engraving-machine,11921.html

2 grand seems a little steep for a 10x10 cut table. I found a 10x8 machine, for $500, on ebay. And a 12x20 for $2100. But I think they're made in China.

[peteski]

Speaking of lasers... has anyone else seen this? http://www.micromark.com/microlux-laserknife-2525-laser-cutter-engraving-machine,11921.html

2 grand seems a little steep for a 10x10 cut table. I found a 10x8 machine, for $500, on ebay. And a 12x20 for $2100. But I think they're made in China.

Aren't most of them from China anyway (or at least their internal components)?   Most everything in today's world comes from China. 

[C855B]

The issue with the cheap eBay lasers is they likely ship from China, so there is little or no after-sales product support. At least MicroMark is likely to stand behind the product, the extra cost part of their assuming the support. The manual I found for Marc's laser had some evident "Chinglish", as well, so there is no free lunch no matter how you look at it.

[haasmarc]

I did see in the manual that you can assign different laser strength settings to different colors in the art work.

A big problem is that the laser is in Florida and I am in Texas.  My brother-in-law said it came in a crate.  Not sure the best way to get it here.

[Doug G.]

Just keep that laser away from anybody named "Goldfinger"!



Doug

[wm-webb]

I hear people having good luck with Fastenal shipping. https://www.fastenal.com/web/en/22/third-party-logistics-%283pl%29

A big problem is that the laser is in Florida and I am in Texas.  My brother-in-law said it came in a crate.  Not sure the best way to get it here.

[BobS]

"Do you expect me to talk?"

[loyalton]

The support you get for this machine is golden. You might check to make sure it's transferable.

The plate size is generous for N scale.

Specs/abilities are as good as anything out there as far as I can remember, comparing with older machines that were more money. Compare it with their Pro versions; I think you're well covered for any N projects. You might think about making wood cabeese for your favorite roads, too (hint, hint). You've maybe seen Robert Ray's excellent NP ones?

Note the estimated lifetime of the laser and check out its replacement cost.

[engineshop]

I did see in the manual that you can assign different laser strength settings to different colors in the art work.

A big problem is that the laser is in Florida and I am in Texas.  My brother-in-law said it came in a crate.  Not sure the best way to get it here.

The software is very important to make your laser life easier, but more important is the technical help of the seller/manufacturer. My seller even has a forum which was more helpful than the best manual.
Shipping has two problems: The laser could go out of alinement.  The manual will show how to get it back which is time just consuming.
The bigger problem is that the laser tube could break and that is expensive on 50W laser. It might be a good idea to contact the maker of the laser and get some shipping tips.
The other question would be if you plan on producing some income from your laser? This would be the laser for you. Otherwise you get a new laser for half the price.

[TiVoPrince]

Fly
into Florida, rent SUV that will hold laser. Hire four bulky guys from a local gym to load it. Buy a cheap tarp or blanket to cover it even with dark tinted windows. Avoid speeds bumps along the way home. Find more bulky guys to help unload your treasure. Set up distinct email address to receive files from Railwire members for fun and profit...

[Chris333]

Set up distinct email address to receive files from Railwire members for fun and profit...

This!   

[haasmarc]

Well, he hardly used it so time on the laser is low.  He offered it to me for $1,500. So price is really good.

I will look into the shipping.  I looked at renting a van or suv but they are not available to drive here from there.  A small truck is the smallest vehicle from Uhaul.