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So really thinking about diving into one of these $400 knockoffs. My cutting needs are simple, just cutting elaborate designs in latex sheeting, which is a thing that companies do with 40W lasers, so it's possible. I've also got the capability of venting, as I can put this in my basement workshop space and duct right out the window. So what are the limitations of this "out of the box?" If I'm just cutting 2d shapes on a single flat piece of material, does the built in controller and software work for that? I've got a computer I can use etc etc so I think this would meet my basic needs, right?
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Dec 2, 2015 19:42
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| # ¿ Apr 28, 2024 03:11 |
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So a few other basic questions. I see on the pictures on ebay there's a grounding port. Does this need to be specially grounded or does it just need a grounded 3 prong outlet? Also, for ventilation, does the fan that come with it produce enough pressure to open a dryer vent like this: http://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-16-in-Dryer-Vent-Kit-with-Hood-PM8X85DS/202049948 I've got a boarded over window well right outside the workspace I'm thinking of putting this, so if I can put a vent in place that would be perfect.
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Dec 7, 2015 06:06
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So I know they're all basically the same, but this one is $20 cheaper on Ebay than the rest. It has 500 sold, which is far more than any of the other models, but I don't know if that's just because it's cheap. http://www.ebay.com/itm/High-Precise-40W-CO2-Laser-Engraving-Cutting-Machine-Engraver-Cutter-USB-Port-/260825065645 I guess basically are there any red flags on that description before I pull the trigger?
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Jan 22, 2016 06:45
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So I ordered one of these things, and finally got it going this weekend. Now I'm looking into some basic upgrades. First, trimming the exhaust duct. Has anybody done that? It looks like I can either take the entire X-Y table out to take out the duct piece, or just take a dremel to the inside of the machine like this: http://cradleofintrigue.com/2015/08/13/cutting-vent-to-extend-work-area/
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Feb 23, 2016 06:38
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I put in the real ventilation system this weekend (mostly): I used the 4" model of the vent fan that Ambihelical Hexnut used, because I'm using a 4" dryer vent. If it doesn't move enough air I guess I'll just get some reducers and stick a 6" in there. I'm modifying this exhaust box: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:454820 I want the tube to come out the top rather than the back, and also it's sized for European dryer hose rather than American. And I found 5mm plywood at Home Depot rather than 3mm that the plan uses. So hopefully sometime this week I'll get that made out. Couldn't figure out what to even search for to find a collar piece that the dryer hose would "plug" in to, like the white plastic on that Thingverse piece. So I found this at Home Depot: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-4-in-Dryer-Duct-to-Wall-Connector-EZCNHD/203626503. Gets me a collar plus an easy way to unplug the exhaust if I need to move the laser cutter.
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Feb 29, 2016 17:45
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This is actually v2 of the exhaust, v1 (which I knew would need to be replaced) was the exhaust fan that comes with it blowing into a 20 foot dryer hose which blew into the stupid blue tube that came with the machine that was duct taped to the dryer vent I'd installed (because the dryer vent pipe was flush with the wall I couldn't get the dryer hose to plug into the pipe, I needed an intermediary, and the blue pipe was there). Gotta cut cut cut! The built in exhaust vent looked like it could blow more air than the inline one I have now (by comparing how far out the flaps in my dryer vent are pushed when they're on) but this new solution is much more air tight. I was cutting some cardboard to test my modifications and even just having the dryer hose sitting by the exhaust hole (all 20 feet of it) it already smelled better than previous attempts cutting paper with the exhaust fan it comes with.
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Feb 29, 2016 19:42
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So that little fan that blows are out of the electronics area: I think it's weird that it blows air out while the exhaust is also trying to blow air out. I'm thinking of turning it around so it blows air into the machine and then the exhaust can pull it out. Does anybody else's fan blow air out rather than pull it in?
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Mar 5, 2016 20:26
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Installed a drag chain for the air assist last night, not sure if I want to attach it to the head anymore than it is or leave it like this. http://i.imgur.com/tmcM1MF.gifv
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Mar 8, 2016 19:18
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Is there a trick to cutting plywood to make sure the laser goes all the way through little imperfections? I seem to have found a power setting that works, but sometimes it just... doesn't in small spots.
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Apr 7, 2016 05:46
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My controller computer is running Windows 10 with no real problems with Corel Laser. The only annoying thing is the way the plugin's notifications interact with Windows 10 notifications, causing a million popups.
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May 24, 2016 16:45
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| # ¿ Apr 28, 2024 03:11 |
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This is the plywood I bought: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013NT3OAC/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Much cheaper (I think) than even buying direct from Midwest, and it's all been high quality as far as I can tell.
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Jun 29, 2016 18:38
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