Lasers

[Kyle Stapleton]

We are looking to get a laser and not knowing the first thing about them I'm turning to a trusted place.
This is what I'm looking at:

Universal Vls6.60 platform laser engraver 60 watt,
air assist, cutting table and 2.o lens
TBH exhaust system
Both DEMO UNITs

Not sure what products we will be making.

Trying to find out what a good price would be, and if it is a good laser.
Thanks

[knight_toolworks]

lasers are like cnc's you want good support and as much power as you can afford and as large as you can afford so you are not limited. universal is a very good brand so you can't go wrong.

[jerry_stanek]

Like Steve said Universal is a good brand. You may have to get a new filter for the exhaust filters can be expensive to replace. If there is a chance to vent outside that would be better.

[sc.crab]

I have also been looking at laser and I have been looking real hard at the Epilog Helix and hoping to go to their rep for a demo in the next couple of weeks.

[garyr6]

It's one of the big three western laser's. Maybe best known for serviceable design. 15 to 20 grand. Most buy at one of the shows (best discounts?) check Sawmill Creek website for information.

[Brady Watson]

I guess it all depends on what you want to make - that should have some additional thought. I am guessing it is the community's money (school system) and not your personal money, right?

None of them are cheap. The Universal and Epilog units are good & reliable with excellent support compared to the cheap imported ones. Be sure to get a good warranty. Replacing the tubes can be expensive. Ask the salesman how much this is so you know. (amybe order a spare and shelf it) There are also places out there that 'blueprint' the imported ones and offer a warranty for the US market as well for a reduced cost.

The only real application for a laser of that power is going to be engraving. You can do some cutting in plywood/acrylic etc, but the wood stuff will be charred on the edges. It does make for quick/easy cutting of small intricate designs that snap together, but there isn't a lot of call for this on a commercial level (using only 60 watts and small working area) other than engraving.

One option is to add a low watt laser diode to your existing machine. The JTech comes to mind. You can easily control it with the SB control software & it has enough cookies to do nice engraving work and some through cutting. It's worth a look...especially for less than $600 total.

Without knowing what your vision is for the laser, it's hard to recommend the right stuff. If you're just looking to burn up money in your budget for the year, either Epilog or Universal will do that...There was another brand (of the 'big 3') that escapes me.

-B

[ron_moorehead]

I have the Universal Vls4.60 50 watt laser and a GCC 30 watt laser, both of them are good machines. The GCC laser is about 9 years old and I had the laser tube rebuilt about a 1.5 year ago the cost was $2000.00. It is cutting like new again. The Universal is 2 years old and still going strong. Universal has a exchange program for the laser tube ask them what the going cost is for a exchange.

Air assist on the GCC I have a little paint brush compressor that does a great job just blows air at the cutting area of the laser.

On the Universal you need at least 50 PSI continually it blows air at the cutting point and on to the mirrors to keep them clean and clear. You want dry dry air expect to pay $1000.00 or more for a good air supply system for the Universal.

[mtylerfl]

...There was another brand (of the 'big 3') that escapes me.

-B

Probably Trotec

[Kyle Stapleton]

Thanks for the info. will post an update when things get a little more real.

[pro70z28]

I've had a 16''x30'' 100W CO2 BOSS Laser for a few months now and like it. Toured the plant in Florida when we were on vacation last fall.
Just finished a job a few minutes ago. I do a lot of tags for an electrical contractor, but it's handy for a lot of other projects also.
I agree, get the biggest you can afford, so you aren't limited down the road. I actually ordered the next size smaller initially, and after thinking about it over the weekend, called them and upgraded to this one. Glad I did.

[t28c34]

I have had my Universal VLS 3.50 for 3 years now. I love the software interface and the customer support with any questions. I use mine for cutting 1/8" MDF and plywood. as well as some engraving.

[Kyle Stapleton]

We just got a VLS 6.60, now working on venting so we can cut more than paper.