Is an upgrade from 80w to 130w worth it?

[Larry Robinson]

I currently have a Weike 80 watt laser. I cut mostly 1/4" (6mm) Russian Baltic Birch plywood. I am cutting it at 90 power and 8 speed. My problem is, as those that cut BB know, there are often defects in the wood that are difficult to cut through. I seem to spend way too much time hand cutting out parts that the laser should be cutting out. I have times when the laser will cut out all the parts and other times maybe only 90%. What I mean by cut out, is a square of maybe 10" by 10' will cut all the way though except for a couple of 1/2" areas that will not cut all the way though.

Anyway, thinking of upgrading to 130W Reci tube and power supply.

My question is, will the 130W Reci tube get me though the BB near 100% of the time?

Thanks
Larry

[john banks]

Our 100W RECI (claimed 115W, so it could be 50% more powerful than a cheapie 80W) cuts 6mm laser ply reliably at 14mm/s at 90% power, but the cost of 130W is considerable. The new equivalent to our 100W RECI is now 110W IIRC, and if similarly uprated is probably 125W.

If the more powerful laser gets through all the time you might get more burning on the back edge. It might be worth trialling different ply if you have other suppliers, we find considerable differences and some only cut half as fast as others and char horribly.

[Dan Simone]

Where do you get your 6mm laser ply from and what does it cost if you don't mind me asking?

Our 100W RECI (claimed 115W, so it could be 50% more powerful than a cheapie 80W) cuts 6mm laser ply reliably at 14mm/s at 90% power, but the cost of 130W is considerable. The new equivalent to our 100W RECI is now 110W IIRC, and if similarly uprated is probably 125W.

If the more powerful laser gets through all the time you might get more burning on the back edge. It might be worth trialling different ply if you have other suppliers, we find considerable differences and some only cut half as fast as others and char horribly.

[john banks]

Hobarts, but we are in the UK

[Rich Harman]

I think the solution to cutting through 100% is to go slower. That means that for 90% of the cutting you will be going slower than you need to. A more powerful laser will cut faster but you will still have to cut slower than optimum if you want to be sure to cut through all areas.

8/90 seems a bit slow to me but maybe your ply is different. I usually cut at 10 to 18mm/sec at 85% (25mA) using a 65mm lens. I can cut some light ply at up to 24mm/sec. I noticed a significant improvement in cutting speed when making sure the focus was spot on and the workpiece was held down flat to the table.

[Larry Robinson]

Rich,

Appreciate your input. I can cut a bit faster then the 8 speed. I can cut at 10 to 12, but just doing what you said, cutting slower to insure maximum cut through with out burning the edges. I also use a 65mm lens. I do clamp down sheets that are warped. Perhaps your Reci 80 is better then my standard 80 tube.

[Rich Harman]

Perhaps your Reci 80 is better then my standard 80 tube.

I have no way of knowing what the actual output is but the label on the tube said it tested at 97 watts.