After many months of research here and at other forums, I finally ended up with a new machine.
My original plan was to import directly from China and deal with whatever issues came up with shipping, customs, bad parts, broken tube, etc. All that changed when an opportunity finally fell into my lap (which I had been pursuing for months) for a laser cutting job which paid for a significant percentage of the BossLaser LS-2436 I ended up purchasing. Having no prior experience with lasers, however, with many years of experience with many other things CNC - including an extensive background with electronics and software development (CNC related and otherwise) - I was not worried about solving any problems I'd run into. Especially given the wealth of knowledge I could tap into here with the search function or by asking questions.
This cutting job I got was time sensitive to the point that waiting on shipping and customs would have cost me the opportunity to get this work - and possibly some more of it later. Next thing in my decision making process was the fact that BossLaser is 1.3 miles away from my machine shop - and they had the machine I wanted in stock - and my impression after meeting with them for a demo was good. So I placed my order and very soon thereafter I hauled my new laser cutting machine back to the shop.
Less than 90 minutes out of the crate I was already making test cuts and engravings. Over the next few days I had a few minor problems (self induced) and BossLaser was VERY fast and helpful in getting me taken care of. Major props to Robbie at BossLaser for helping me out quickly! I'm sure it doesn't hurt that I'm located so close to them either.
I "finished" my installation as follows:
- wired up dedicated separate power for the laser, CW5000 cooler, and exhaust fan - including conveniently located switches for power to the chiller and exhaust fan.
- replaced the soft silicone rubber air-assist tubing with proper harder nylon tubing so I can run a lot more PSI.
- ditched the supplied air compressor and hooked it up to the shop air supply, which is already very clean and dried air, along with a dedicated regulator and a series of water separators and coalescing oil removers - including a conveniently located 1/4 turn ball valve to turn on/off the air supply.
- ditched the supplied exhaust fan and hooked up a Harbor Freight green dust collector fan which exhausts very well through 45 feet of 6 inch metal ducting out the side of the building. No matter what I am cutting, there is zero visible smoke buildup in the cabinet. Provides enough suction that a sheet of paper is easily held against the front opening below the lid.
- plugged in the ethernet cable and assigned the RDC6442G with an IP address so I can easily transfer programs to it via the network. Discovered, at least for me, this is MUCH faster than the USB connection in transferring the programs.
Here's some photos if anyone is curious.
Jerry
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Originally Posted by Joe Pelonio
