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Thread: Purchasing Thunder Laser - Mars 130 Timeline and review

  1. #31
    Join Date
    Mar 2015
    Location
    Arkansas
    Posts
    137
    Quote Originally Posted by Keith Winter View Post
    Thanks Ron, I'll keep them on! Are you running any coolant in your water or anything to prevent mildew? Seems I read a lengthy thread on here a couple months back but I don't remember the consensus, some said a little was good, some none at all, others had other methods they used to keep mildew away...

    I run just a touch of prestone. Not enough to really even color the water. ( I think it was 1/2 cup to the whole tank). No mildew yet.

    Haha Dave, I know what you mean about laser porn! I watch you tube videos of lasers from time to time in addition to my own, lasers are just so much fun!
    Dave are you talking silicon on the terminals where they wires connect to the tube itself, positive side only? Or what do you mean by "round the outside of the + side just to be safe"? Special silicon or something I can pick up at home depot/lowes?
    I think Dave is talking about silicone tubing around the + side for arc prevention.

    Gozzie
    Thunder Laser MARS 90 (130 watt)
    RD Works V8
    1 Phillips Screwdriver
    1 Straight Edge
    1 Hammer
    1 Dull Chisel
    1 Pencil Sharpener (manually operated)

  2. #32
    Yup, sheath the entire + HT line ,

    keeping mildew down...half a teaspoon of chlorine crystals (the stuff used in home pools) works well on all of mine. (literally half a teaspoon in 6L of water)
    You did what !

  3. #33
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    United States
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    Gozzie thank you for this. Got me started and going on the right foot

    Unfortunately they sent me a bad tube. Lasted for less than 30 minutes of use. That black spot I saw on the tube when I opened it on the "nipple" of the tube turned into a second black spot that started to create micro cracks in the glass. Really upsetting because the laser was delayed a couple weeks so they could "quality control it and test the tube", and you and I both know these things cost more than other Chinese lasers. Was rather nice until it died. I'm sure they will make it right, but I already had jobs for it. We'll see what they do to make this right, and I'll update everyone once I get the results so others know what to expect if they order from them, good or bad.


    Quote Originally Posted by Ron Gosnell View Post
    It's almost here Keith . It seems like a long wait but well worth it.
    I got a lucky extra bill on my shipping too. Mine was for a customs inspection.
    It added roughly $400.00 to my shipping. Had to pay for dock fees and loading unloading, misc....
    I guess if anyone asks me I'll explain that they should set back an extra $400-$500 for who knows what charges.
    I happily paid mine and just wrote it off as a whatever.

    I hope your machine treats you as well as mine does me. I have not had one issue to date. I love it.
    I probably over clean it more than I need to but it seems to like it.
    Congratulations again. At least it's on U.S soil now and survived the vast seas.

    Gozzie
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Last edited by Keith Winter; 10-09-2015 at 1:36 PM.
    Trotec Speedy 400 120w, Trotec Speedy 300 80w
    Thunderlaser Mars-130 with EFR 130w tube
    Signature Rotary Engravers (2)
    Epson F6070 Large Format Printer, Geo Knight Air Heat Presses (2)

  4. #34
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    Oct 2013
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    United States
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    This conversation continues on a new thread about the tube issue and service for anyone that is following my thunder review, that topic is here:
    http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthre...er-need-advice!
    Trotec Speedy 400 120w, Trotec Speedy 300 80w
    Thunderlaser Mars-130 with EFR 130w tube
    Signature Rotary Engravers (2)
    Epson F6070 Large Format Printer, Geo Knight Air Heat Presses (2)

  5. #35
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    1,038
    So this will be my final update unless something changes or someone has a question. I'll try to wrap it all up.

    After receiving the machine the tube went bad the first day (you can read about that in the link above). After about a week of back and forth, the boss at Thunder Laser was brought into the conversation and they agreed to reimburse me the $1350 it cost me to get the new tube + shipping AND they sent me a new EFR ZN-1650 tube as well

    After being down 10 days I received the tube I ordered installed it, aligned the laser and I was back in business. About a week after that, I received the second tube which I plan on storing for an emergency.

    In the two weeks since we received the first replacement tube we have been cutting 10-12 hours a day 5 days a week with it. The engraving is very average, but I must say I'm blown away with the cut quality and smoothness of the machine when cutting, and we also like the software. The software is basic, but it does everything it needs to for us. This is kind of a blessing in a way, since anyone can operate the laser pretty easily with minimal training now that we have figured out the basics. Most all of the hard work was done in advance at the manufacturer. I'm also very happy with the ultimate resolution we came to on the tube issue.
    Trotec Speedy 400 120w, Trotec Speedy 300 80w
    Thunderlaser Mars-130 with EFR 130w tube
    Signature Rotary Engravers (2)
    Epson F6070 Large Format Printer, Geo Knight Air Heat Presses (2)

  6. Hello,
    I am asking for some time with the idea of ​​buying a laser cutting machine.
    For a budget issue, and to believe the good price / quality ratio, I rather directs me to a Chinese machine.
    I have read a bit of the Forum. I read the adventures that you have encountered.

    Repairing your tube problem dates from about three months.
    Can you give us a return of further experience on the machine? Are you still satisfied?
    Are there any negative points? ...
    I read somewhere that the Chinese had a precision machine problem because of too much flexibility in the belts. Is this the case on such machines?

    You made me discover the Thunder Laser manufacturer and, apart from the problem you have encountered, it seems to make good machines and be "upscale" in Chinese machinery, that I understood.
    I seek to confirm this impression, to validate my choice.
    For the belts’ problem, can they do a better mounting, or are there others Chinese manufacturers which offer that?

    If some rather would guide me to other machines, I'm interested in any advice.

    Sorry for my English (machine translation).

  7. #37
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    Oct 2013
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    United States
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    I've been very happy with the machine since the initial tube incident. Runs 8 hours a day flawlessly. As for engraving you are correct the Chinese engraving quality and speed is not up to par with the US machines even one with servos like the thunder vs steppers in regular Chinese machines. I think the controller is more of the problem than the belts. Above 800ms for standard or above 600ms for fine details the quality degrades a lot. This is still around half the Speed of a us machine. So if you are planning to engrave a lot of precision work I'd save up and get a USA machine. If you have less precise work to do or speed isn't an issue Chinese is ok. Really depends on the type of work you will he doing and your speed requirements...

    As for the Thunder vs other Chinese, I'm biased However mine has been low maintenance, was setup correctly at the factory, and it has a few extra features, so I'd have to say it's a more premium machine than most of the other Chinese. Likewise they cost more. I like it, but yes you are correct, they are more expensive than many others.
    Last edited by Keith Winter; 02-03-2016 at 4:08 PM.
    Trotec Speedy 400 120w, Trotec Speedy 300 80w
    Thunderlaser Mars-130 with EFR 130w tube
    Signature Rotary Engravers (2)
    Epson F6070 Large Format Printer, Geo Knight Air Heat Presses (2)

  8. Hi Keith, thank you very much for your response.
    I'm delighted for you that your machine works so well.
    I think especially to cutting and a little burning.
    That's what I'm interested in having an affordable machine and together with a good level of quality superior to other Chinese.
    I would like to know a little more about the cutting speed.
    Do you have an idea of the maximum speed to get a good cut (in mm / s)?
    I could use a Trotec 400. The cutting speed is amazing !! 
    How much of this speed can I expect to achieve with this Thunder machine?
    Half, one-third of the speed?

    I do not know what I've read ... is the machine removable (easily) (the lower part of the frame) to pass through the doors, toggling the height?

  9. Is anyone have an idea of cutting speed that i can expect to get with Thunder Laser Machine (Mars 60X90 for example) compared with a Trotec 400 ??
    Thanks a lot.

  10. #40
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    1,038
    Yannick cut speed is determined by 1) your material 2) your material thickness 3) your beam power. The thunderlaser is no faster than any other Chinese at cutting, and not much slower than a trotec of similar power cutting. You could reasonably expect a chinese laser to be only roughly 10-12% slower since you cannot run a chinese laser above 90% power. The limiting factor is your laser power much more so than the brand/type of laser when cutting. If you're only going to cut you can go with any mid-level chinese laser, it will be similar if it's of similar power.
    Last edited by Keith Winter; 02-09-2016 at 4:55 PM.
    Trotec Speedy 400 120w, Trotec Speedy 300 80w
    Thunderlaser Mars-130 with EFR 130w tube
    Signature Rotary Engravers (2)
    Epson F6070 Large Format Printer, Geo Knight Air Heat Presses (2)

  11. #41
    Quote Originally Posted by Keith Winter View Post
    Hi Guys,

    I've decided to take the leap and order a Chinese laser for cutting. Figures crossed it all goes well.


    Here's what I ordered. If you see anything I missed let me know. It's my intention to update this thread as things progress since I don't see many Thunder Laser reviews on here, might be helpful to someone I thought.

    Machine ordered:
    Mars 130 Plus laser
    + With EFR ZN-1650 130w tube
    + Upgrade to 5200 Water chiller from 5000 water chiller
    + Pass-through to be sealed with metal
    + Tube is longer than machine, to be enclosed in metal extension on machine

    Extras Ordered:
    - extra 2 inch head and lens

    - extra 4 inch head and lens
    - extra 2 inch focal lens
    - extra 4 inch focal lens
    - extra power supply
    - extra motherboard + other boards on system and RDC6442G lcd controller panel
    - extra servo motor**
    - extra servo motor driver**

    - molybdenum laser reflection mirrors - QTY 6
    - 6 meter extra x, y belt
    - extra open flap sensor
    - extra honeycomb and frame
    - extra screws for mirror mounts and lens



    Events & Experience (so far):
    1) 6-27-2015 - started talking to Nolan @ Thunder Laser - Nolan was very prompt to answer
    2) 7-9-2015 - Placed order with Nolan at Thunder Laser - To ship within 3 weeks
    3) 7-10-2015 - Wired 30% deposit to Thunder Laser, Nolan confirmed receipt - laser to ship within 3 weeks


    Read this in another forum -- Thunder Laser machines actually have hybrid servos (closed loop steppers mfg by Leadshine who
    markets them as "easy servos". But their steppers. Of course Thunderlaser's site claims them as servos -- img. I would leave the link to
    the forum thread but I don't think its permitted.


    Thunder_Laser_False_Claim.png



  12. #42
    You do know this thread is 2 years old right.
    Quote Originally Posted by Ron Philman View Post

    Read this in another forum -- Thunder Laser machines actually have hybrid servos (closed loop steppers mfg by Leadshine who
    markets them as "easy servos". But their steppers. Of course Thunderlaser's site claims them as servos -- img. I would leave the link to
    the forum thread but I don't think its permitted.


    Thunder_Laser_False_Claim.png


    If the Help and advice you received here was of any VALUE to you PLEASE! Become a Contributor
    Rabbit RL_XX_6040-60 watt Laser engraving/cutting machine Oh wait its a 3D Printer my bad LOL
    Lasercut 5.3
    CorelDraw X5

    10" Miter Saw with slide
    10" Table Saw
    8" bench mount 5 speed Drill Press
    Dremel, 3x21 Belt Sander


  13. #43
    Are the legs of the Thunderlaser products removable. I want to get one into my basement but it will have to go through a low window.

  14. #44
    i would contact thunder laser and ask them since machines change designs often
    Quote Originally Posted by Cam Mayor View Post
    Are the legs of the Thunderlaser products removable. I want to get one into my basement but it will have to go through a low window.
    If the Help and advice you received here was of any VALUE to you PLEASE! Become a Contributor
    Rabbit RL_XX_6040-60 watt Laser engraving/cutting machine Oh wait its a 3D Printer my bad LOL
    Lasercut 5.3
    CorelDraw X5

    10" Miter Saw with slide
    10" Table Saw
    8" bench mount 5 speed Drill Press
    Dremel, 3x21 Belt Sander


  15. #45
    Quote Originally Posted by Keith Winter View Post
    Hi Guys,

    I've decided to take the leap and order a Chinese laser for cutting. Figures crossed it all goes well.


    Here's what I ordered. If you see anything I missed let me know. It's my intention to update this thread as things progress since I don't see many Thunder Laser reviews on here, might be helpful to someone I thought.

    Machine ordered:
    Mars 130 Plus laser
    + With EFR ZN-1650 130w tube
    + Upgrade to 5200 Water chiller from 5000 water chiller
    + Pass-through to be sealed with metal
    + Tube is longer than machine, to be enclosed in metal extension on machine

    Extras Ordered:
    - extra 2 inch head and lens

    - extra 4 inch head and lens
    - extra 2 inch focal lens
    - extra 4 inch focal lens
    - extra power supply
    - extra motherboard + other boards on system and RDC6442G lcd controller panel
    - extra servo motor
    - extra servo motor driver
    - molybdenum laser reflection mirrors - QTY 6
    - 6 meter extra x, y belt
    - extra open flap sensor
    - extra honeycomb and frame
    - extra screws for mirror mounts and lens



    Events & Experience (so far):
    1) 6-27-2015 - started talking to Nolan @ Thunder Laser - Nolan was very prompt to answer
    2) 7-9-2015 - Placed order with Nolan at Thunder Laser - To ship within 3 weeks
    3) 7-10-2015 - Wired 30% deposit to Thunder Laser, Nolan confirmed receipt - laser to ship within 3 weeks

    How’s the Thunder Laser working out? Weighing Thunder Nova 35 or Boss 1630.

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