Startup Issues

[Brian Robison]

Like many of you all, I keep reading over this thread. I just don't see how a blower capable of sucking all the cool or hot air out of a room can't pull the smoke out of a laser cabinet unless there is a HUGE restriction someplace.

I'm disappointed in your Epilog rep. I know if I were the rep. I'd be camping out in your front yard until the problem was resolved!

[Mark Winlund]

I do find Mark's take on this subject disappointing
barb

My point is, welcome to the club. It happens to all of us sooner or later. Perhaps Epilog will help, perhaps not. If not, you have to move on and fix it yourself if you want to be in the business. I really do sympathise with you... believe me, I have been down the same road.

Good luck, Mark

[Richard Rumancik]

Barb, I don't think Mark is suggesting Epilog has no responsibility in this issue. He said:

I'm not sure that I agree that Epilog should pay for another blower. Perhaps an exchange machine.

Now maybe you feel that a different blower is the answer. But I tend to agree with Mark that Epilog should consider replacing the laser itself (especially if it can't be retrofitted with the new 6" air system.) I agree they did mislead you as to what type of blower was initially needed and perhaps they should take some responsibility for some of the costs.

What is different between your system and David's?

1. different exhaust duct system (4" vs 6")
2. different blower
3. different location of blower
4. different system impedence (ducting)

Anything else you can think of?

Although David may disagree, I really think your blower is not all that much different from David's in terms of performance. (I have plotted the two curves on one chart.) Therefore I have not been enthusiastic about changing blowers. And yes, if you change to a 5 hp blower it will probably work, but there ought to be a better way.

I can't remember if you have 6" ducting beyong the laser itself - can you clarify? (You should use 6" min if you don't already. No sharp elbows etc.)

I don't think the location of the blower has that much effect on the performance of the system.

So that leaves the laser enclosure impedence. (Unless I have forgotten something else that is different.) That is why I suggested trying to retrofit to 6" exhaust ducts but we don't know if this is possible or not. But if not, I would see if Epilog would exchange the machine for the 6" version and (give you a reasonable warranty).

[Dan Hintz]

Plug the blower directly into the back of the machine with as little ductwork as possible. If it STILL can't evacuate the machine properly, well, you know where the problem lies...

[Scott Shepherd]

Another week has passed. Any update on resolving Barb's issues?

Didn't seem to take 12 weeks to cash the check, I'm guessing.....