Full Version: Cleaning my Epilog
From: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#1]
13 Jan 2007
To: ALL
I am thinking it's probably time for me ot do a bit of cleaning on my Epilog. I do clean the lense regularly and performed mirror alignment maintence. But I am thinking I should probably really clean it pretty good. :O
I looked it up in the manual and it says you should do it...not really how.
I searched here and couldn't find the answer.
I looked on Epilog's website and couldn't really find what I was looking for. What I am wondering is, does anyone have a checklist/instructions/guide to cleaning an Epilog? What pieces should I definitely clean and definitely stay away from etc. What should I use to clean it?
If anyone could point me in the right direction, I would greatly appreciate it
Thank you in advance
Becky
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#2]
13 Jan 2007
To: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#1] 13 Jan 2007
That is an excellent set of questions.
I would be very interested in the answers also, I just never thought about it.
From: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#3]
14 Jan 2007
To: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#2] 14 Jan 2007
What do you do to clean your laser?
Becky
From: UncleSteve [#4]
14 Jan 2007
To: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#3] 14 Jan 2007
(Just KIDDING Dee!) ;-)
It's one of THOSE mornings.... :O)
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#5]
14 Jan 2007
To: UncleSteve [#4] 14 Jan 2007
From: UncleSteve [#6]
14 Jan 2007
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#5] 14 Jan 2007
Or is that what he is doing in between message posting at 2 AM?
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#7]
14 Jan 2007
To: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#3] 14 Jan 2007
I use Windex for most cleaning and Fantastic for the tough stuff. The Windex is used for the rollers and the rails on the machine. The rollers and rails I clean every time I clean the mirrors and the lens.
I also heard it making some noise with the flying head and cleaned the toothed side of the belt, (a miserable job), with Windex. It got quiet after that.
From: Randy Allen (RALLEN) [#8]
14 Jan 2007
To: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#1] 14 Jan 2007
Randy Allen here, from Roy Brewer's office.
If you can tell me what Model/Yr. Epilog you have I can get a little more specific. However, there should be a section in your owners manual dedicated to discussing the maintenance. If there's not one then I assume the laser might be more than just a few months or years old?
Laser Maintenance:
LENSES & MIRRORS:
1. Once a week, use the lens cleaning solution, provided with your Epilog, and clean the top & bottom of the lens. When you run out, email or call technical support and they can send you more. (303)-215-9171; press 1 to skip the greeting.
I would recommend against using Acetone or even Windex. Maybe those will work for others ok, I just have more of a preference to use mild soap & water or approved lens cleaner from Epilog or Laserbits.
NOTES:
Additionally, I recommend on my installations, depending on what application and materials are being lasered, that every 3-6 months after the first year to gently REMOVE the lens bracket / mirror(s) and hold it up to the light and really focus on the reflection of the mirror. Look for any flaking, scratches discoloration, maybe compare it to another mirror.
a. Next, clean the mirrors. There is one mirror above the lens and at least two more; 1 on the carriage and 1 towards the back of the machine that you can check for. Again, this depends on what model.
2. Check your lens carriage, depending on model, you may want to remove the cover and check for dust, gunk, debris, fuzz along the encoder strip & the read-head that straddles the encoder strip. Clean the encoder strip with a Q-tip and water. If you feel like it's too dirty the use a mild detergent. I personally, in most cases, recommend against using Acetone or Alcohol on the encoder strip, lenses, & mirrors.
BEARINGS:
3. Most Models have linear bearings and need to be cleaned & lubricated. We recommend every 90 days that you take a Q-Tip and clean out the top & bottom grooves of the linear bearing track. Once cleaned, use the grease, provided by Epilog, and inject the grease into the groves all along the bearing rails. If you need to wipe them down, I would recommend using an old T-shirt (no fuzz like paper towels). If needed use a mild soap & water to get rid of the residue on the bearings.
Where are the bearings? The bearings are sealed behind the lens carriage and ride along the top & bottom groves on the long rail with all the screws from side to side.
Other than those specifics just keep the inside wiped down real good and make sure your exhaust fan is pulling strong enough to really get rid of any fumes or smoke that comes off the material. If you are lasering wood &/or brass coated steel and you can see the smoke linger around inside the laser it's time to check for any obstructions in the hoses or get a stronger fan.
I hope this helps get you started.
Randy Allen
EDITED: 14 Jan 2007 by RALLEN
From: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#9]
14 Jan 2007
To: Randy Allen (RALLEN) [#8] 14 Jan 2007
Our Epilog is @ a year and a half old. I looked everywhere in the manual and didn't find anything about cleaning other than I should clean it :P
Thank you for that basic rundown. That was exactly what I was looking for!!
Thanks for your time!
Becky
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#10]
14 Jan 2007
To: Randy Allen (RALLEN) [#8] 14 Jan 2007
I use the professional coated optics cleaner for mirrors and lenses.
The Windex and Fantastic are only for the rails and insides of the machine. I never meant to imply that I use them for the mirrors or lenses. There is a faint possibility that it might work but the idea gives me shivers down my spine. I have heard that the coating can be damaged by water, Windex and Fantastic are mainly water. (Shiver again.)
From: Bill (ALBILLBERT2000) [#11]
15 Jan 2007
To: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#10] 15 Jan 2007
Just a note.. Our business before getting into engraving as a additional service.. was the Photographic Business.. Since 1927.. The things we saw from people wiping lenses with dry lens tissue or a paper towl still brings chills down my spine.... Please remember you dampen the lens tissue and wipe the lenses and mirriors while wet.. ... Miniumal contact with a dry cloth.. more friction... also.. be very careful with the brand of lens tissue you buy.. the lenses are coated.. the wrong tissue and you will pay for a new lens.... our suggestion was always look at the lens first.. if it needs cleaning you will see it.. .. and omg.. most people dont realize the mirrors are front coated mirrors.. be very careful cleaning them also.. the silvering is on the front.. not like a regular mirror..
I am sure most of you know this.. but. I bet someone reading this says omg..
Bill
EDITED: 15 Jan 2007 by ALBILLBERT2000