Full Version: The Adventure Begins: The arrival of the Chinese Laser
From: Carl (CSEWELL) [#28]
26 Feb 2007
To: sroehlk (ELECTECH1) [#26] 26 Feb 2007
Have you tried creating the drawings in metric?
With 2.54 cm/inch, wouldn't a drawing created in inches be about 1/3 the size if the units were assumed to be 'cm'?
From: sroehlk (ELECTECH1) [#29]
26 Feb 2007
To: Carl (CSEWELL) [#28] 26 Feb 2007
I will try that next time I create a new graphic. Might just work.
Right now I am not creating anything new. I have templates that I use.
Steve
From: deLazer [#30]
11 Mar 2007
To: sroehlk (ELECTECH1) [#29] 12 Mar 2007
From: Peter [#31]
11 Mar 2007
To: ALL
the parts in that laser remind me of the special effects images from the1950's classic Movie....
Forbidden Planet
:-)
EDITED: 11 Mar 2007 by PETER
From: sroehlk (ELECTECH1) [#32]
12 Mar 2007
To: deLazer [#30] 12 Mar 2007
The adventure continues.
The learning continues, I only engrave on a part time basis.
I am trying to learn the table co ordinates a little better. I am using masking tape to mark known locations on the x, and y axis. I am doing this because I am having trouble placing an item to engrave. The software is not made to fit this machine. The software page is not the same size as the table and the software page is out of position by 90 degrees. I spent some time trying to change the software settings to match the physical table. No luck yet. Right now I engrave into a piece of acrylic and then place the item on top of that spot to engrave it.
Also there is a spring loaded clamping device built into this machine. I am trying to use it. Although I don't really get it. It will only hold items that are rigid with parallel sides. Mostly I am setting stuff on top of it.
So far I am only engraving anodized aluminum. Although I did cut some 1/8" wood on it. That was just because I had some lying around.
I have ordered some cermark to see how that works with this laser. I also ordered some rubber stamp stuff. I know the stuff stinks when cutting but this machine is advertised as a stamp carver. So I am going to see if its built in capability matches that claim. Although I have no desire to do rubber stamps I do want to try it.
From: sroehlk (ELECTECH1) [#33]
12 Mar 2007
To: sroehlk (ELECTECH1) [#32] 12 Mar 2007
BTW-
I see a couple more people selling this laser on Ebay. At least one is $999 with a buy it now option. The seller was in canada but the shipping was still $450. No doubt he does not actually have it, but having it shipped from Hong Kong or China.
From: MR C (MOSHE) [#34]
12 Mar 2007
To: sroehlk (ELECTECH1) [#33] 12 Mar 2007
From: sroehlk (ELECTECH1) [#35]
12 Mar 2007
To: MR C (MOSHE) [#34] 13 Mar 2007
Just in case anyone is looking for the auctions I mentioned here are a couple. I did not find one in Canada but sure I saw one.
This one is $999 so far, auction:
This is the $999 buy it now, but this one is in China for sure:
From: sroehlk (ELECTECH1) [#36]
12 Mar 2007
To: sroehlk (ELECTECH1) [#35] 12 Mar 2007
One other thing I am having problems with and that is repeat engraving.
You have to "output" the image which takes you to another screen then you either "output" or "again" if you have outputted already.
So the first time you engrave something you output, but if I start over and output over it engraves in a slightly different position. Using again is close but not sure if it is dead on each time. Part of the problem is placing the item to be engraved. No reference points.
I guess what I am saying is its repeatability isn't so good.
I will caution that I am still learning and these are while I am learning observations.
From: sroehlk (ELECTECH1) [#37]
14 Mar 2007
To: ALL
I just received some cermark spray (spray can).
I tried it on a brass tag bought from chewbarka. It turned out great. Really nice black black text. I was impressed with the cermark. Easy to apply, not much smell, easy to clean up. A little pricey at $63 with shipping.
I also tried a stainless steel tag and got the same impressions as the brass. I really like the look.
I used full power, which on this machine is about 20 turns of the adjustment pot. Speed was set to 1 in the software. What 1 translates to I don't have a clue.
At some point I will try different settings but for now this works!
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#38]
15 Mar 2007
To: sroehlk (ELECTECH1) [#37] 15 Mar 2007
Obviously, you have an analytical mind and like to solve problems.
After owning this machine for awhile, would you recommend it to the average person looking for a laser machine?
From: Rodney Gold (RODNEY_GOLD) [#39]
15 Mar 2007
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#38] 15 Mar 2007
The price I was quoted was $1k for the machine . Seems to at least work , so for that money it would make a real cheap way of dabbling. For a hobbyist , it sounds ideal.
I dunno if I would trust it in a commercial environment, but to bring in 1 is hardly a major expense. Give these machines a year or 2 and then Im pretty sure they wont be as rudimentary.
At the end of it all , I recon the big traditional makers should be running scared cos even at the limited utility and coarse software , the price is VERY VERY attractive , a 1200 x 600 model with an 80w tube was less than $4k , thats not big money at all and even if All I could do was cut , it's still a good buy.
I'd love to see some close ups of fine engraving from this machine and perhaps see how fast it works
Theres a local guy here who has imported one or 2 and is now an "agent" and is selling the $1k machine for $5k -(a total rip off) but he says the machine works well.
One of the sites advertising these machines have about a million pics of the innards etc , user manuals for software , user manuals for the machine , sample pics etc.
I cant find it now , but had DLed the manuals etc and albeit it wasnt the std we would expect from a $15k machine , it looked ok to me.
The only reason im not giving one of these machines a bash right now is cos I couldnt be bothered to fiddle with it for any length of time to get it running and integrated with the way we work.
EDITED: 15 Mar 2007 by RODNEY_GOLD
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#40]
15 Mar 2007
To: Rodney Gold (RODNEY_GOLD) [#39] 15 Mar 2007
Rodney,
I see two schools of thought:
1) Good way to (as you say) dabble in laser, at a minimal cost.
2) Good way to become frustrated with the inadequacies/quirks of the machine and scrap the idea of laser engraving altogether.
That's why I suspect it takes an extremely patient, analytical mind to deal with this type of machine.
As you say, it could become a matter of time, when the Chinese step up their efforts to make a more "mainstream" machine.
EDITED: 15 Mar 2007 by DGL
From: sroehlk (ELECTECH1) [#41]
15 Mar 2007
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#38] 15 Mar 2007
I am not sure I want to directly answer about the average person :).
These are my impressions as of now, they will change I am sure!
I would not recommend this machine to someone who regularly needs assistance with other types of machines.
If you can't figure out something on a computer or engraver and need to call your rep or support number then no.
Also if your the type that has to have absolutes, then no. If you need to know that the setting for anodized aluminum is; power 50% and speed 30, then this is not for you. The adjustments are a 20 turn potentiometer and a number 1-8 for speed. Even though the software allows speed settings of 0-99. Most of the numbers dont mean anything in my case.
I would not recommend this machine if you don't know what your going to engrave. It has limitations, a lot of them (as do all small lasers, I would think). If what your engraving fits on the table and you don't need more than 40 watts, then this might be the machine for you.
If your doing pet ID tags, name plates, rubber stamps and other small quantity jobs then yes I would recommend so far. I have not tried any wood.
There is some support for this machine by email but be prepared to wait for several days for an answer. And then the answer may come with another question, so you'll have to wait for another couple of days.
Steve
From: sroehlk (ELECTECH1) [#42]
15 Mar 2007
To: Rodney Gold (RODNEY_GOLD) [#39] 15 Mar 2007
The machine I have can be bought for $800 plus shipping. Shipping can be $500.
I am going to post the company information here. I just have to be home to find it.
Steve
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#43]
15 Mar 2007
To: sroehlk (ELECTECH1) [#41] 15 Mar 2007
I'm fascinated in following your trials and tribulations and I think your experience may help people decide if this type of machine is something they can use.
From: sroehlk (ELECTECH1) [#44]
15 Mar 2007
To: sroehlk (ELECTECH1) [#42] 15 Mar 2007
Ok, here is the website for the machine I bought.
I did not buy directly but I did inquire about price via email. They quoted $800 usd plus shipping.
http://www.yh114.cn/yinghebiz/index.asp
There is english button upper right hand.
The best chinese to english translator I have found is from google language tools. I use the chinese to english beta version that is listed. It works better than altavista/babelfish anyway.
Steve
From: sroehlk (ELECTECH1) [#45]
16 Mar 2007
To: sroehlk (ELECTECH1) [#44] 16 Mar 2007
I am still trying to figure out how to place objects on the table to engrave.
I am getting closer.
The laser moves out to a position when I click on output, but before I actually start engraving. The laser will move back to its home position and back out again to engrave, when I hit the Output button the second time.
It moves to the upper right hand corner of the page. In this case I have a page set up as 40mm x 40mm. The engraving is centered inside this box.
I am going to cut a 40mm x 40mm piece of plastic and engrave a mark on the center of this piece. I can then place it on the table when the laser comes out to the beginning position. I think this will help me visualize what is happening, then maybe I can really figure out how to place items.
The biggest problem is no type of reference points on the table. I have marked some points with tape. But I am thinking I will get some self adhesive rule material and stick it on both axis.
From: Carl (CSEWELL) [#46]
16 Mar 2007
To: sroehlk (ELECTECH1) [#45] 16 Mar 2007
If it is inconsistent from job-to-job, you could create a reference circle in your drawing and have it engraved first. Send the job to laser, pause the job, if you can, when the laser gets to that first circle. Then move your reference plate to that reference point. I guess that would also require an LED diode pointer..........
From: sroehlk (ELECTECH1) [#47]
16 Mar 2007
To: Carl (CSEWELL) [#46] 16 Mar 2007
As far as I know now there is no way to pause the laser once it starts.
But I will have to double check! Pausing sure would be helpful.
I guess my point to the plastic plate cut to 40mm is so I don't have to engrave something first. I want to be able to place an item on the table and engrave it right the first time.
Right now I will engrave a piece of acrylic first, then place the item on top of that spot. I want to eliminate that step altogether.
The grid would only help if I actually engrave the table with it, is that what your suggesting? Not a bad idea really, except a large part of the table is open. The table is not solid, there is a spring clamping device built in.
Steve
I keep getting errors when I run the spell checker. Please forgive any spelling mistakes!! :)
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