Dan Maloneyyes
@Jonathan Schwartz - Are the machines you use/sell/service mostly X-Y gantry-type with the laser bouncing around between mirrors? Or are there any galvo laser cutters out there on the market now that are worth looking at?
Still the XY gantry type. I've seen some demonstration of those galvo cutters and they are definitely going to be the wave of the future but I still haven't found somebody that really sells them.
@Jonathan Schwartz What's your general strategy for dialing in settings for a new material? Or are there no "new materials" at this point?
@Jonathan Schwartz On the lasers on your site you have an option to upgrade the optics; what does that consist of? How bad are the original optics?
What materials should the laser optics use (mirrors, lenses)
There's definitely variances between materials so you have to dial it in all the time.
I set up a sheet with power settings for each of my machines
I was wondering about safety equipment, the price range of safety googles is very large. Anyone can give me a hint on how much is reasonable to spend and what to consider?
You just have to kind of go with what you know works for something else and then dial-in
Gold or copper
Make sure you have a CO2 for extinguisher if you do this stuff. Other than that you don't really need anything
Goggles are nice but not necessary as long as your machine has a lid
Starts asking "Why CO2?" then remembers the mess dry powder extinguishers make...
i like having a fire blanket next to my lasers as well, good for small localised
not to mention it's corrosive
Sometimes you can also pick up the wrong type of extinguisher and you can actually electrocute yourself trying to put out an electric fire
Fire blankets are good
It's a CO2 extinguisher because it's a CO2 laser. You gotta match the extinguisher medium to the laser. *runs and ducks*
Well, I've got to say that was one of the livelier chats we've had so far this year. People really seem to be into laser cutting, and I want to thanks Jonathan for coming on and sharing his experience. The Hack Chat is always open, of course, but we've got to let Jonathan get back to work now. Thanks to everyone for the great questions too!
it helps with the co2 assist
Thank you Jonathan very helpful
cheers jonathan
Thanks @Jonathan Schwartz !
@Jonathan Schwartz I work with a full fabrication facility including a large Epilog unit with full industrial exhaust. I'm on the East Coast (NYC area) but I think there may be some ways we can help each other. Would you care to give some contact info?
sure You can contact me through americanlaserco@gmail.com
Thanks @Jonathan Schwartz
I'll post a transcript in a few minutes, btw.
And next week will be a cool one too -- talking to John McMaster about decapping chips and other components!
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