Damage done in transit does not mean that the build quality is poor. Perhaps it indicates that the packing could be improved; which is exactly what Redsail have done following feedback from their customers and ourselves. Also I suspect that postings here have helped to make them aware of the problems.
This shows one of the community beinfits of CNCzone.
I think we all feel for someone who is on the receiving end of a damaged machine. Unfortunately sea freight is not a bed of feathers and the likelihood of some significant knocks and bumps is high.
This is why we test every machine when it arrives in our factory in the UK before delivering them to our customers.
These glass laser tubes are normally OK, but occasionally one will be cracked in transit. This is not always obvious to see. The best time to spot a crack is when the coolant water first flows through the tube. Air bubbles and the meniscus effect will show where the water has got to in its progress.
For those new to these tubes, they are basically three concentric glass tubes. The inner one is the actual laser generating tube and is about 3/8" or 10mm dia. The next tube is the water jacket, about 7/8" of 22mm dia. the outer tube is gas filled. Water should only be between the inner and middle tubes. If it is inside the smallest tube there is a crack in it somewhere!
Do not even think about turning it on! This is the most difficult type of tube failure to see. If water is in the outer tube this is easy to spot, and still represents a broken tube which will not work.
The EHT power supply can be damaged if the tube is cracked. On the other hand, when laser output drops towards the end of the tube life, it is very unlikely that the power supply will suffer any damage.
Another point to consider is that the higher the voltages and current in any electronic circuit, the more highly stressed are the components. Sooner or later there will be a PSU failure. But this is not likely to be before the machine has made significant profit and paid for itself many times over.
For all who are community minded, we would encourage those who have bought Redsail lasers to contact us via our web site
http://www.ctrlasers.co.uk/supportwith a brief description of their experiences.
There is no prize or reward for this, just the knowledge that the information will be used to improve the products and help to give better customer satisfaction in the future.
We are looking forward to hearing from you.
Best regards. Neil