Low cost laser Engraver [Archive] - Page 2 - CNCzone.com-The Largest Machinist Community on the net!

Flake

08-22-2006, 05:00 PM

Hello all, I have some experience with Chinese lasers...

Our company bought an IE1200 in March, at the time there was very little on the Internet about them or redsail (or anyone else in China) but when we considered the price we decided to just risk it and go for it. We wanted a laser to do some engraving but mostly for cutting acrylic.

After months of figuring out various things during the odd hour we could spare (we are that busy) we've got it going right. It cuts ok but doesn't seem to raster engrave too well however we haven't really engraved very much. I was suprised they would send the machine out so badly 'optimised'. The table was nowhere near flat so we made a new one, the x-rail was 4mm out of square, the manual is very vague about most things, the software is very poor and crashes frequently, the method of mounting the laser seems poor, adjusting the ray path takes forever.. BUT.. it works.

I should mention that everything plugged in and worked straight away including the computer software but its all the adjusting and re-engineering that you must do afterward that is the problem.

The other problem with Ink Express is the support, it seems there is just one person to answer everyone, and with the state their machines are going out he must be inundated with mail from people asking for support. If you buy from these guys be prepared to spend a lot of time and effort getting the machine running correctly.

miljnor

08-22-2006, 06:38 PM

Thanks for the information man. I think with all this bad press for the chineese I will end up just buying the parts and making the rest myself.

I don't mind engineering my own stuff it just takes time but If I have to spend time RE-engineering to make it work the way I want I might as well spend the time to do it my way!

I will follow pauls example and make it myself after I get the tube and power supply in.

diarmaid

08-22-2006, 06:50 PM

miljnor, please post a thread of your build for us to follow. :)

hkxy

08-22-2006, 09:29 PM

Flake :
I have the extremely good laser cutting machine,You need to understand China.
Specially China's laser.
Yes,Very many people sell this machine,Specially 1200,Because I make him,But regretted,I thought you need more services.

miljnor

08-22-2006, 10:54 PM

I will definitely but first stage is the gathering! and that isn't really a picture deal.

KTP

08-23-2006, 02:05 AM

I am also in the gathering stage and am just about ready to get in the construction part. I somewhat overgathered and am having a bit of a hard time narrowing down which parts to actually use. If I took a picture of all the parts I have gathered it would either make you jealous or feel pity for me. :violin:

Aksess

08-29-2006, 05:41 PM

Another update on my hflaser 3040a I had to set up a web cam in my shop so tech support could see the laser tube was bad. This was Saturday night Sunday morning in China. I expected them to ship a replacment part right away, But I guess I expected to much. I still have a broke laser for the time being. Another week and still no laser. :violin:

txcowdog

08-30-2006, 12:11 AM

Initially it looked like you were going to get pretty quick service, but, now that seems to have fallen apart. I wonder if we can trust any of the comapnies in China selling lasers.

Leo_RedSail

08-30-2006, 01:35 AM

to txcowdog,
Our president needs one day to call our distributors in USA, Canada, England ...... to get their suggestion on this case after inspection in the machine and getting some hints about the accident. Our company wants to follow the business rule here. I have explained to Mr. Dwight in the moring and have provided him a better solustion than the suggestion from those distributors just now.

Aksess

08-30-2006, 06:06 AM

I will be posting this piece of junk for sale in the classifieds in a few days, Prob around $1800. The company wants me to pay for a new laser tube. Which I can not afford at this time. They claim I hooked something up wrong. They claim the power supply was fried by an incorrect connection. No way I had it hooked up wrong, Duh 110 plug in. They claim misuse by me. The only thing I did was plug in machine and turn it on then pressed the test button to test the alignment of the laser beam, as the instructions suggest. That is when the power supply fried. Yes I admit they were good to send a new power supply but they are trying to say it was something I did that burnet it up, and messed the tube up. In all honesty I would not recommend this company at all. I wish I had took my chances and ordered from inkexpress. Maby I would have a working laser now.

zoltan

08-30-2006, 06:53 AM

Wow...I just decided to buy one 3040A from them. Monday I sent the money to them by bank transfer. I just convinced a friend to lend money to me for one year in order to buy it. Please, keep the fingers crossed for me. Still, I just borrow money and spend them on parts/software/tools and making no money from CNC but still hope to enter in CNC business - signmaking and engraving. At least learned and did a lot of CNC experiments. I must be crazy....

Zoltan

Aksess

08-30-2006, 06:15 PM

I have listed the machine in the classifieds if anyone is interested. I can not afford any more money for a new tube so I got to sell it. I didn't want to but a non working machine is doing me no good. I feel like I just wasted my money. So hopefully someone here can afford to buy it and a new tube. You can not fight big buisness all they care about is themselvs and a fish on the line. :tired:

txcowdog

08-31-2006, 12:23 AM

Zoltan

Please keep us posted with your progress. It is important for all of us to get as much first hand knowledge so we can all make an informed buying decision.

Aksess
It looks like Inkexpress is the route to take for lasers. They ignore you after the sale but there is a better chance to get a working machine when it arrives. It is too bad about Redsail having such poor support. I guess I will take my chances with Inkexpress. Thanks for sharing your experience. It helps us all by knowing who we are dealing with.

miljnor

08-31-2006, 01:11 AM

if you don't want to build something then the other one that no one has tried is Hkxy, although tought to understand he has been trying to get our business for a long time. hard to believe He would shoot himself in the foot by giving someone on this sight a bad deal.

Made_in_China

09-02-2006, 02:29 AM

How to select the China Low cost Laser Engraver

You can find many laser engraver suppliers in the Internet, you don't know how to find a good supplier, maybe you only know the China laser engraver is low cost.

I'm a China laser engraver designer, i can tell you the truth, sorry for my poor English, i only expect i can help you to make a better decision.

You must know some knowledge:

1) The China laser engraver use the Glass Co2 Laser tube instead of the RF Co2 laser tube;
2) The Glass laser tube is very very low cost, the life time is almost 3000-5000 hours; the RF laser tube is very expensive, the true life time is almost 20000 hours.
3) The Glass laser tube must be drived by the high volt power supply; the RF laser tube only drived by the 48V DC supply, so it is reliable than Glass tube.
4) The Glass laser tube is cooled by the circle water; the RF laser tube is cooled by the air.
5) The Maintenance expense of the Glass tube is very low, if the Glass laser tube is broken, you can replace a new one; but the RF laser tube is very expensive, if it is broken, it can be recharged the Co2 Gas, but the cost of recharge is expensive too.

So if you have DIY ability and you want to reduce the cost of your business,you can select the China laser engraver to start your business!!!

There are some rules, you can select the suitable machine for your need.

1) How much laser power i need
You can find the supplier say his laser engraver use 40W laser tube, or 60W laser tube, or 80W laser tube, it is only China standard, it isn't same as RF laser tube.
But you can find the true watt by the length of the laser tube:
Length Peak watt Average watt purpose
70cm <=40W 35W Rubber stamp, wooden gift
100cm <=50W 40W General use,cutting 8mm acrylic board
125cm <=70W 60W General use,cutting 10mm acrylic board
160cm <=85W 80W Cutting 15mm acrylic board

Note:
a) The laser power is bigger, the laser dot is bigger, the cost is more expensive.
b) The 80W laser tube is only used for cutting, the engraving effect isn't good. i find somebody want to upgrade his Mini laser engraver to 80W laser tube, it is naive:)
c) The laser tube is diffrent, the laser tube power supply(driver) is diffrent.

2) Up and down work plate
It is very important, if the engraver hasn't this fuction, it is difficult to engrave the thickness materials.

3) Software compatible
This point is very important too, mostly China low cost engraver use the Newdragon or Moshidraw software, this two software are designed for making CHINESE rubber stamp. it isn't compatible with Coreldraw or photoshop.
So it is difficult for you to use your old design, only the Redsail Easycut 2.0 software is compatible with coreldraw and photoshop.

4) Firmware function
a) Control panel:
Some low cost engraver hasn't the control panel, so the function
is a little. i think the Direction Button is necessary function.
b) Work mode:
Some engraver has one work mode: raster mode(scan line by line)
I think the laser engraver must has two work mode: engraving and cutting.
Because the laser power limitation, the 70CM laser tube only can
cut 1-3mm acrylic in one pass, the cutting function is equate to
"draw" function. the "draw" function is helpful in vector graph.
c) Engraving speed
Mostly engraver only has 100-200mm/s engraving speed; some engraver has 400mm/s engraving speed. the fast speed can reduce your cost.

5) Photo graph engraving function
If you want to engrave a photo graph, you must follow the step as follows:
Scan the photo-save as BMP file-Convert it to gray degree BMP file-convert it to B&W bmp file-Use the laser software to open it and engrave.
But mostly China low cost laser engraver can't do this.
I only found the Redsail RS3040A can open the color Image file directly, it can reduce the procedure. it use a REDSAIL patent, so it is more expensive than others.

6) Support after sales
There is a proverb in Chinese traditional language, "Buy a Cow behind a hill".
Some supplier only can sell the machine to you without support.
Before you buy the machine, you should search the trademark of this supplier or the Model of the machine in the Google, if you can't find anything about this machine in the Google, you can know how to do.
The Internet is virtual world, you can belive it or not, but if you find many distributors sell same kind of engraver in the Internet, i think you can belive this company or products.

Some supplier sell the laser engraver with 999 USD, some supplier sell it with 1999.00 USD, someone sell it with 2999.00 USD; the price is diffrent, the quality is diffrent, the survice is diffrent, don't expect a horse can run fast and the horse eat nothing. everybody want to buy the machine with the lowest price, so you must learn more before your decision.

You can inquire you supplier about this technical question, and check his answer:
1) Lenth of Laser tube
2) Distance of up and down wok plate
3) Control panel
4) Software comatible with coreldaw or photoshop
5) How to engrave the photograph?
6) How about the engraving speed?
7) How to set the cutting mode(draw mode) or raster mode?
8) How can get the service? can you provide a service phone or service email address?

I think after your get the answer from your supplier, you can know which machine is your need.

Salty72

09-02-2006, 02:53 AM

Made in Chine

SO what lasar do you sell??

zoltan

09-02-2006, 03:42 AM

Hi,

Redsail confirmed that they got the money. I was told the machine will be shipped today. I ask them to put a big red sticker with FRAGILE. The carrier is TNT. I had very bad past experiences with them. I hope would not be the same. As a general impresion till now Leo is doing a very good job, very helpful. Let's see what happens.

Zoltan

Made_in_China

09-02-2006, 04:48 AM

How to buy China Low cost laser engraver[/FONT]

I only can provide some advice about the procuedue, expect it helpful for you business, i'm not responsible for what has happened if you follow this procuedue.

1) Know your need and select the correct Model and supplierYou can check the article about "How to select the China Low cost laser engraver", then you can find the answer.

2) Buy it from China supplier or local Distributor? The Best way is buy the machine from your Local distributor, it is a safe way, maybe the price is higher than the China supplier, but it can reduce the risk and time. time is money!!!

The local distributor can easily provide the service after sales, and you can get the better conversation with the distributor than China supplier.

If there isn't local distributor in your land, you need to buy it from the supplier directly. I suggest you can provide a design file(PLT file and BMP file) to you supplier by e-mail, and let them do this:

a) Engrave or cut it according your design file, take a photo or scan it and resend it to you by email.
b) Provide the Model of the machine and working time(laser processing time)
c) If possible, you can pay 30-40 USD(Courier shipping cost) to your supplier and let them to send the samples to you by courier, then you can check the samples by eye and reduce your risk:)

3)How to ship the engraver
a) By Courier
I suggest you select the courier, such as TNT, DHL, UPS, Fedex. it can provide a door to door service, and reduce the procedure in custom or other hidden expense.
i) The the courier can provide good insurance, if the laser tube is broken, your supplier can claim them and resend a new one to you.
ii) You can get the tracking number, and monitor the transit.
iii) You can let your supplier write a low price on the invoice, then you can reduce the custom duty:)
b) By common air cargo
It is fast speed same as Courier, the cost is almost half of the courier, but it has some hidden cost when you pick up the goods from the airport:
i) custom duty
ii) you must pick the goods from the airport by yourself.
iii) other fee in airport
The biggest problem is that when you back your office, you open the package and find the laser tube is broken, nobody can provide the insurance for you.
c) By sea
It is a low cost way, it is only suitable for bigger machine, such as 36" or 48" machine.

4) How to transfer the payment
For the low cost the machine, the amount is a little, the best way
is PAYPAL or wire transfer.

5) About the package of the machine
You can instruct your supplier use the wooden case instead of the
carton, the carton is easy to be destroyed when loading and
unloading, or destroyed by rain.

6) Which spare parts i need to buy?
The Laser tube and reflecting mirror, focus lens is a consumable
part, i suggest you can buy 1 pcs laser tube, 3 pcs reflecting
mirror, 1 pcs focus lens for spare, it is enough.

After you confirm the item 1-6, then begin to buy it.

1) Let the supplier to send the proforma invoice to you, and write the 1-6 item on the PI.

2) Transfer the payment

3) Let the supplier send 3 photos of the goods to you before dispatching, the SN or the Model must be on the photo, the package must be on the photo, the laser tube must be on the photo.

4) Let the supplier send the dispatching information to you, then you can know the goods has been dispatched.
i) By courier: Tracking number
ii) By air cargo: Air Way Bill
iii) By sea: The Bill of Lading

5) When you receive the goods, please check the package ASAP, if it is
broken, if the laser tube is broken, you can inform you supplier to
claim the transport company. I said in Item 3, if the goods is shipped by courier, the supplier can claim it; if the goos shipped by air cargo or by sea, the supplier can't claim them.

6) If you don't know how to install the machine, please contact your
supplier to get the support, the best way is use the MSN camera.

OK, Enjoy your Low Cost Laser Engraver, wish you have a good business!!!

Aksess

09-02-2006, 06:32 AM

Hummmm Made in China sounds like Redsail to me.

hkxy

09-02-2006, 08:34 AM

Laser

ServoGuy

09-02-2006, 06:02 PM

Laser

hkxy;
Made_In_China sounds just like you...
Are you Made_In_China? :)

Aksess

09-02-2006, 06:06 PM

I do not think that is him the english is a lot better :)

KTP

09-02-2006, 07:02 PM

"Mostly engraver only has 100-200mm/s engraving speed; some engraver has 400mm/s engraving speed. the fast speed can reduce your cost."

Slow! I am getting 45 inch/sec (1143mm/s) speeds on my homebrew laser from plotter system I am building. I could go quite a bit faster if I could get more steps/sec out of Mach3. I will probably write my own raster to step/dir in a microcontroller since it is fairly easy. Then I will have speeds approaching 2000mm/sec! Plus an RF excited laser has a faster rise time because they keep the gas pre-ionized with a tickle pulse. I don't think most simple glass tube HV dc excited lasers do this?

Aksess

09-02-2006, 09:16 PM

For those of you having trouble with Inkexpress and my delima with Redsail may get so mome resolve in contacting the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) or the China Chamber of International Commerce (CCOIC) at http://english.ccpit.org/ I do not know if it will do any good or not but it is worth a shot. I will contact every available contact that I can find. Maby some out there can lend a helping hand to the little man.

hkxy

09-02-2006, 11:39 PM

ServoGuy :
NO,I am not (MADE IN CHINA)
I come from Beijing,I make the laser and the model airplane.I do not know him,But I thought perhaps he will come from
China future to be able to become the friend.

Aksess :
Your judgment is correct.

KTP :
You need the new judgment,Regarding RF and speed.The money has the very big difference.

KTP

09-03-2006, 01:30 AM

hkxy:

So what is the typical rise time for a sealed glass tube DC excited laser from China? The RF laser manufacturers publish their specs. Rise times are around 150usec or a bit faster. Actually, when you think about it, I guess this really needs to be taken into account when doing high speed engraving. Certainly you could engrave a solid line at 45in/sec but you would have problems doing a 500 dashes per inch line at 45in/sec because of the rise (and fall) times. Now I am curious how fast a hv dc excited glass tube CO2 laser can be cycled on and off..

Made_in_China

09-03-2006, 03:36 AM

I found this interesting BBS via Google, i post 2 articles yesterday, it waste me 2 hours.
I only expect to share some ideas about the China low cost laser engraver, you can belive it or not, it is up to you.

But I regret now what I did yesterday, it waste me a lot of time i plan to go fishing with my lovely girl friend yesterday.

To KTP:

1) Response time
The HV laser power and Glass laser tube is controlled by the DSP or uP controller through the Optic component, the Mini response time is almost 1.5ms (1500uS). because the Glass laser tube all made by hand, this laser tube is different that laser tube; the laser tube made in a Rain day is different in Sunny day...
Some Laser tube factory is day off during the Rain Season...
The Co2 Gas in the laser tube is more, the response time is longer, the output power is stronger...

2)Motion system
The China Laser engraver use the linear guide way and stepper motor, the fast speed of the stepper motor is almost 800mm/s, if it run fast than 1000mm/s, the engraving effect and accuracy has some problem:)
The accelerate motion curve of the stepper motor is a trapezoid shape, the increase speed area and decrease speed area only waste the time:)

The Epilog and GCC(Laser pro) use the DC serve motor and wheel guide
way, it can run at fast speed easily (almost 1300mm/s)

3)Engraving speed
Some China laser engraver use the DSP control system, it can run fast than 800mm/s, it use the software compensation algorithm, otherwise the engraving effect is unacceptable.

You can ask a guy who use the Epilog or GCC laser engraver(RF laser tube), if he want to engrave photograph with a good effect, how fast speed he use?
I guess the answer is 400-600mm/s:)

4) Cutting speed
I think nobody can say his machine's cutting speed is fast at 800mm/s, because it is unpractical.

When you are driving your car at a crossroad, if you want to turn right you should reduce your speed; if you want to reverse, you should brake your car.

The car is same as the laser head, the good control system(such as DSP) like Mr. Michael Schumacher , he can drive fast in curve road; the good motion system like the Ferrari 599 GTB car:)

Some customer(cutting Fabric) like the fast cutting speed, because the cutting edge and cutting accuracy is NOT important;
Some Customer(cutting Model or acrylic) like the the good cutting effect(The cutting edge is smooth), because the slow speed can get the better effect and accuracy.

I like to discuss technical detail with KTP, i have little knowledge about RF laser tube:)

ServoGuy

09-03-2006, 03:49 PM

Leo_RedSail

09-05-2006, 12:25 AM

To every friend,
Redsail has very strict rule for us to serve the customers, we can NOT debate with customers, so I have to see in CNC without defending. We finally get the permission from the boss who returned today.
If you want to know the truth about our support and service, please check the blog,
http://lowcostlaser.blogspot.com/

txcowdog

09-05-2006, 12:52 AM

Leo

I thank you for giving us a complete detail of your side of the story. I only have one question. If the laser tube was broken when Aksess received it, why are you only willing to pay for part of the price to replace it?

Leo_RedSail

09-05-2006, 12:54 AM

To everyone,
In the blog, http://lowcostlaser.blogspot.com/
you will find what is our support and service, what is our attitude and plan for the problem.
Our company still wants to resolve the problem and still wants to help Aksess. Hope Mr. Aksess can think about our plan seriously.

hkxy

09-05-2006, 12:56 AM

Has not serviced the service?

Leo_RedSail

09-05-2006, 01:05 AM

to txcowdog,
because there are many reasons can result in the break. It can be broken before he got, it also can be broken when he carried the goods, it also can be broken when he set up. The problem is he claimed so late, and nobody can figure out what is the real reason. What we can promise is the machine works very well before shipping. We bought the insurance for this goods, and it already becomes impossible to claim to Airplane. We consider to undertake part of the fee because we think it can be and can not be Mr.Dwight's fault. Based on the rule to serve the customers, our company undertake part of the fee which does not mean our company think we have fault.

KTP

09-05-2006, 01:33 AM

I think you should start sending the engravers with the tube in a separate cushioned box, with detailed instructions (in English and Chinese) showing how to install the tube, connect the water lines and HV lines, and align the optics. Even in the US shipping is sometimes very harsh on the package contents...I can imagine what happens during an overseas travel.

Leo_RedSail

09-05-2006, 01:51 AM

to KTP,
I will forward your message to my head office.
There is another problem here, some customers of RS3040A are not very professtional in electric. If we ship separately, customers have to solder the laser tube themselves. It is, to some extents, hard for them, and sometime will result in the damage of the laser tube. Actually, we ship RS3040A with the laser tube soldered because we just want to make customers easy to use. And we also put cushion around laser tube where it contacts with the holder to release the force. Anyway, we will consider your suggestion seriously.

Aksess

09-05-2006, 06:31 AM

2) About service for the problem.
Our opinion is, please send the machine back for repair.

If I could afford to do you not think I would? $600 shipping one way to china.

3) About the laser tube
We have told him that there could be three reasons to result in the breaks. Because he claimed it so late

Jesus Christ the machine has not worked since day 1

he told us he had NOT the camera and his Internet connection is very slow. What can we figure out the problem in this situation?

No one told me to have these things ready. Can I be held responsible for phone service way out in the sticks? Fastest I can get

Mr. Dwight got a camera, and told us that he had no time but Chinese Sunday

Do you not think people work? I told Mr. Leo I could do it on my Sunday night Monday morning in China.

During the time when Mr. Dwight getting the camera, he chatted with our sale in MSN, where he told our sales that he maybe make a mistake in connection.

There was no mistake I made. How hard can it be to hook up 4 wires? and for soldering I have removed the laser tube and I can do better than the ones from factory. Guaranteed.

After all is said and done Me and the laser are still broke and no help in sight.

The richer get richer and the poorer get poorer. I think that will apply here.:(

And one more thing. On the invoice they send customs they only claim the machine is worth $400 US

KTP

09-05-2006, 10:21 AM

to Leo:

You say some of your customers are not proficient at electronic work and soldering. That may be true, however at some point they will need to replace the laser tube anyway, so you might as well have them install it at the beginning. I doubt few if any will ship the whole thing back to China to get a new tube installed when the 3000 to 5000 hour lifetime is up. I don't know much about your machine (if you want to send me one I could review it :) ) but I assume that the glass tube just has a short copper wire coming from the anode and cathode so the user has to solder the HV leads to these? Perhaps adding a connector could be an option, though HV connectors are pricey.

Leo_RedSail

09-05-2006, 10:40 AM

To Aksess,
I am not accustomed to debate with customers, I think it will be the last time for me to clarify what happened.

1) About claim the laser tube
The date Mr. Dwight got the machine is Aug 11th. The first message I heard from Mr. Dwight about the bad laser tube is Aug 14th 18:01, at that time the power supply has been burned out, making us more difficult to find out the reason.
2) About get camera ready for instruction.
Mr, Dwight, please check my email to you which is created at 20:47 in Aug 12th.
3) About making an appointment on Chinese Sunday.
Mr.Dwight has to work on Monday morning so he can not stay in Sunday evening (Chinese Monday morning) for a relative longer time. The exact says should be “Mr. Dwight only has enough time on Chinese Sunday.”
4) About the possible mistake Mr.Dwight gets
Mr. Dwight, please check the chat history to me on Aug 23rd 2006, the exact time is 22:49:41 (my computer time).
5) And one more thing. On the invoice they send customs they only claim the machine is worth $400 US
It is me that told the head office to fill in very little money, because Mr.Dwght told me many times he is not very rich, resulting in I want to save Mr.Dwight’s money when clearing custom, for the more we fill the more Mr.Dwight will pay. It will NOT happen to Mr.Dwight any more. And I doubt the reason and goal why Mr.Dwight says the message.

I do not want to debate like boys, I think the fact is very clear now and do not want to spend too much time in typing. Please face the fact and let BOTH of us try to find the way to resolve the problem.

Leo_RedSail

09-05-2006, 10:55 AM

Leo_RedSail

09-05-2006, 11:40 AM

to KTP,
I called our technician with your questions, the answer is as follows:

1) If the machine is working and in good condition, the user can know
how to install the laser tube and how to wire the HV and
Negative wire.

If not, the user will be confusede what he will do.

2) The Glass tube is very easy same as you said, but it is NOT easy
to install it without any guide for a starter, there is a little
skills about it.

Because the HV can be discharged through the shell of the machine, or
the moist air if the connect point has problem.
The shell of the HV wire is a special materials with withstand
voltage 20KV, it is a special HV wire.
So the HV connection point must be protected by the HV glue or HV
tape.

3) It is difficult to use a connectors for the HV wire, I think no
factory in China use this.
Because the connector has resistance, if the connection isn't good,
it can bring the problem:
such as burning, spark, ... and others

ServoGuy

09-05-2006, 11:56 AM

to hkxy and Made_in_China,
What do you think about the suggestion from KTP, is it easy for a new beginner to solder the glass laser tube?
We are considerring KTP's suggestion in order to better our service.
I also need other friends' suggestion. We will consider the whole thing. The following is my assumption, for most customers, I think they would rather face the risk as late as possible, and they will face less risk when they are familar with the product.

KTP has a point, given the life of the tube it is reasonable to expect to have to change the tube a few times over the lifetime of the laser engraver. Some of us know how to deal with high voltage and have access to the right materials, and some of us don't.

Why not offer an optional laser replacement kit with:
• High temperature solder, if required. Otherwise regular solder
• A cheap throw away soldering iron
• Alcohol wipes
• High voltage electrical tape
• Detailed instructions, also to be shipped with the tube
• Etc.

I myself have the right supplies, but I think most others would be willing to pay for the kit just so they don’t have to run around town trying to get the right supplies.

One other option:
Is it possible to pack the area around the tube with shock absorbing foam, or even to mechanically disconnect the laser tube, but leave the wiring intact so it can be completely encased in shock absorbing foam for the long bumpy trip to the customer? You would have to stick removable warning labels to keep them from accidentally powering up until they unpack and remount the laser tube. But that may be less of a pain than mounting and soldering in the tube.

Just some thoughts…

Aksess

09-05-2006, 05:44 PM

I sent pictures on the 12'th asking if water suppose to be in the center tube I even told tech support that when I opened the machine the laser tube was loose inside the compartment. No reply to that either. :( I desordered the tube last night and used a vacuum pump today to vacuum out the water and the end where the laser comes out does have a break in it in the center tube where I asked if water suppose to be in it. So I will apologize to Redsail and to Leo In all honesty Leo has been one heck of a guy during all this dilemma. I suppose it is the language barrier that is most of the problem. The Tube must have been damaged during shipping. I did not see the break until today. I did have it hooked up correctly and In all honesty it is a good product I was just on the receiving end of a machine damaged in shipping and I had no way of knowing. I guess I will buy a new tube when I can afford one, Maybe in a Month or two.

hkxy

09-05-2006, 09:51 PM

ServoGuy :
Very obvious:Such welding tool shortcoming and danger:
1,High voltage:Danger
2,You will not be able to adjust the light the route.
3,.....
But I have means solution this question and the question,In me on the machine which sells face Europe,I use this means.
Even I may in install the software for the customer,The adjustment turns off the light path,

miljnor

09-06-2006, 02:43 PM

Hkxy you really need to work on the english translations! Everyone probably ignors your post because we can't fathom the meaning!

txcowdog

09-06-2006, 03:14 PM

Hkxy
Even with the bad translation, I never ignore your posts. I may need to take a little more time to understand what you are saying, but, you always add important information to the discussion. I am happy to have you here. Please continue to post.

miljnor

09-06-2006, 10:24 PM

I may need to take a little more time to understand what you are saying, but, you always add important information to the discussion. I am happy to have you here. Please continue to post.

well if your understanding some of them then post a translation because I will be damnd if I can make sense of the last few!

I didn't mean to stop posting just to get the translational stuff worked out!

Leo_RedSail

09-06-2006, 10:33 PM

To Aksess,
We just want to clarify the truth because we care nothing but our reputation.
Very glad clearing some misunderstanding between us.
Considering your financial situation, our company decides to provide you a FREE laser tube by DHL. The laser tube will be fully test before shipping, please make sure there is no any damage when you get it.
If you find the laser engraver still does not work, we have to inspect it in China not only by MSN, so please send the laser engraver back, we promise to fix it.

KTP

09-06-2006, 10:52 PM

Nice offer Leo.

Aksess, if you happen to be near Seattle, WA I might be able to come by and help you hook up the new tube. I have some experience with DC excited laser tubes and also have a Synrad power wizard 1-250W power meter. I would be interested in seeing the guts of the machine and the quality of construction. I can't get over the fact that they are priced so low. It almost hurts me to build my own engraver knowing that I could have bought one from China for less money :rolleyes:

I am curious, does this laser tube and power supply need a ballast resistor, is that built in, or is the power supply designed to not need it?

Leo_RedSail

09-06-2006, 11:04 PM

to KTP,
The baLLast resistor is bult in power supply.

Aksess

09-07-2006, 06:14 AM

KPT I am in southeast Tennessee. But you are still more than welcome to come by and poke around at it! Leo I thank you and the company verry much, I hope to be posting photos of work real soon!

Glyn Jones

09-07-2006, 08:02 AM

Hi – my name is Glyn and I live in Devon in the UK. (Sounds like an AA meeting!) I have read through your posts with interest. I am looking to buy a laser cutter/etcher but I am getting very confused about the whole thing! I was wondering if anyone could offer me any advice. I would like to be able to do the following:-

1) Cut through plywood/hardwood up to 10mm.
2) Cut and etch from the same set of plans
3) Both raster and vector cuts.
4) Run directly from CorelDraw and TurboCad
5) Have as large a bed size as possible.
6) Spend as little as I can, but be able to use it!

I am amazed by the difference in prices for different options, but those that seem to provide what I need are :-

Ink Express IE1200 at $5K
Emission technologies kit at $18K
Pinnacle M40 from signwarehouse at $16K
Does anyone have any of these that actually work? – and would they recommend them? Or would anyone recommend any other machine that they use, rather than sell!

I live in the UK and currently the exchange rate with USD is great for us, so I really need to get the ball rolling!
Any help would be much appreciated!

hkxy

09-07-2006, 09:01 PM

Pinnacle M40 from signwarehouse at $16K
???
Has his website?
www.???????

KTP

09-07-2006, 09:10 PM

Always amuses me that people ask what is the website for xyz company without trying www.xyz.com :rainfro:

I will give hkxy a break since he struggles enough with the translators :D

www.signwarehouse.com

hkxy

09-07-2006, 09:33 PM

KTP THANKS
http://www.signwarehouse.com/engravers/pinnacle_m.htm
????
M40 40 Watt $ 15,995
25*18(635*457.2)

It s very good

I THINK
IE gcc ALL MADE IN CHINA
Emission MADE IN USA BUT Machine parts from in china
I have more choices.

Glyn Jones

09-08-2006, 03:49 AM

Yes, but the cutting bed is only 24x18, wheareas the IE1200 is 48x30, and it's triple the price! I can't seem to find anyone with good reports on the IE1200. Does it actually work?

Made_in_China

09-08-2006, 11:53 AM

Hello to everyone, because my work is busy, so i only have time come here in weekend:)

To Servoguy:

For your questions, my answer is as follows:

1) Do any of the low cost laser systems allow you adjust the drive current under software control?
Mostly low cost laser engravers hasn't this function, the laser power is adjusted by a regulation resistance, it is a old method, but is reliable.
Some laser engraver use the DSP system, the DSP can generate the PWM, so the laser power can be adjusted in software, but it is nonlinear.
2. If so, how fast?
It is slow.
3. All the low cost systems look pretty much the same, even though they are quite different from each other, IE300, DK40, RS3040, etc. Are they made in the same factory?
Yes, it look similar, but the structure and control system, software is different. About the factory, i don't know about this.
4. A lot of us in this group like to build their own systems. Can you recommend any supplier(s) that would be able to sell laser tubes, mirrors and optics individually?
It is impossible, because the Glass laser tube is easy cracked in transit, the mirrors and lens is a consumable parts, the supplier don't like to sell the parts to end user directly, otherwise it will bring trouble to them.
5. How much cost does the addition of software like Newdragon or Moshidraw and Redsail Easycut 2.0 add to the cost of a laser system?
The software is protected by a dongle, the price is lower, maybe less than 100 USD. The unique software corresponds unique machine.
Actually, if the software can work without the dongle, maybe a crack version instead of the original version.

Thanks for your best wish; I went to fishing on last Sunday.

To KTP:

Could you please introduce some low cost RF laser tube to me? thanks in advance:)

To Glyn:

About your laser engraver, you should know which machine could do the work you need.

1) Cut through plywood/hardwood up to 10mm.
If you want to cut 10mm poly wood in one pass, i think the 150W laser is enough.
If you want to cut 10 soft wood in one pass, the 80W laser is enough.
How is your demand of the cutting edge?
2) Cut and etch from the same set of plans
All China machine (with DSP control system) can do this
3) Both raster and vector cuts.
All China machine (with DSP control system) can do this
4) Run directly from CorelDraw and TurboCad
All China machine (with DSP control system) can run directly from Coreldraw 11,12 and AUTOCAD system, but they can’t run directly from Coreldraw X3 version.
5) Have as large a bed size as possible.
The bigger size machine is difficult to adjust the laser ray way than smaller machine,
The bigger size machine is suitable for cutting instead of the engraving.
The bigger size machine has lower accuracy than smaller machine.
I think the 60cm *90 cm with double open side door is a good choice.
6) Spend as little as I can, but be able to use it!
China laser machine is low cost and it is unbeatable.
But IE1200 only has 60W laser, it can't cut the 10mm Hardwood, it only can cut 8mm acrylic board in one pass. You can ask them if they can supply this model with 100W or 200W laser power.
Don’t think your machine in a world of fantasy. Send your design to the supplier by email right now, and let them to make a sample for you, then you can find your machine.

KTP

09-08-2006, 12:09 PM

Made_in_China:

Low cost and RF excited sealed lasers do not really go together :)

But you could look at it this way:

50 watt Synrad laser (actually produces 70+ watts for a long time)

Cost new $10,500 + $1000 for DC supply = $11,500

Lifetime: up to 45,000 hours! If you manage to use it up, can be refilled for $1500.

Cost per hour: about $0.25

High quality Chinese glass DC excited laser tube (do these go together?):

Cost new for 60 watt tube: $400? + $600 for power supply = $1000.00

Lifetime: up to 5000 hours? Probably can't be refilled, so throw away?

Cost per hour: about $0.20

Personally, I like to buy a used Synrad 50 watt for maybe $2000 which still can produce rated power for many hours before needing the $1500 refill. Total cost around $2500 with used power supply. I doubt I would buy a used Chinese glass laser tube since it could be near end of life and be a throw away item (if it even makes it to me in one piece).

Universal makes some pretty nice lasers too, and a bit cheaper than Synrad, but maybe with not quite as nice a beam quality (but with really nice air cooling which is another factor to consider).

Why can't the Chinese break into the RF excited sealed CO2 laser market? Is it a patent issue? They are not that high tech...mostly just an aluminum waveguide filled with gas and excited with a pretty simple circuit RF amplifier. Getting the long lifetime can be harder. I would have thought making ZnSe lenses with their optical AR coatings for cheap would be hard, but the Chinese seem to have that down if they can sell replacement lenses for $40 or so (they cost $200+ for made-in-usa lenses).

Leo_RedSail

09-08-2006, 12:46 PM

to Don Bialokur,

Please Check the photo. I hope it helpful for you.

Sorry, the video is bigger than 500k, please download the video from http://www.hflaser.com/download.html, select the easycut2.0 video to download.

Made_in_China

09-08-2006, 12:52 PM

KTP:

Thanks for your information.

Yes, the RF exited sealed laser has better laser mode than glass sealed tube.
The Glass laser tube can be refilled, but the cost is same as new one, so throw away.

I know a guy in China can refill the RF tube with 950 USD:)

Some China government institute made a RF laser tube, I tested it last year, but the reliable is NOT good, the laser mode is better than Glass tube, but it is less than Synrad or Universal, so they only test it in the laboratory, they don't sell it in the market.
I think the China RF laser tube will be reliable with 1-2 year; the cost of the 60W RF laser tube and power supply is less than 5000 USD.
I’m waiting it.

The used RF laser tube is a good choice, where can i buy it in the market? i want to tell our boss to buy one for test:)

g1zmo

09-08-2006, 11:56 PM

Hi

:wee: I finally picked up my Laser Engraver today (RS3040a). :banana:

If you do not use China power plug type in your country, you will need to find adapters or like me, you will need to cut all wires and put other plugs on them.

This is required at least for the power converter and the water pump.

For the laser engraver you can use a standard PC plug.

The software installation is very simple.

Until now I have tested only the blower, the pump and I power up the machine.
I am able to move the laser head using the direction keys.

I do not test the laser yet because I would like to spend a good night. :nono: (flame2)

You should have news from me tomorrow.

I hope they will be good.

txcowdog

09-09-2006, 01:12 AM

g1zmo
On the edge of my seat waiting for your results. I would like for someone to just once have a machine that comes out of the box and works as promised without any problems. I am particularly interested to know if you can cut a vector and engrave a raster. How long from the time you wired the money until you received the machine?

fractaledge3

09-09-2006, 02:41 AM

KTP

09-09-2006, 11:02 AM

Nice pictures.

What is the wattage of the RS3040A? It says 40 watt maximum, but that would be a tube of around 25 to 30 inches in length. Do you have any way of measuring the actuall wattage? You should be able to cut 3mm acrylic in 1 pass with 40 watts if you go slow enough...around 25 inches per minute or so would do it. Maybe multiple passes gives a better finish?

fractaledge3

09-09-2006, 11:36 AM

To KTP,

The tube length is about 30 inches , the machine has a ammeter from 0 to 3 milli ampere but the manual says you don't need more than 2 or you will shorten the tube age so when I cut the 3mm I adjust the ammeter to 2 this may be 70 % from the max power ,also because I am on testing phase I will never test on 3 milli ampere.

diarmaid

09-09-2006, 05:16 PM

Hi to all
I am a one how just received a machine RS3040A 2 weeks ago I test the Machine for cutting vectors it is ok To cut 3 mm acrylic from 2 to 3 passes
The quality of engraving raster is very good on acrylic, glass, wood.
From the first run I think the machine is a very good machine the software is simple but it need some improvement to increase the production cycle but it is ok.

Here is some pict for the testing (sorry for the pict quality).

Woohoo. Looks like we have one that works. Kudos to RedSail. :)

Sorry for all your trouble Aksess but I do think at this point RedSail have done everything possible to help. Make sure you get detailed instructions before trying to install the new tube! ;)

Leo, I was out of the country for a few weeks and I lost your last e-mail to me. :( Please do forward my e-mail address to your European distributor to contact me.

Unfortunately life sometimes gets in the way, and I have to put all laser purchasing plans on the back foot for the forseeable future but its still in the pipeline, just further along. But Im going to live vicariously through everyone else here while I concentrate on my cnc router. :D

g1zmo

09-09-2006, 11:16 PM

Hi
Unfortunately, I am not yet in the group with working machine. :mad:

However Redsail have an exceptional customer service.

I send an email indicating my problem this morning (Saturday) and 30 minutes later I received a call from a technician directly from the head office in China.

My laser tube is broken.
Redsail will send me a new one Monday.

g1zmo
How long from the time you wired the money until you received the machine?

Payment To Redsail (July, 31)
Qingdao seaport departure (August, 9)
Vancouver seaport arrival (August, 22)
Vancouver to Montreal by rail
Montreal Warehouse (September, 7)
Pick up (September, 8)

KTP

09-10-2006, 01:15 AM

Sorry to hear about your tube, but this makes yet another case for them to ship the tube in a separate box from the laser. The arguement that the customer can't install the co2 laser tube is moot when you have to do it anyway because of a broken unit.

muqtadir

09-10-2006, 05:14 AM

Dear Friends

How fast or slow is 3040A ?

Regards.

fractaledge3

09-10-2006, 08:04 AM

Dear Friends

How fast or slow is 3040A ?

Regards.

The speed of the RS3040A is 400 mm/s this is the max speed.
If you look at the picts that I send before the BMW Pict finished in 30 min the size is 16 cm X 9.5 cm but it can be less than that if you reduce the quality (grid & interval as on software).
On vector cutting like Pict of Nokia the area of the logo is 6 cm x 1.2 cm the length of the path is 35 cm the duration of one path is 50 second ,the logo take 2 pass to be cut so the total time is 100 second (power is about 70% of the 40 watt).
So the min speed of the machine is about 42 cm/min or 7 mm/s.

Aksess

09-11-2006, 11:51 PM

fractaledge3

09-12-2006, 02:23 AM

Woooo Hoooooooo new tube arived today and finally I am making smoke! I will post some pictures of the first cut tomorrow. I can say now this 3040a is a great little machine well worth the money and agrivation to me now. Now if I can figure out how to set the offsets to know where the machine will start I will be ok. no big deal tho paper is real cheap for starters.

Congratulations,
Try this for offsets
37
72
the start will be from top left just down the table mounting screw, you may fine tune this offsets according to your machine.

diarmaid

09-12-2006, 07:35 AM

Woooo Hoooooooo new tube arived today and finally I am making smoke! I will post some pictures of the first cut tomorrow. I can say now this 3040a is a great little machine well worth the money and agrivation to me now. Now if I can figure out how to set the offsets to know where the machine will start I will be ok. no big deal tho paper is real cheap for starters.

I repeat my 'congrats' from weeks ago. ;) Keep us informed m8, and good luck. :)

perpetumobil

09-15-2006, 10:27 AM

Aksess

09-15-2006, 12:35 PM

I have been so busy playing with new toy I have not had time to take any photo's of stuff. First off for the price the machine is great! I have another love "other than my wife" :) It is not designed for cutting but I have had good luck cutting 3mm lexan making 3-4 passes on it. I have not engraved a photo yet but plan to this weekend. I have tried engraving on the back of a mirror and it does pretty well. Floor tile does good to I bought some 14 cent black 4"x4" tiles and it does fairly well. You need to run 2 passes on high power to get through the glazing. I will try getting photos up this weekend.

If you are in the market for an inexpensive laser the 3040A Is probably the best on the market, Tech support is via e-mail but you get a speedy and through reply. You can feel confident in purchasing from RedSail.

fractaledge3

09-15-2006, 05:42 PM

Hi
before few days I am looking for RS3040A on Redsail site.
There I can see some samples(BMW...),
somebody can tell me abbout wood cut experience like:

How deep cut is posibile make on wood with RS3040A(power,passes,deep)
and how that look(burned black edge?)

Please if somebody can help me in choise of lowcost lasser engravers for wood.
Sametime interesting me abbout Marble photo making withRS3040A?

Thank you !
P.S. Aksess,can you show some of your experiments?I think ewerybody on this post wait your comments!

Hi

I use the RS3040S to cut 3 mm plywood from 2 to 3 passes in max power and speed was 25 % of max speed.

I use it to cut 4 mm MDF from 3 to 4 passes in max power and speed was 25 % of max speed.

I am not working on min speed because the wood will be burned and this may affect the lens.

Aksess

09-15-2006, 06:36 PM

What is the max your meter shows when turned all the way up? My one only will turn up to around 1.5

g1zmo

09-15-2006, 07:23 PM

Hi

I use the RS3040S to cut 3 mm plywood from 2 to 3 passes in max power and speed was 25 % of max speed.

I use it to cut 4 mm MDF from 3 to 4 passes in max power and speed was 25 % of max speed.

I am not working on min speed because the wood will be burned and this may affect the lens.

Between each passages, do you adjust the plate of work in order to keep a distance from 62mm?

KTP

09-15-2006, 08:11 PM

That would typically not be needed, since the laser beam waist has a certain length where the cut is fairly parallel. For a ~2.5" F.L. lens you would have a few mm beam waist.

Oh btw, I am betting the tube current meter you guys are reading is actually 1/10 of the tube current. ie, when you have a reading of 1.5mA that is actually 15mA of tube current. I don't know of any CO2 laser that could run on 1 or 2mA.

g1zmo

09-15-2006, 10:35 PM

I do not know why they give value in mA.

The meter value on my RS3040A goes from 0 to 3 A.

KTP

09-15-2006, 11:02 PM

heh, well that couldn't be right either. 3 amps at 20,000 volts is 60,000 watts...the power meter outside your house would be spinning at mach 3.

g1zmo

09-15-2006, 11:53 PM

When I check the wires, the full laser engraver power passes through the ammeter. The voltage is 220V.

The power used by all electronic and the step motors should be negligeable.

Howhever, I believe the efficiency for the High voltage converter is low. They put a fan near this circuits board.

220v x 1.5 A = 330W

330w x 0.75% = ~ 250W

250 W / 20KV = 12.5 mA

fractaledge3

09-16-2006, 12:10 AM

What is the max your meter shows when turned all the way up? My one only will turn up to around 1.5

Hi

The max when turned all the way up is between 1.9 to 2

fractaledge3

09-16-2006, 12:17 AM

Between each passages, do you adjust the plate of work in order to keep a distance from 62mm?

Hi

When I cut 4 mm for example I adjust the distance to 60 mm to give the 62mm on med of the cut.

perpetumobil

09-16-2006, 02:55 AM

Thank you for help!

Abbout laser power-amp meter:

1.laser converter circuit have regulator-resistor with some transistor,diac or so,when power is minimum on reg. button curent go trough resistor and disipate like heat-beacouse fan is there.

2.disipating on other parts of circuit is I think more 15-30W

3. CO2 lasser have water cooling, that mean more heat disipating in glass tube (maybee 20-30 W)

aproximately: 40(LsP)+25(GtP)+50(el.c.P)=135 W cca of power on electronic circ.incoming
That power divide with Voltage on circ.incom to get current.

for lasser beam power maybee need find point after reg.resistor(not potentiometer on board) where put mA metter, wach wich cuurent is there-AC,or DC,freqency,voltage to choise mA metter.

This is just theory,I dont hawe machine,just some experience in electronics

diference between laser beam power and circuit in. power may be 1:3

Use heat of classic light lamp to compare with lasser tube and circuit heat to find approx thermal looses.(all power is spent on heat) DONT TOUCH ANNYTHING!
Sorry on my english!

g1zmo

09-16-2006, 07:38 AM

The power used by the water pump and the big blower are not included because they have their plug.

The only place it maybe possible to move the ammeter is just before the High voltage converter.
However I don't know the voltage at this stage.
This converter doesn't look like conventional electronic.
It is composed of three sealed components.
I think one is a transformer.

-----

For protection, I see two fuses.

By the way, English is not my first language too.

perpetumobil

09-16-2006, 07:48 AM

H.V.transformer like in TV-circuit, curent must have some freqency, is taht cable from transformer to lasser koaxial? if is not then is possibile to make few turn of wire arround HV cable,then put mAmeter on end of that wire,so you can see when is power up or down

Aksess

09-17-2006, 11:23 PM

Ok I finally got some pictures up they are in my gallery here on the zone.:banana:
http://www.cnczone.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=4456

Dont laugh these are the first. I hope to do a photo on granite later this week!

txcowdog

09-18-2006, 12:30 AM

Excellent work. What was the run time on Lucille Ball?

Aksess

09-18-2006, 06:08 AM

The lucy was done on my cncrouter, and it took around 4 hours. what i have done with laser is entitled laser.

diarmaid

09-18-2006, 02:05 PM

Those are really fantastic Aksess. Good Job! And a great advert for Redsail too! :)

fractaledge3

09-27-2006, 08:58 AM

My laser tube has a problem after a cooling ring at the end of the tube was separated and there is no laser beam come outside the tube but there is a beam inside the tube I don't Know why it was separated I contact redseal they told me just glue that part , I glue it but nothing happened I think that the mirror inside the tube was affected and become darker I don't Know if it was dark normally or not, any way it is separated under normal operation , So please Take care with your laser tube and make sure that this part was fixed correctly.
If you have any information about how to fix this problem or any information about that cooling ring and its functions other than cooling the mirror just inform me .

g1zmo

09-27-2006, 10:03 AM

I received my new laser tuber.
I installed it with help of Redsail from China.
Great support

Unfortunately, I have another problem now. :mad:

I adjusted the mirrors and I did tests to understand the software.

After few tests on paperboard, by chance, I saw light at the first mirrors.

My first mirror was broken
I don’t know when and why.

Do you know what can be happened ?
I hope this will not occur often.

hkxy

09-27-2006, 10:14 AM

g1zmo :

IS k40,6090,1280????

g1zmo

09-27-2006, 10:23 AM

g1zmo :

IS k40,6090,1280????

RS3040A

hkxy

09-27-2006, 10:42 AM

Interesting machine.
I also produce the similar product in 2 years ago.

KTP

09-27-2006, 10:59 AM

fractaledge3: A lot of laser tubes don't have water cooling of the mirror but since they went to the trouble to water cool this mirror (actually the output coupler) I guess it overheated when the glue or whatever holding the cooling ring came off. ZnSe should be a light yellow/amber color that is easy to see through (laser off!). If it is badly discolored the tube is probably a throw away.

g1zmo: That is a very unusual picture. Do you have a picture of what one of your "good" mirrors look like? Possibly there was quite a bit of dirt or something on this mirror and when the laser beam hit it, it generated enough heat to burn off the coating. I have never seen a mirror burned that bad though. Is it protected gold?

fractaledge3

09-27-2006, 12:51 PM

g1zmo :

Can you send a pict for your tube showing the cooling part and the color of the end mirror

fractaledge3

09-27-2006, 01:04 PM

hkxy:

If I get a new laser tube what do you advise me to do to avoid this problem again (separation of cooling ring or lack of cooling).

g1zmo

09-27-2006, 03:58 PM

g1zmo :

Can you send a pict for your tube showing the cooling part and the color of the end mirror

This is pictures of my non working laser tube.
The end mirror is not clean.

fractaledge3

09-27-2006, 05:29 PM

This is pictures of my non working laser tube.
The end mirror is not clean.

Thank you

It is very helpful pict , I think my problem was comming from bad gluing of the cooling ring and when It was separted the mirror was over heated and became darker so no laser comming out from my tube.

hkxy

09-27-2006, 10:33 PM

fractaledge3 :

Can be replaced, I made some members of the glass.

YOU :
1, not collision.
2, the flow of water completely-----and then power
NO : Power --- water (this is wrong)
3, if the temperature is low and water ice, NO Try to use the CAR, BUS Antifreeze Solution.

hkxy

09-27-2006, 10:38 PM

g1zmo
IT IS 40W?

g1zmo

09-27-2006, 11:25 PM

g1zmo
IT IS 40W?

Yes

However, I have no manner to confirm the maximum power is really 40w.

fractaledge3

09-28-2006, 12:15 AM

hkxy:

If the mirror at the end of the tube (output coupler)was affected and there is no laser beam came outside the tube,is there any action can solve this problem other than replacing the tube.

g1zmo

09-28-2006, 10:43 AM

fractaledge3 :

If it is not possible to repair it, you should keep it for spare parts If your laser beam dies on another tube, you may take the good laser parts to replace the burned parts.

g1zmo

09-28-2006, 10:58 AM

Before I stopped my tests because my first mirror is broken, I observed that independently if I used .jpeg or .plt files , the engraving is done like a printer (line by line with a sequence of on/off).

I expected that with a .plt file, the laser engaver works like a plotter or CNC.

It is a particularity of low cost lasers or all China lasers work like this ?

fractaledge3

09-28-2006, 11:30 AM

g1zmo

09-28-2006, 11:58 AM

From setting menu select HPGL settings and then select cutting option

Thanks :cheers:
I will try this

Can you explain to me what serves INTERVAL option (0-100 lines) in HPGL & Image setting and GRID option (1-100) in Image setting ?

Regards

fractaledge3

09-28-2006, 03:03 PM

Thanks :cheers:
I will try this

Can you explain to me what serves INTERVAL option (0-100 lines) in HPGL & Image setting and GRID option (1-100) in Image setting ?

Regards

As I understand from testing the grid option when you increase the number this will reduce the quality like when you reduce the image resolution,
The Interval option (lines) when you increase the number this will reduce the number of scanning lines (reduce the quality).

Best quality with good time for image
GRID 3
Interval 4

Best quality with good time for HPGL Engraving
Interval 5-6

Ropsch

10-01-2006, 10:55 AM

Hello to eveyone in this forum!

I have been reading your posts for a while now, and you helped me a lot to make my choice in buying a new laser engraver.
It is a Redsail RS6090C, a bit bigger in size than the ones discussed here, but it runs on the same system than the smaller machines from Redsail.
To put it ahead: There was a bit of a trouble in the beginning, but now it works well, and I am completely statisfied whith what I got for my money.
So here is the story:

To make my choice, I contacted all chinese companies I could find. The replies of Redsail seemed to be most promising, mainly because they were friendly, quick, and written in good english, without random words put togehter like it was the case with the other companies. :) Special thanks to Amanda for replying so quick and kindly for all my emails (about 40 by now)

The machine was shipped to Austria through Hamburg. Shipping to Hamburg was arranged by Redsail, further transport was supposed to be done by their "forward agent", a german cargo company. Redsail told me, the forward agent would call me when the machine arrived in hamburg. Well, there seemed to be a bit of misunderstanding, because the cargo company called me on day 35, asking me what the hell was going on. It turned out that shipping was much faster than Redsail told me, and the crate was at their depot for 2 weeks already, and it was me who should have called them for further instructions. Okay, no big deal, the rest of the transport worked out better, customs were done in Vienna without problems, and I finally recieved the machine 2 months (!) after ordering.

It took me almost a day to unpack and install the machine, I double-checked everthing just to make sure. This is when I came to the real problem , I could not get the laser to work. Head movement worked, I could use the software to control the machine, the only thing that did not work was the laser. It turned out, it was the high voltage supply`s fault. After some trying, I accidently found a way to make it work: With the machine off, I made the software turn on the laser signal, and then I switched the machine on. (I guess this was due to the bad logic IC in the power supply, which did not accept the 4,5 volt laser signal as a stable "high" signal, only when it was present when switched on) This way the laser made the beam. I knew there was still something wrong, but at least I knew the tube was okay. Well, my happiness did not last for too long, because the second time I did this switch-on trick, the power supply made a big bang, and was dead. Those were some really sad moments, after 2 months of waiting...
The guys at redsail sent me a replacement, but I had to send back the broken one. Replacing the power supply took another two weeks.
The new one worked as it was intended to be, and finally I could start adjusting the mirrors and get to the fun part.

In general it`s not more and not less than what I expected. Adjusting took me another day, I even had to readjust a displaced mirror by drilling some new holes, but the basics are done, and it seems to be stable, I don't think there will be need for readjusting anything.

I plan to do some additional improvements:
- use the workshop's compressor instead of the nosy air pump.
- install one common power switch for air assist, ventillation and laser tube
- install switches at the end position of the axes to avoid that loud noise the belts make when the head is directed over its limits by software (it is pretty stupid they did not care about this)

so here is my conclusion: this machine is definitely not plug and play, but with some skills you can make it do good work, and when set up properly, its definitely worth the money. Redsail is a trustable company, they have good customer support, and they help you with all your questions.
If you want to have fun out of the box, you`ll have a better deal with the europeans or americans. But know there are some guys who payed 1/4 for the same :)

diarmaid

10-01-2006, 11:05 AM

Thanks Ropsch. Great review. Have fun with your new machine and if you get a chance please post some pics of it, the changes you make, and what you make with it. :)

Klettke

10-03-2006, 09:00 AM

I recently purchase an IE500 from Ink Express. I am fine with the quality of construction and the price was very good. I ordered a spare laser tube and I am still waiting for that to be delivered. After sales service is very very difficult and I have had to fight for it.
My biggest complaint is the software. It is difficult to follow and the manual sucks big time. I am still trying to find someone who is proficient to help or provide training for a day.
I will post when I recieve the spare tube as promised. If anyone can provide help with Easycut DSP4.0 software or has found an alternat program or driver please let me know.

hkxy

10-03-2006, 11:43 AM

DSP4.0?

usb OR PCI ?

Klettke

10-03-2006, 07:37 PM

The laser engraver and software communicat via rs232 serial port. I know it talks about a pci card and one was supposed to be included, but everything works perfect via serial.
There is a a USB port on the side of the engraver and a USB thumbdrive was included with the laser. I haven't tried to connect the computer and the engraver via USB, but it has download from the Thumbdrive.

fractaledge3

10-03-2006, 08:46 PM

Klettke:
I can help just send your questions and the software manual PDF

fractaledge3

10-03-2006, 09:20 PM

Klettke

10-03-2006, 10:53 PM

The file size is 1.76 meg pdf file and I am restricted to 500kb file upload.
Any suggestions

g1zmo

10-03-2006, 11:54 PM

The file size is 1.76 meg pdf file and I am restricted to 500kb file upload.
Any suggestions

I think the pdf file is available at http://www.cndiy.cc/com/designedu/down/1130379698.pdf

fractaledge3

10-03-2006, 11:55 PM

Klettke:
Can you send the software website?

g1zmo

10-03-2006, 11:58 PM

I didn't have the chance to test on marble because my tube mirror was burned, but I can tell from testing on wood you should do the following on Photoshop:
1- convert the pict from color to gray scale
2- convert the gray scale image to black & white (bitmap)use the same image resolution & diffusion dither method
3-On Easycut sofware from setting menu select image setting then use
Grid (3) or (4)
Interval (4) or (5)
This may give good results.

Why do you suggest using Photoshop first instead of using directly color pictures?
Is it because the result is better or you are never being able to have good result otherwise?

Based on their little software demo video, it should be possible to use directly color picture.

Personally, I did multiple tries without any success. I should do other tests this weekend after I will install my new mirror.

For sure, I will try your method with diffusion dither conversion.

I don’t know if more expansive china laser engravers play with beam power to give a better result.

Somebody used LMM (Laser Marking Material) to mark metal, glass or ceramic?

fractaledge3

10-04-2006, 12:06 AM

Is it like that file on redsail website?

http://www.hflaser.com/easycut40.pdf

g1zmo

10-04-2006, 12:09 AM

Klettke:
Can you send the software website?

I don’t know

The software used by Redsail and Ink Express is the same but not necessary the same version.

RS3040A uses Easycut 2.0
RS5060/6090, IE500 use Easycut 4.0 (required because it can adjust the laser power)

I compared the documentation provided by both companies for the version 4 and it is almost the same.

fractaledge3

10-04-2006, 12:15 AM

g1zmo:
Because I never grantee the result from using the software directly some times good and always not so with this method you will get the nearest result to the pict .

fractaledge3

10-04-2006, 12:18 AM

g1zmo:
You can mark on glass or ceramic directly no need for LMM

g1zmo

10-04-2006, 12:25 AM

g1zmo:
You can mark on glass or ceramic directly no need for LMM

Maybe but with LMM, it seem possible to mark in color. (Black, White, Blue, Green...)

fractaledge3

10-04-2006, 08:50 AM

No idea

g1zmo

10-04-2006, 12:37 PM

From setting menu select HPGL settings and then select cutting option

I tried it with success. :wee:

Many thanks

I didn't have the chance to test on marble because my tube mirror was burned, but I can tell from testing on wood you should do the following on Photoshop:
1- convert the pict from color to gray scale
2- convert the gray scale image to black & white (bitmap)use the same image resolution & diffusion dither method
3-On Easycut sofware from setting menu select image setting then use
Grid (3) or (4)
Interval (4) or (5)
This may give good results.

However, I am not able to have any good result with bitmap file.

I always have a big burned rectangle.

Also, I do not know if it is normal but when LOWED is selected on the engraving setting, It is possible to send only 8 bytes to the laser via RS232. :confused:

Can you send a small bitmap file and the carving.out file generated ?

Regards

fractaledge3

10-04-2006, 05:21 PM

g1zom:

You welcom any time.

the carving.out file have this settings
grid (2) interval (2) lowed

width 150

speed 16

origin offset
x 37
y 73

fractaledge3

10-04-2006, 05:31 PM

g1zom & Aksess:

Do I need any special tools, materials or technique to weld the new tube?

g1zmo

10-04-2006, 06:54 PM

g1zom & Aksess:

Do I need any special tools, materials or technique to weld the new tube?

This is almost standard.

You need HV tape.

You cannot weld directly to the laser nodes.
You must first remove a little pellicule.
Then it should be surrounded by small wires (3 x ~5mm) ...

Good luck !

fractaledge3

10-04-2006, 09:14 PM

g1zmo:

Many Many.... thanks

g1zmo

10-04-2006, 11:42 PM

I am discouraged. :boxing:

No software support and poor documentation from RedSail.
The easycut.hlp file is missing.
All my emails are ignored.

g1zom:

You welcom any time.

the carving.out file have this settings
grid (2) interval (2) lowed

width 150

speed 16

origin offset
x 37
y 73

I tried multiple times your carving.out file.
I was to always stop it because it exceeds the capacity of my axis in the two directions (up & down). I do not want to break another thing.

Are you sure this file can be work on your laser engraver?

I tried also your bitmap but I have the same kind of problem.

I re-installed the software and now I am able to generate file using LOWED parameters.

I was able to see some parts of original Black/White file but it always misses some or almost all parts (left/right).

I play with Grid, Width and Interval without any success.

It seem grid affect the size.

When you upload the file in the laser, the start led is lit or not?
Do you press start when the file is completed uploaded or you start the laser before?

pal_signs

10-05-2006, 03:54 AM

First of all my greetings to all that have been writing to the laser machines section. You have all been very helpful to me.

I bought Rabbit HX40A from Jinan Hengxing
website: http://www.hxlaser.com/en/index.htm

The machine arrived to me packed well, the price was very good and i set it up. Everything is fine but the software. They sent me the NewlyDraw 1 by Newlysoft (website:www.0123.com.cn). At this point I have to agree with everybody that the after sales support is just not there.Hundreds of emails to everybody if they can help me and can do something.Unfortunately noone.

I found this forum 3 days ago and have been reading it ever since.
My machine works perfectly but only in the half size of my engraving area.

I guess it is a problem of software and i saw that many suggest the moshidraw software by moshisoft. I browsed their website with the help of babelfish but I don't know which version to download.

Can anyone help me with this one?

fractaledge3

10-05-2006, 08:22 PM

g1zom:

Be sure of that:

1- Before you send the file press the test button to test the laser power then adjust the ammeter to 0.9 mille amperes while pressing the button.

2- Adjust the focus 6.2 cm from the material surface to the diamond plate that holding the lens.

3- Press start (the led will be off).

4- Don't move the laser head any where just put your wood piece at top left corner .

5- Adjust the setting like the attached picts.

6- Send the file.

Good luck..

g1zmo

10-06-2006, 12:41 AM

Thanks for the information fractaledge3 but I do already what you explain.

I finally found the problem. :banana:

I don’t have the problem in Cutting mode but in Image mode only.
The big difference is the size of the file.
When the size is big, I have a problem with my serial connection.
Data bits are lost and the laser head offset move and strike the top or down randomly.

I tried with my old PII 300 instead of my Athlon 64 and now it works well.

I need now to find a manner to add a working serial port on my PC.

fractaledge3

10-06-2006, 12:52 AM

g1zmo

10-06-2006, 01:08 AM

You can use "usb to serial" converter
also check the output Setting on attached pict

I already use a USB2serial (PL2303) with my PC because it doen't have serial port.

wklaser

10-08-2006, 01:33 AM

fractaledge3

10-08-2006, 02:47 AM

welcome to consider our machine, we are the company specializing in manufacture and export laser engraver/cutting machine. Not only the price , but also the quality and after servie is better than the one you mentioned.
:violin: :violin: :violin:

Hi wklaser,

I already have RS3040A from redseal; you have the same machine on attached images but as WK3040.
Can you tell us what the deference is?
Is it using the same software (Easycut 2.0)?

wklaser

10-08-2006, 02:58 AM

Hi wklaser,

I already have RS3040A from redseal; you have the same machine on attached images but as WK3040.
Can you tell us what the deference is?
Is it using the same software (Easycut 2.0)?

I know little aout the RS3040A you mentioned, we are not the same company.
But I know the company that produce the machine. :boxing:

Regarding the software, I think the difference is just the called name.

If you want to get more for our machine, please contact me by mail:
wklaser@yahoo.com

:D :D :D

fractaledge3

10-08-2006, 03:31 AM

I know little aout the RS3040A you mentioned, we are not the same company.
But I know the company that produce the machine. Maybe they imitated us. :boxing:

Regarding the software, I think the difference is just the called name.

If you want to get more for our machine, please contact me by mail:
wklaser@yahoo.com

:D :D :D

I do not know how things go in China?
"Maybe they imitated us." , can you Explain that?
Who is the original Producer of the machine?

wklaser

10-08-2006, 04:27 AM

I do not know how things go in China?
"Maybe they imitated us." , can you Explain that?
Who is the original Producer of the machine?

Hey, sir. Regarding the "Maybe they imitated us." , it's just a joke, I have delete it in my article. Our WK3040 and the model you mentioned is not the same one. We are the manufacturer of the WK3040, and the one you mentioned is produced by another company.

If you want the prcie of our machie, plase contact me by the mail: wklaser@yahoo.com

:drowning: :drowning: :banana: :banana: :wee: :wee:

Leo_RedSail

10-08-2006, 04:29 AM

RedSail is one member of China Industry Software Association, and Easycut is one of our own-developed softwares and We have the copyright of the software. Some of our software copyrights are attached.
HKxy knows Chinese, you can check if REDSAIL has many kinds of software copyright.

1) The main design idea for EasyCut 2.0 is to use simply and easily
2) We can output color JPG&BMP&TIF file directly from Easycut 2.0, it is our patent, it is unique in the world.
As picture of lady showed below, we can output it directly.
3) Our machine is compatible with Corel Draw.
4) I personally do not think there are many machines similar to RS3040A, our own-developed machine.

These days are Chinese National Holidays (around 1 week), resulting in reply some emails late, our company feel very very sorry, our company will still provide the best service as what we did.

Aksess

10-08-2006, 09:18 AM

Funny thing when we all were looking for an inexpensive laser we could only find 2-3 web sights and Redsail was one of them. Now it seems they are sprouting up everywhere. Only place we can verify product and service is Redsail. I ordered one, As many members here did we received the machines. I have had a few problems with my machine but Redsail has honored their part of the warranty above and beyond so far. Inkexpress yes you will get a machine but no service after the sale. If someone orders from one of the other people on here keep us informed on the transaction.

g1zmo

10-08-2006, 10:07 AM

Can you explain to me what serves INTERVAL option (0-100 lines) in HPGL & Image setting and GRID option (1-100) in Image setting ?

Regards

Redsail answer's (Lisa):

The INTERVAL is set for the distance for the carriage scan. You can adjust it according to your need.

The GRID is related to the engraved effect on the different materials.
For example, if you engrave in wood, if you made the parameters bigger,the engraving effect may become crude,if you adjust the parameters small, the effect will become smooth.

g1zmo

10-08-2006, 10:19 AM

Small suggestions:

Before adjusting the first time the mirrors, clean them and the lens too

Buy extra mirrors and lens. It is not too expensive and you will save on high shipping cost.

g1zmo

10-08-2006, 10:42 AM

g1zmo: That is a very unusual picture. Do you have a picture of what one of your "good" mirrors look like? Possibly there was quite a bit of dirt or something on this mirror and when the laser beam hit it, it generated enough heat to burn off the coating. I have never seen a mirror burned that bad though. Is it protected gold?

Yes they have a small layer of gold

g1zmo

10-08-2006, 10:48 AM

I would like to know if I really need to buy distilled water or if I can use tap water instead to cool the laser tube.

It was not simple to buy distilled water near my location. It is easier to find reverse osmosis water.

I can use also tap water filtered with a Brita filtration system.

miljnor

10-08-2006, 12:36 PM

It would need to be non-conductive, that’s why they call out distilled water.

If water has any contamination then it will conduct electricity.

So if the reverse osmosis water is pure then your ok (most of it is really close).

You usually can buy bottled distilled in the grocery store.

fractaledge3

10-08-2006, 06:08 PM

Hi all:
I know you will laugh at that , I have test the Shock of voltage 220v before but I never had or want to have the Shock of voltage 20KV from laser power supply even if it has 2 mille amperes.
I want to ask :
what is the hazards of taking this Shock?

miljnor

10-08-2006, 10:04 PM

well for one you could break your power supply and oh maybe currly hair! :D

I really don't know but you probably don't want to use yourself as the curly haired guinee pig!

fractaledge3

10-09-2006, 12:51 AM

miljnor :

Thank You for your comment, but I really want to know what that shock hazared can cause.

diarmaid

10-09-2006, 05:37 AM

miljnor :

Thank You for your comment, but I really want to know what that shock hazared can cause.

In a word.....DEATH!

If you want a comparison I found this:

"While lightning is, in fact, more common in certain areas of the country, it happens everywhere. Damage can be instantaneous. About half of all lightning strikes are 20,000 volts and 20,000 amps, but strikes can exceed 100,000 volts and can travel 3 miles through the ground. Each flash of lightning can contain as many as 45 strikes."

So unless you REALLY REALLY don't want to make any more posts on the zone...ever....dont touch it!

fractaledge3

10-09-2006, 08:55 AM

Thank God...I still posting!
The technical word that I search for to help all users that deal or will deal with water cooled HV CO2 lasers is like:

1-Try to use non-conductive coolant or distilled water for cooling.

2-Before using the machine check :
*The insulation of HV connections.
*The Cooling cycle for any leakage.

3-Try to make the cooling liquid in a closed cycle if not , don't touch the cooling liquid or the cooling pump during laser operation.

4-Don't touch the machine during laser operation.

miljnor

10-09-2006, 11:13 AM

20k volts can pretty much jump most standard voltage inulations so hopefully they have the supply and laser and water supply isolated pretty well with High voltage inulation.

But not touching the machine is probably prudent as well. (you know the currly hair thing! :D)

fractaledge3

10-09-2006, 11:47 AM

^^ Or just send the file and run away......Live is good(flame2)

rmacguiver

10-13-2006, 02:49 AM

might you try algolabs raster to vector conversion toolkit software? or would this still be putting the cart before the assk me on questions as i am a newb to most of this. I just know it converts raster to vector and back..... even has a demo to play with. planed on using it to cut metal with plasma energy till the final price shriveled the dream away. ouch!

mnwolgamott

10-13-2006, 07:06 AM

Intellicad should have the option tosave a drawing as a plt file. Look in the GUI interface for print, save as a file, then look for the plt file extension.

cjack

10-13-2006, 09:01 AM

IAM INTERESTED IN GETTING THIS MACHINE FOR MY WORK IN INDIA.
CAN YOU TELL ME HOW DEEPIT CAN ENGRAVE IN ONE PASS AND BY
REPETITIVE PASSES IN STEEL, BRASS,GLASS ETC.
SANJAY PARANJPE
I may solve you any about this machine difficulty and the question

I am this machine manufacturer,Very many people sell the old machine in the proxy,But he already eliminated in Asia and China,Because I designed have made the new machine

The software may support PLT,DXF,BMP,JPG...
Software support color,Line,Time,Energy control
Supports CAD2002-2006,Output,Similar also has POTOSHOP,CORELDRAW
Uses new DSP the chip

The mechanical drive components also have the improvement

HKXY

cjack

10-13-2006, 09:02 AM

Iam Interested In Getting This Machine For My Work In India.
Can You Tell Me How Deepit Can Engrave In One Pass And By
Repetitive Passes In Steel, Brass,glass Etc.
Sanjay Paranjpe

fractaledge3

10-15-2006, 12:50 AM

Hi to all:
I found this link for Safety Guidelines for High Voltage and/or Line Powered Equipment (like laser power supply )

http://members.misty.com/don/safety.htm

diarmaid

10-15-2006, 07:00 AM

Great Link fractaledge. Thanks.

fractaledge3

10-17-2006, 03:20 PM

Hi to all

Because I already dealt with laser tube and output coupler without known that information so...

Please read this page carefully it has a grate safety information

http://repairfaq.ece.drexel.edu/sam/lasercc2.htm#cc2saf

clave

10-18-2006, 07:25 PM

Hi Sidi,

I ve been reading your ideas regarding engrave on cylindrical objects,is possible to engrave onto cylindrical wood.

best
clave

jeffgolding

10-21-2006, 07:40 PM

Hi Glyn,
did you get your laser?? I am looking at the redsail
RS3040A did you consider this??
jeff

jinu117

10-22-2006, 03:56 AM

Phew... nice 32 pages of read... :)
Well, here is bottom line, I need to find someplace to cut 1/4" thick neoprenes (about 2.5"x2.5") of various shapes in numbers I guess :)
It's either I go through quoting process each cuts or get one of these economical machine to do my bidding. It seems like the resale of such product really hasn't matured from what I see. (I make phase change computer product meaning compressor shipped via ground or air shipments inside small case)... and I've yet to have shipping damage with all the shipping precaution I take. Double boxing, using instapak all over... bleh bleh.
How are this laser cut machines shipped to you to begin with? It seems like laser tube itself tend to get damaged quite often in transit? Has they resolved problem with it? Or would I be better off going looking for quotes ? :) (or if one of users of these are interested in doing some prototype work for me... that might be option too... I just spent decent amount of money for Syil X3 CNC machine so I would like to keep my expenditure tad low).
Also directly to Redsail, what have you done to improve the shipping damage issue? Having great customer support is great but it is EVEN better when customer doesn't have to use it. (It also saves you money in long run...)
My 2c... btw. I spend about $50 on packing my stuff... alone (I buy things in bulk so pricing is much lower than what you would be used to in UPS store.. like 1/2 or 1/3 so this is huge amount of money on packing). I know others who spend maybe $30 or so doing bubble wrap and some peanuts. I use instapak and formed foam and than some peanuts to fill in void if there is any. That $20 must have saved me close to $10k by now considering how some others have had to do with RMA and lose in revenue over time.
I look forward to hearing back from some people who can enlighten me on situation as well as what would be my best way to go. I am thinking intial run of about 4 design of 50 each. (about 2.5" x 2.5")
TIA.

hkxy

10-22-2006, 09:29 AM

cjack :
Regret:I think regarding the metal,Possible to need 100-150W,Or YAG.

jinu117 :
You are what machine which buys? X3 CNC?LASER?

Aksess

10-22-2006, 09:33 AM

Well overall the machine is well packaged, The problem in shipping is where the laser tube is needs a little more packin material to keep the tube from sliding side to side. My one had slid out of the holders on one end and in transit it had broke the verry inner tube where the water flows. When I turned the machine on it shorted out the laser power supply. I did not see the break untill i removed the tube and looked real close.

jinu117 where are you located? I live in the southeast part of Tennessee. You are more than welcome to visit me and try my machine on your product when I get it running again. I meet with tech department tonight so they can try to figure out what the problem is.

Roboticus

10-25-2006, 09:45 PM

*Wow* a fascinating thread. Thanks for a great read, gang! I've learned a lot about laser engraving. It seemed to cover all topics ... except the one I'm looking for. Can it cut the copper layer on a PCB board? If it could ablate that thin layer of copper and punch a hole through FR4 (fiberglass reinforced circuit board), then I just can't wait to have one!

cjack

10-26-2006, 01:26 PM

I may make any size the laser to cut the machine
Size scope: 10-2400 millimeter
Power: 15-200W
Contains the complete software,Air system,Laser,Optics lens,Controls the electrical machinery...

He makes in China,The price is low

If you need,May tell yours request I,Perhaps I can give you the good price

PLGIVE ME YOUR CONTACT E MAIL ADDRESS AND POSSIBLE PRICE RANGE.
CAN YOU MAKE LASER TO SUIT DEEP THROUGH CUTTING LASER ALSO?
CJACK
cjack@vsnl.net

cjack

10-26-2006, 01:28 PM

PLGIVE ME YOUR CONTACT E MAIL ADDRESS AND POSSIBLE PRICE RANGE.
CAN YOU MAKE LASER TO SUIT DEEP THROUGH CUTTING LASER ALSO?
CJACK
cjack@vsnl.net

Tashammer

10-27-2006, 12:56 AM

fractaledge3

10-27-2006, 07:00 AM

I have just been reading through this whole thread. What a vast range of experiences and the difference in cultures, approaches and languages.

The Chinese have a lovely word, almost a phrase in itself...

Aye-yaaaaa which is often said whilst throwing up your hands in the air indicating you are handing it all to the ancestors as it is all just too much.

Be that as it may, fairly early on someone spoke of the work head trying to move beyond where it physically could, making a dreadful noise in the process perhaps sounding like gears stripping. Did anyone find out what that was? I suspect it was a similar thing to what can happen to printers when the print head is manually moved beyond its automatic resting position so things get out of synch. A similar thing may happen when a cd drive jams and is then manually opened, the drawer wont close properly afterwards unless one does some fiddling around with it.

Hi

Because the small machines like "RS3040A" has no limit switches. There are 2 switches for homing only, so after you switch on the power, the machine will go to home position, when you send a file to the machine and there is a "sounding like gears stripping" the cause may be:

-Your file x or y axis length is bigger than the machine travel (reduce the size x or y)

-There is a bad communication between the computer and the machine, "data error can send the head beyond the mechanical limits" (check the communication cable or software communication settings)

-There is a mechanical error on your machine (clean or lubricate)

Neil Pritchett

10-27-2006, 06:33 PM

Hi everyone, this is a very interesting thread. Just spent the last 2 hours reading all the postings to catch up with the history.
For general information, the noise is caused by the stepper motor trying to move the axis beyond its mechanical limit. Steppers are exactly that, they try to step at the frequency determined by the software. This causes the sound. As the motor can not move the axis, it just resonates.
For the record. and to nail my colours to the mast, we are the Redsail distributors in the UK, so don't expect any specifics regarding competitors machines!
Best regards to all.

diarmaid

10-28-2006, 04:56 AM

Aksess

10-28-2006, 06:30 AM

Want to buy my broke machine? CHEAP. It seems Redsail does offer very good support for their machines, If you are made of money and can ship it back to China. For some I do not think this is an option. So before you purchase one, Ask yourself if something breaks can I pay shipping back.

diarmaid

10-28-2006, 08:29 AM

But I would just ship it back to the distributor I bought it from in England, perhaps the good fellow called Neil above. Under European law, he as the seller would be liable if the product did not match the description of what he was selling me. Hopefully that wouldn't arise. I think you may have just been very unlucky Aksess. And although I appreciate the offer, I would prefer to buy a machine that might be working than one I know is not! ;)

Aksess

10-28-2006, 02:39 PM

I totally understand. Yes I guess my luck is just plain bad all around with this laser.

Neil Pritchett

10-28-2006, 04:54 PM

Hey Neil, great to see a European RedSail distributor! I lost contact with Leo somewhere in a sea of e-mails and to make a long story short, I never got the details of the European distributor. :) Since earlier in this thread I've had to move a laser engraver lower down my priority list but maybe next year some time I can get one.

Do you have a web site with your prices, or some contact information?

Im in Ireland.

Thanks.

Hi Diarmaid,
I hope we are not infringing any site rules in replying to you, but it is not our intention.
We will have our new website up in two weeks.
The lasers are undergoing stringent testing and some modifications to bring them up to spec for selling in the Uk and Ireland.
We have good results so far and will keep you informed directly if you would like to send me your contact details. Please send to me personally rather than our general sales. my address is neil@ctrfuture.co.uk
In our opinion the RS3040A is a good little machine for crafts etc. For more serious applications the versatility of the larger machines is well worth the extra, if you have the extra!
P.S. As you stated in your later posting: Yes of course, we will stand by any machines we sell. we also offer an on-site guarentee as we consider the machines too bulky and prone to damage if not properly packed for returning to our factory. All said, we will not be the cheapest because all this service costs; and if we are not sensible about this, we will not be in business to offer any support. that's in no ones interest.
Best regards. N.P.

txcowdog

10-29-2006, 01:43 AM

Neil,
I am now officially interested in a laser. I have been following this thread with some interest but have been unwilling to take a chance with a direct purchase from China becuase of the language barrier and lack of support. I fully understand the need to charge a higher price to be able to support machines after the sale and have no problem with the added expense. When your website is up and running and things settle into place for you, I'm sure I will look into your offerings with a new interest. Glad to see you get involved in this area of machinery.

diarmaid

10-29-2006, 08:16 AM

Hi Diarmaid,
I hope we are not infringing any site rules in replying to you, but it is not our intention.
We will have our new website up in two weeks.
The lasers are undergoing stringent testing and some modifications to bring them up to spec for selling in the Uk and Ireland.
We have good results so far and will keep you informed directly if you would like to send me your contact details. Please send to me personally rather than our general sales. my address is neil@ctrfuture.co.uk
In our opinion the RS3040A is a good little machine for crafts etc. For more serious applications the versatility of the larger machines is well worth the extra, if you have the extra!
P.S. As you stated in your later posting: Yes of course, we will stand by any machines we sell. we also offer an on-site guarentee as we consider the machines too bulky and prone to damage if not properly packed for returning to our factory. All said, we will not be the cheapest because all this service costs; and if we are not sensible about this, we will not be in business to offer any support. that's in no ones interest.
Best regards. N.P.

Thanks for the reply Neil,

1) Not infringing any site rules afik. This site is all about people seeking information on such products.

2)I have no problem paying extra for the service support. That is completely understandable.

3) Looking forward to seeing your website. As an aside please put your prices onto it as there's nothing more discouraging than shopping online and having to contact sales dept's just to get a basic guide price! :)

4) I'll send you my e-mail address, but before my laser purchase I have to finish 1st wood router, buy a new house (nxt year), move into new house, establish new workshop, build 2nd wood router, build cnc plasma cutter....then buy laser engraver! So unfortunately I probably wont be your 1st customer :rolleyes:, but certainly by this time next year I hope to at least be started on my cnc plasma, and looking to a laser engraver. You are right in that I will probably have to consider a larger system by then.

L8rs.

Edit: And btw thanks for your honesty Neil. I think you'll find most people on the zone are decent and honest. It's appreciated. :cheers:

zoltan

10-29-2006, 03:56 PM

Hi,

I have ordered a RS3040, a laser tube, a laser power supply and a set of mirrors from Redsail. I paid by bank transfer. The transport was almost $700, huge. Leo from Redsail was very helpful. Unfortunately the carrier was TNT, with whom I had in the past only bad experiences. The parcel arrived and TNT proved once again that they provide a very poor service for a lot of money, at least in Romania. They claimed that Redsail made wrong papers and asked me to take care about customs clearance at 70 km away from my home, at their warehouse. I did it but I asked them to deliver the parcel at my home as it was paid an extra $40 or $50 compared with the delivery at their office. It was big mistake. They claimed that they had not appropriate car/van and they have been obliged to open the parcel without my approval. So they delivered each item separately, laser machine, power supply, laser tube. The first issue was that in the laser machine the mirrors have been lost and damaged by being scratched. I can explain this only if the screws have not been tied, which means that the machine left without checking. Leo told me that the factory checked the machine...still, I can not explain how it was possible that one cable connector to be not connected. Anyway, I have not seen any other damages on the machine. The power supply I ordered as a spare part seems to be not new but can not claim this for sure. Leo is a great person and he told me that the factory claimed the apoer supply to be new. The problem was with the spare laser tube. It was packed into a separate wood box, closed with big nails. Inside the tube was very well packed and protected but I discovered that either due to the hammering of big nails or due to handling during transportation the cooling glass circuit inside of laser tube was broken. I did not see any damage at the laser tube in the machine and still I do not know if the laser machine is working as until now due to different reasons - one is that I moved in another house - I did not give a trial to the machine yet. I made pictures and sent to Leo. As I said Leo is a true professional. They immediately sent me a laser tube and a set of mirrors by DHL this time. Unfortunately, this time due to the papers DHL asked me to pay again the customs and VAT, and more than that I discovered that in the parcel which was opened by DHL for customs clearance were no mirrors. Leo told me that the factory is claiming that they put the mirrors inside, DHL is claiming that inside was only the laser tube. For me something is sure, I paid for them and did not get them. Anyway, Leo promised me to fix the issue with my next order. The new spare laser tube seems to be OK. Not doing any trial with the machine I can not tell you more. What is sure is that Leo is doing his best and is taking care about the customer. I hope in few days to give a trial and coming back with news. I hope I will not discover other damages or problems. Sorry for long story. Anyway I skipped a lot of details...along of two months saga.

Zoltan

zoltan

10-29-2006, 04:04 PM

I do want to tell you that until now I borrowed a lot of money (do not ask me how much and when I must pay them back) and invested in CNC - software, steppers, components, laser machine, vinyl cutter but not yet in the business. I hope in two months to finish my real cnc router. A steel machine of 2mX2mX0.150m (X,Y,Z) and then to start...

Zoltan

diarmaid

10-29-2006, 04:12 PM

Oh no! Sorry for your trouble Zoltan. Hope the people you borrowed the money from are legitimate institutions that will charge interest in euros as opposed to blood and bones! It seems that some of the problems stem from the manufacturer as opposed to the distributor. I hope Neil above doesn't end up with a headache trying to get RedSail in China to adopt correct western business practices.

As an aside Neil, my email is down at the moment and won't send any messages.:boxing: Tomorrow is a bank holiday here, so hopefully it'll be back by Tuesday and then I'll contact you.

zoltan

10-29-2006, 04:27 PM

Actually, they are friends of mine and not banks. It means that I can not ask for any delay in payment.
On other hand, Leo is not a distributor, he works for REDSAIL, but I believe is located in Canada. Honestly, despite all the troubles I have a great relationship with Leo and REDSAIL and they are doing correct business.

Zoltan

Aksess

10-29-2006, 04:42 PM

Zoltan welcome to the Redsail dilemma. I hope you have better luck with your machines than I have. I am just glad I am not depending on it for business.

zoltan

11-01-2006, 04:22 PM

Hi Aksess,

Thank you for welcome. I would like to ask you to do me a favor. Could you, please, make few pictures of inside of your laser machine in those two compartments which accommodate the electronic/electric stuff. As I said in my previous post, my laser machine came with a connector disconnected but also, it seems to me that other wires are not connected as they should. Leo was very kind and asked the factory to send me a picture with the connector in question and schematics. The factory sent the picture and the schematics, but the schematics has no reference part number or component ID so is not useful for identify the appropriate connections. Also, Leo offered the support of their technicians but due to the language barriers I would prefer to ask the help to somebody who had already turned on such a laser machine and is English native speaker. In few days I will finish with the movement in another house (we had some problems with the building) so I plan to give the laser machine the first trial, so, I need to check everything before this trial.

Thank you.

Zoltan

johyn

11-01-2006, 04:56 PM

Ce mai faceþi? Where in Romania are you...I have been many times...perhaps I could help get it to you...Johyn

johyn

11-01-2006, 04:57 PM

What is able to do this laser engraver? As I am from Romania, what would be the additional cost of shipping it to me? I would like to buy one, but for this I must borrow money and I need to know exactly what it means from cost point of view. Actually, I would like to start (finally) a small business based on my CNC knowledge got here and by building three machines (two MDF and one AL). The machines I do not think can sustain even a small business, but a laser could be a start....I hope...

Ce mai faceþi? Where in Romania are you...I have been many times...perhaps I could help get it to you...Johyn

zoltan

11-01-2006, 05:16 PM

Hi Johyn,

Multumesc, bine. I am living in Arad, but I am spending a lot of time in Timisoara, too, which is 60 km far away from Arad. Where are you travelling in Romania? Please, pm to me.

Zoltan

Aksess

11-01-2006, 06:08 PM

I can do you one better than that, If you can view a web cam we can do a video conference via MSN messenger if you like. tomorrow night anytime after 7:00 pm est. that way I can answer any questions you may have about connections. add me as aksess_9@msn.com just let me know what time is good for you.

Hi Aksess,

Thank you for welcome. I would like to ask you to do me a favor. Could you, please, make few pictures of inside of your laser machine in those two compartments which accommodate the electronic/electric stuff. As I said in my previous post, my laser machine came with a connector disconnected but also, it seems to me that other wires are not connected as they should. Leo was very kind and asked the factory to send me a picture with the connector in question and schematics. The factory sent the picture and the schematics, but the schematics has no reference part number or component ID so is not useful for identify the appropriate connections. Also, Leo offered the support of their technicians but due to the language barriers I would prefer to ask the help to somebody who had already turned on such a laser machine and is English native speaker. In few days I will finish with the movement in another house (we had some problems with the building) so I plan to give the laser machine the first trial, so, I need to check everything before this trial.

Thank you.

Zoltan

fractaledge3

11-01-2006, 10:30 PM

Hi zoltan,

I hope that you can test your machine soon, if the disconnected cable is the keyboard cable, then you can connect it with red mark line to the left.

zoltan

11-02-2006, 05:55 AM

Hi Aksess,

Thank you for offer. Unfortunately I do not have a webcam and also, my connection is not working always as it should. Adding to these the difference in the time zone I would appreciate if you can just upload few pictures. In the near future I would like to buy a webcam and I would like to video chat on cnc issues as I hope that until then the IP provider will change the infrastructure as he promised and allows higher speed/bandwidth.

Thank you.

Zoltan

Neil Pritchett

11-02-2006, 11:08 AM

'As an aside Neil, my email is down at the moment and won't send any messages.:boxing: Tomorrow is a bank holiday here, so hopefully it'll be back by Tuesday and then I'll contact you.

No problem, I will look out for your email.

For interest, I'm over to China end of next week to progress the mods required for western consumption of the machines. The spec' required for the UK is very high when it comes to safety. We have a good working relationship with Redsail and are very confident that the results will be well worth it for all users who value their digits!
regards to all.
N.P. (for CTRfuture Ltd.)

ivirscar

11-04-2006, 12:23 AM

...The Tube must have been damaged during shipping. I did not see the break until today. I did have it hooked up correctly and In all honesty it is a good product I was just on the receiving end of a machine damaged in shipping and I had no way of knowing. I guess I will buy a new tube when I can afford one, Maybe in a Month or two.

Aksess

If you have powered up the machine since replacing the power supply, be SURE the new supply is good before installing a new tube.

For everyone else, Leo of Redsail is one of the BEST in Customer support and handles his business well. I recently purchased the RS3040 and have been COMPLETELY SATISFIED with my purchase. Upon setup, I carefully checked ALL laser aim by turning the laser power DOWN, pressing the test button then slowly raising the power level to about 30~40MA (I do have one "complaint"... WHY GLUE the darn adjusting knobs on the mirrors?! This makes NO SENSE when after transport, the machine WILL need adjusting! :) ) Other than that, the machine is AWESOME! I have already used to cut 1/8" acrylic to exact specs for products that I manufacture as seen on my site www.knight-f2k4.com (http://www.knight-f2k4.com) . This machine will be my best friend in the coming months in the new designs that I have planned for our season 3/4 electronics...

Best of luck to all and thanks again Mr. Shi

Brenon

hada_malou

11-04-2006, 04:14 AM

hello steve
i'm intressting in laser machine from ink express, i want to buy one
can you tell me please how is your experience with this manifacturer or with these machine??
thank you very much

diarmaid

11-04-2006, 07:35 AM

Aksess
I have already used to cut 1/8" acrylic to exact specs for products that I manufacture as seen on my site www.knight-f2k4.com (http://www.knight-f2k4.com) .
Brenon

All I can say is WOW! :D I just watched all your videos (Yes I am a child of the 80's! :) ). I want that car :(. However, that said, I find it COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE that kit didn't win the drag race :boxing: ! You need to take everything out, put in a bigger engine, then put everything back in!! ;) Or maybe next time when kit falls behind, laser the car on front (flame2)!
Great job. Cool car.....'The' Cool car.

soapy

11-06-2006, 05:52 PM

Long thread! Yes, KITT needs a computer controlled nitro system, and a button on the dash that says "Turbo boost".

Back on topic, is the UK distributor site up yet? I'd happily buy a UK based version of the Chinese system, for the lowest possible price. I couldn't care less about the tweaks needed for passing the electrical safety or anything else, as long as I could be sure the system worked once upon a time, and wasn't then going to be drop-kicked here from China.

I've a degree in opto and lasers, so getting a 40 to 80 watt CO2 laser system has long been something on my wish list. Making a working but not brilliant system perfect is the fun. (when you are playing at it.)

Neil, any idea on prices yet?

Neil Pritchett

11-07-2006, 05:38 AM

Hi Soapy,

Thanks for the interest. I understand your desire, but we have a legal obligation in the UK to ensure even a totally untrained, raw beginner with absolutely nothing between the ears and not an ounce of common sense is protected from their own stupidity!
We have no control over the machines once they leave our factory, but the arm of the law is far reaching; if someone should be injured we would be for the high jump.
Our intention is to abide with the law of the land (no matter how daft we consider it to be in some areas).
I am in China for the next couple of weeks to work with Redsail on the safety issues and CE approval.
Once this is done we believe we will be selling the best of the Chinese glass tube laser machines available.
Regarding the web site, we are in two minds; put it up before or after the trip? We are inclined to upload after, just in case there are some issues which take longer to solve. In the mean time, the hflaser.com site gives a reasonable indication of the machines and capabilities.
If you are particularly interested in lasers for development, we may be able to help, but this must be on the understanding that you are fully competent, you take full responsibility and there is no liability on our part, to you or any third party.
Please send me an email (neil@ctrfuture.co.uk) if you would like to discuss your particular situation.
Regards to all. N.P.

hkxy

11-07-2006, 06:30 AM

the best of the Chinese ??
This is how you feel. You do not understand China

You do not know a lot of the laser machine factory.
Laugh

soapy

11-07-2006, 09:21 AM

Thanks, Neil.

To avoid a lot of the HSE laws you could provide the parts as a kit, with a power supply, laser tube and table all as seperate items for home assembly, in the same way as kit car manufacturers do it.

Should you get machines shipped over that are beyond sale, you could remove the parts and sell those seperately whilst waiting for the new bits to come over. This would increase your cashflow, and, assuming a small charge for the stripping, etc. you would also increase your profits.

However, I do agree that if you are going to provide a turn-key product you are going to need to re-program the software, ensure the earthing is up to spec, add interlocks, etc. or the HSE will beat you with a big stick!

soapy

11-07-2006, 01:23 PM

hkxy, your website isn't very helpful, as it isn't in Latin characters, let alone English. All I see is ???? everywhere, and some nice pictures.

Is there an English version?

ivirscar

11-07-2006, 04:15 PM

the best of the Chinese ??
This is how you feel. You do not understand China

You do not know a lot of the laser machine factory.
Laugh

NOT to offend anyone BUT you can take a peek inside the machine, the electronics panels, the machined parts that make up the focusing lens assembly, ect. and determine the overall quality of a product, NO MATTER WHERE IT'S MADE...:cool:

I have an eye for details such as these and can tell, not from just using the machine but from disassembling the machine and observing the quality of workmanship with tiny details such as when the stepper driver board was installed, did the assembly tech tie off the ribbon cables to keep them AWAY from the high voltage circuitry? Hmmm... The one I purchased from RedSail in China, had NOT. This can and DID create HAVOK in the cmos circuitry with the ribbon cables just laying over the high voltage resistor of the laser driver. The motor drive panels SHOULD be isolated from the high voltage circuitry, this can and DOES cause the machine to go out of paremeters and do the "machine gun" sound effect, mine did it once very briefly and this is why I went into the panel in the first place. Ever since, it has performed to the best of it's ability with the small 200k program to drive it.

On that note, why is there NO INFORMATION or help files on these little half wit programs? Mine is easycut 2.0, not so "easy", I do not have time to "figure out" programs, I have cars to build and digital dash electronics to manufacture for these cars;)

Brenon www.knight-f2k4.com (http://www.knight-f2k4.com)

Aksess

11-07-2006, 10:01 PM

WARNING do not be taken in by China companies. I was and still have a broken laser. If you have plenty of money to send the machine back then buy China if you do not then stay away. Lisa from the tech department has been real helpful but it seems Leo has diapered. I have tried to contact him on numerous occasion with no reply. the saying goes Buyer beware.

ivirscar

11-07-2006, 10:44 PM

Ak... Try this email on Leo

redsailonline@gmail.com

His "yahoo" account is backfiring on him :cool:

brkonja

11-08-2006, 08:28 AM

Hi every one...I just wanted to say hello to everyone in this community for now...and soon I will write some information about my laser CNC machine!
Regards Brkonja

laserengraverex

11-13-2006, 12:32 PM

Hi,

I have the same problem with HX6090 but I changed the software to Laster Engraver it an incridable software, My machine is working greatfully

Please email me at rawanat@hotmail.com if you need the full documentation an process how to install the laster engraver on HX laser engraver

Rawan

First of all my greetings to all that have been writing to the laser machines section. You have all been very helpful to me.

I bought Rabbit HX40A from Jinan Hengxing
website: http://www.hxlaser.com/en/index.htm

The machine arrived to me packed well, the price was very good and i set it up. Everything is fine but the software. They sent me the NewlyDraw 1 by Newlysoft (website:www.0123.com.cn) (http://www.0123.com.cn)). At this point I have to agree with everybody that the after sales support is just not there.Hundreds of emails to everybody if they can help me and can do something.Unfortunately noone.

I found this forum 3 days ago and have been reading it ever since.
My machine works perfectly but only in the half size of my engraving area.

I guess it is a problem of software and i saw that many suggest the moshidraw software by moshisoft. I browsed their website with the help of babelfish but I don't know which version to download.

Can anyone help me with this one?

hkxy

11-14-2006, 02:54 AM

soapy :
Tells me.Which informations do you have the interest to?.
Parameter?Price?Service?
I in revision English,I need your suggestion opinion.
THANKS

ivirscar :
You may the surprised discovery,China's machine contour all is nearly same,But the components and the control are completely different.
I estimated you use DSP3.0 OR easycut 2.0?

pal_signs :
DK2ZUp.exe???
dsp3.0?
ds4.0.exe?
dsp5.0.exe?
moshisoft？

At this point ........ately noone?
I thought that, you possibly need to relate the software. Needs to serve.

troyswood

11-14-2006, 06:04 AM

ablility systems has great hp-gl software see my site www.troyswoodworking.com it works great I started off with 2d only hp gl software very satisfied then stepped up to 3d software Art from Ability systems will sell you the printerport card you need to make this work

Neil Pritchett

11-14-2006, 11:04 AM

Hi All,
Thought you might be interested how the trip to China, Redsail Laser, is going. Especially with the level of interest in these and similar machines.

First, sorry for any typo's but it's midnight here and we have been working from 8:00 this morning! Just feeling a bit worn out.

We have been at their factory for the last 2 days (11 to go). they are very thankful for the input we are able to give, and very willing to make the modifications necessary for the European market.
The main thing we have discovered is that they just do not know what is required by the masses of 'small print' in the laws we have regarding safety and RhOS etc. When they understand, they want to do all they can to comply.
I think most people's view in the US and EEC is that they just want to produce cheap imitations! This is true of a lot of companies but not all.
The ironic thing is that there are Chinese companies copying Chinese companies. This is clear just by loking at the similar products comming out of China.

We (CTRfuture) are very fortunate in that we have found a design leader, not a follower amongst the Chinese companies, and one who is willing and able to incorporate the changes required.

We're not so foolish as to think they are doing it for our benifit alone, this is a win, win situation; but it does mean that there will be a good product available to all.

We are still on target to bring a westernised product to the market, with good English documentation and local support.

P.S. If any distributors in Europe are looking to add these types of machines to their portfolio, we would be pleased to hear from them as we have agreed to set up distribution chanels for Redsail.
However, please note that we, and Redsail, are NOT interested in any who are not prepared to take the products seriously. You must have the intention of offering first rate customer support and service for your area. We for our part will provide backup for the distributors and our direct customers in the UK and Ireland.

Regards to all.
N.P. for CTRfuture Ltd. (email neil@ctrfuture.co.uk)

diarmaid

11-14-2006, 02:56 PM

Hi every one...I just wanted to say hello to everyone in this community for now...and soon I will write some information about my laser CNC machine!
Regards Brkonja
Hi. Your very welcome. The more the merrier. :)

Aksess

11-14-2006, 09:29 PM

Neil. Are you sure you want to associate yourself with Redsail? I still have a broke laser and no hope of fixing it in sight. I am hurt that I lost my money. But like the saying goes. Fool me once shame on you, Fool me twice shame on me. I for one will not buy China products anymore, in fear of losing more money. :violin:

ivirscar

11-14-2006, 09:38 PM

Has anyone had any success using other programs to run these laser machines, instead of the "easycut 2.0"?

soapy

11-15-2006, 12:59 PM

Aksess, once it goes via a reliable local distributor (as I'm sure Neil will be) then any issues become his problem when you buy Chinese through them, rather than direct. If nothing else, it gives you someone to sue!

If you decide to go again, try to find someone a bit more local. Yes, not very helpful, but the best advise I can give is to never buy anything from overseas that is breakable.

Worthy of note, too, is that a huge number of things are excluded from damage claims when shipped. We found out yesterday that Postvan.com don't actually insure the goods they send against damage, even when you ask (& pay) for it! I think it is dishonest to allow us to pay for shipping a car part insured when they know full well from the description that said car parts are not covered by the policy.

(And we haven't had it back yet, after paying the final amount requested in MARCH having sent the goods to the continent last NOVEMBER!)

We no longer sell our stuff overseas, due to couriers being so utterly poor. We have tried about 7 different ones, all rubbish when something goes wrong, and none able to sort out even simple requests. The foreman won't even let DHL onto the premises, due to them double charging for everything without notice, once to the person arranging the collection ex works, and then trying to invoice us too!

Anyway, back to the point: Our parts are over 2 meters long and 40cm thick, and very heavy, so you wouldn't expect them to get lost, generally. Yet they do. They are made of steel, mostly, designed to bear loads, and you wouldn't expect them to get bent, but they have been. Expecting a laser tube to get all the way from China un-shattered in even 50% of cases is probably wishful thinking.

I'm wondering how poor Neil will be able to ship the lasers to the UK and make a profit when he has to re-build every last one.

diarmaid

11-15-2006, 01:22 PM

The foreman won't even let DHL onto the premises, due to them double charging for everything without notice, once to the person arranging the collection ex works, and then trying to invoice us too!

OMG! :eek: I know its off the point but SWMBO has been receiving stuff with DHL and they have been charging her 'Import Duty' to almost the same value as the products that she bought! Its crazy, she buys something for $100, pays VAT at 21% and DHL charge 'Import Duty' of $70, when I know that import duty is only 5% in the EU. :boxing:

DS420

11-15-2006, 03:55 PM

Hello HKXY,

Are you the technical person behind these laser machines?

I am talking to Jack Yin of WKlaser. Do you work for the same company?

If we can get a good laser machine with a laser power supply that can handle PWM to modulate the laser power, we are very interested in working with the machine. We want to make sure that the laser power is modulated as a function of speed.

We would like one small size (about 300 mm X 300mm) and the other one is a large one (about 1250 mm X 1000 mm) with 60 to 80 watts of power. We can package this machine with our softwareand sell 100's of machines.

Can you help?

DS420

11-15-2006, 05:52 PM

Simplest hardware controller for CO2 laser and step/dir controls for motors
I am going to show you how easy it can be to control a laser machine and how easy it is for you to build electronics.

You need:
1. PC/ windows XP or 2000 with 1 GB memory if raster operation desired or 512 MB RAM, if vector only.
2. PC needs one parallel port and one USB port
3. Your XY table, optics, laser power source, and(IMPORTANT) laser power supply that is capable of working with PWM input for laser power control.
4. If you are going to use step motors, you may use gecko or any appropriate step motor drivers for your step motors.
5. Cylindrical attachment, if laser work is desired on cylindrical surface.
6. Either build or buy a simple breakout board ($10 to $50)
7. You will build one simple cable from the printer port to your breakout board in your laser machine.
8. There is no need for building any front panel on your laser machine. You may want power on/off switch as well as a red or green indicator for power ON.

You can use any of the following popular applications to design your jobs:
a. AutoCAD version 14 and up
b. Corel Draw version 9 and up
c. DolphinCAD for LinkMotion
d. AcceliCAD for LinkMotion
e. Rhino 4.0
f. Illustrator
g. FlexiExpert
h. SignLab/EngraveLab
j. Gerber's ArtPath

Applications for raster work only:
a. Microsoft Word
b. BarTender from SeagullScientific
c. PhotoShop
d. Corel Paint
e. PhotoGrav to convert from gray scale to single bit raster file

LinkMotion 32 bit printer type machine driver comes with a Control Pad and it uses numeric keypad of the standard PC keyboard to control the laser machine (jogging, Home command, laser and red indicator testing, water cooling, and positive air pressure controls

Now, prepare a job in one of the above application software, select LinkMotion as the output driver in Windows, click print and send the job to your laser machine.

You will preset feedrate, power level, PWM frequency, home, and emergency switches in LinkMotion. The power level will generate PWM pulses for the specified feedrate. If the machine is running slower because of a sharp curve or a corner, the power level is modulated and kept is as a function of speed. You can calibrate your laser power output in every 5 percent increment and declare. Also, you can recalibrate every so often to maintain proper power level output.

You can control and vary power level as a function of ten different colors in the color pallete in LinkMotion applet.

About the only thing you need to depend on your application is for sorting of a job for output sequencing.

To summarize:
1. Very little new things to learn
2. Vector and raster operations
3. Continuous power control for cutting
4. High speed raster operation
5. PWM frequency control
6. Color control
7. Increase or decrease the XY speed on the fly
8. Tickle pulse to keep the CO2 in the ready state to minimize the firing time
9. Built-in cylindrical operation, all you need to do is to declare motor gear ratio

This is not a dream. It has been selling for over a year.

If any of you are interested, please, let us know. We will be more than happy to help.

You can contact me directly at
sales@solustan.com

zoltan

11-22-2006, 02:52 AM

Hi,

This is the SAGA…

Hi,

I have ordered a RS3040, a laser tube, a laser power supply and a set of mirrors from Redsail. I paid by bank transfer. The transport was almost $700, huge. Leo from Redsail was very helpful. Unfortunately the carrier was TNT, with whom I had in the past only bad experiences. The parcel arrived and TNT proved once again that they provide a very poor service for a lot of money, at least in Romania. They claimed that Redsail made wrong papers and asked me to take care about customs clearance at 70 km away from my home, at their warehouse. I did it but I asked them to deliver the parcel at my home as it was paid an extra $40 or $50 compared with the delivery at their office. It was big mistake. They claimed that they had not appropriate car/van and they have been obliged to open the parcel without my approval. So they delivered each item separately, laser machine, power supply, laser tube. The first issue was that in the laser machine the mirrors have been lost and damaged by being scratched. I can explain this only if the screws have not been tied, which means that the machine left without checking. Leo told me that the factory checked the machine...still, I can not explain how it was possible that one cable connector to be not connected. Anyway, I have not seen any other damages on the machine. The power supply I ordered as a spare part seems to be not new but can not claim this for sure. Leo is a great person and he told me that the factory claimed the apoer supply to be new. The problem was with the spare laser tube. It was packed into a separate wood box, closed with big nails. Inside the tube was very well packed and protected but I discovered that either due to the hammering of big nails or due to handling during transportation the cooling glass circuit inside of laser tube was broken. I did not see any damage at the laser tube in the machine and still I do not know if the laser machine is working as until now due to different reasons - one is that I moved in another house - I did not give a trial to the machine yet. I made pictures and sent to Leo. As I said Leo is a true professional. They immediately sent me a laser tube and a set of mirrors by DHL this time. Unfortunately, this time due to the papers DHL asked me to pay again the customs and VAT, and more than that I discovered that in the parcel which was opened by DHL for customs clearance were no mirrors. Leo told me that the factory is claiming that they put the mirrors inside, DHL is claiming that inside was only the laser tube. For me something is sure, I paid for them and did not get them. Anyway, Leo promised me to fix the issue with my next order. The new spare laser tube seems to be OK. Not doing any trial with the machine I can not tell you more. What is sure is that Leo is doing his best and is taking care about the customer. I hope in few days to give a trial and coming back with news. I hope I will not discover other damages or problems. Sorry for long story. Anyway I skipped a lot of details...along of two months saga.

Next chapter.

Yesterday I made the first trial of the machine after I have checked the machine and found out a lot of other defects which make me confident the machine was shipped from factory without any check. Unfortunately I have discovered that the laser tube on machine was broken also during the shipment. I quote here what I wrote to Leo: “Today I checked the machine and found out some other problems which I have fixed like the limit switch on X axis which was not mounted correctly and the piece of metal instead to get between the arms of optical switch got outside of; one pulley of on X axis was not tighten and the belt made a terrible noise and almost got down from the pulley, but the biggest issue was that when I push the power switch and the water got inside of the tube I discovered a crack inside of it”.
So, the laser tube on machine was broken too. Then I decided to replace it with the laser tube I ordered as spare parts together with the machine. I had big emotions as on original laser tube mounted on machine it was impossible to see any crack until the water was pumped inside. It was not very difficult to replace the tube and I think I mounted it more carefully than the original mounted by factory as I discovered that the connections to the electrodes of laser tube have been soldered very poorly and the brackets were in a bad position. I gave a trial and it works. I burned few pieces plastics. I did not try yet to control the machine by computer, just I have checked the functioning of laser tube. Of course, also, the fume extractor works, the water pump works, the fan works and I tried to jog and it works, despite the fact that origin command from panel control does not work. Still, I have a problem with the setting of laser tube current. The Ampermeter has the scale 0-3 A and the recommendation is 20 mA. I am totally confused, so the potentiometer is on MINIM value. Can somebody give me a clue about this? Today, I hope to make a trial with the computer. I do not understand how you setup the size of engraving in order to get the appropriate size on the material stock and also, how you define the origin in Easycut 2.0. Any help?

I have sent several e-mails with included pictures of broken laser tube and the replacement one with claim on a new laser tube and also mirrors and focus lens on account of money they own me as I paid customs fees for the replacement of broken laser tube (that one ordered as a spare part), which means I paid twice, to Leo on all addresses I found, including those from the site but all came back. Do you know how I can reach him?

I have included herewith few pictures….I will keep you informed about…my sadness…

Zoltan

wklaser

11-22-2006, 03:26 AM

Hi Zoltan,
Sorry to hear the bad news. We are the manufacturer from China, even none of our clients complain about that the laser tube is broken when they got them. I guess maybe the package is not good, that caused the broken of the laser tube.
Have you tried to contact them by phone, fax ?? If through email is unvalid..

robintan66

11-22-2006, 04:00 AM

After glanced through a number of replies in the topic, I have the impression that Redsail is not providing a reliable (not to say quality) product for the customer and IeHK did. What about engraver from WKlaser? Any input? I am looking for mini engraver with reasonable price that would able to engrave to a depth of 3mm, and able to cut a 5mm acrylic. THe Acrylic sheet is with the dimension around 250mm x 300mm. I would like to welcome any suggestions.

Aksess

11-22-2006, 07:33 AM

Zoltan I am in the same boat as you It seems Leo is a good guy until you start having problems then he seems to be no where around. He does not return any of my e-mails. The company in my opinion is a big joke and full of lies and deception Redsail is a rip-off I have listed my machine on e-bay for 1,000 or best offer in hopes to recoupe a little of my money lost on buying a piece of China junk. Leo's home phone # is Tel: +1-416-4419834
Fax: +1-416-4419834

Leo_RedSail

11-22-2006, 08:42 AM

Zoltan,
As what I wrote to you yesterday when I got your email, our technicians plan to go to Romania soon and will visit your side, they will fix the problem at that time. You can post the email I wrote you yesterday if you want. About the explaination from our side, you can also post and give a clear figure about what happened. ALL MACHINES ARE FULLY TESTED BEFORE SHIPPING.

Aksess,
You kow how our technicians inspect your machine, how many parts we ship to you. right? Based the oral agreement with me, you should ship the machine back to China for inspection. We will fix it and we are very very anxious to know what cause the problems, misuse or the mis-work without our permission, or the machine itself.
I am not the employee in Technical Support Department and, to be honest, can not help a lot in technical support. But I am sure our technical support staff contact with very often. I do not want to debate to you and still hope you can ship the machine back.

I am sorry that I can NOT visit here often but I replied every email very fast. I am studying the Chinese Law recently, try to do something about those who copied our machines. I am thinking about the sale policy too. I am sorry that I can not come here often recently, please give me an email for any question. My email address is redsailonline@gmail.com, Yahoo met some problems recently, sorry about that. Welcome to call me too, at 416-441-9834.

Aksess

11-22-2006, 08:58 AM

Leo I have asked you in numerous e-mails What would all new
electronic boards cost? excluding motion control board. and you have yet to respond to that. I even asked Lisa at the factory to ask you since I never got a reply from you via e-mail and I still never heard from you. all you e-mail and say is send it back to the factory. Doing that will cost me an additional $600 and to tell the truth the machine isn't even worth that to me anymore.
Want to buy it back for $800?

zoltan

11-22-2006, 09:17 AM

Hi,

I confirm that I got few hours ago an e-mail from Leo telling me about the visit of the technician in Romania in the next future. The problem was not the fact that he did reply, but the fact that all e-mails returned as not delivered. It happened with all e-mails I have sent, including that to the address from the site. I have sent this morning an e-mail to his colleague also, and few hours after I got an e-mail from Leo (I did not pay attention when it was sent. I will check).
Leo, sorry, I really appreciate your support and help, and please, do not take it personally, but I can not believe my machine was checked before it was shipped because otherwise it means that the quality of workship is very poor. Just an example the limit switch on X axis and the brackets over the laser tube have not been mounted correctly.

On other hand, until I get the replacements I paid one laser machine, a laser tube as a spare part, a power supply as a spare part, an optical set as a spare part and twice a part of customs fees and I have only a laser machine, which I do not know if works under computer control (I hope to find out today) and for which I do not know how to setup the current due to the confusion generated by Ampermeter, and a power supply. So, until the replacements will arrive I did not get what I paid. PLEASE, I AM NOT SAYING THAT I WILL NOT GET IT OR THE MACHINE WILL NOT OPERATING UNDER COMPUTER CONTROL.

Zoltan

zoltan

11-22-2006, 09:58 AM

As per request from Leo, hereunder is the e-mail sent by him:

----- Original Message -----
From: <redsailonline@gmail.com>
To: "vlaroliz" <vlaroliz@artelecom.net>
Sent: Wednesday, November 22, 2006 8:04 AM
Subject: From RedSail Canada

> Dear Zoli,
>
> Sorry for that message.
>
> Please contact with me at redsailonline@gmail.com because Yahoo met
> some problems recently.
>
> One technician and one translator will go to Romania recently, I will
> let them go to your place to inspect your machine.
>
> If you do NOT get response about the technical inquiry, please feel
> free to tell me.
>
> For the examples, please check
> http://easycut.blogspot.com/.
> Please check the laser working video at,
> http://www.hflaser.com/video.html .
>
> Please do not hesitate to contact with us for any questions and expect
> to have a great cooperation with you in the future.
>
> Look forward to hearing from you soon
>
> Best regards,
>
> Leo Shi
> Redsail Tech Co.,Ltd (Canada)
> http://www.hflaser.com
> Tel: +1-416-4419834
> Fax: +1-416-4419834

and this is what I got after I replied him:

----- Original Message -----
From: "vlaroliz" <vlaroliz@artelecom.net>
To: <redsailonline@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, November 22, 2006 12:01 PM
Subject: Fw: failure notice

> It does not work...
>
> Zoli
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <MAILER-DAEMON@mailhosting.artelecom.ro>
> To: <vlaroliz@artelecom.net>
> Sent: Wednesday, November 22, 2006 11:58 AM
> Subject: failure notice
>
>
>> Hi. This is the qmail-send program at mailhosting.artelecom.ro.
>> I'm afraid I wasn't able to deliver your message to the following
>> addresses.
>> This is a permanent error; I've given up. Sorry it didn't work out.

Leo_RedSail

11-22-2006, 10:16 AM

Mr. Aksess,
I only recieved TWO emails from you recently and replied, none about the the electric board. Lisa told me that she would reply you about the price, dose she? I will check with her tomorrow. About shipping back, 1) based on the oral agreement 2) We want to fully check and inspect it.
Mr. zoltan,
To be honest, I am searching for the best freight forwarder right now, you experience is very important for us. I am not clear about the policy in Romania, why they open the box everytime without informing you ( I remembered you said that case, is it true?) , making the stuff missing and disagreement between us. As you said, I will mark the goods as "sample" next time. I will update the visa and freight information to you. I hope we can get the visa to Romania very soon.

Please contact with me at redsailonline@gmail.com. I will not be in CNC recently, sorry.

jinu117

11-22-2006, 11:14 AM

Wow... this is bad. My comment is quite simple. YOU NEVER accuse customer of doing wrong if you want any kind of business. Doing so in public will only DAMAGE your company's reputation. I've yet to see single happy customer from this place and basically makes me think (outside observer) I am better off going anywhere... but than I guess someone didn't care to begin with.

flazak

11-22-2006, 02:01 PM

We bought a laser from China and we now have a 5000 dollar paperweight sitting idle and if it doesn't get fixed soon it will be thrown out. My advice to anyone considering purchasing from a chinese laser company is not to bother unless you have money to burn like our company has, wait for a professional distributor to get started.

My advice to the companies themselves is to get a distributor in a 'western' country and concentrate on getting the lasers made and sending them to the distributor, let the distributor deal with the issues that arise. Also I fear you are making the lasers on the cheap, increase the price so you can invest in better quality control, packaging and development of your range.

Every day the negative comments are mounting up, yes China can make lasers for 10x less than their Western equivalents - but they are shipping with faults and some don't even reach their destination intact. There is little or no customer support. The manual and software is insufficient.

There is no doubt that these lasers CAN work, thats why we need to wait for a real distributor to solve the issues that are getting posted to this and other forums, when thats done they will definitley sell a LOT of them.

diarmaid

11-22-2006, 03:50 PM

There is no doubt that these lasers CAN work, thats why we need to wait for a real distributor to solve the issues that are getting posted to this and other forums, when thats done they will definitley sell a LOT of them.

Hi Soapy,
Thanks for the interest.....I am in China for the next couple of weeks to work with Redsail on the safety issues and CE approval.
Once this is done we believe we will be selling the best of the Chinese glass tube laser machines available.
.

Hopefully we may have found that distributor in the form of Neil from the UK....

flazak

11-22-2006, 04:17 PM

Hopefully we may have found that distributor in the form of Neil from the UK....

Seems promising, he has actually gone to China to see them and thats encouraging but there is a long way to go yet.

Ideally a distributor will need to diagnose and fix faults quickly and efficiently, have lots of spares ready for next-day despatch, be able to send someone out if things go majorly wrong and sort the user guide/manual & software out so people with little experience can use them. They also need to make sure the Chinese send them machines that are in working order & built well.

They should go the Shopbot CNC route and get a forum on their website for users like us to post on, it would really take off then. People will need re-assurance after what has gone on before they buy the machines, that will be difficult to overcome.

diarmaid

11-22-2006, 04:22 PM

Yeah, HobbyCNC has their own forum aswell. Thats a great idea. Although it seems Neil hasn't been around in a bit....wonder how he got on in China? Maybe didn't like what he saw and scrapped the entire idea? :eek:

Neil if you see this post how about an update, and your thoughts on having a aftersales forum for user questions about your products?

zoltan

11-22-2006, 04:33 PM

plexer

11-22-2006, 05:36 PM

Just to let you know that I've had a couple of emails from Neil while he's in china with some questions I had about these machines which he has answered and he's been testing some different materials in the lasers. I asked him if they could be used to create pcb's by engraving away the copper but apparently the laser just cut through the copper and substrate as well.

He's still on the case out there as far as I know but has been having some email problems.

Ben

Leo_RedSail

11-22-2006, 08:05 PM

If I accused anyone, I appologize for that, that is not my original meaning, I just want to clear something.

fractaledge3

11-23-2006, 12:17 AM

I had few other small issues to fix on the laser machine, but IT WORKS. I have done few trials, even I engraved a picture. I am really impressed by accuracy and speed. Honestly I did not expect this performance. Still I need to get a better alignment of mirrors as the engraving is not consistent in contrast when the stock is in different locations on the table - left corner, right corner, middle, etc. Also, I must clarify the tuning of current as now the potentiometer is on MINIMUM. Can somebody explain me the scale of Ampermeter and correct value I must read on it? I can not figure out where are those maximum 20 mA on the scale. Anyway I suppose that the scale is not as it is written 0-3A (see the above picture of it). I have found also that PAUSE button from the control panel does not work so I need to see why. Anyway, until now it works and I am very satisfied with the results. I hope Leo will fix as soon as possible the other issues and then I will declare myself a satisfied customer.

Zoltan

Hi Zoltan,

Congratulations...The scale of Ampermeter is in (X10 ma), that mean if you read 2 on the scale of the Ampermeter then the actual ampere is 20 ma.

From my previous experience:

-Pictures engraving adjust it to (0.9 to 1) with speed 16.

-vector cutting adjust it to (1 to 2) vary the speed according to the type and thickness of material.

-On my machine when I turn the potentiometer to the max limit only the max I can get is 20 ma (2 on the scale).

-The only working buttons is the jogging buttons (no working pause or Origin buttons)

zoltan

11-23-2006, 02:09 AM

Wow, THANK YOU. This is great. I just engraved with potentiometer at minimum which means just 2 gradations on the scale and the picture came out very nice, so, having so large range I suppose the quality will be great. Regarding origin I have discovered that if you jog to the position you would like to be the origin and afterwards you push the origin button, then it records it as ORIGIN and after the job is done it parks to this position making possible to make repetitive job on the same position of stock. The problem is that if you want to pause a job you can not do it by pressing PAUSE and if you want to stop a job and reset, you have no other possibility (at least this is what I experienced until now) than to stop the transfer and after the spool (I did not check if I can uncheck the spooling option on the driver proprieties, but I think it can be done as my driver seems to be HP LaserJet 6L) is empty to switch off the power of laser and then the main power.

Thank you.

I will keep you inform about my progress along of learning curve.

Zoltan

fractaledge3

11-23-2006, 02:54 AM

Hi Zoltan,

If you jog to any position this will be the origin no need to press the origin button.
If you want accurate origin position I prefers to do it from the software, you can see the details of that here http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14100&page=26 .
Regarding to the software pause option, it will only pause the file transfer so you can't depend on that because the machine will not pause until empting the buffer, also when you pause from the software you should to take care that it will not pause the laser beam so it will destroy your work...!

diarmaid

11-23-2006, 05:21 AM

JI asked him if they could be used to create pcb's by engraving away the copper but apparently the laser just cut through the copper and substrate as well.

What about having it set at the minimum power, or failing that, buying it with a lower wattage laser tube?

coleong

11-23-2006, 05:54 AM

I am a bit surprise if that laser is a CO2 laser.

Co2 laser are not suppose to cut copper / gold /silver as these materials reflect the beam and hence will damage the lens / mirror.

Some deflection mirrors is made from copper and is highly polished.

If the guy is selling laser, he should be aware of this matter.

robintan66

11-23-2006, 08:06 AM

diarmaid

11-23-2006, 08:16 AM

Can the laser engraver be used to cut glass? I found that some of the descriptions saying that it can be used to engrave organic glass? What is the organic glass? I thought we got only one type of glass?

Here is a thread I started months ago before seeing this one. I am still not sure exactly what 'organic' glass is, but regular pane glass worked fine for engraving.

Not sure about cutting but I suppose if the laser was powerful enough it might be possible, but then the heat may crack the glass and introduce other problems.

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20332&page=3 See Post No 41.

robintan66

11-23-2006, 09:51 AM

Thank you Diarmaid for your info. Seems like engraving a glass is more difficult that engraving an acrylic. Is laser engraving more economical than traditional glass etching technique? Is there anymore method to engrave a glass?

ViperTX

11-23-2006, 10:02 AM

I believe Neil was just a consultant....hired to help get the laser products up to regulatory snuff.....

plexer

11-23-2006, 01:56 PM

I've engraved several glasses on a versalaser vl-200 with rotary attachment and acheived some excellent results.

This was no more difficult on my machine to engraving acrylic.

Ben

diarmaid

11-23-2006, 03:54 PM

Afraid I dont know anything about the various glass techniques, so I can't offer any useful advice.

Im almost certain the Neil was becoming a UK distributor, and not just a consultant. Read back over his posts.

coleong

11-24-2006, 06:23 AM

To Robintan66,

Sorry have to reply you on this thread as the other thread is closed, the WK40 will arrive tomorrow and i will update you later on the machine as promised.

I will try to engrave on some samples after the setup is done.

LOLO80

11-25-2006, 10:04 AM

I bought a machine redsail 6090A and I am happy with the result, taken care of manufacture
laurent

LOLO80

11-25-2006, 10:10 AM

I bought a machine redsail 6090 and I am happy with the result, taken care of manufacture
laurent

thkoutsidthebox

11-25-2006, 10:18 AM

ooo...double post again! lol :) Hate when that happens. ;)

LOLO80

11-25-2006, 11:43 AM

hello
someone masters the software easycut 4.0 traitor by redsail
laurent

CATastrophe

11-25-2006, 05:30 PM

hello everyone!
last month i have recived a custom machine of 100\70 from red sail with lots of changes i was asked for the model makers line.
I am located in Israel and was visiting China 6 month ago.

I was at shanghai,wuhan and Jinan and been visiting few laser factories.
I have made lots of tests for the machines and i must say that redsail had the best results.
1 thing I am not sure yet about the chinese laser tube.
at some places they say the life time is 700-1000
at another place they say 3000-5000hours.
its also depand if u use it correctly....
Any one here has a longer expiriense with Chinese laser tubes and can give me an answer?

I must say the machine i have ordered works great so far
We think about distributing it in Israel but we must test it for a wile b4 we start selling it.
The service with redsail is great .
There is a nice lady who showed me everything on my visit
if anyone think about buying here is her e.mail
sara@hflaser.com
I am doing a service for redsail because they won it.
my e.mail is oren_30@walla.co.il
oren

CATastrophe

11-25-2006, 05:53 PM

when i was visiting laser machines exporters i was making some cutting tests and checked up the parts quality.
There was a big diferent in parts quality.
Some use chinese lens and mirrors to make it cheaper but what really I like at redsell was that i could notice that they dont save money on parts.
They were using imported lens and mirrors and leaners the sensors were imported from Japan.
I left redsail just after i was sure i would be able to controll the machine and give a service for any part bymy self .
I allmost made an order from another company at Jinan without comming to China.
I was really lucky i didnt!!
I was totally shocked when i saw how do they make the laser there!!!
what a dirty place and the owner hade to fix the mirrors every cutting.The yellow lens showed its a local lens....

I found out the owner was a working at hflaser once.

flying to China see the machine,get know how to operate it and give it the service is the best solution!!

mohamedmetwally

11-28-2006, 06:16 AM

mohamedmetwally

11-28-2006, 06:18 AM

would u plz tell me the price of the stuff u have.

thanks

cjels

11-29-2006, 07:35 AM

thkoutsidthebox

11-29-2006, 12:13 PM

With all the problems that these machines have won`t it be better to build your own machine.Order the lenses from the supplier and build your own Xy machine run it with Mach 3 software.What will it cost to buy the parts and assemble the machine your self (Service Engineer with A machine tool Company) I would think then you will know how your machine work and doing maintenance would be easy. Just tinking out loud.

I've started thinking the same thing. A few people on this site have gone down that road so there's information available. And I figure if I can build a cnc router and a cnc plasma, why not a cnc laser.....

Enraged

11-29-2006, 02:50 PM

im considering building a small laser machine for cutting acrylic parts and etching glass and aluminum. seems like its better to buy the laser parts and build your own, especially after all the arguments on cnczone with these chinese suppliers.

i found this link too, might be helpful to people, its about the power required to cut different materials:

http://www.parallax-tech.com/cutting.htm

hkxy

11-29-2006, 06:57 PM

Regarding China's laser machine,Similar,
Reminds you,Do not be swindled,Some people deceive.

fractaledge3

11-30-2006, 07:45 AM

Hi to all

From my pervious experiences:
We have already completed the manufacture of our second CNC Router machine, then we convert it into a CNC plasma machine as shown in the attached photos. We use our own software to generate g-code directly from CorelDraw for both router & plasma. We also have a RS3040A laser machine from redsail.

Regarding to the idea for the conversion to CNC laser (theoretically possible), but there are some difficulties:

1-Getting a good quality for the laser tube, mirrors, lenses and power supply with good prices.

2-Installation & adjusting of the laser tube and optics (mirrors and focusing lens)

3 - If you use Mach 3 software to control your machine , you will be able only to use the machine for cutting or for vector engraving as far as I know because it could not rasterizing the images to vectors(postprocessor for laser).

4 - If you need to engrave images, you will need to buy a laser machine controller with its own software or driver to rasterizing the image.

DS420

11-30-2006, 10:15 AM

fractaledge3

11-30-2006, 10:35 AM

LinkMotion from Solustan does not require any laser machine controller and will allow you to select either vector or raster output of any vector file. It will allow you to output any raster image as a raster file. LinkMotion works directly from a parallel port.

Hi DS420,

Is linkMotion a software only or is it a software & hardware , can it send step & dir pulses to parallel port directly, also for controlling laser power, is it use PWM or just on/off signal.

Many thanks.

DS420

11-30-2006, 11:12 AM

Hi fractaledge3,

Basically, LinkMotion is a software driver compatible with Winodws XP and 2000. We will be checking with VISTA soon. It looks and feels like a printer driver. You use your favorite application (Corel Draw, AutoCAD, DolphinCAD, AccelliCAD, Rhino 4.0, and others) to design your job, click print and watch the machine come alive.

In its simplest form, LinkMotion works with a printer port.
Different versions also work with Galil, DeltaTau, and other motion controller products.

In case of a LPT (printer) port, you may need a breakout board to work with opto-isolated step motor drivers. The driver will control,
- Up to 3 axis step and direction control signals
- Replace one of the axis with a cylindrical axis, if required.
- For laser, it will control laser power control with PWM pulses, red indicator diode, positive air pressure on/off, and cooling water on/off for laser
- Also configured with home switches, limit/emergency switches for safety
- PWM control for laser is modulated by the XY speed of the machine. If you are cutting a rectangle, the machine will slow down at the corners and the laser power will be modulated as a function of the speed change in order to control proper cutting of the material without over burning.
- Allows you to select vector or raster mode.
- Allows you to select power and speed based on ten different colors in your job design.
- You can re-tune your power output curve in the LinkMotion driver as laser power deteriorates with the usage.
- Does not require either a controller or a pendant for machine preparation and/or initialization. You use the numeric keypad on your PC keyboard to jog, go home, check power and other I/O's, pause, and continue.

Let me know if you want to try out our demo program or read additional information in the form of PDF documents.

You can visit www.solustan.com or www.linkmotion.com to get more info.

Thanks for asking.

CATastrophe

11-30-2006, 12:30 PM

does this program can work with the chinese laser products?

Cat

DS420

11-30-2006, 12:50 PM

Hello CAT,

The short answer is - yes, it should work with most Chinese laser machines. In fact, if Chinese were smart, they would combine their low cost laser system, remove their proprietary controller card, eliminate their software with difficult to use end user interface, and combine the rest of it with LinkMotion and they would have a helluva system.

Now, to be precise, here are two solution possibilities:

1. Some of them offer laser power supplies with PWM input for laser power control and almost all of them use step motors. All of the features we described are applicable to those systems.

2. Some of them offer laser power supplies with a potentiometer to set a power level for the job at hand. LinkMotion cannot vary the power as a function of XY speed in this case. It can simply turn the power on or off. However, the rest of the features are still applicable.

Emission Technologies (http://www.emissiontechnologies.com/) offer a laser system made in the USA with Chinese laser tubes and LinkMotion successfully.

The only tricky part is alignment of all the mirrors to get the beam in the center of the lens.

Take care.

fractaledge3

11-30-2006, 12:53 PM

Hi DS420,

As I understand from your information, virtually it can control any machine. It is a great solution, really I would be appreciated to try out your demo program.

My Email

fractaledge3@yahoo.com

thkoutsidthebox

11-30-2006, 01:47 PM

FWIW, there are free programs online that can very effectively convert raster to vector, such as Inkscape.

fractaledge3

11-30-2006, 02:11 PM

FWIW, there are free programs online that can very effectively convert raster to vector, such as Inkscape.

Hi,

To use the laser for image engraving , the problem is not in converting raster to vector, but in converting the image to special dots rasters (X ,Y with laser power information).

thkoutsidthebox

11-30-2006, 02:29 PM

Oh! :)

coleong

11-30-2006, 09:11 PM

Hi DS420,

What is the version of the software and the cost for the linkmotion to control these chinese laser?

Thanks

DS420

12-01-2006, 01:30 PM

The version of the LinkMotion is LM300. This is applicable for;
1. PC with a parallel port and a USB port
2. Should have more RAM memory if you plan to do lots of large raster work
3. Also, includes vector capability with PWM for power control
4. Laser machine is equipped with CO2 laser power source and step motors
5. Requires Winodws XP or 2000.

The list price is $1,299. USD.
Price for hobbyists and educational institutes is $799. USD.
Prices are FOB, Solustan, Needham, MA, USA.
Solustan accepts most major credit cards.

coleong

12-01-2006, 09:58 PM

Thanks DS420 for the information.

I will consider your software after i try out another software which is far lower in cost.

The features of your software is excellent but not the cost for the hobbyist.

reitsmap

12-03-2006, 12:27 PM

Francois
Here is an email that i use to communicate with InkExpress: iehk@vip.163.com
Normally they reply to all my questions within 1 to 2 days.

zoltan

12-05-2006, 04:26 AM

CATastrophe

12-05-2006, 05:04 AM

why dont u use the video chat with redsell?

when ever i hade a problem i could have use their video chat help and easily solved a problem.

it sound like your mirrors are not tuned.
if u cant even tune it with mirrors it means your laser tube is not on the same line with the y exis.
u can udjust it by moving the laser tube stand.only the far area .

Lets say-if your tube is not 100% 90 dgree to the updown exis and the x and y exis is not 100% 90 u will never be able to get the laser beam in all the table .

I hope i could have helped u.

Oren

fractaledge3

12-05-2006, 06:05 AM

Hi,

Could someone help me, please? My RS3040 has the optical system not aligned. Actually it covers only 10X10 cm on the right up corner area. Out of this area the beam does not get on the last mirror & lens. Two days I have struggled to align the mirrors according with those few indications from user's manual but did not succeed. I need an algorithm on how to do it, not just by guessing and trials.

Thank you.

Zoltan

Hi Zoltan,

In order to get the best alignment for the mirrors you should past a paper tape on the mirrors like the attached Pict and do the following:

1-Reduce the power to min. Because all we need is a small dot not to burn the paper tape

2-When you press the test button be sure that the laser beam will burn the hole at the middle of the first mirror , I think that your problem is not here.

3-The second mirror is responsible for right and left movement, so after making sure that the beam will fall at the middle of second mirror, move the head to the left and adjust the second mirror so that the beam will be at the middle of the third mirror , then move the head to the right and make shore also that the beam is falling at the same spot on the third mirror.

4-The third mirror is responsible for up and down movement, so after making sure that the beam at the middle of third mirror from previous adjustment, move the head to up position and adjust the third mirror so that the beam will be at the middle of the fourth mirror , then move the head to the down and make sure also that the beam is falling at the same spot on the fourth mirror.