Looking for Opinions

[wildseyed]

Hello everyone.

I've frequented these forums for a while, but only just decided to register and post.

I'm looking to hear everyone's opinions and advice on purchasing a used laser engraver/cutter.

The machine in question is a Vytek. Built in 1996, I believe. The current owner says that he mistakenly let the gas out of the tube while doing some curious exploration, so at best, it needs to be refilled, repaired, or worst case, replaced.

The working area is 36" x 18", and I think it's a 100 Watt tube.

If I cannot get it going, it's a good starting point for a DIY system. I just don;t know what it's worth. The interface is parallel, so I imagine it will work with the usual software packages.

Also, if anyone can recommend a refurbishment service provider for the tube, it would be much appreciated.

Regards,

Wildseyed

[Exsecratio]

The current owner says that he mistakenly let the gas out of the tube while doing some curious exploration

aka he broke it, do you really want to buy a 16 year old machine from somebody who tinkers with stuff they shouldn't??

Many far eastern tubes cannot be serviced so assume you are going to need a new tube. It also begs the question why was he tinkering? was something not doing what it should?

Truthfully? that alone would mean I wouldn't touch it with somebody elses 10 foot pole.

best wishes

Dave

[wildseyed]

The tube is from Coherent, so for sure it is serviceable. I don't think he actually "broke" the tube. I think he opened a seal. He's letting me have it to be inspected. I should know more later.

[Rodney Gold]

It will cost an arm and a leg to "regas" the tube , probably set you back 4-5000K ($) if you lucky , and even then , you wont get a great warantee on the tube. I would maybe pay $1-2k for the thing , but personally I wouldnt touch it with a 100ft bargepole.

[Melody-gweike]

Wow！ It's really a laser with long long history...16years! Take care!

[wildseyed]

I haven't seen any pricing that high for re-gassing and servicing the mirrors. more like in the range of $1000-$2500.

[Exsecratio]

Like Mel and Rodney said though Wild, that's an old machine, imagine having the tube regassed and finding the power supply is dead (hence the reason the guy was *fiddling*) or the controller for the steppers is no good.

If I were selling a machine like that second hand I'd have it rergassed and working for the customer, it would get a much better price than a basic box made of metal that may be beyond economic repair.

You may get a very good deal, or you may spend quite a few bucks on a pile of somebody elses rubbish.

I'm still not quite with why somebody would start taking something apart that was working fine and cause it to fail by leaking out the gas.

My car runs fine so I can't really imagine why I would start stripping the engine down unless there was a problem just for the sake of fiddling...

best wishes

Dave

[Asynchronism]

Have you tried calling Vytek directly and asking them about it? I've worked with them before and they've always been very helpful. It's possible there is an upgrade path to modernize that machine.

[wildseyed]

I got a really interesting PM, bordering on spam, but interesting.

Dear,
we are laser machine manufacture,we don't recommend you buy this kind of old machine,because its too long time,even you work it again,it will cost you much money,a laser machine which has 16 years history is like a trash.
if he can give you as a present,you can consider about accepting it
why not buy a new laser machine?

No, before we all get into a whoop about buying a 16 year old laser, just know that I have decided not to buy it, but not because of any reason mentioned so far.

Let's consider the following:

1. Laser engraving technology has not made significant advances in the last 20 years. You are still basically moving a couple of mirrors around using belts and pulleys.

2. It's a 100 Watt RF laser tube. Even degassed, it's worth a decent amount of money.

3. The mirror set looks to be either molybdenum, or silicon, and they look very nice.

4. The belts look new. They may not be new, but who cares? The 3 axes move just fine, and you can certainly replace belts.

5. The power supply is working. I did test that.

Did I mention he's asking $3000?

Anyway, to answer to the spam, a 16 year old machine is not like trash, unless you trash it, and yes, it would be nice if he would gift it to me.

As for the last question, why not buy a new laser? Well, I guess some people like buying new, and others like used.

I decided to build from scratch in the end. Total cost of materials came in just over $3K. Considering that the cheapest quote for repair of the tube that I got was $2900, I figure I should come out on top with this one.

If you are curious, I used the buildlog.net 2x laser design, and modified the frame to 38"x 24", with extra space in the back for the larger diameter 100 watt tubes.

[Exsecratio]

Laser engraving technology has not made significant advances in the last 20 years. You are still basically moving a couple of mirrors around using belts and pulleys.

To an extent that's true but what has happened is the technology has gotten more refined. Steppers have become more powerful,smaller,accurate, Tubes have a much better life expectancy, lens's have less abberations, power supplies have better cooling and stability, Lead screws have become more accurate etc etc

The motor car has been around for a LONG time and yet they are still just cars, however compare a Model T ford to a Mercedes SL65, both are just cars with an engine and 4 wheels but the effective differences are vast.

I think you have made the right choice as pretty much any complex piece of equipment that is 16 years old can have issues that are not apparent on inspection.

best wishes

Dave