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Hi everyone. This is my first post so please bear with me. I am looking at maybe purchasing a laser cutting machine to produce wooden inlays to incorporate into the guitars I build for a living and was wondering if anyone out there has had any experience with Chinese made machines? I've looked at the more expensive European and American models but I can't justify the outlay for the amount of work I would use the machine for. (Great machines none the less!) The Chinese machines I've seen on the net look quite good but buying directly from China is like buying a car without test driving first. I would be looking at a bed size no smaller than 750mm X 450mm. Any recommendations would be gratefully accepted.
Many thanks.
Hi Friend, do not worry too much for Chinese laser. Many foreginers said goods made-in-china are not good. But that's not correct. In any countries, there will be good and bad quality one. Just try please, so suppliers from China is waiting for your choosing. You are the decision maker.
If you need any information about Chinese laser, welcome to contact me. Of course I hope you will buy machine from me cause I am manufacturer www.hflaser.com ---even not, I would like to be help.
Vikki
Hi aussiejohn, welcome to the forum.
Have you looked at http://www.reddotmachinery.com.au/ to see if they have something in your budget? They appear to be reselling Chinese systems, so I wouldn't compare them to major brands but at least they could provide some support. I've seen others on the board discuss them so you could probably do a search and find more information.
If you just want the cheapest system possible, then a Chinese system would work fine. Just understand you will have to do the installation, setup and learn the software/system on your own. There could be some minor problems during setup, usually caused by shipping. They and normally easy to correct, but don't expect it to be plug and play - although you may find it is.
Although I may not completely agree with Vikki's post, I would check out www.hflaser.com and www.hxlaser.com (RabbitLaser) to get quotes - just make sure they include all shipping costs and expect to pay duty on top.
Zax.
Hi Zax and Vikki,
Thanks for the support! Yes, I have seen Red dot Machines website and have contacted them but they are interstate. ( I think a trip over is on the cards!) I was really hoping to get advice from present owners, not necessarily from the dealers! I do appreciate your comments though Vikki, thank you. Some of the work I want to do with this machine is very fine. I suppose what I really need is confirmation that any purchase would be able to cope with fine detail cutting. (mainly in 0.5mm veneers but also up to 5.0mm wood). For example, have a look at an American guitar makers site http://www.olsonguitars.com/shop_laser.html to see the sort of thing I want this machine for. Especially the rosettes. I have seen Trotec's machine in operation and was VERY impressed, but the $36,000 price tag is way beyond my budget. I have seen on You tube videos of Chinese models but they were not showing "finer" work being done. I might have to post a photo or two of some work which was done for me on a Universal Laser as a demonstration of the sort of result I am after. I am aware I will probably have to play around with any machine I get, just so long as the machine is ultimately capable with my demands with a little coaxing! And I must admit, for the relatively small outlay I have been quoted, I am sorely tempted to go ahead anyway! Thanks again,
John.
John, that shouldn't be too difficult for any laser - Chinese made machines included.
Here are some suggestions to look for:
1. XY resolution / Positioning accuracy - the best systems can achieve a couple of microns compared to some Chinese brand that are 10 microns (0.01mm) or worse. Some manufacturers specify steps per inch, 16000 would be 1.5 micron resolution. Be careful as resolution could mean a theoretical calculated accuracy based on the motor and drive system, where as a true positional accuracy should be the systems repeatability (includes 'play' in the drive). The US brands usually achieve better than quoted, compared to the Chinese systems that MAY meet their spec on some machines but not all.
2. Lenses - you'll likely need 2, the shorter focal length (look for 25-50mm) would produce the smallest beam for your more intricate work but it's depth of field is shallow so would only be suitable for thin veneers. A typical 50-75mm focal length lens would be your multi-purpose lens for cutting 5mm wood.
3. Higher power lasers (>60W) have a larger un-focussed beam, which is more difficult to focus to a usable small spot size.
4. Air assist is essential but you need to consider the table design and method of material hold down.
Zax.
Thanks Zax,
Your info is very much appreciated, you obviously know your stuff! I'm particularly looking at this machine, below here is the link. I would really appreciate your opinion if you would be so kind. (I hope I am not breaking this sites protocol here by displaying this info). I'll also get onto posting a photo of what I want to do with this machine.
http://xyz-tech.en.alibaba.com/produ...raver_CE_.html
This forum has a wealth of knowledge, I am really impressed with some of the content, and not only in this section. I am learning a lot! Thanks everyone.
John.
Not sure if this has worked!
You may be able to see in the photo what I want to do with this machine. Is this photo clear enough to get an idea of what I want to achieve?
Thanks in advance for any reply,
John.
I am afraid that with chinese lasers will be problematic make such jobs.
Litografa, why do you say that?
The correct software should make such an inlay fairly simple. It could be done in Corel with manual setup, by placing an outline on the design the width of the beam (spot size) for the background.
Zax.
John,
The 6090 machine in your link would be a good choice, although I don't have any direct experience with XYZ. I'd say they are very similar to the other Jinan based companies (since they would all be using basically the same components). Pre-sales communication would give you an idea of the company, and I would also make a technical enquiry to see how they respond.
Zax.
First of all - everything is IMHO
There is two kinds of laser owners here - first is LASER-BUSINESS and second is LASER-HOBBY. If it's necessary do 1-2-3 jobs like on picture - it's HOBBY and Chinese laser can do that.
If John want make business - I afraid business with Chinese lasers will be problematic. Reasons:
1) Software. Very often output dimensions are not the same as file dimensions. In jobs like inlays this is important.
2) Size of laser dot. Optical components (glass tube, mirrors and lens) give on table laser dot bigger than RF laser.
3) Mechanical precision. If precision usually is OK from beginning, on many Chinese lasers precision goes down dramatically after first 3-6 months.
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