Getting a LG-500... Maybe.

[voltsandbolts]

Hi Guy’s
I’m fairly new to these Chinese made laser engraver / cutters and could use some advice / info.

First off I’m not new to the Zone or CNC, at work we have a few Epilog Helix 45watt machines and I have used them on occasion. There nice and I like them. But too much $$$ for my pocket.

I have the opportunity to make an offer on a Chinese made machine that the company bought to evaluate and did not like, it wasn’t as refined as the Epilogs and more difficult to work with. (No body liked it)

It is a LG-500 60watt and was purchased from Jamieson Laser. (I emailed Jamison for some info but they did not reply). After trying out the machine the company put it into storage and there it has sat unused and dusty. I have a chance to buy it for far less than it cost new because it’s just taking up space and no one wants to use it with the Epilogs around.

I know it comes with LaserCut5.1 has the MPC6515 controller. Has a water chiller and an IPS Fume extractor (filter system) I have the laptop from the machine now to check out the software, it also has CorelDRAW X3 on it as well. Not sure if the Laptop will be part of the deal.


I know the machine has very low run time on it. What do you think I should offer for it?

Is anyone using the LG-500 and happy with it? Are there certain things I should look out for, From what I’v read the firmware and software can be upgraded?

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

Rob.

[voltsandbolts]

No replys... that can't be good...

[Tweakie]

If you could get it for under 3k then it has to be a bargain.

Tweakie.

[voltsandbolts]

Really!

Sweet.

[Tweakie]

I want to test the unit if I can before handing over ant cash. Do I have to hook up all the cooling equipment? Can the laser be fired for a second or two without cooling just to verify operation? Rob.

The short answer is NO, you must not run it without cooling, not even for a second. All the glass tube lasers I have seen us an epoxy bond between the mirrors and the plasma area, as the mirror will get hot without the water cooling this will damage the epoxy bond. It may not fail straight away but if the epoxy has been damaged then fail it will, sooner or later. If water is hooked up to the machine then make sure there are no air bubbles within the system, particularly within the tube central and mirror end water jackets (a colored food dye added to the water helps see if bubbles are present).

Tweakie.

[Litografa]

voltsandbolts - why do not buy from Ray Scott or Full Spectrum ???

[voltsandbolts]

Originally Posted by Litografa voltsandbolts - why do not buy from Ray Scott or Full Spectrum ???

Litografa

If you read the first post I think you will under stand... I did not choose the source.

Rob.

[Litografa]

Sorry, miss this information due a lot of smiles in first post
In this case try contact Jamieson - ask their spare parts prices.

[voltsandbolts]

Thanks for your input guy’s I know the machine was working when it went to storage, so I think I will take a gamble and make an offer. Wish me luck!

Rob.

[Tweakie]

Good luck Rob.

Tweakie.

[voltsandbolts]

The bad news first. Our company was bought out by a huge corporation a couple of months ago and all the rules for disposal of un-needed equipment have changed. The engraver has to get listed on a company wide "available" equipment list for 90 days.

The good news is if there are no takers, I can get it as surplus / disposal pricing instead of just the deprecated value.

90 days and counting...

[voltsandbolts]

Seeing as I have some time I would like to toss out some questions.

Is there any aftermarket software for these machines that use the 6515 controller?

Availability of a replacement controller that has better software or works more like a print driver. for Windows or Linux.

Is there an aftermarket for accessories like the rotory axis attachments

Thanks
Rob.