150w LC1512 from G. Weike - Build Thread

[Asynchronism]

The purpose of this thread is to document my entire experience purchasing a laser from China, as it happens, with the goal of (hopefully!) making the process a little easier for the next person.

So here goes...

Background:
I own and operate an acrylic fabrication business... specifically products related to aquariums and aquarium filtration (NextReef Systems). We operate a CNC router, a CO2 laser from Universal, and a bunch of other equipment, and I also have a computer/engineering background... I have a high degree of familiarity with CNC and controllers.

I love our existing ULS laser, and if cost were no object, I'd purchase another one without hesitation. However, we need a machine in the 100-150w range, with a bed of at least 24x48 - their PLS range of machines fit the bill, but I'd be looking at about $65,000+ for one. The economics on that simply don't work for us...

Over the last year or so, I've been closely watching some of the American companies that bring in and support laser machines from China. I've also been working with a friend that scratch built a 4x8 machine from Chinese parts. One of my biggest complaints with the Chinese machines has always been the software and support, and a couple of these places have actually created their own controllers and software... and even offer retrofit kits.

So this is the plan... find the best machine I can to import, and set my expectations realistically. I expect to receive a machine that works, but I also expect it to have some quirks, and probably need to be tuned and dialed in. I expect that I will need to modify or improve some things, and I've budgeted for a replacement controller and software if I can't work with what's included. Worst case scenario is that I will have to rebuild a substantial part of the machine.


Search:
I posted this thread about a month ago:
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/laser_...50w_laser.html

I originally looked at the vendors here in the US - the two I talked to seemed very knowledgeable. Their prices on the machine we need are a good 1/4th the cost of a ULS machine. Honestly, if you have no electrical or CNC background, and just want something affordable that will work and be supported by someone on this continent, they're probably the way to go.

I also started searching site like Alibaba... and there are a TON of machines out there. It's amazing. You'll quickly figure out that a lot of them are the same machine with a different name (I think a lot of resellers claim to be manufacturers). I contacted about 10 different companies, and posted my thread on here as well.

After some correspondence, I narrowed it down to about 3 vendors (ExLas, Goldensign, and G. Weike) I was comfortable with - I also started to dig more deeply on those three. Lots of Google searches. Do not expect the websites for these vendors to have much information... or sometimes even exist... there is often more info on Alibaba.

I asked a lot of questions... specific questions... what controller, what tube, how specific things worked... the more you know before hand, the better questions you can ask. I also think it helps to make sure the salesperson knows you know what you're talking about... some of these places will try to tell you anything. If sense anything odd... pandering, dishonesty, etc... move on. I also looked at the machines companies posted on my query here.

Ask for pictures... same as above, ask for a LOT of detailed pictures and videos. I was especially interested to see how they set up the electronics and wiring - some were neat, clean and well laid out, some weren't... and that's an indication of attention to detail for me.

...

[Asynchronism]

Decision:

I chose a machine from G. Weike - the LC1512



I've been working with Melody... and to date we've sent over 30 emails back and forth. She's been extremely helpful.

I chose the machine from GW for a few reasons. I like the components they use, I've read a decent amount of good things about their products, they sent a ton of pictures and videos, they answered all of my questions, and didn't hesitate to make the configuration changes I wanted.

As I looked more at the machines, I also realized this... the North American companies I'd looked at that are importing machines all import and resell machines from GW. That means a lot... I'm making the assumption that if these companies are willing to stand behind GW machines, they have to be decent. Buying the machine direct from GW is considerably less expensive.

Configuration:

LC1512 - 1500x1200mm cutting area. (Approx 47x59 inches)
150w Reci Tube (Reci V8)
Leetro 6535 DSP
Stepper Driven
Motorized bed
Honeycomb / Knife Bar table
Optional Rotary Tool (everyone gets a wine bottle next Christmas!)
Auto Focus
USB Mode (allows machine to read jobs off a memory stick)
CW5000 chiller
Over Temp Alarm
Red Dot (in line with beam, not on the head)
Yellow / Grey color scheme (matches my ULS machine!)

GW requires a 50% deposit, and is quoting me 10-14 days to ship (would be less than a week, but my custom color slows it down). We did the T/T this morning. Wish me luck!!


Two other notes: 1) Make sure your machine is FDA certified. You can get other ones into the US as demo units, but it's a pain. 2) Watch what tube you're quoted... the Reci V8 is 150w/180w Max... the V6 is 130w/150w Max... some places try to call the V6 their 150W tube.

[Propaganda]

That's a beast of a machine!

Could you tell us a bit about the importing process as well. i.e. your broker choice, shipping choice, and cost estimates.

[Asynchronism]

Originally Posted by Propaganda That's a beast of a machine! Could you tell us a bit about the importing process as well. i.e. your broker choice, shipping choice, and cost estimates.

They're handling shipping to the port in Tampa (CIF) - it was included in the price. I'm actually curious to see what else I end up having to pay on this end... :/

[Rodney Gold]

I would order spares with this machine
Spare: Tube and power supply , motherboard , lcd panel , stepper motors x2 , stepper motor driver , full set belts , 6 mirrors, 3x stock lenses , 2 sets bearings and 2 red diode pointers.
I would NOT let the chinese handle shipping , get a FOB price and appoint a shipping/clearing agent on your side to handle door to door shipping to you. You will NOT end up paying the cheap shipping costs the chinese give , it will most likely be $800-1200 more, and you might have documentation issues.

[Asynchronism]

Hi Rodney,

Thanks for the info (and your posts, I spent several hours reading about your experiences with it all).

Spares - I'll definitely be doing that. My plan was to get the machine here, and then sort out what I can get domestically, what is completely unique, what I want to change out, etc... and then I'll place an order for another tube, and a pile of parts. Lenses and mirrors are already on the way.

Shipping - good point. I'll call my company here today and ask them what I'm looking at. I know there's going to be something to pay on this side if I let the mfr handle it, but it might be nice to have that as a known quantity.

[Asynchronism]

Not much to update so far. Just waiting for my machine to get built!

I called our import/export company, and they told me to just let the manufacturer handle it. Has anyone else here in the US used a domestic company to handle the import?

Merry Christmas! - Dave

[pete00]

Originally Posted by Asynchronism Has anyone else here in the US used a domestic company to handle the import? Merry Christmas! - Dave

Dave i used Panda logistics for importing and shipping to me (Boston). The have office in NY and over sea (ny office http: //www.pandalognyc.com/)

I had them do all the customs and paper work stuff, then deliver to me. They were most helpful any questions I had were always answered.

pete

[Asynchronism]

Thanks Pete... I remember seeing some of that in your thread, but I think I got distracted by all the pictures posted farther down, and never re-read it. Good to see what your breakdown was there, that's great info. I'll give them a call, and maybe another company we've used before a call as well this week.

[Asynchronism]

I spoke with Melody @ G. Weike last night, and they already use Panda Logistics in NY for the transport. That makes it easy. Now I just wait... and wait...

[bundysax]

Keep us updated, I am currently looking to buy the same machine basicly from
jiekelaser. They quoted me the 150watt RECI laser with FIB to Tampa.

Personally I would love to buy a US made laser system but have you seen the cost of these systems ?!! A Kern Laser system 150 watt will set you back a minimum of 110,000.00 !! An imported system you can get for 5-7 thousand bucks, true I may have to buy three of these systems but I will also save 100K

[Asynchronism]

Will do. If you're in the Tampa area, you're welcome to come see mine when it arrives. The three machines part sounds funny, but I'm actually considering just that. If/when this thing becomes critical, I'll purchase a second one as a backup, and potentially a third simply as a parts machine. For the same money, I can have one US machine, or three of these and an airplane...

I spoke with Melody at GW last night, she was kind enough to send over another buyer's costs to import. She also said my machine is nearly complete, and should be ready to ship possibly by the end of the week. She's also going to send some pics of mine... looking forward to seeing it all put together... will post when I get them...