Newbie- How long will a US laser last?

[mfpost]

I am considering purchasing a used Universal or Epilog laser engraver. I only have a few thousand dollars to spend. Most of the units I have seen in my price range are 15 to 20 years old. Some of them have a newer laser tube (5 to 10 years old).

If I get a machine like this how long can I expect it to last?

Would one of these lasers be much slower then a similar new one?

[keebler303]

The power will gradually reduce over time as the tube ages. It could also fail instantly due to a gas leak or of course if the electronics failed. Even in a quality tube, some will last much longer than others. You would really need to investigate which laser these machines are using and get an idea of their durability. We have gotten work from Photovac Laser in Grove City, Ohio. They are pretty knowledgeable and since they service lasers they have a good idea of which ones are problematic. A recharge of the tube will probably be around $1000-1500.

As the power is reduced, you will not be able to cut as fast and the cuts will not be as clean. With less power, the laser will tend to burn through your workpiece rather than instantly vaporize it. What watt range are you looking at and what do you plan to cut/engrave?

Matt

[mfpost]

Originally Posted by keebler303 The power will gradually reduce over time as the tube ages. It could also fail instantly due to a gas leak or of course if the electronics failed. Even in a quality tube, some will last much longer than others. You would really need to investigate which laser these machines are using and get an idea of their durability. We have gotten work from Photovac Laser in Grove City, Ohio. They are pretty knowledgeable and since they service lasers they have a good idea of which ones are problematic. A recharge of the tube will probably be around $1000-1500. As the power is reduced, you will not be able to cut as fast and the cuts will not be as clean. With less power, the laser will tend to burn through your workpiece rather than instantly vaporize it. What watt range are you looking at and what do you plan to cut/engrave? Matt

If I get the tube recharged how many more years can I expect if the rest of the machine is 15 to 20 years old?

[josuesitan]

para que quiere que el tubo funcione por 20 años ?
Probablemente usted ya no viva dentro de 20 años.

Dentro de 2 años los tubos costarán la mitad de lo que cuestan hoy.

[danhamm]

I have a uls25E its into its first retube and going strong 11 years..

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Burni...07304665958314

[Hurricane21]

MFpost,

I would like for you to consider Hurricane Lasers for your purchase we have a brand new 40W laser with a 16x12 engraving area for $2995. All of our machines include a 1 year warranty on everything including the tube. So you can have worry free ownership.

You can see our Agnes model at

40W CO2 Laser 16x12

We can also be reached at 855-5Lasers from 830-530 PST Monday thru Friday.

Let us know if you have any questions.

John

[Exsecratio]

How long is a piece of string?

Look at it another way, how long would you expect a 15 year old automobile to last? if it's been taken care of then another 15 years, if some chimp has been ragging hell out of it then it may not even get to the end your driveway

best wishes

Dave