Had a little time after work today so I thought I’d try and test fire the laser as it working is pretty much the deciding factor on the fate of this project. After a bit of googling, I found a manual for a ULS OEM laser that contained the connector pin-out. I cut the wiring harness apart, separating out the links to the laser. I still want to use the original power supply if I can. So first thing I did was fire up the power supply, and was happy to see it was outputting at the desired 48V. Next I set up the laser aimed at a concrete block wall, with a piece of card stock as a target. Following the pin-out in the manual I found, I wired in the interlock safety loop with a key-switch, and then used a two way momentary switch attached to an external power supply to trigger the aiming visible red laser, and the CO2 burning laser. I re-applied power, and the laser fan spun-up making a terrible noise… sounds like a blade is hitting the guard, or a bearing is shot… either way, that will need to be replaced. Next I tested the visible laser, and was happy to find it working. [this was a bonus, I was not expecting an integrated visible pointing laser] Then I armed the laser by flipping the key to the safe position and tried firing the CO2 laser…. nothing. My heart sank, I thought perhaps this find was too good to be true.
Things have been busy at work as we just moved, so I haven’t had much time to think about the laser. I’ve decided to take the next few Fridays off from work to work on it, as I have some accrued vacation time I need to use up before the year-end. This is the first Friday, and I decided to start breaking down the laser to asses the state of things. I’ll post more detail over the next little while as I examine the bits more closely, but for now enjoy the photos that I took to try and detail the construction, and the damage to the unit.
So I headed over to Brandon’s workplace to get the laser today. I didn’t bring my camera, so I don’t have any new pictures, but will try to document as much as possible when I get into tearing the thing apart. The earlier pictures don’t do the disaster justice, it really is a rusted, burnt out hunk of junk. But the laser does look salvageable, so at least I might get something out of it (if it works).
So I heard back today from the lab members that headed over to check out the laser. It’s in pretty rough shape, and they decided it wasn’t going to be a good fit/project for the lab. FINALLY my chance has come. Then I saw the pictures that one of the members posted…
Got word today that a contingent from the lab is going to check out the laser on Tomorrow. Not sure I’ll get much sleep tonight until I hear back. I’m really hoping they take a pass, so I can have it. MUST HAVE LASER!!! 😉
For years I’ve been dreaming of having an industrial laser cutter. I would get envious of everyone that I came across that had one. Wasn’t sure what I would do with one if I had it, but having something that cuts with photons is just so irresistible to a geek like me. I’m one of those people that is constantly dreaming of cool things to build, only to be stopped by the thought of lacking the necessary tools or budget to make it happen. That little voice in the back of my head kept saying “If only I had a laser cutter…”
All that is about to change (hopefully). This blog is an attempt to document my challenges, successes (and I’m sure some failures), as I go through the process of refurbishing an old beat-up industrial laser.
Ouch my eye! 