Survey? - 2nd smaller diode laser

Space and infrastructure
1

What are the thoughts from members about having a second (smaller) laser cutter at the space. This one would be a diode laser.

The laser cutter I am considering is the Elegoo Phecda, 20W package 2. $582.99 CAD + tax

Some nice features:
-rotary attachment
-adjustable height (much heigher work height than the co2)
-can mark most metals very well without the need for marking spray.

Footprint is about 25"x25"

I can’t figure out how to make a survey, so for now just seeking thoughts and feedback.

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2

I use a similarly sized and powered laser at home to this one. Some food for thought.

  • building some sort of enclosure for the laser would be pretty important. They’ll get bounced around regularly if it doesn’t have a fixed home it will get damaged.
  • most diode lasers i’ve seen require a different type of laser safety glasses than what we have stocked. Mine are green and super stylish.
  • air assist is typically REQUIRED for diode lasers if you want to cut. Mine is pretty much hooked up with an aquarium pump.
  • the rotary tool for mine requires me to lift mine up about 6 inches for something small. Something bigger like a tumbler could be up to 12 inches. This also would mean you would have to take it out of it’s enclosure to cut/engrave which will also mean smoke in the space.

In the past i suggested getting something similar but not for the space specifically but maybe as a loaner laser like the 3d printers. There was a manufacturer that was willing to give one away if we were willing to create/host a workshop on the tool.

3

I like the idea of having more cool tools. A laser requires some extra attention though, so I have some questions/concerns:

  • The recent membership survey showed that a lot of people are unhappy with the poor air quality caused by the current laser setup, and want improvements to be made.
  • Where would this new laser go? I have the same question for every new piece of equipment that’s proposed, because VHS is tight on space. This was another common issue (too much stuff) mentioned in the survey.
  • How would it be financed, and who would own it?
  • If it needs to be operated outside of an enclosure, how do we protect everyone’s eyes from stray laser reflections?
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4

I can see how having a small laser set up for engraving would be a big plus for many members. If you find support for this idea I say, totally go for it.

The one major concern from me would be poor air quality from the existing laser and adding more smoke to that situation.

A work around would be to build the laser it’s own room (we had that as a setup at 45 West and again at The Bunker) and also completely overhaul the laser filtration and exhaust system. I’m not sure what that would involve or if there are folks willing to work on that.

Just my two cents. The air quality challenge could be overcome I’m sure…if the demand for a second laser exists.

5

I’m also kinda yes, kinda pause …

Concern about installation, exhaust, etc already voiced above.

My other big thought is how about a laser with hugely extra capabilities like a fibre laser. It too would mark metal but to my limited knowledge also cut some metals. Beyond that I’ve little experience/research but it seems more useful at a glance than a fairly slow, small laser.

My 2¢!

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