william kaminsky
06-07-2009, 8:50 PM
I neeeda laser
I have been using the laser services of a friend across town to do what little cutting of wood, ruber and plastic slabs may need here. He has now for a number of years been trying to retire, as he is past 70 YO now. His kids have little interest into the business and he does not want partners.
So, to continue my activites, my volume is so low, I need like a Used laser to cut out parts (as I have been doing since 1995). I use Autocad, and have zero need nor interest into doing "engraving" as am just in to Cutting right now.
I have this year already talked to and got a demo on several new machines. Local and distant. But the salesmen are in to etching mainly. When I mention cutting only, they say "Sure, our machine will handle such..."
I have seen their work, and that as they say is done via Pulse Mode, has a rather wide kerf. At each of the demos, their's sort of cuts like a hacksaw would. Instead of cutting a nice .003-4" wide slot, it comes out .012" to .015" wide. Well, well, now you just have to move your lines over a bit (they have no automatic offset function). Well, for me this then doubles or tripples the work ahead. I have to then make up special files for Acad cutting purposes. One fellow mentioned to me that iffn' I was to buy a constant beam unit, the kerf problems would be gone. Thus I would assume I need both systems.
Easiest way to earn a dollar is to save a dollar. I got two locals lined up that have CNC shops and can do my work for the going hourly rate. Which they are cheaper than Modern shops. Only thing is these guys due to (more) imminent retirement, are working in a Window 95/98 operating environment. I tried handing them information on a later disk, and it instantly says Duhh, or Disk blank, want to format now? Thus I need a laser cutting system that will work within Window 98. Most everyone I see today only uses the latest and greatest operating system. Going to a later operating system is OK here, but then I have to go from a shop who charges $75 per hour to one that charges $150 per hour. I am all set up here for 98 and want to stay that way. The salesmen say, latest is the greatest. Convert....
I am not really ready to retire yet, do not want to learn a whole new operation, charge more to cover my costs in giving to the pirates.
I have gone to three web sites now offering to sell used laser cutting equipment. Some have broken down stuff, that runs OK, but was upgraded, weak in Watts, or they cannot guarantee accuracy of cutting (due to wobble of head), or one has a head that needs re-charging but first need to locate a firm who can handle some 20 year old obsolete equipment by Cohearant. I am guessing that need what looks to be 60 watt power and a moving vacuum table to hold up to 48 inch wood slabs. Overhang is OK. I do not want one of the sandy-dandy huge machines they use for cutting big slabs of steel.
Can you refer me to a few web sites or dealers in the Los Angeles area that handle obsolete equipment, so can take a look or ask questions?
Wm.
I have been using the laser services of a friend across town to do what little cutting of wood, ruber and plastic slabs may need here. He has now for a number of years been trying to retire, as he is past 70 YO now. His kids have little interest into the business and he does not want partners.
So, to continue my activites, my volume is so low, I need like a Used laser to cut out parts (as I have been doing since 1995). I use Autocad, and have zero need nor interest into doing "engraving" as am just in to Cutting right now.
I have this year already talked to and got a demo on several new machines. Local and distant. But the salesmen are in to etching mainly. When I mention cutting only, they say "Sure, our machine will handle such..."
I have seen their work, and that as they say is done via Pulse Mode, has a rather wide kerf. At each of the demos, their's sort of cuts like a hacksaw would. Instead of cutting a nice .003-4" wide slot, it comes out .012" to .015" wide. Well, well, now you just have to move your lines over a bit (they have no automatic offset function). Well, for me this then doubles or tripples the work ahead. I have to then make up special files for Acad cutting purposes. One fellow mentioned to me that iffn' I was to buy a constant beam unit, the kerf problems would be gone. Thus I would assume I need both systems.
Easiest way to earn a dollar is to save a dollar. I got two locals lined up that have CNC shops and can do my work for the going hourly rate. Which they are cheaper than Modern shops. Only thing is these guys due to (more) imminent retirement, are working in a Window 95/98 operating environment. I tried handing them information on a later disk, and it instantly says Duhh, or Disk blank, want to format now? Thus I need a laser cutting system that will work within Window 98. Most everyone I see today only uses the latest and greatest operating system. Going to a later operating system is OK here, but then I have to go from a shop who charges $75 per hour to one that charges $150 per hour. I am all set up here for 98 and want to stay that way. The salesmen say, latest is the greatest. Convert....
I am not really ready to retire yet, do not want to learn a whole new operation, charge more to cover my costs in giving to the pirates.
I have gone to three web sites now offering to sell used laser cutting equipment. Some have broken down stuff, that runs OK, but was upgraded, weak in Watts, or they cannot guarantee accuracy of cutting (due to wobble of head), or one has a head that needs re-charging but first need to locate a firm who can handle some 20 year old obsolete equipment by Cohearant. I am guessing that need what looks to be 60 watt power and a moving vacuum table to hold up to 48 inch wood slabs. Overhang is OK. I do not want one of the sandy-dandy huge machines they use for cutting big slabs of steel.
Can you refer me to a few web sites or dealers in the Los Angeles area that handle obsolete equipment, so can take a look or ask questions?
Wm.