Life of a Weike laser tube

[Ken Maxwell]

I just got an email from Lucy Lee and the parts list says that the life of a laser tube is only 1200-1500 hours, is that true? That's only 150 days running it 10 hours a day. I have a Epilog Helix and they say 10,000 hours, mine lasted 3-1/2 years before it needed to be replaced. no where near 10,000 but a lot more than 1500. I was just looking for some input if the 1200-1500 is correct. I understand that the Epilog is much more money I'm just wanting more input on the life of the Weike tube. THANKS

[Rodne Gold]

1000 hours is actually about 200 days at 5 hrs FIRING!! , that's about a year of solid use , replacement cost for a 60w tube , circa $170
You can buy a RECI tube with an 8000 hr life for round $450 for a 90w . You would need a power supply for this , so to change to a long life tube from what you got is circa $700. The tubes are not specific to G Weike , they are generic chinese made glass tube.

Still a TON cheaper than regassing , repairing or replacing a metal RF tube...