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View Full Version : Epilog Laser Engraver Legend 32 1997



Bill George
10-04-2014, 11:28 AM
Is there anything specific about this older machine I should be looking out for? It has a 100 Watt Synrad tube the seller says is low on output and needs recharged? Any estimates on cost for recharging?

Seller seems very honest and has provided information that is helpful. Its about a 4 hour drive from me so its not like I can just stop over and take a look. Seller also has spare parts and the manual on hand. Only other drawback the chiller needs repaired or replaced.

This spring I was planning on building my own laser but instead purchased a GWieke unit and now I am needing a bit more power.

Scott Shepherd
10-04-2014, 11:36 AM
My guess would be between $4000 and $6000 to recharge it, but that's just a guess.

Mike Null
10-04-2014, 12:02 PM
Bill

I think you should call Epilog tech support and get an idea from them as to the exchange cost. Also check with Photovac in Ohio to see their charge. I think you're going to have to make a preliminary trip to check out the rest of the machine--motors, optics, bearings controls, etc.

Bill George
10-04-2014, 12:13 PM
I guess I was assuming $1200 or so, but $4,000? I Need to contact Photovac, Epilog no longer supports this laser.

Scott Shepherd
10-04-2014, 12:21 PM
I guess I was assuming $1200 or so, but $4,000? I Need to contact Photovac, Epilog no longer supports this laser.

I seriously doubt you'll find anyone that's recharging a 100W tube for $1200.

Mike Null
10-04-2014, 12:25 PM
This may still be a good deal if you can determine the overall condition.

The 100 watt version may need a chiller. We used them on both of our 100 watt Epilogs but I forgot the model. They pre-dated 1997 for sure.

Bill George
10-04-2014, 12:52 PM
The Seller states its a 100W Synrad 57-1 Sealed metal C02 tube so it that a $4000 recharge? The chiller comes with it but is inoperative with a leak in the evaporator, or maybe someplace else.

I figure the entire chiller could be replaced with a Chinese made for $1000 ball park price or maybe I can repair if its repairable. Did the same work for many years.

Jerome Stanek
10-04-2014, 2:19 PM
looking at the Photovac laser Ohio page that tube is $4250 with trade in or $6750 without.

Bill George
10-04-2014, 4:03 PM
looking at the Photovac laser Ohio page that tube is $4250 with trade in or $6750 without.
Wow. Good thing I checked here before going further into this. I will call them Monday, maybe just a re-charge is cheaper? But they want $250 just to give you an estimate. Pretty hard to do that when you are just shopping.

Scott Shepherd
10-04-2014, 7:36 PM
Bill, I don't think you're going to get much less than that for that size tube. Most people get $1,200-1,500 for a 45w tube.

Mike Null
10-05-2014, 9:05 AM
Bill

They charge the up front, non refundable, fee to disassemble and inspect the tube. They can then tell you for certain what needs to be done. A simple "re-gassing" may not be an option and they will do what's required in order that they can give you a tube in good working condition with one year warranty.

I believe I know where you can pick up a couple of chillers cheap but as is.

Steve, I paid Photovac $2800 to re-manufacture my 45 watt Coherent tube.

Scott Shepherd
10-05-2014, 10:03 AM
Bill

They charge the up front, non refundable, fee to disassemble and inspect the tube. They can then tell you for certain what needs to be done. A simple "re-gassing" may not be an option and they will do what's required in order that they can give you a tube in good working condition with one year warranty.

I believe I know where you can pick up a couple of chillers cheap but as is.

Steve, I paid Photovac $2800 to re-manufacture my 45 watt Coherent tube.

Man, that's painful Mike. I forgot it was that much. I guess it all depends on who makes the tube. I know Universal used to have a really low cost to recharge. They were almost 1/2 of what everyone else was because they made their own tubes.

It's going to be expensive, no matter what path.

Bill George
10-05-2014, 10:22 AM
So the only real option is get the machine for a very low cost and pay for the $4K tube or rewire or refit to a good quality glass tube from China. That would mean a new power supply and trying to figure out the interface connections.
Sounds like a money pit either way.

Scott Shepherd
10-05-2014, 11:56 AM
Sadly, Bill, you don't have many choices.

Bill George
10-06-2014, 3:50 PM
Actually I made some phone calls today the Prices vary from about half the quoted recharge prices above and even less in two cases. All three people I talked with were surprised that someone suggested they can no longer be repaired after x years.

Scott Shepherd
10-06-2014, 3:58 PM
So less than $2,000 to do it? That's cheap!

Bill George
10-06-2014, 4:04 PM
Well.... kind of its a little more than that, but a long ways from $4000. I did get two other quotes cheaper, but as we well know sometimes "cheaper" is not always the best way to go.

Kev Williams
10-06-2014, 4:09 PM
from--? My 40 watter in my LS900 is 10 years old, still going strong, but...

Bill George
10-06-2014, 4:27 PM
Got quotes from three venders and no recommendation's on any.

http://www.dpilasers.com/products.html

http://www.2laser.com/laser_refill__refurbishement

http://photovaclaser.com/?page_id=10

I don't really know IF I can post links to websites.... but I am not sure if any are advertisers or not??? Maybe they should be.

Mike Null
10-06-2014, 6:14 PM
what do you mean by recommendation?

these links are ok to post.

Kevin Gregerson
10-06-2014, 6:19 PM
If I had to base on just what is on the websites I'd vote for 2laser. But that's a marketing thing. I'd ask how long they guarantee the refills for and go from there.

Bill George
10-06-2014, 6:21 PM
what do you mean by recommendation?

these links are ok to post.

I have never done business with anyone listed.

Mike Null
10-07-2014, 6:38 AM
I know of at least two on this forum who have used Photovac and are very pleased with their work. I'm one of them.

Bill George
10-07-2014, 7:26 AM
They were also the highest price.