Been checking these forums since before I got my laser a couple of years ago - and this is the first time I've needed to ask a question.
I don't use my laser a whole lot, but hoping to get some stuff done going forward. Haven't had any real issues until this week.
I'll try to keep it brief:
Removed and cleaned lens the other day. Re-aligned mirrors - wiped them clean without removing them.
Everything working, but third mirror and housing getting very hot. (put blister on my finger)
Took mirror off the next day because it looked black.
Removed mirror from housing - figured it was ruined. Black and coated with gunk that would not come off with alcohol or even paint thinner.
Ordered new mirrors off Amazon. In the meantime, figured I'd try some of that orange paint stripper - smeared some on it. Went to rub it around some more after 5 minutes
Mirror completely clean and looked brand new. (this might be something to try before throwing away mirror-- I was shocked!)
Still not cutting properly.
Removed lens just to double make sure I inserted it right the day before.
Lens has a hole in it and is broken in 4 pieces.
Put in a new lens I luckily had.
Laser working as good as new. Power great - everything wonderful
Next day - doing some test cuts to update my material settings library since I had so much more power.
Was engraving and cutting test squares out of plywood and the word "test."
Engraving fine, but once it gets to CUT the square - powers off. The entire machine cut off like someone pulled plug
Tried again - same thing.
After much trial and error - it seems it runs FINE with no issues until it starts a layer above 20% power. Shuts off immediately over 20.
Watched meter. It runs at about 7 when engraving - The higest I could see it going was 14 - then it shuts off.
I've never had any problem running at even 70% before - now can't go over 20, which isn't enough to cut anything without multiple passes.
Tube looks fine, water staying cool - not noticing anything unusual anywhere - no burnt wires, etc.
I am hoping not to have to replace power supply, but want to make sure that's the problem before I do. I am at a loss. Even tried a different file just to make sure something wasn't wonky with that one - same thing. Anything over 20% and it powers down immediately. Even just sending a pulse.
Let me know if you have the slightest idea what could be causing this. I read about a fuse in power supply - I haven't take it out yet. Hoping it's something even easier than that.
Thanks!
Angie