40W Chinese Laser - Engrave and Cut Leather - Discuss

[alexitbe]

If its a diode laser, then in terms of operation it is completely self contained. I think 40 watts will be plenty for leather, especially if its being operated in pulsed mode.  Pulse mode is generally better for cutting, as the surroundings material does not get heated up so much.. .if at all and so the cut is cleaner.  If you want more intensity, simply change the last mirror to focus the spot smaller...  However, I do not believe that will be neccessary.. 40 watts is a lot, if one considers that a laser pen is 5 mWatts, at most.

I don't know what the wavelength is, but if its near IR, then be careful as it will appear weak to the eye so your reflex blink action will not occur and the relaxed eye will focus the laser on the the back of the eye...

 

However, i don't think you will be tinkering in that way

Am interested to see your tests...

Alex

[electrathon]

it is a CO2 laser  Link here:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/40W-USB-Port-CO2-Laser-Engraving-Cutting-Machine-Engraver-Cutter-W-Wheels-/152106266467?hash=item236a3d6f63:g:E-MAAOSwyltZQz1o

[alexitbe]

Well it looks very self contained... I think you have nothing to worry about....

You have plenty of power for leather...  i could not see a repetition rate... If there is and its adjustable, you can vary this to find the best for cutting the leather..  I could not determine if its CW or pulsed... But its late here and I am a little tired..

 

Its a good price too...  When you think what other leather equipment costs its not a bad investment.

Cheers

Alex

 

[OLDNSLOW]

Electrathon any chances of getting closer to a test fire?  Not trying to be a pain in the arse I am comtemplating pulling the trigger on one myself but would like to know what your results are like. 

[electrathon]

Sorry not yet.  I have been buried at work and helping a couple friends on their houses.  I need to get the exhaust ducted out and then will see how it works.  I hope soon.

[OLDNSLOW]

I'll be keeping an eye out thanks

[Rockoboy]

I watched a friend using his laser on some leather  recently. I think his machine is 100 watt max, 500mm X 600mm bed.

It punched through 4.8mm vegtan easily at around 50% power and fairly quick speed, but it would not go through 4mm chrome tan at 80% power and slow speed.

When it did cut partially through the chrome tan, it was fairly badly scorched along the top edge.

He is currently working on some 3mm Perspex belt templates for me. The test cuts he did on 3mm Perspex, were excellent. 

[electrathon]

dampening the leather can help with the scorching  Two fast passes can be better than one slow pass too.

[LumpenDoodle2]

44 minutes ago, electrathon said:

dampening the leather can help with the scorching  Two fast passes can be better than one slow pass too.

Agree, from what I've read, this is the best way to get a better edge.    My little 5w laser is at its best run fast, and multiple passes.    

[OLDNSLOW]

Electrathon, nuther question while yer getten yer machine set up,  sis you check to see what the size of the laser bulb that came with?  Was it a 30 watt bulb or was it truly a 40 watt as advertised.  to some people it might not matter as they planned on upgrading as soon as it arrives or shortly there after. I been here chewing my nails down to the nubs waiting for you report.

thanks

Ron