Hello from (usually) sunny Arizona!

[Scott Miller]

I am an Arizona native. Of course, as many AZ natives do, I spent a few years in California, Sacramento and Carlsbad.

Although not active, I have loved gold prospecting since I was a preteen.

I bought a used 80W 6040 almost about 2 months ago. It had less than 5 hours on it. But no bed. A piece of thin plywood (shipping crate?), but all the accessories were there. Except a rotary accessory. Bummed about that.

When I went to buy it, drove from Phoenix to San Clemente, I was told it was a 60W, so expected a true 50W machine. I roll up in my rented truck, and see them. Normalish 6040, except the Ruida panel is on the bevel between top and front. Oh, and about 18" of square box sticking out the right side. Heart definitely jumped. Barely looked at it, as I was already late getting there. Yup, the tube is large diameter, and disappears into the receding light of the addon box.

Loaded it, grabbed a soda refill and headed home. (2AM arrived home after leaving at 8:30AM)


Next day I attempt to measure, and due to the inability to see into the extension, I measure between 1250mm to 1400+. A few days later, dropped the extension, measure it, and arrive at 80mm diameter x 1425mm long. From research and expert opinion, it is at least a true 80W, possibly 90W. Bingo. $750 well spent!
So here we are, almost a 2 months later and barely able to steal an hour to play. Still haven't fired it up! Need filtration first.

Update: 12/25/19.... FINALLY able to get it temporarily setup. First chips (sorry, smoke) late yesterday afternoon. Strictly engraved series of "Hello World" and limit/alignment lines. It was burning flipped X. Took a few tries, but all is good. Will test if scaling is correct. Burn a few squares and mic' them.

The tube is labeled, "Beijing EFR Laser S&T Co." Just looked at photos, so no research yet who they are, or if any "good/reputable." And, Googled them. Apparently a good company. This is model F2, series F49A-7426. I think I am happy!

IMG_20191224_175429.jpg

Thanks to the team who keep this running.

[Pete Cyr]

You are very busy and or very patient.

[Gene Uselman]

You did very well I believe. EFR is a good brand, and the 80w is honest power. I have a F6 that has been used and abused for 4 years and has lost almost no power. What does the bed setup look like? It looks similar to a laser I set up for my daughter. Wood is not a good bed material of course.

http://efrlaser.com/3-co2-laser-tube/200479/

[Scott Miller]

Bed...

That is the one issue. It has 1/2" plywood. A few tests of text and graphics burned in. Otherwise open frame.

They bought it to engrave 1-2mm text onto vacuum formed plastic. They couldn't dial it down enough to do anything other than vaporize it.

Opposite of normal, they ordered 50W machine. Twice. The first arrived with shattered tube. I could have bought it brand new, minus tube for $400. I realized that with the huge extension it wasn't a 50W.

Now deciding what bed I want. Probably grab a good piece of steel and bunch of magnets.

Right now I have a pile of old tile high density samples boards that are almost the right size to fill table.