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Re: Help! Power set to high but output is low, not able to cut.
Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2020
by Paul Odom
I had the same problem when I first got my Red & Black laser. If the speed is set to 10% the laser out power is drastically reduced. The speed must be at least 11 or 12 to get the tube to fire at the set power level. Hank Morgan is partially correct in that the power is reduced if set at 10%, but, it does not default to the minimum power. Russ explains this in a video prior to the compound lens video.
Re: Help! Power set to high but output is low, not able to cut.
Posted: Tue May 05, 2020
by Robin Croen
UPDATE
For anyone who is still tuning in and is curious as to how all this turned out...tldr: The machine is (almost) fixed, and now (kinda) cuts!
Long version:
I overhauled all the optics - mirrors, lens, head, and mirror bracket hardware - which required a bit of tinkering as the set I purchased (Cloudray's "C" series) was a bit larger than the original components. One of the other challenges with this machine was that I needed to replace a dead Z motor, and when doing that I upgraded to a stepper and controller for better control and eventual addition of a probe. Having fixed the Z action and replaced the optics, I had a much easier time with focusing and alignment... up to a point. Turns out that the X-axis linear bearing block (MGN12C clone) was missing more than a few bearings which lead to some wobble along that axis. In addition, the C series head bracket is drilled for a MGN15H block and as such I had to adapt it to fit and only have it bolted to two of the four points on the bearing block. Combined, these conditions are causing the laser head to be slightly off of perpendicular to the work table. I believe that this is degrading the power of my beam and preventing me from getting a "perfect" alignment.
I've got a new MGN12H bearing block on order, I'm going replace the X-axis carriage and see if that improves the twisting action I'm seeing in the head. If that works I may just make a more permanent modification to the head bracket and keep the 12mm rail. Otherwise, I'm considering upgrading to a 15mm rail along that axis for better stability. All in all, I'm excited to have confirmation that the machine can cut. Its been a frustrating but informative process and I'm confident that I can continue to improve the machine's performance as time goes on. Also, shoutout to Paul and Hank who suggested I set the speed above 10mm/s, I think that was an issue in some of my earlier tests.