LaserUser.com Forum (formerly RDWorksLab)

I am 64 years old and I am retiring in Dec of this year. Wanted to have a hobby that could generate some extra $$.

Just purchased my laser machine and have watched countless videos. All have been very helpful, thank you. I want to install the Amp meter but have not been able to get the max mA from the mfg. I am new to this so please forgive my ignorance.

My laser is: 27-1/2" × 20" 80W CO2 Laser Engraver and Cutter Electric Liftable Worktable FDA

50mA should be sufficient from the perspective of "which meter to buy".

But how much current is appropriate for your tube? Hard to say - you could search for similar tubes and try to use their specs. See the LightObject website, or google for RECI.

Do measure your tube's diameter and length (with the laser UNPLUGGED and after waiting for the high voltage to dissipate) to match against the specs of other tubes. Just because it "says" it's 80W doesn't mean that it is 80W. [You know this from the videos, I'm sure].

Cloudray laser has a lot of tubes too.