Which CO2 tube to choose?

[Bram Veldhuizen]

Recently i have received my KH-5030/China Blue Machine/50w laser. But as aspected the tube output is quite poor (I saw the video of Russ talking about the 50w scam etc. but of course i was thinking that mine would be better...it isn't ) I cannot cut 5mm acrylic, even pushing the laser to 22-24mA. So yeah that tube is rubbish (KH-laser tube).

I've had contact by mail with Russ about this subject and he confirmed that these tube's ar far from the best, or good even. But looking ahead and given the fact that the tube must be replaced; what is a good tube and do i need to upgrade in power? I'm breaking my head on this subject the last couple of days and could use your input on this. I have the following options (i think):

1. Replace the tube with a Cloudray 45-55w. i've found this one: 45-50W-CO2-Laser-Tube-Glass
This one is the same length and diameter as the current one. So this would be a easy change. But is is powerfull enough? I will be using it to cut acrylic up to 6-8mm and occasionally mdf/ply (6mm max i think).
This configuration will cost me approx. €250,- incl shipping and import taxes.

2. Replace the tube with a Cloudray 55w Metalhead CO2-Laser Tube 50W Metallkopf 1000mm
This configuration would cost me approx. €300,- incl shipping and import taxes. and i need to build a beam expander. Do i realy notice better results than the 45-55w one as listed above?

3. Replace the tube with a 60w Cloudray tube and new powersupply 60W CO2 Laser Tube Metal Head 1250mm
and power supply (do i need to upgrade the PSU?): Cloudray T60 Plus
This setup would cost me approx. €650 incl psu, shipping and import taxes. And the tube is significantly larger than the current one.

On the first hand i was thinking to go for option 1, easy replacement and there is some budget left if i screw this tube up. But is it powerfull enough? And why not upgrade the tube and PSU when i'm already taking the machine apart, but do i notice any real difference when upgrading to a 60W tube... the cost is more than double.

Any thoughts?

[Willy Ivy]

What would you do? After using my first KH5030 for months, I purchased a second one (the first one caught on fire and almost lost my shop). Before I even turned it on, I installed a new 60w tube and power supply. I figured that if I were going to have to learn a new machine, I might as well learn it with the 60w tube. I am glad for my decision because I am definitely able to do more with a better and more powerful tube.
What would you do? Sometimes we don't always make the perfect decisions but we must learn from it and move on.

[Gene Uselman]

Cloudray offers Reci tubes on their website [75w [usable] for 350 US- not sure what the Euro conversion is - but Reci is pretty much top of the line. Russ thinks highly of the Cloudray tubes, altho I am not sure which ones. Your current PS would work but likely not get the max performance from a larger tube.

https://www.cloudraylaser.com/products/ ... 5425123016

[Bram Veldhuizen]

I took Willy Ivy's advice and ordered a 60w lasertube + T60 plus Psu straight from Cloudray. Ordered it last thursday evening and it arrived last monday! Very fast shipment and incredibly well packed. No need some time to change the tube (and make an exentsion box ) hopefully this give me greater joy when cutting materials.

[Willy Ivy]

Now that it's done, just feel good about it, get it installed and get to burning. I have been wanting a 12" planer in my shop for a long time. I finally broke down Monday and went and bought it. Man I feel good.

[Dave Vigness]

I almost hate to say this...

Did you check the SPT tubes on Cloudray?

The TR series have the red dot built in, no power loss at the combiner or worrying about it getting out of alingment with the laser itself. And SPT is a recommended brand from Russ. If I ever have to replace one out of pocket, they will be my first choice.