styropyro
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2kW laser welder
🕑 Added 2023-11-09 18:23:21 +0000 UTCAfter watching the Backyard Scientist's video on his laser cleaning and welding machine, I decided to take the plunge and order a similar one. The buying process was sketchy to say the least. I had to wire $10k to China and I never received a working tracking number. However, after a few months of waiting, it arrived (mostly) intact. Unfortunately, there is no manual with it, and I learned the hard way that the machine allows you to pick operating parameters that destroy the head nearly instantly! Thankfully I was able to repair it and figure out the proper settings, and after some initial testing, I can say that the power of this thing is astonishing. Concrete, steel, rocks, drywall...the laser can burn through it all.
My original intent for this machine was to use it as the laser source on a "laser killdozer" by reassembling it on my ATV. I also plan on adding a bright aiming beam along with long range optics and either a generator or battery + inverter combo. It should be a crazy project. However, the more I play with the machine, I'm wondering if I should first make a video about experiments with the laser as is. Along with some high temp chemistry experiments, I want to build a telescope for it and see how far away I can burn stuff. First though, I need to build some sort of enclosure to block stray beams and extract fumes when using it in my shop. The fire hazard from even just reflected beams is soooo high!! Either way, I'll update you guys when I decide whether I want to make a vid on just this machine or if I commit to the laser killdozer right away. Stay tuned!
Comments
Ric Beme
Harbor Freight will soon have the 3kw model - wait and see
styropyro
I do test this out in the video! It's pretty good at removing rust. However, this system is really a welding laser with a cleaning function. If cleaning is the reason you are buying one, you will probably have better results with a dedicated cleaning laser. It's easy to burn the underlying material with the system I have. A good cleaning laser has lower average power but much higher peak power (they are q-switched)
Ivan Kvaščev
I hope you test out rust cleaning capabilities first. I was looking into buying similar machine myself.
3xion
If the backyard scientist can make a cool video about it, you certainly can. Can’t wait!
Kai Barber
Definitely should do a video on just experimenting with it
Faraz Sadrzadeh
I wonder if its possible to reverse engineer it and make it portable.
Ross Taylor
YESSSS! I vote for initial experiments as is before it turns into a real life death ray. Good luck!!!
