We have an XL 12000, an older Universal Laser Systems model.

It has a spec of 50-60 PSI on the air assist. It will actually shut down if pressure drops below 50 PSI.

This is notably higher than Epilog or Full Spectrum, which use 30 PSI.

The XL 12000 has a orifice not only on the coaxial air assist, but also on the collimator optic and #2 mirror (Y-to-X bounce) to cool them and keep them clean.

My question is, anybody know what compressor is good for this? The manual didn't specify a CFM.

I'm seeing this line of super-quiet, efficient dual-stage compressors on eBay. And that'll be the way to go, but they come in 1/5th, 1/6th, 1/3rd, 1/2, 3/4, 1 hp...

I'm rather not overspecify the compressor and have it cycle on/off a lot. In fact if it's only a bit more air than what we need I might use a speed controller to bring it down so it'll just run constantly and not undergo starting stress.