[rcdesign]

Hi,
I recently got to but a 2004 Epilog Mini from a friend. The machine was sold as a project and the owner had bought it from a person who had started to modify it for being used as a small router (?)
I have all of the original parts but two mirrors (x and y-axel)
The laser was said to fire last time the machine was used, but I doubt it - its dead!
I is equipped with a Coherent 35W module and I have opened the RF section to se if anything was obvious. The only thing I could see was a cracked solder joint on the output from the balun after the BLF278 transistor. The was still contact but I resoldered - unfortunately to no use-it still wont fire!


Quote for a repair was ~$1500 to steep as I only planed to use the machine for prototyping.


So I'm faced with two option (I think)


1. Replace the RF transistors in the laser module and hope that this will fix the problem - cost ~$250


I have no clue if it has been restored before and the marking on the module is from 2004 - so most likely it's "original"


2. Replace the laser module with a smaller diode version


My goal is to be able to engrave black anodised aluminium as I make watch dials in this material in my small CNC router - but the finest lines are 0.1mm wide as this is the smallest router bits available (and they would break if they were smaller).


If I replace the CO2-module with say a 2-3W 445nm blue laser, would this be doable?


Can I place the diode laser on the Y-axis and use the original mirror/lens assy ?


Sorry for all the noob questions but I have been Googling for information for a week but not found any information if this can be done!


/Roger

[cinematic2]

You could have bought Coherent laser 35W. 2 days ago sold on Ebay for 200 GBP or so.

[rcdesign]

Thats the way - just pour salt in my wounds!

[cinematic2]

I think you may use also Synrad laser. V30 or or V40

[rcdesign]

So you think the best option is to find another Co2 -tube?

[fixtureman1]

You could have bought Coherent laser 35W. 2 days ago sold on Ebay for 200 GBP or so.

How do you know that it wouldn't have gone way higher. I see this all the time when I went to auctions someone said I could have bought something for this much but when asked the buyer how much he was wiling to go and it was way more than what he ended paying for it.

[rcdesign]

How hard is it to replace the Coherent tube with a CO2 glass tube?