Epilog laser engraver/cutter

[ivconic]

This machine is old. Haven't been used for few years.
I took it, cleaned it. And trying now to work with it.
When i switch it on; it behaves strange?
Video in next post.
When i connect to computer, install drivers, draw something in Corel and put to "print" (act as printer, but special properties with all basic adjustments); it still remains in right upper position (not usual home position) and starts "working".
Laser beam is not visible. It finishes with "working" and place to the same end position as on video.
Obviously something is wrong.
I am not conversant with this. So i could use help from somebody who is.

[ivconic]

[ionut_mtb]

Did you check/clean all the connectors and xy switches (start end)? Looks like is limited in y movement, can be also mechanical issue.

[ivconic]

I already gave up from it yesterday.
I discovered two major issues.
The "head" for positioning is bad, ~300 euros!!!
Nothing smart in it. Optocouple reader and a reel with markings.
Why ~300 euros? Because they can.
And second the harder issue; laser is bad. CO2 type. ~3500 euros !!!!
So it is not worth of investing anymore.
I can't see how it can return invested money in any near future, so i gave up.
Recently i bought cheap one, smaller, 3018 Pro CNC with laser and spindle, exchangeable.
After 20 days and 4-5 hours overall working; the laser died suddenly.
Diode type. Allegedly 5.5W, highly doubtable.
Later i discovered it is cheap Chinese scam, the laser not the machine.
The CNC machine, the construction, is quite alright, decent made. With good GRBL controller.
So now i can use only spindle, until i obtain proper diode laser. Which is tough to achieve for small bucks.
And what's worse; it is hard to tell which one is right one, since market is flooded up with Chinese scams.
Instead; i can use the housing of present one and change only the diode.
Why and how it died? Don't have a clue, only suspicions.
Such diodes needs rock stable constant current source.
This one is having separate "controller board" with XL4015E as PWM controlled constant current source.
I suspect that random sudden power transient appeared and XL4015E gone wild for a fraction of time.
It was more than enough cheap Chinese fake diode to die.
...
Spindle motor is also small and weak. Good only for "scratching" the material.
Maybe good enough for pcb milling, will see these days.
This is not my happy period of the year. Money wasted; nothing achieved.

[greylourie]

Wow, that epilog uses old printer positioning tech. Sell it for spares/repair.

Upgrade your Chinese 3018 Pro with 40w CO? laser. Lots of diy on the internet. Search, "40W Laser Tube 700mm Length 50mm Dia". Same for lens and mirror kits.

[ivconic]

Wow, that epilog uses old printer positioning tech. Sell it for spares/repair.

Upgrade your Chinese 3018 Pro with 40w CO? laser. Lots of diy on the internet. Search, "40W Laser Tube 700mm Length 50mm Dia". Same for lens and mirror kits.

Thanks, that's the way to go, good advice, most probably i will do something like that.