Let's see your lasers

[LVLAaron]

It's feeling like this is the one. Mid-range wattage, JPT/MOPA.

OMTech MOPA 30W Split Fiber Metal Engraving Machine with 6.9" x 6.9" Working Area

The 30W MOPA fiber laser marking machine excels at color engraving metals. With a solid-state JPT MOPA laser and workbench surface, it's set to bring your visions to life.

omtechlaser.com

 

[CCM]

It's feeling like this is the one. Mid-range wattage, JPT/MOPA.

OMTech MOPA 30W Split Fiber Metal Engraving Machine with 6.9" x 6.9" Working Area

The 30W MOPA fiber laser marking machine excels at color engraving metals. With a solid-state JPT MOPA laser and workbench surface, it's set to bring your visions to life.

omtechlaser.com

You should be happy with that. I haven't looked at pricing in a while, is that around where most of the 30w MOPA are sitting now?

 

[LVLAaron]

You should be happy with that. I haven't looked at pricing in a while, is that around where most of the 30w MOPA are sitting now?

It is. 30 watt mopa are hard to find from a US distributor lately. 60 and 100 are everywhere and the 60w units are 7k give or take.

Raycus 30 watt would be about 3700.

 

[CCM]

It is. 30 watt mopa are hard to find from a US distributor lately. 60 and 100 are everywhere and the 60w units are 7k give or take.

Raycus 30 watt would be about 3700.

I think my 50w JPT non mopa was 5600.
I wouldn't get a Raycus source if I could keep from it

 

[LVLAaron]

I haven't seen any of the US distis have a non MOPA, JPT source.

 

[Judd]

I think my 50w JPT non mopa was 5600.
I wouldn't get a Raycus source if I could keep from it

Out of curiosity, why on the Raycus? I traded for one two weeks ago and I couldn’t find hardly any negative on them.

 

[CCM]

Out of curiosity, why on the Raycus? I traded for one two weeks ago and I couldn’t find hardly any negative on them.

Raycus doesn't have as broad of a frequency range so it's not quite as versatile on some materials. The list of things it can do is still quite a bit longer than it's limitations.

 

[LVLAaron]

That's my understanding as well... most people probably have raycus and dont know the difference... it's chinese (which is probably a good thing these days) and the JPT is from Singapore

 

[Judd]

Thanks CC…I did realize that. I got it to 100% do barrels, I’m sure I’ll play with other stuff but my laser guy shut down and I wanted something I could do myself.

 

[Henryrifle]

Aaron, looks like you are getting close to pulling the trigger. What accessories are you looking at with the Laser purchase?

Hank

 

[LVLAaron]

I'll get a rotary... not sure what else I need, so I'll piece it together as I go.

 

[jelrod1]

The fine adjustment table that came as an accessory for mine is well worth it. I got the rotary but haven’t used it yet. I fix vee blocks to the that table for barrels.

 

[LVLAaron]

I'll use the rotary to do other hobby stuff. I imagine I can make any fixture stuff I need.

 

[jelrod1]

I’m soon doing some tuners I’m sure I’ll use it on but just haven’t gotten there yet.

 

[CCM]

I mounted a Lego baseplate to mine for fixturing. It works $@$#^ great and it was cheap.

 

[TaperPin]

I have stupid question - humor me, I’m only now coming around to accepting laser engraving - how deep are you guys shooting for so it looks less like an ink jet printed font?

I‘m very interested in starting to mark most things with laser - my nephews work for an aerospace laser cutting and marking outfit that allows them a lot of freedom to work on personal projects, but I need to nail down the specifics. Right now they are kind of like the guys who have a 1000cc rocket bike and I’m asking them to drive me slowly to the grocery store. I’ve seen them cut through 1/2” steel plate, and engrave decorative things very lightly, so I’m scared ****less something could get ruined. Lol

 

[LVLAaron]

Personally, I love this:

 

[Judd]

ATF has a recommendation/requirement that I believe (someone with an FFL and smarter than me, please correct me if I’m wrong) is .003 or .004. It ain’t much when you really think about it.

 

[jkohler]

ATF has a recommendation/requirement that I believe (someone with an FFL and smarter than me, please correct me if I’m wrong) is .003 or .004. It ain’t much when you really think about it.

That’s not a requirement for marking barrels just things that need to have a serial number attached to it. I do most like this on coated barrels

 

[CCM]

I have stupid question - humor me, I’m only now coming around to accepting laser engraving - how deep are you guys shooting for so it looks less like an ink jet printed font?

I‘m very interested in starting to mark most things with laser - my nephews work for an aerospace laser cutting and marking outfit that allows them a lot of freedom to work on personal projects, but I need to nail down the specifics. Right now they are kind of like the guys who have a 1000cc rocket bike and I’m asking them to drive me slowly to the grocery store. I’ve seen them cut through 1/2” steel plate, and engrave decorative things very lightly, so I’m scared ****less something could get ruined. Lol

I shoot for .01" for both barrels and serial numbers. I do my engraving before any coating or finish work....most of the time. You can do it after, but you have to run an offset cleanup pass to get rid of your slag ridge.