I’ve updated the comprehensive Laser Job Checklist to match the new laser configuration and software environment. You can get a PDF copy in the Downloads section on this site.
Laser Job Checklist updated
Reply
Category Archives: Announce
Laser Almost Ready at New CoLab Location
The laser has been re-relocated to its new home at the new permanent location of Colab, at 4667 Mission Gorge Place, Suite A, in San Diego. Thanks to the great work of Jolly Rancher and many other volunteers, the laser has its own air-conditioned space with all-new exhaust ventilation to outdoors. The laser tube has been re-installed. A few finishing touches remain before the laser can be operated. After that, a thorough alignment and tuning is all that should be needed before the laser can return to regular service.
That is, if nothing else goes wrong. One of the finishing touches planned for the work session on Tuesday (April 8, 2025) was to refill the water cooling system that keeps the laser tube cool during operation. After adding the first gallon of distilled water to the chiller, we had about half a gallon of water on the floor. Investigation revealed that one of the tubes inside chiller had become brittle with age, and cracked in several places. Most of the tubes in the chiller are silicone and are still in good condition, but that one tube was clear polyurethane. That tube serves as a sight glass to judge the water level, so it has to be transparent. I didn’t find a local source for polyurethane tubing, but the blessedly nearby Home Depot was able to supply clear vinyl tubing in the same size. With the new tubing installed, the chiller no longer leaks. That little side quest consumed the remaining time in the Tuesday work session, though. The next step is to run the cooling water into the laser tube.
Speaking of the laser tube, it was practically new when Covid hit, but laser tubes of this type also have a limited shelf life. Five years later, it’s possible that the tube won’t work at all, or won’t work as well as it did when new. Once we have the cooling water working, we will test it and find out.
Colab COVID-19 Update
CoLab is (and has been for a while) available for single-user access and small groups from the same household for machine use by appointment only. Go to the Schedule page and request access as usual if you want to use the laser on these terms, or email info@sdcolab.org if you have questions about the policy.
Indoor classes, including our laser safety classes, are still considered unsafe. Classes will resume as soon as conditions permit.
Laser tuned up
I gave the laser a new beam combiner, a new red spotting laser, a new key switch, and a careful alignment. It’s now cutting great again.
Avoid Fast Z motion
Yesterday I took the laser partway apart, looking for reasons why the Z-axis table keeps getting out of alignment. I think I know more than I did before, but I still don’t fully understand what’s happening. The problem seems to be in the acme threaded nut that rides up and down on the right rear acme threaded rod. You can hear the mechanism going “clunk clunk clunk” when that corner is slipping out of alignment.
This mainly seems to happen when the table is going UP in the FAST Z mode. That makes sense, because that’s when the mechanism is working hardest to lift the weight on the table, the honeycomb mesh, and your workpiece.
So, I am asking all laser users to please avoid using FAST Z motion until I’m able to isolate and fix the problem. It may take you a few extra seconds to focus using SLOW Z only, but it will help keep the table aligned and the laser working well. Thanks for your cooperation.
Update: problem has been fixed. You may use FAST Z motion normally unless you encounter that “clunk clunk clunk” sound again.
You Must Stay In The Room
I’ve heard that some users have been leaving the room unattended while the laser is running. This is NOT PERMITTED. No matter how safe you think the job is, Colaser safety policy requires you to remain in the room whenever the laser is running. If you are forced to leave the room for any reason, you must pause or cancel the job before you do.
If you feel unable to comply with this safety policy, please don’t use the laser.
Log Books Scanned
You may have noticed that Volume 2 of the paper log book has been losing its pages. My mistake for buying a notebook with tear-out pages! I’ve gathered up all the loose pages and sorted them into chronological order as best I could, and scanned both volumes into PDF files. Those files are now available for reference here in the Download section of the web site.
There is a third paper volume (hardcover, with pages that don’t tear out) in the laser room now. Please continue to log your work in the paper log book.
Red Dot laser fixed
The red dot spotting laser is working again, as of Thursday, October 5.
Sorry it took so long. The first attempt to order a replacement beam combiner got lost in the international mail. The second attempt succeeded, but the part arrived right before a busy couple of weeks for me. Then when I installed it, I discovered the red laser itself was damaged, so I had to wait for the replacement laser to come in.
Colaser Turns 3
Happy anniversary to Colaser! It cuts its first job three years ago today.
Red dot laser (still) not working
On June 23, I had to remove the beam combiner that routes the red dot spotting laser through the same optics as the cutting laser, because the cumulative damage had pretty much destroyed it. Until the beam combiner is replaced, there will be no red dot to help you see where the laser will hit your material. I have ordered a new beam combiner, and a spare.
Update (August 4): In order to get a reasonable price on this specialized optical beam combiner, I ordered direct from a supplier in China. They quote a usual shipping time of 12-20 days. It has now been 41 days. Overdue, but I can’t open a dispute until 60 days have passed. If the slow boat doesn’t eventually arrive, I’ll have to re-order.
Until then, I hope you’re not having too much trouble using the laser without the red dot.