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Cost of buildlog 2.x laser?

PostPosted: Thu Oct 17, 2013 9:00 pm
by Techbuilder
Hi everyone,

I was just wondering how much people spent on there laser.
I know the ball bark is around 1300 to 1500 but I was wondering how much you spent your self?

Any answer's will be greatly appreciated

Re: Cost of buildlog 2.x laser?

PostPosted: Thu Oct 17, 2013 9:44 pm
by kpaul247
I am closer to the $2500 mark on mine(probably more...) but I went with the DSP controller and added some other things as well. I'm not sure that you can build one for $1500 even going bone stock but don't quote me on that.

Re: Cost of buildlog 2.x laser?

PostPosted: Thu Oct 17, 2013 10:14 pm
by Improbable Construct
I don't have all the numbers in front of me but:
My light object order was ~$1300.00 (DSP, laser tube, power supply, optics + misc)
The custom parts kit from Bart was ~$200.00
I bought the extrusions and fasteners from somebody who gave up on their project ~$300.00
The skins and window are ~$275.00
Motors and drivers ~$200.00
air and water pumps ~$100.00
Misc parts probably $100.00 to $200.00

So all in you are looking at about $2500.00.

Re: Cost of buildlog 2.x laser?

PostPosted: Fri Oct 18, 2013 2:10 pm
by greenvandan
Ditto on the $2500 with DSP. My breakdown is slightly different than IC's. I bought hardware new so spent more there, made my own skins so saved there but end result is the same. I assume if you opt not to do the DSP you might be able to save a few hundred or so.

Re: Cost of buildlog 2.x laser?

PostPosted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 6:32 pm
by Techbuilder
Would you say the dsp is mandatory or more of a convenience?

Was it worth the cost?

I was also thinking of getting the 45watt tube from full spectrum since it's 700mm and has a longer lasting tube life

only thing is the cost is 550 plus shipping

Re: Cost of buildlog 2.x laser?

PostPosted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 7:57 pm
by cvoinescu
The way I understand it, the DSP allows you to use the laser more or less as a printer, and it supports raster engraving. If all you do is cutting, no raster engraving at all, and you don't mind going through a G-code workflow, a "classic" controller is enough.

Re: Cost of buildlog 2.x laser?

PostPosted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 8:42 pm
by Improbable Construct
I would say for the money the DSP is totally worth it.
Without it you still have to have some sort of interface board so its not a straight add on cost.
DSP also lets you control the laser over over USB and/or Ethernet and gives you the ability to use a thumb drive to transfer your files.
The laserCAD software is a bit strange to work with but once you get the hang of it, it's fine.

Also I wold go with the cheaper 40w tube. You just about can replace it 3 times for the cost of the 45w tube and they do go bad, just sitting there, doing nothing...

Re: Cost of buildlog 2.x laser?

PostPosted: Tue Oct 22, 2013 7:37 pm
by Techbuilder
Did you purchase the 35watt tube from light object
or the 40 watt?

It appears the 40 watt from light object is over the current maximum size tube you can use for the buildlog 2.x

Re: Cost of buildlog 2.x laser?

PostPosted: Tue Oct 22, 2013 7:47 pm
by kpaul247
I purchased my tube from ColeTech in China. http://www.cncoletech.com/Laser%20tuber%20standard.html The 40W tube was $120 and shipping was $80. It arrived in 2 days, and was in perfect condition. I could not believe how fast it got here.

My tube is 700mm and the one from Light Object is listed at 850mm. Not sure if that is a typo or not.

Re: Cost of buildlog 2.x laser?

PostPosted: Tue Oct 22, 2013 11:32 pm
by Improbable Construct
I have the one from Light Object it is 850mm.
Its long but it fits just fine.
It looks like the price has gone up from when I bought mine.
I paid $235.00. It shipped same day and arrived in perfect condition.
Shipping for my whole order (DSP, Power supply, Optics, etc) was about $60.00.