Laser Cutter:Maintenance

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Consider one of these maybe? http://www.amazon.com/Engraving--International-Available-Copyright-Laser_Power/dp/B00ICZRZW6/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440871558&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=co2+laser+power+meter+150w

For properly calibrating the machine:

  1. The laser tube does not need to be level or straight. the important thing is that it hits the first mirror in the middle.
  2. The first mirror should be adjusted to that the beam travels exactly parallel to the Y rail. There is a wooden jig to help with that.
  3. The second mirror should be adjusted so that the beam travels directly parallel to he X rail.
  4. At this point, the beam should be hitting in the middle of the crosshair jig on the cutting head. This is also a good time to make sure the cutting head is perpendicular to the X rail (vertical). If the beam is not centered on the crosshair, you must fix that by adjusting where the beam hits the first mirror, then re-check the alignment of the first two mirrors.
  5. The laser should now cut as well anywhere on the bed.
  6. Remove the lens, and make sure that the beam is hitting the same spot with bed fully raised, and lowered. Adjust the top mirror as needed.
  7. Re-install the lens. Hopefully the beam is hitting right in the middle of the lens. If it's not, we have bigger problems.