styropyro

2kW laser welder

Added 2023-11-09 18:23:21 +0000 UTC

After watching the Backyard Scientist's video on his laser cleaning and welding machine, I decided to take the plunge and order a similar one. The buying process was sketchy to say the least. I had to wire $10k to China and I never received a working tracking number. However, after a few months of waiting, it arrived (mostly) intact. Unfortunately, there is no manual with it, and I learned the hard way that the machine allows you to pick operating parameters that destroy the head nearly instantly! Thankfully I was able to repair it and figure out the proper settings, and after some initial testing, I can say that the power of this thing is astonishing. Concrete, steel, rocks, drywall...the laser can burn through it all.

My original intent for this machine was to use it as the laser source on a "laser killdozer" by reassembling it on my ATV. I also plan on adding a bright aiming beam along with long range optics and either a generator or battery + inverter combo. It should be a crazy project. However, the more I play with the machine, I'm wondering if I should first make a video about experiments with the laser as is. Along with some high temp chemistry experiments, I want to build a telescope for it and see how far away I can burn stuff. First though, I need to build some sort of enclosure to block stray beams and extract fumes when using it in my shop. The fire hazard from even just reflected beams is soooo high!! Either way, I'll update you guys when I decide whether I want to make a vid on just this machine or if I commit to the laser killdozer right away. Stay tuned!