Full Spectrum Ventilation Options

[Corey Kilbane]

Hi Everyone,

I'm submitting a grant for a Full Spectrum 45 Hobby laser cutter and was wondering what people were using for ventilation.  It will be located right next to an exterior wall, so we have options to vent outside.  So I think I just need compressor and exhaust.  I've heard mixed reviews about the ones that FS sells.  Does anyone has recommendations?

[Harlan Howe]

We have an FS Laser, and a hole in the wall was what I needed. (My office is actually an interior room, so we vented it into the next classroom and out the wall there.) I can still smell some smoke/plastic when it is running, but it is nothing like what I would get without the ventilation. We installed a standard dryer vent hole and external exhaust port.

The FS Laser works pretty well. Their software is Windows-only, but I am adjusting. I have the 45W one, and it is holding up pretty well after a year and a half - mind you, we aren't using it on a daily basis.

Let me know if you have further questions.

<*> Harlan Howe

Upper School Technology Coordinator

The Kinkaid School

201 Kinkaid School Dr.

Houston, TX 77024

harla...@kinkaid.org

[Corey Kilbane]

Thanks!

[Jonathan Rothman]

Hi!  I've had some experience with their fifth gen hobby laser.  We got one at the lab I set up last year at the High School for Community Leadership.  I ended up using the exhaust system that FSL sells with.  I installed metal duct to the nearest window and built a panel from plexi bought at the mega-hardware depot down the street.  We even used the laser to cut the plexi (though that's the only plexi I would cut without a proper filtration system).  

I think that so long as you're cutting cardboard or card stock and your exhaust isn't at ground level, you'll probably be ok without a high-cost filtration system.  If cutting plexi, aluminum, or other toxic nasties, it's best (and legally obligatory) to get a fume extractor (a la BOFA).  

I'm a fan of the FSL Hobby Laser.  In fact, I'm getting another for the lab at the school I started at this year.  The only bummer is that it's water-cooled.  And it takes a bit to get used to aligning the laser -  but well worth sinking time into learning.  Once the laser is aligned and focused properly, it plenty powerful for high school applications.

Jonathan Rothman

Teacher - Math, Technology & Design

Academy for Software Engineering

www.afsenyc.org

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[Jonathan Rothman]

And pictures....

 

On Monday, January 12, 2015 at 8:36:59 PM UTC-5, Jonathan Rothman wrote:

Hi!  I've had some experience with a their fifth gen hobby laser.  We got one at the lab I set up last year at the High School for Community Leadership.  I ended up using the exhaust system that FSL sells with.  I installed metal duct to the nearest window and built a panel from plexi bought at the mega-hardware depot down the street.  We even used the laser to cut the plexi (though that's the only plexi I would cut without a proper filtration system).  

I think that so long as you're cutting cardboard or card stock and your exhaust isn't at ground level, you'll probably be ok without a high-cost filtration system.  If cutting plexi, aluminum, or other materials that would release toxic fumes, it's best (and legally obligatory) to get a fume extractor (like BOFA).  

I'm a fan of the FSL Hobby Laser.  In fact, I'm getting another for the lab at the school I started at this year.  The only bummer is that it's water-cooled.  And it's take a bit to get used to aligning the laser, but well worth sinking time into.  Once the laser is aligned and focused properly, it plenty powerful for high school applications.

Jonathan Rothman

Teacher - Math, Technology & Design

Academy for Software Engineering

www.afsenyc.org

On Monday, January 12, 2015 at 2:47:22 PM UTC-5, Corey Kilbane wrote:

[David Medvitz]

We bought the Full Spectrum 45 Hobby laser and the Large Carbon + HEPA Air Filter Purifier system that they also sell because our Makerspace is not near an external wall.  The Purifier is a little larger than a mini-fridge, and is not too noisy when it runs.  I like the fact that we are not venting the exhaust directly into the atmosphere.  The purifier costs about $2500 which obviously adds a lot to the bottom line, but given our location, we had no choice.  We've only been using it for a month now, but so  far I'm very pleased with the performance of the laser and the purifier. 

Dave Medvitz

Pingree School

[jumekubo]

We have a full spectrum 5th gen hobby laser here. It's in a woodshop-like environment (formerly a storage room). We tie into the existing ventilation system using standard ducting. I purchased the air compressor and water pump with the laser cutter but got the exhaust fan from amazon (from a recommendation on the FS discussion boards). I had to hack a switch and power adapter to go along with it, but works like a charm.

- john

[Corey Kilbane]

Thanks for all the tips!

On Sunday, January 11, 2015 at 3:55:14 PM UTC-5, Corey Kilbane wrote:

[Laura Blankenship]

David,

Thanks for that info. We have a Full Spectrum venting to the outside,
but we may put one in a room without good access to outdoor
ventilation.

Laura
Laura Blankenship
Chair, Computer Science, The Baldwin School (http://www.baldwinschool.org)
@lblanken
http://www.geekymomblog.com

9-12 Board Rep, Computer Science Teachers Association

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[Catherine Davis]

We just got ours and are in the process of setting it up - I am putting it near some French Doors and we will vent out through the doors so it is pretty easy.

I have a question for the group though -

I am looking for specs on wood, and cardboard for use in the machine - - I don't seem to see it (and I have read a large portion of the manual).  What is the dimensions and width of material that can be used. I feel like I am missing some information and would appreciate any direction this group can provide. John and David have already helped me offline, and I appreciate the assistance!

Hope you get your laser Corey!

Best,

Cathy

On Sunday, January 11, 2015 at 12:55:14 PM UTC-8, Corey Kilbane wrote:

[Mark Loundy]

I'm also about to set one up and would appreciate any on-list info.

[Ryan Barnes]

We have the standard 40W, and here are some default settings with the 2" lens. 

-Cardboard: 100 speed / 100 power

-5mm plywood: 15 speed / 100 power

-1/8 acrylic: 25 speed / 100 power

Those are some good jumping off numbers to start with and experiment!

There is also a material testing procedure in the software. It cuts a grid of small (~1cm) squares, varying the speed along one axis and the power along another. This will let you pin point the best settings, but I've found the small squares are a bad test shape as there is too much heat in the small area of the square.

-Ryan

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Ryan Barnes

Drexel University, College of Engineering

215-262-6792

www.thelowtech.com

[Jaymes Dec]

One of my favorite manuals of all time is the Epilog Laser manual. I think it's a great read even if you don't have an Epilog. It's very helpful. 

http://www.epiloglaser.com/downloads/pdf/mini_helix_4.22.10.pdf

On Fri, Jan 16, 2015 at 11:08 AM, Catherine Davis <catl...@gmail.com> wrote:

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Jaymes Dec
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[Christopher Murphy]

You know you're in good company when people have favorite manuals to recommend. I'm going to check this out because I'm trying to get a Laser Cutter for the school...