Re: Digest Number 4

> Message: 1
> Date: Sun, 9 May 1999 07:05:26 EDT
> From: PTENGIN@...
> Subject: Re: I'm New here
>
> In a message dated 5/8/99 8:22:10 PM Hawaiian Standard Time, pencad@...
> writes:
>
> << Now, my project I want to do I to assemble a laser
> cutter of approx. 40-50 watts, CO2 powered laser. >>
>
> Hello folks. Peter Tsukamoto here. I have just joined and am most impressed
> with the potential of this group. I look forward to reading the posts
> everyday.
>
> In regards to the laser project Don is attempting, my only input would be to
> use extreme caution around a laser processing machine. If any of the laser
> energy inadvertently got directed into a persons eyes, that would be the end
> of that persons vision. I doubt the laser goggles sold by the laser makers
> would be enough to prevent damage. At the very least, a visit to a metal shop
> that has a metal cutting laser and observing the shielding techniques would
> be warranted. Peter

I used to design, build, and service custom laser machining systems. If
you are inexperienced with such systems, I recommend finding out how the
commercial ones are internally arranged. At the bare minimum, all the
possible beam paths should terminate in non-reflective surfaces that can
stop the beam. We used to build our (YAG) laser heads into a well so
that if a mirror was misadjusted, it would be stopped by the wall. I
know that there are commercial suppliers of CO2 heads, perhaps their
catalogs can help a bit.

Jim Eckman