I started with a 12x20 50w machine that had the external fish pump. I was using it outstandingly until I found someone with a red machine in a 28x20 work space and they wanted to trade straight across as they needed a smaller machine. The machines are basically the same save for a few things, like the air assist. The new machine has an internal pump, but it’s much smaller.
It barely moves any air compared to this style of pump I had before https://a.co/d/hiuM76v
I know some of the newer blue machines have this larger pump internally as well, is there any gross differences or can I simply buy a 1080/1500gph pump and wire it in place where the smaller 30l pump is? I really don’t want to plumb in a compressor line at this time. I’d like to just clip the plug off, splice and go.
OMTech Air Assist Upgrade
Here’s a video I followed. My pump went out and could have burned the whole place down if I wasn’t standing there.
The upgrade made a big difference in the quality. Really surprised me.
Oops! didn’t read your whole post. Sorry.
I’ll say this, it’s one and done. The effort has paid off handsomely for me.
I have 2, 250 gallom compressors outside the shop, unfortunately where the laser is in my shop and how much water these things collect daily I’m just not looking for the expense and time to hook them up. The exterior pump worked amazing for everything I was doing before so i just want to grab another, clip the plug off and go back to work. There’s a few on Amazon for about $10 currently, using my compressors will cost much more than that. I’m pretty sure I can just clip the plug and hard wire but wanted to check with the community here first.
The old one you refer to is also available as a 60 l pump, 2 of them in parallel work (for me) quite well.
I have not measured the total air flow, but a water test shows very clearly the effect of 2 pumps versus only one pump.
I also have (as an emergency solution) my workshop compressor, but rarely use it for the same reasons you mention.
The one i linked is the one I want to use, the one in the photo is mine. The one in the photo is also about $60, so I’d rather get the style my old machine used at the cost of about $10
The old adage says that “you get what you pay for”. The pump you linked to is only 38L/M which is enough to keep the smoke away from your lens, but that’s about it. I have the exact same laser as you and the first thing I did was take out that pump and hook up a dual air solenoid system using my shop air compressor. I measured the output of the stock air pump I removed, and I only got about 15L/M of air flow, so it’s pretty anemic. If you’re going to use an aquarium air pump you should get one that is at least 70 or 80L/M if you plan on doing any cutting (bigger if you can afford it). Most air pumps I’ve seen that have a decent output will run about $70 (like this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BG2FG4H5 ). Just my 2 cents worth.
I was just linking the type. The 1400gph versions runs $10 om Aliexpress. I’m not hooking up my compressors, I do mostly engraving, I’m not interested in the work or expense to hook them up either. I just want what I had before and want to make sure that wiring it internally will not give me any issues.
Yes, I’m aware. My old machine worked perfectly for what I was doing, and I just want to get back to that. The current machine won’t even blow dust off my fingertip. Both have the same nozzle setup.
I have one of these from my China Blue 50W machine… I think it’s in the junk box… if you pay for shipping I’ll haul it down to UPS for shipping … I’m in Arizona…
I appreciate it but shipping would probably be more than what I can get a new one for. I know they are not the best but it was plenty for what I was doing. The unit I have is the exact unit I posted in the photo in my first post.
Poke around long enough and you’ll find pricing pretty close to Aliexpress. This is a 55w 1427GPH pump for $17.99 with a 20% off coupon. Amazon.com
Which still leads me to my original question, is the internal wiring sufficient to wire this thing in place without much issue? Which based off your picture, it looks like ot should be but there are a few differences between the red and blue machines as I can tell so far.
I’m well aware of their shortcomings but it would be much more money to hook up my compressors than just using the same kind of pump that has worked so far. If I were to start doing more cutting then maybe but right now mostly all of my work is with acrylic and I don’t need much air but definitely more than that little pump makes
So I know this isn’t considered an “upgrade” for the folks here but the $14 90lpm was a significant upgrade over the 18w version of the same pump I had before.
Here is the piece I cut with the 30lpm pump vs the 90lpm. I’d say for the cost invested and the 20min it took me to swap it was worth it for me. Zero scorching on 1/4 oak cabinet plywood
Unfortunately, have been seen before.
