List of all Frequently Asked Questions.. in order of addition to archive:

Question: How to clean a Lens?
QuickAnswer: Use Acetone and q-tips.

Question: How long does the Laser tube last?
QuickAnswer: Rated for up to 2000 hours .. and experiencing more hours.

Question: What focal lens comes with the laser machine?
QuickAnswer: 55mm

Question: How to focus the laser?
QuickAnswer: Adjust the table height or move the focal tube.

Question: Am I going be able to operate the machine and software?
QuickAnswer: Yes.

Question: Am I going be able to trouble-shoot problems?
QuickAnswer: Yes!

Question: Am I going to be able to change parts if the machine down for any reason?
QuickAnswer: Yes.

Question: Am I going to be able to have a technician at my site fixing my machine, if needed?
QuickAnswer: Yes. A technician can be arranged.

Question: Am I going to be able to get spare parts for the future?
QuickAnswer: Yes.

Question: I have seen this machine for sale by other individuals selling on eBay … Why should I buy from you?
QuickAnswer: Investigate them thoroughly. They might have a better deal. ??

Question: "Somebody else has a similar machine for $5000. Can you drop your price?"
QuickAnswer: NO! Not often... Special cases do apply.

Question: IMPORTANT!! What if I want to buy a Laser Engraving machine direct from China?
QuickAnswer: Please take into consideration the costs of importing a machine from China

Question: How do I use the roller-style rotary attachment?
QuickAnswer: Connect the cable, change the machine settings, No datum.. run like normal. ...Follow the tutorial.

Question: How to cenvert a vector fikle for use in Lasercut 5.3 ?
QuickAnswer: Use Corel to import the file and then export as AutoCAD 2000 version of DXF.

Question: How do I modify the focal tube to use the 100mm focal lens?
QuickAnswer: Modify the focal tube's nozzle with a step-drill. This will open up the inside so that the beam does not get obstructed by the nozzle.

Question: What is happening and why do you need a flow control valve?
QuickAnswer: The air control is used for keeping the lens clean.. also used to remove debriss from the kerf.

Question: What is a DSP or motion controller?
QuickAnswer: DSP is Digital Signal Processor. Motion controller is the circuit board that controls how the laser machine will move to cut and engrave materials.

Question: Where do I find a PDF copy of the software manual for LaserCut 5.3?
QuickAnswer: Follow the link for PDF file..

Question: How do you line up a project on the laser without the red dot pointer?
QuickAnswer: Trial-&-error, by Eye, or Masking tape.

Question: I try to start a file, or even test it and I get a “SOFT STOP” error with some beeping. How does this error relate to the objects that I have drawn into my LaserCut5.3 software?
QuickAnswer: observe the "Immediate" checkbox to see if the project is relative to the machine's focal head position. It may be that the drawing project goes outside the actual working area of the machine.

Question: How can you tell when the mirrors and/or lenses are “worn out”?
QuickAnswer: The lens or mirror will have a reduced power. If you try to clean the mirror or lens.. but it just won't come clean. It may be easier and cheaper to just replace it.

Question: What size air Duct is used for exhaust system?
QuickAnswer: air duct is 6 inches or 150mm.

Question: I imported a DXF file into lasercut but it didn't come in the correct size. How do I import my DXF files and keep them the right size? They are originally in inches.
QuickAnswer: Change the CAD software to define the project measurement units. .. or resize the project in LaserCut software with the "Size" command.

Question: How often do I need to clean my lens?
QuickAnswer: This depends on the material that you are cutting, typically we suggest once a week.

Question: What is the difference between an aluminum and iron honeycomb bed?
QuickAnswer: The iron honeycomb is stronger and magnetic.

Question: What are the lens types?
QuickAnswer: The standard lens is a 55mm focal length, 20mm diameter, 1.8mm edge thickness and is zinc selenium.

Question: How do I clamp odd objects to the work table?
QuickAnswer: Silly puddy and a shallow soap dish.

Question: What is the red dot pointer for?
QuickAnswer: The red dot pointer allows the user to more easily find where the laser is first going to strike the work piece.

Question: I've got a chiller, how often do I need to change the coolant?
QuickAnswer: Check it once a year.

Question: Why is my machine not cutting as well as it did when it was new?
QuickAnswer: There are a few things to check here. Make sure you are in focus. Check the lens and mirrors for debris. Check to make sure the machine is properly aligned. Make sure the coolant is at a reasonable temperature.

Question: I have a Mac or Windows 7. Can I run laser cut 5.3 on my operating system?
QuickAnswer: No, Laser cut will only work in Windows XP.

Question: I just bought a laser machine, what tools do I need?
QuickAnswer: Masking tape and magnets.

Question: Where should I put the laser machine?
QuickAnswer: You can just about put the machine anywhere as long as you have adequate power , ventilate the exhaust and in a dry and moderate temperature room. Moisture in the air can create some problems.

Question: What are the power requirements?
QuickAnswer: Our 40-6040 and 60-9060 laser machines are 110v with 110v water pump or 110v chiller and with a 110v exhaust fan. Our 80-1290 and up are 220v with 220v chiller and with a 220v exhaust fan.

Question: What is the cooling system?
QuickAnswer: There are two methods. One is a water pump in a container of antifreeze coolant. The next method is a freon based chiller with a self contained pump and tank for the antifreeze coolant. It will cool the coolant down to a desired level.

Question: What’s the difference between downdraft ventilation and a vacuum table?
QuickAnswer: The downdraft system is an exhaust fan connected to the back of the machine to draw out any fumes. The vacuum table has a vacuum system connected to the side of the vacuum table that creates a vacuum that will pull down and hold the various materials to the honeycomb table.

Question: What is the air assist valve or what does it do?
QuickAnswer: . It helps to keep the lens clean and helps to remove debris from the kerf.

Question: What is the red dot laser pointer used for?
QuickAnswer: It is the approximate location where the laser beam will hit.

Question: . How do you locate the starting point on the material?
QuickAnswer: You can use a red dot pointer, laser test shot or eye.

Question: . How do you clamp down odd shaped objects to the work table?
QuickAnswer: You can prop objects from the sides with magnets or puddy to ensure the object will not move. This can be a use of your imagination just to ensure the object will not move then adjust focus.

Question: Software can control the z-axis. Why does my machine not move the z-axis from the software?
QuickAnswer: Our choice is not to let the software control it because if your not there to watch the machine and the z-axis comes up, it can crunch the focul tube assembly.

Question: What people and businesses use this type of laser machine?
QuickAnswer: . Arts & crafts, prototypes, awards engraving, signage, textiles, etc..

Question: What are the common speed and power settings for assorted materials?
QuickAnswer: Revert to web site, Manuals-n-Tutorials, applications, common speeds and power settings

Question: Why is the viewing window, on my laser machine, in orange shade?
QuickAnswer: Any plastic will block laser light. The orange color will dull the spark that comes off of the material.

Question: There is a fluorescent light bulb in the machine for illuminating. Where can I get the replacement?
QuickAnswer: The type is T-4. You can measure the length and order from Pegasus.com.

Question: Where can I get better optics for my laser machine?
QuickAnswer: Ophir.com, IIVI.com, designresearchoptics.com, lasercompliant.com.

Question: What is a sophisticated user?
QuickAnswer: A person who is smart enough to clean the machine, do maintenance and repairs, able to bypass safeties.

Question: Can I repair or buy replacement parts elsewhere?
QuickAnswer: Yes. In the U.S. except for the motion controller and the touch pad.

Question: What is the expected consumables budget per year?
QuickAnswer: $300.00

Question: What file types and software are compatible with my machine?
QuickAnswer: PLT-HPGL plotter file, AI-adobe Illustrator, DXF-Autocad, DST-Tajima, BMP-Widows bitmap, NC-Mastercam, JPG files, JPEG files, GIF files, PNG files, TIF files, TIFF files, TGA files, PCX files;Software-TAJIMA , CorelDraw, AutoCAD, Photoshop.

Question: What jumper settings should the motion controller (6515) be set to?
QuickAnswer: . Sensor Input 24v, Position Pulses 5v.

Question: The home position sensor is broke. Can I get a U.S. replacement?
QuickAnswer: The home position sensor is an 8mm inductive proximity sensor, non imbeddible. NPN runs on 10-30vdc. The Chinese version has a true working voltage lower than 5vdc, but the jumper should be set to be powered by 24vdc. The replacement part can be purchased from Automation Direct.

Question: What is the “Immediate Mode”? (Laser 5.3)
QuickAnswer: The project will be cut or engraved in reference to where the focul head is located.

Question: I’m using mirror acrylic. How do I avoid bubbling the mirrored finish?
QuickAnswer: Make 2 passes. The first pass will cut through about 95% and the 2nd pass will finish the cut and polish the acrylic.

Question: What is the proper grounding procedure for the computer and the machine?
QuickAnswer: Provide additional wire for both computer and machine and run to a good building ground.

Question: Why do I have to go to datum every time I turn on the machine?
QuickAnswer: The DATUM is a known reference point (home). From there it will then know it’s maximum workable area and it’s limits.

Question: Can this machine produce a fire inside the work area?
QuickAnswer: . Yes. If you do not have the correct settings for materials that are flammable such as wood then it can burn enough to set fire. An example would be if you have too slow of a speed or out of focus then the wood will burn. Please use the common speeds and settings document found on the front page under Manuals-n-Tutorials, applications, common speeds and settings.

Question: Do you have a print driver?
QuickAnswer: Yes

Question: Can I download better software?
QuickAnswer: Software is currently under development and any upgrades will be posted on the website.

Question: What version of CorelDraw can I use?
QuickAnswer: version 12, x3, x4

Question: How do I align the laser beam?
QuickAnswer: This is a careful and 47 step project that you will find in Manuals-n-Tutorials, Hardware, How to align the laser beam HTML.

Question: . How do I align the honeycomb work table?
QuickAnswer: Loosen three screws of the jack screw and loosen the chain by loosening the motor then turn the jack screw to the proper height.

Question: How do I tighten the chain for z-axis work table?
QuickAnswer: . Remove the honeycomb then loosen the four motor mount screws in the bottom of the area. Apply pressure to the motor in the slotted direction of the screws. You will then feel the chain tighten. Tighten motor mount screws.

Question: How do I tighten the belts on the stepper motors?
QuickAnswer: Each belt is a split belt. The split end of the belt for the y-axis is mounted underneath the x-axis bar (right side of machine). There is a screw on each side of the belt under the x-axis for the y-axis. Tighten each screw to the desired tension. It will be the same for the belt on the left side of the machine. For the x-axis, there is a belt roller at the opposite end from the stepper motor (left side of machine). Directly behind that roller are four screws that you will tighten to the desired tension of the belt.

Question: Is there an age or license requirement for owning a machine?
QuickAnswer: No

Question: How do I reorder output of laser to make different objects cut or engrave first?
QuickAnswer: In the upper right hand corner of the screen, you will see a window that indicates the different colors of the different lines in the object. You can set each line to cut or engrave and change power settings. You can move each line up or down in the window. That will be the order of the output laser.

Question: How does DPI correlate to scan gap?
QuickAnswer: 25.4/DPI=Scangap

Question: Which file format, bitmap or vector, is better to use in the machine?
QuickAnswer: Each of them have their place but 90% vector.

Question: Does 3d engraving require a programmable z-axis?
QuickAnswer: No, but it would require a programmable power setting according to the gray scale of the picture.

Question: Are there limitations on different woods?
QuickAnswer: The engraving process becomes more difficult with woods that are very dense.

Question: Do I need a high resolution lens for 3d engraving?
QuickAnswer: . No, our standard lens works well.

Question: Is the 3d engraving power dependant?
QuickAnswer: Yes, the engraving depth is power/speed dependant.

Question: Is there inconsistency in the laser beam strength.
QuickAnswer: As long as your machine is in alignment, your lens and mirrors are clean, there are no problems with the beam strength.

Question: the machine configured so the laser will not function if the water pump is not running?
QuickAnswer: Yes

Question: Do you simply change the color of the hair line to change the laser from cut to engrave?
QuickAnswer: Quick Answer is ?? No, Simply double click the "cut" or "engrave" word and a little box will appear with the optional settings.

Question: Do various colors cut deeper?
QuickAnswer: Quick Answer is ?? No, They are there to assign them different setting if need be.

Question: Where do I find a replacement lightbulb for illuminating inside my laser machine workspace?
QuickAnswer: www.pegasuslighting.com ... or ... www.buylighting.com . Make sure to measure the old light bulb and get an exact fit.

Question: How to engrave a line.
QuickAnswer: Convert the line to an object with area then engrave the area.

Question: Is there a way to set the number of passes? i was test cutting some 1/2" acrylic and couldn't find anyplace to tell it to cut in 2 passes. I ended up copying and pasting the same rectangle on top of itself and the machine cut it fine in two passes, but I was wondering if there was a someplace else to set it?
QuickAnswer: Use the "Times" value in the LaserCut 5.3 software.. Located at the color layer.

Question: I was wondering if would guys happen to have and advice on how to do maintenance on the machine, such has cleaning the lenses, water chiller/laser tube maintenance, and axis lubrication
QuickAnswer: The Lens should be cleaned with Denatured Alcohol and/or Acetone.
The water chiller should be flushed every six months.
The linear rails (axis rails) should be kept wet with oil.
Open the exhaust hose and clean chips from the fan screen.