flower-shilling

Laser Welder

Smithys Bullion - FINE GOLD AND SILVER
Administrator said:
I've used MIG, TIG, Arc, Oxy, but never a laser. They seem quite expensive.
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Yeah, a good unit is about $20k. It would be quite useful making intercooler piping, an airbox and a custom catch can for my project car, but I was also thinking of offering this service as a side hussle. It's meant to be really basic to operate and produces quality welds, and can be up to 10x quicker than other welding methods. The $20k units also do laser cutting and cleaning, so it's rather versatile.
 
STKR said:
Yeah, a good unit is about $20k. It would be quite useful making intercooler piping, an airbox and a custom catch can for my project car, but I was also thinking of offering this service as a side hussle. It's meant to be really basic to operate and produces quality welds, and can be up to 10x quicker than other welding methods. The $20k units also do laser cutting and cleaning, so it's rather versatile.
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What unit are you looking at? My son is looking for a side hussle, it could be something he'd do.
 
STKR said:

Laser Welding Machine 4 in1 Hand Held Fibre Laser 3000w NW-LW3000

Laser Welding Machine 4 in1 Hand Held Fibre Laser 3000w NW-LW3000
www.nationalwelding.com.au www.nationalwelding.com.au

This is the one I had my eye on. But I have no experience with laser welders, so I wouldn't know if it's the way to go or not.
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I've had a look at a few general laser welder reviews. The most common complains, when compared to MIG / TIG is the welds are not as strong, and it's not a lot faster. A lot of the laser welding videos seem to be sped up.

But I think it could be a good side gig for laser cleaning, maybe cutting, but you'd need the right CNC machine for precision cuts.
 
Administrator said:
I've had a look at a few general laser welder reviews. The most common complains, when compared to MIG / TIG is the welds are not as strong, and it's not a lot faster. A lot of the laser welding videos seem to be sped up.

But I think it could be a good side gig for laser cleaning, maybe cutting, but you'd need the right CNC machine for precision cuts.
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I've heard reports to the contrary. Laser welds are apparently meant to be stronger in most applications up to a certain depth.

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Administrator said:
This guy does a side-by-side comparison with a MIG weld.

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I don't know a lot about them but I do know the smaller units are only good for 3-4mm steel, where the larger units will go 10mm or more. It looks to me that experiment wasn't an equivalent comparison. They use laser welding in bridge construction, so it's well and truly capable with the right machine.

For what I'll be using it for, the smaller 2,000 watt unit would be sufficient but I may go a 3,000 watt unit. I'll definitely do a lot more research before I pull the trigger on one.
 
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