Laser cleaning/derusting/paint stripping

[Junglie]

Hi,

I'm seriously considering getting one of these:

https://www.powerlase-limited.com/product/vulcan-500c

Anyone used anything similar? 

[Stellaghost]

No, however I've looked at similar, the big question is" projected use over cost of machine"

Last I checked they were bloody expensive, too expensive to have idle in the workshop

Not dissuading you, just my 2 pence worth

Regards Stephen

[Bowie69]

I think the cost was north of £10k when I saw one advertised, may have come down....

However one concern was raised is that by using a laser the surface of the steel is heated causing some oxidation, which you would still have to clean off before welding, ideally, or other processes.

A good sand blast is better, IMHO.

[Stellaghost]

They have come down in price, about 4k to whatever now

Regards Stephen

[Junglie]

Yes, about £4K. Still expensive but more reasonable. Especially if I can make it part of a business (VERY big if…)
 

The pulsed laser apparently blasts the residue off completely - no additional prep needed. I say “apparently” deliberately. 

[Junglie]

1 hour ago, Bowie69 said:

 

A good sand blast is better, IMHO.

I’d normally agree but the mess and general inconvenience puts me off. 

[Bowie69]

Just now, Junglie said:

I’d normally agree but the mess and general inconvenience puts me off. 

I mean getting someone else to do it  

[Junglie]

1 hour ago, Bowie69 said:

I mean getting someone else to do it  

Smart move. 

[vulcan bomber]

Ed China has done a Range Chassis by laser, have a look on YouTube.

[landroversforever]

All the stuff I've seen done still needed blasting or other mechanical abrasion before paint/coatings anyway. It seems to be a bit of a waste of time IMO. Yes you've not got as much, but you've still got dust and gasses coming off that you'll not want to be breathing.

[elbekko]

These guys had a good real-world review, I thought:

They seemed especially happy with it for powdercoating on thick steel, but not so much for body panels and such.

[landroversforever]

I've not watched it, but aren't they likely to just be another channel (like Ed China) paid to promote it. 

[Snagger]

2 hours ago, elbekko said:

These guys had a good real-world review, I thought:

They seemed especially happy with it for powdercoating on thick steel, but not so much for body panels and such.

It may have worked much better if they used the correct settings.  It seems only to struggle with deep flakey rust which should be chipped off with a pick or hammer and stone chisel first, but otherwise seems more thorough and gentler on delicate materials than blasting.  I’d love to have one!

[elbekko]

3 hours ago, landroversforever said:

I've not watched it, but aren't they likely to just be another channel (like Ed China) paid to promote it. 

Not really, I thought they were being fairly honest about it. But you never know.

Definitely not as awful as Edd China.