My studio was donated a Universal Laser Systems X660 from around 2005. Everything works on the machine except the laser tube needs to be replaced – about 3K. The company says they manufacture all parts except the CPU. I’m deciding if it’s better to replace the tube or to buy a new cheaper machine like a Glowforge or OMTech.
Thoughts?
Replace the tube if the rest of the machine is healthy.
Kind of depends on what you want to do with the laser.
If everything else is good then I think it’s worth replacing the laser. For a bed size like that you want find anything cheaper.
If you don’t want the capacity then maybe it’s better to buy a new smaller machine.
With the machine being free then I think the 3k is a good investment as you could always resell and easily get your money back.