My Recent YAG Laser Purchase

[FrothyChimp]

Hello all,

In a different thread I announced I managed to acquire a 35 watt CW Nd:YAG laser systems for $154.33. Well, I went to pick it up yesterday so I thought I would put up some initial pictures for you today. Totals costs to drive to Wisconsin and back to Michigan with it was about $300.00 so my total costs for the unit was about $450.00. At 35 watts the thing was expected to be a beast and it is. The power supply and Q-switch driver in the rack weighs about 500 lbs and the laser rail is about 60 lbs.

I was also given some freebie stuff as the seller is moving out of state and needs to clear out his garage. Check out the pictures.

FREEBIE 1
A set of five 2900 uF 350V capacitors. As configured that is 14500 uF at 350V

FREEBIE 2
A set of high voltage transformers

The crated Nd:YAG system

The laser rail and head with all optics and q-switch

As this project progresses I'll continue to post pictures. Soon you will see the power supply and driver system.

 

[thejunkmonger]

what a deal sweet looking system

 

[Dr_Evil]

Holy capacitors, Batman!

That's a nice looking system. Can't wait to see some videos.

 

[diachi]

And I though the stuff I had was cool , 1x 100uF (400v) capacitor 2x 280uF capacitors (200V)

And I also have some transformers that need reversing ;D

And a 35mW lab laser anda Romisen, I feel so small and insignificant now

;D

Cant wait to see some balloon pops and match lights ;D

Diachi

 

[MarioMaster]

now THAT's a laser

 

[Switch]

Cant wait to see some balloon pops and match cuts

There, I fixed it for you. :
Well that thing is huge.I understand now why it cost more to pick it up.But it's still a mega-deal. What's it being pumped with? I can't wait for the video.And also some beam specs, just to imagine long range possibilities
Anyway, I think that with enough fog , the beam should be visible on a filterless camera, I mean, damn.....35W! Put some goggles on

 

[PharmD4]

Wow what a beautiful laser!! Can't wait to see some more pics and videos! Nice work man and enjoy!!!

PharmD4

 

[GooeyGus]

Please forgive my lack of knowledge on these solid state lasers, but what exactly is the q-switch and what does it do?

 

[MarioMaster]

from what i recall, a Q-switch allows energy to build up inside the lasing cavity until the peak of the standing wave is attained, opening and releasing a much more powerful beam of light

 

[Switch]

from what i recall, a Q-switch allows energy to build up inside the lasing cavity until the peak of the standing wave is attained, opening and releasing a much more powerful beam of light

Doesn't that only work with pulsed lasers? :-/

 

[Petrovski]

Very nice acquisition. Especially for that price.

So far I haven't been able to find a >10W laser for a reasonable price. Can't wait to see some cool vids from this laser.

 

[FrothyChimp]

I opened the crate today. Here are the pictures of the power supply and q-switch cabinet:

Cooling System:

 

[MarioMaster]

got some nice Delta cooling fans in the radiator - that thing isn't gonna be quiet ;D

 

[Switch]

So the neighbours might figure out what's causing their tires to suddenly "destruct" ;D
Anyway,that thing is massive! I can't believe it was only $153.Even the metal in the housing should be worth more than that. :

 

[Timbojames]

this thing is just really crazy. It is unbelieveable how cheap you can get things at e-bay.
If only I had the knowledge to construct and operate such an laser

 

[Petrovski]

Operating it is easy. Just press the "on" switch and there you go.