Exhaust Fan
Most of the Chinese lasers advertise an internal exhaust fan as an upgrade. The internal fan typically doesn't move enough air, and due to its location, it must push, versus pull the air out. It is recommended to remove the internal fan and install an inline fan at the end of the run to better remove odor and smoke from the laser compartment. This should also help reduce odors in the room. If you have an external fan and are looking to reduce noise levels, you may also want to consider an inline fan. AC Infinity offers a model S6 6" Inline Duct Fan with Speed Control that moves around 400CFM which works well.
Click the Image Below to Order the AC Infinity Cloudline S6, Quiet 6" Inline Fan
Exhaust Fan Upgrade Installation:
When designing your exhaust system, keep in mind that the inline fan should be placed as close as possible to the window or exhaust vent, so it can pull the smoke out of the laser. When ordering your fan, also keep in mind that some higher watt models use two fans.
NOTE: A standard 4" dryer vent is too small for most cabinet lasers, most use a 6" duct so be sure to take that into consideration when selecting a location.
Here is a video showing how to drill a hole in your exterior wall: OMTech 100w Red Black Laser Venting. When drilling into the wall, check to be sure there are no pipes or wires in the wall (it's a good idea to drill a pilot hole first). In addition, you want to place your inline fan as close to the end of the run as possible (this was not done in the video).
Remove the internal factory fan. For the internal fan, some people leave them connected, and some pull them out. It depends on your school of thought. Pulling the fan out is fairly easy, but varies by model. My recommendation is to remove the fan so it does not restrict air flow.
a. Unplug the machine.
b. The fan is sandwiched between a square plate and the exhaust flange, unscrew them.
c. Remove the internal fan by removing the four screws from the square mounting plate and then the two screws and nuts from the fan.
d. If you have a yellow or green ground wire attached to one of the screws, reconnect it when you attach the flange in the next step.
e. Screw the plate and exhaust flange back together.
f. Unsolder the two black wires from the internal fan. The fan has two insulating sleeves you can slide down to expose the wires. Unsolder the wires and cap with wire nuts. The fan is 120V, so be sure the wire nuts are on tight. You may use electrical tape over the wire nuts if it makes you feel more comfortable.
Determine the mounting location for the AC Infinity Inline Fan. It is important to get this as close to the end of the run as possible.
Connect the Ducting In. Connect the ducting from the laser to the input on the inline fan using the supplied clamps.
TIP: For best results, I suggest limiting the combined length of the ducting in and out to 25-feet or less, if possible. I would also limit the number of sharp bends to four or less, and gradual bends are better than sharp bends. I would also try to keep the pipe moving upward if possible.Connect the Ducting Out. Connect the ducting from the output of the inline fan to the optional exhaust vent or short extension pipe using the supplied clamps.
Installation is complete.
NOTE: If you have a model with two 6" fans you have two options: 1.) use two 6" fans, or 2.) use an 8" fan with a 6" x 6" x 8" wye duct (see optional 8" parts below for this configuration).
Required Components and Tools for the Exhaust Fan:
Optional 6" Ducting, Vents and Tools for the Exhaust Fan :
AC Infinity Flexible 6" Black Aluminum Ducting ** Optional **
6" Backdraft Damper ** Option 1 **
6" Hole Saw ** Optional, for use with Option 1 **
6" Stainless Steel Louvre Air Vent ** Option 2 **
5 3/4" Hole Saw ** Optional, for use with Option 2 **
3/4" x 10" x 96" PVC Trim Board ** Optional **
Optional 8" Exhaust Fan, Vents, and Ducting:
AC Infinity Cloudline S8 Quiet 8" Inline Fan ** Optional **
8" x 6" x 6" Wye Duct ** Optional **
8" Galvanized Steel Hooded Wall Vent ** Optional **