Thunder Laser Nova 24
Early in the year 2020 I decided to purchase a Laser / Engraver to provide my customers with choices regarding marking, carving and engraving. After looking at several machine brands, I settled on Thunder Laser because of the machine size, quality reputation, excellent US support and cost. When you take delivery of a Thunder Laser, it is ready to go. Thunder Laser structures their pricing to include shipping, LightBurn software, an industrial quality chiller, an exhaust fan, an air assist pump and a tool box with everything necessary to maintain the machine and associated optics.
In preparation for receiving the machine, I built a custom table measuring 46″ wide, 42″ deep and 19″ tall. This put the machine at a comfortable working height of 41″ and provided enough space behind the machine to mount the in-line exhaust fan. The machine weighs 300 lbs. so the table had to be fairly substantial. My biggest challenge was cutting a 6″ diameter hole in my house and running ductwork to the outside but it all worked out perfectly. I was able to run the machine and chiller with existing electrical outlets although to be on the safe side, I run the two devices on separate circuits.
The crate was delivered by UPS Freight and arrived undamaged and securely packaged.
The top of the crate was pried off to reveal the Nova 24 securely wrapped in plastic and surrounded by foam padding at all the corners. The tool box sat on top of the chiller which was equally secure and protected.
The chiller, tool box and padding are revealed when one end of the crate is removed.
A quick look at the other side of the machine as the crate is opened.
Looking at the rear of the machine once the top and sides of the crate were removed. I was very impressed with how secure the machine was shipped.
After removing the plastic wrap from the outside of the machine, the lid was opened to reveal the air pump and exhaust fan sitting on top of the honeycomb table. The honeycomb table was also zip tied to the frame so there was no possibility of movement.
A quick peek inside the laser tube compartment confirmed that the tube was well protected against breakage with a couple of foam pads.
I am fortunate to have a chain fall in my garage and another in the basement to lift heavy objects. Here the machine is being lifted from the crate base in preparation for turning it on end for transporting it into the basement. If such equipment is not available, I would recommend a minimum of 4 strong men help move the machine.
The machine was loaded onto a furniture dolly for the move to my basement. My son handled the dolly by himself while I was there for additional support in case it was needed. Our doorways are 31.25″ wide and the machine fit nicely through all the openings.
Once downstairs, the machine was hoisted onto the table I had previously built to accommodate the machine. Notice that the 19″ table height includes wheels in case I need to move the machine. Actually, most of my machines are on wheels because I’m short on space so I have to move things around occasionally for various projects. I built levelers into the table legs. The Nova 24 does not have leveling pads.
A look at the back side of the table showing a bracket that I made to mount the exhaust fan. The machine is butted up against another table that I use for assembly of my current projects. I’m happy with how everything came together and I’m looking forward to years of productivity and fun with my new Nova 24 by Thunder Laser.
