5 Things New Diode Laser Engraver Owners NEED to Know

[@LetsMakeAThing]

Thinking about selling the items you make with your new laser? Be sure to check out my video on starting a laser business here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6fUgoKNecarfqc

[@Bandrik]

Knowledge is the true gold in the information age. I might actually buy your course. Even if I can find all the same info elsewhere, there is a premium on having it neatly packaged and presented as good as you do it. Thank you

[@LetsMakeAThing]

Thank you that means a lot!

[@johanvdp8236]

Aside from the great content, you have the most perfect voice for instructional videos! Well done!!!

[@LetsMakeAThing]

Thank you! I've always been told I have a face for radio. 🤣

[@raikok3445]

you are the first person to even mention doing a sloping focus test, nor have i been able to come up with this idea myself. thank you and instantly subscribed!

[@LetsMakeAThing]

Thank you! Glad you found it useful!

[@TS-ez3rf]

Seriously. This video should be a MUST WATCH for ANYONE looking to start working with ANY laser. Great job sir!

[@LetsMakeAThing]

Thank you. I appreciate that!

[@theamaturepro]

You might be the first person selling a video course that I buy into. I don't even know if there's a cost, but if so, you've earned my business! I appreciate that you're advertising teaching how to use something without any wild promises or benefits. This is the first video I've seen of yours so I'm excited to see what your channel has to offer! Thank you.

[@LetsMakeAThing]

Thank you. Appreciate the compliment!

[@HTMLguruLady2]

This is THE BEST intro to diode lasers video on KZbin!! Thank you for making it.

[@LetsMakeAThing]

Thank you! I really appreciate that!

[@digitalghosts4599]

Invaluable video! I really love how informative this video is and how it goes against dumb hype in a very informative and professional way and will probably save people from loosing thousands of dollars on the wrong tools or health bills, by properly educating them before they buy something bad. I've heard of so many people running those open engravers in their rooms without any fume exhaust or enclosure and I was just in sheer disbelief that they didn't even ask themselves how dangerous it can be...

[@LetsMakeAThing]

Thank you!

[@Zetman156]

Thank you for this video! Very informative, I had no idea if the 20w Diode laser would cut metal or acrylic before I bought it

[@LetsMakeAThing]

Glad you liked it!

[@malaythakkar8772]

It can cut marked acrylic or black acrylic

[@barrybaker5135]

yep getting started with all this is so hard . if your not good with laptops and software you will need help . saying that they are a great addition to any work shop

[@jf5336]

I wonder if the laser manufacturers default to having KZbinr creators do their training for them? Unpaid, of course. So glad I found you, my first ever diode laser arrives Friday.

[@LetsMakeAThing]

Good luck with your new diode laser! I hope you make some awesome stuff with it!

[@soerenhuba]

Agreed. I hope for the public's health that more folks find your work.

[@apricotdog]

​@@LetsMakeAThingThank you for this! I finished my test burn yesterday (a pre-programmed and calibrated project that came with the laser) and then I was left thinking "Well now what?".

[@luissoco]

Best overview ever.

[@LetsMakeAThing]

Thank you!

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

I have been using diode lasers for 5 years plus. And I agree with everything thing you have to say. 😁🛫

[@LetsMakeAThing]

Thank you!

[@jackfitzgerald6927]

Curits you always give GREAT information.

[@LetsMakeAThing]

Thank you! Glad you find my videos helpful!

[@3gunshooter60]

I just bought a xtool S1 20w laser. It seems like xtool has taken care of a lot of the issues you are talking about. That being said, YT has a myriad of videos to watch and learn about all of the issues you covered here. Thanks for the valuable information.

[@23names]

THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST LASER VIDEO I HAVE SEEN, GREAT JOB ON THE VIDEO, YOU ARE RIGHT ON EVERYTHING YOU SAID, I HAVE SAID THE SAME EXACT THINGS MANY TIMES, WHEN I FIRST GOT MY LASER, I WATCHED A LOT OF LASER VIDEOS TO HAVE NO ANSWERS, EVEN MORE CONFUSED AND FRUSTRATED MORE THAN BEFORE, ONCE I DECIDED TO TRY THINGS MY WAY, THINGS WORKED OUT, NOW ENGRAVING IS EASY ON A 20 WATT DIODE LASER, I KNOW WHAT WORKS, WHAT DOES NOT, WHERE I MAKE MISTAKES, AND HOW TO CORRECT THEM, THERE ARE ACTUALLY A LOT OF THINGS TO LEARN AND KNOW, LIKE WHERE TO SET UP LASER, ANCHORING LASER TO A TABLE TO PREVENT MOVEMENT OR SHIFTING OF THE LASER UNIT, A LASER ENCLOSURE(I MADE MY OWN), EXHAUST FAN AND FILTER, COOLING SET UP FOR KEEP THE AIR COOL INSIDE OF THE ENCLOSURE, CLEANING THE LASER, MAINTENANCE OF THE LASER, POWER SPEED NUMBERS FOR DIFFERENT MATERIALS, THAT TAKES A LOT OF TIME AND A LOT OF TEST, I HAVE A NOTEBOOK WITH ALL OF THE NUMBERS POSER SPEED MATERIALS, TYPE OF FINISH, PREPARATION OF MATERIALS BEFOR LASER ENGRAVING, THERE IS MUCH KORE, ALSO SETTING UP THE PROJECT ON THE COMPUTER, AND ALL OF THOSE SETTINGS, THERE IS MUCH MORE THSN THIS, BUT IT EVENTUALLY BECOMES SECOND NATURE

[@LetsMakeAThing]

Thank you!

[@youteacher78]

I was trained as a CNC miller on Siemens and Haas but have been a mechanic for last couple of years. I also have some basic experience with photoshop and video editing. So the learning curve after getting a laser 3 days ago wasn't to bad. Even the g-code is pretty basic actually compared to milling. But if you have none of that background it's gonna be a wild ride. 😅

[@michaelbuzbee5123]

Very good video but I need to know one thing. What was that noise at 4:06?

[@LetsMakeAThing]

It's audio glitch that I missed while editing.

[@paultan4198]

So easy to understand

[@LetsMakeAThing]

Thank you!

[@BB-hc9ei]

In one of your videos, you mention an online training video. Where do I find this? I’m new to diode laser. I need someone to walk me through this process. Thank you.

[@LetsMakeAThing]

The training I mentioned in the video is my course, Laser Learning: Diode Edition. The link to that is in the video description.

[@tseckwr3783]

Thanks for making this video. Eye safety is foremost in laser use.

[@LetsMakeAThing]

You're welcome!

[@paullampru3591]

I have a screened in porch. 20x20 feet. When it rains, some mist will come in. Can I keep and use the lazer there…keeping it covered up when not in use?😮

[@yvonneomalley3332]

I can't afford your course but it does sound good for all newbies, good luck everyone

[@musicamex]

You are a good teacher with concise, clearly presented information. thanks for the emphasis on safety. We tend to overlook health risks especially nano particles that we breathe in, created in abundance with a laser.

[@LetsMakeAThing]

Thank you!

[@chris_gamedev]

Can you show us your k40 co2 laser?, tips and tricks? :)

[@LetsMakeAThing]

Sadly, the K40 doesn't work. I bought it used with plans to upgrade it with a bigger tube and cutting area, but haven't had the time. However, keep an eye out because in the next few weeks I'm hopefully getting a bigger and better desktop CO2 laser and I'll be sharing lots of how-to videos with that one!

[@gilaraujo]

Great advise overall OD4 vs OD6 goggles i have conflicting thoughts on From own experience guiding plenty of users, the OD6 tend to cause a contrarian effect. As they filter a lot, users cant see the dot when framing, and they tend to "LIFT" them Therfore they defeat compleatly the purpuse by being too good I always sugest, Premium goggles to stand about and wearing them all the time, as they are confortable OD4 to do the fine tunning by machine

[@LetsMakeAThing]

Good advice! Thanks for sharing!

[@karljolley8346]

also, I feel that just venting out side is not the best option or rather a complete solution. As I prepare to get a laser, setting up the area, first putting it inside of a closed box, then I am putting a vent to the outside that goes into a 55 gal drum; sort of like the dust catchers in a wood shop. This swirls the contaminated air, with a little liquid in the barrel and through a filter to finally venting to the world. I started thinking that just because it is vented outside, is it really taken care of? or is it a problem being moved to another area.

[@LetsMakeAThing]

Yes filtering the exhaust would be the best method.

[@Beecher_Dikov]

Unless you have fifty running at the same time the output smoke is infinitesimal.

[@redtruckhomes]

Man I wish I would've seen this video before buying a pack of acrylic to cut keychains! Was wondering why they didn't cut! LOL Looks like wood it is! Thank you so much!

[@LetsMakeAThing]

Sorry you wasted money on the acrylic!

[@davekimbler2308]

I have a TTS 10w laser now would it be worth buying an Inferred laser ? I'd put it on a 400 x 400 frame keeping my 10w on the 300 x 300 and taking the 2.5 off thye 400 x 400 giving me a 400 x 400 Inferred and a 10w 300 x 300 diode and a 5.5 w 300 x 300 .on stilts and rotary thus having 3 machines doing 3 different things but i cant get past the $500 price tag ?!

[@LetsMakeAThing]

I cannot recommend an infrared module. They don't truly engrave metal, they just mark it and they are notoriously hard to get and keep in focus while running. They have such a narrow focal distance that if your piece isn't perfectly flat it will go out of focus and cause issues.

[@davekimbler2308]

@@LetsMakeAThing I bought a K40+CO2 today so a inferred is on back burner but thanks for your input !

[@Gigiuzv]

Very good video. Thx

[@LetsMakeAThing]

Glad you liked it!

[@droiid6547]

omg this ccontent is perfect

[@LetsMakeAThing]

Thank you!

[@mastersarge4429]

for using a diode laser for metal you NEED to use cold galvanizing spray paint. if the metal is not coated via chemical etching like metal dog tags for business cards, the laser will burn off that layer, leaving the bare metal behind. the CGS is used for bare metal and works extremely well. I've used this method on Zippo lighters and metal ornaments for family and business. also can be used on glass but I have not had a chance to try this yet.

[@holliday9416]

Hi friend, if i buy lightburn still will need a graphics software in order to precess images and then pasto to lightburn to cut or engrave? so far i got a sculpfun s30 22w thanks a lot!

[@LetsMakeAThing]

Yes you will need something to preprocess your images. I recommend Imag-R www.imag-r.com/

[@cindywhite9754]

I have an xtool F1 ultra - and I use their software~ can you use Lightburn with my machine? Also, I was , but I’m confused as to what level of Lightbourn software I need. Thank you.

[@LetsMakeAThing]

I am not sure about using Lightburn with the F1 ultra. I have one on the way so I haven't had a chance to test it yet. If it does work with Lightburn I believe you will need the Pro version. The pro version is the only one that supports galvo fiber lasers.

[@cindywhite9754]

@ ok great! So good to know, thanks!

[@lucsteffens]

Yup, lightburn is really the best+

[@LetsMakeAThing]

It really is!

[@morrigan908]

There's no link to your course in the video description. There are four links--a defunct one to a video about infrared lasers, an MIT article, and two Amazon links to safety glasses and a TT enclosure. Would you please either modify the description or reply here with the link?

[@LetsMakeAThing]

Sorry, the course is no longer available.

[@jayzazu]

So i have an IR 1064nm attachment for my diode laser. Are the air issues the same if i use it on metals, will it be safe on its own, or can a filter work for that. Also, its a higher wavelength. Will that work for clear acrylic and glass?

[@LetsMakeAThing]

You want to vent your laser regardless of what you are engraving. The IR wavelength will interact with clear acrylic but I haven't done enough testing to confirm if it's viable. I know on my tests it just melted the plastic and didn't vaporize it. Plus the focal distance is so short the beam spreads too much to cut through material.

[@digitalghosts4599]

I'd also recommend simply venting it outside rather than using a filter that vents indoors. Filters get saturated over time and unless it's properly checked and certified, you have no way of knowing how dangerous it becomes over time. Resin printers have the same issue and I'm shocked with how many people simply run them in the same room they live... Sadly, Chinese manufacturers have no interest in informing their users of the serious health risks. Regarding the wavelength, you can google light transmission plots for many transparent materials such as plexiglass or macrolon and from those plots you can see that the lowest light transmission is around 1700nm or past 2000nm range for many types of acrylic. That's basically the optimal wavelength to cut these materials, because it means that the material no longer appears transparent within that wavelength and the laser will cut it, since it encounters "resistance". From those plots, it seems that 1064nm will not cut, since acrylic sheets appear transparent for that wavelength, but you never know - maybe in practice it will work, just pretty poorly.

[@oaklejant]

Can the diode laser cut some fabrics like polyester?

[@lapdog5355]

I never found a link to "laser learning diode Edition"

[@LetsMakeAThing]

It's the first link in the description of the video. In case it's not working for you here is a direct link: letsmakeathing.com/llde

[@lightzang1303]

What is the difference between the "Dustproof Cover Enclosure" and the "Aclyric Enclosure."

[@LetsMakeAThing]

One is a soft cover made of fiberglass and other non flammable fabrics and the other is a hard shell made of acrylic.

[@lightzang1303]

@@LetsMakeAThing Oh, so they both equally help with ventilation and eye protection and the only difference is the type of material they are made of.

[@EricInCalgary]

I have spent months, so far, setting up my laser engraver. I have done everything you've mentioned. Still have to get an extinguisher. The laser printer came with a link to lightburn saying it will work well on my Windows computer. I haven't used windows in over 10 years and I can't find any other software for Linux. I am currently investigating writing my own but would rather not

[@williamcovey2330]

There is a Mac OS version...

[@sorenac]

Only issue with LB license, is that once the year is done, you won't get any updates and have to return to a previous version of Lightburn that dosnt have the updates in the newer versions.... Otherwise on point for the other stuff 😁

[@LetsMakeAThing]

The nice thing is they offer a super inexpensive upgrade option so you can stay up to date. At time of recording it's $30 USD for a full year of updates. Most software companies want to charge you $30+ per MONTH for their software these days.

[@sorenac]

@@LetsMakeAThing true that :) However that's basically still a subscription solution :) But maybe I should look into that :)

[@ModelLights]

OK, haven't watched the video yet, but I've said this for ages. Go check the pass on even $1500 glass laser goggles. It's usually about 1%. In other words once you get over about 100 mW even $1500 goggles aren't good enough for direct or a strong reflection. When you're talking 20 and 40 W lasers they are way over eye damage power even with almost any goggle. The ONLY 100% way to actually be sure your eyes aren't getting slowly degraded is to break the optical loop. Use a camera to observe the area, and view through a monitor, with light blocked everywhere else. That's 100% no matter the laser power level, nothing else will be. If you set it up correctly so it matches the space, it will be about as easy to work through the video link. And you only need to do this when it's actually on, set up etc you can do visually, just use the link for watching it in operation. Read up on welders and flash blindness, from being slack with eye protection around welding. You do not want long term cumulative eye damage. I've known a few people with that, part of why I was keyed in to check the specs on laser goggles from the start.

[@DrCognitive]

I found using the laser engraver much easier than learning how to use a 3D printer!

[@beng2708]

Are there any masks that are suitable. I'm good friends with a PPE company for tradespeople.

[@LetsMakeAThing]

Anything to remove VOCs will help but I highly recommend using an enclosure and extractor fan.

[@j.4941]

If you only laser wood, the exhaust shouldn’t be more unhealthy than sitting near a campfire, right?

[@Pef273]

I think my wood stove and belt sander will smother me long before the little particles from the diode get me.

[@jeffroberts5687]

Your comments about "Cutting" Acrylic are not exactly correct. I am using a 10watt laser and I am cutting 1/8" acrylic 32% white Translucent fine. Took a while to dial in the settings but my Longer Ray5 is cutting it. 120 Speed / 100% (5) Passes.

[@LetsMakeAThing]

When I said clear acrylic I mean 100% transparent. You're able to cut translucent white because it has pigment that absorbs the wavelength of the diode allowing the material to heat up and be vaporized. Clear acrylic has no pigment and the wavelength of a diode laser is too small to be absorbed by the clear acrylic. Glad you were able to dial in the translucent white!

[@TheWhisleblower]

Strange I've been cutting acrylic all day with a diode laser I must be magic😃

[@LetsMakeAThing]

100% clear acrylic?

[@TheWhisleblower]

No problem@@LetsMakeAThing

[@LetsMakeAThing]

@@TheWhisleblower Just making sure I'm on the same page. You are able to cut all the way through 100% clear acrylic with a regular blue diode laser? Not just engrave it but you can literally cut a sheet of clear acrylic into multiple pieces?

[@Cleaner-World]

"PACE!"

[@farnarkleboy]

Have you redone your voice ?

[@cmdr_stretchedguy]

Most 3D printers are the same way, same with any other complicated device.

[@mtz3843]

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