Add a laser to your CNC

[@perrycrutchfield7546]

Another outstanding effort Howard. I especially like the details such as how to route the wires back to the controller. For us "visual learners" this is a big plus. Keep the great work coming!

[@aroppymoo]

Best video I've seen this year. Thank you!

[@jessecuara4641]

Dang I’m glad I found u . I’m getting mine in a few days. I would need help with ur Mach 3 settings. Thank u

[@RichA7CV41]

Thank you for this Howard.....just bought my laser and this helps out a lot. Appreciate it.

[@thewoodmaster]

You Welcome drop me a line when your up and running.

[@RichA7CV41]

@@thewoodmaster All up and running. Thanks again!! Now to play! :) Subscribed as well!

[@OptLasers]

Great video, as always ! :) We are very pleased!

[@ihisrl]

A nice and detailed guide, thanks!

[@bryanboemmels8010]

22:06 Great video! How do you switch between using the spindle and laser? Is it just 2 different Mach3 profiles or to you have to switch the connections every time?

[@thewoodmaster]

Yes you just use the profile for the laser.

[@JanetDiaz6152]

Cool

[@darrenwindross7017]

Hello Howard. Thank you for the great video. Just wandering if the post processor you supplied Jeremy with worked on his set up. I have the same set up as Jermy. Thank you.

[@thewoodmaster]

I would think so but can't say for sure .

[@stvcolwill]

nice video, thanks for sharing. I just installed my set up exactly like yours (your model with the air assist ans the uSpot upgrade). Just wanted to let you know that I did the exact thing initially putting the connector in the top of the controller instead of the opposite side. Yesterday it was Labor Day and I didn't think any support would be open (although I'm not so sure since this company is out of Poland). Anyways I was able to test all kinds on the scrap MDF that I had already on my bed. Today I just ordered a Rotary Axis so that I can engrave bottles and metallic Water mug/bottles etc. It should arrive Thurs. So I'm building another bracket so that I can have much more clearance to achieve that. Hopefully up to a four inch diameter cup/bottle. Exciting and very reachable times we live in, right?

[@jonathansholar4437]

Hey great video. So I just got my laser in am currently installing it. Do you have a video on your air assist? I have an airbrush compressor I can use if it will work. Or an easier setup if possible.

[@thewoodmaster]

I tried the airbrush compressor and it got scary hot. I ran a line from my maid compressor and got fitting to reduce it down to the size needed for the laser. I have a gauge and a shutoff valve at the CNC so I can tell how many lbs of air I am delivering. Works great.

[@jonathansholar4437]

@@thewoodmaster OK I'll get on Amazon and see if I can find a reducer fitting and valve and an air dryer, I know they suggest 10-15 L flow.

[@davidweber8178]

I just found this video. Do you have a list of the components your purchased from the laser company? Thanks

[@thewoodmaster]

Here is the affiliate link to Opt Lasers. Go to products and click the make of your cnc and they have complete kits with everything you need. Here is the link optlasersgrav.com/?opt=y2142

[@Hambone556]

Mr Howard, love the video it is exactly what I was looking for to get me up and running. I currently have the same laser installed in a pro4896 CNC router parts (pre avid CNC) and an running aspire 10.5 with the laser module installed. The issue I am having is the post processor. I have nothing in the laser module that outputs in a way I can use it. Is there any way I could get a copy of your post processor file?

[@thewoodmaster]

You can download the one I use, dont know if it will work on yours, let me know if it does. Try it with the Quick engrave tool and then try it with the Laser cut tool sdppminc-my.sharepoint.com/:u:/g/personal/howard_sdppm_com/EZKbJg97NshMufjY60_tr78BaFQaAm4EgW2SB9OQo61kCw?e=tuq5de

[@jessecuara4641]

Also I have 2 Mach 3’s one that came with my cnc plasma and one I got off line because I like the look of it . I switch back and forth . Can I choose either one to be a dedicated laser and other for my cnc plasma. Is that possible ?

[@thewoodmaster]

You could do that, but you don't need to. Just set up your profile for the Laser, and when you start Mach 3, the first screen will give you the opportunity to choose the profile you want.

[@nazadworld7776]

Hello Howard, I'm also trying to find ways to install A 40W laser on My 1325 Weihong Nk105 Controlled CNC Machine... but the problem is I couldn't find any Diode laser & laser controller Compatible with our controller. Please update me if you have any way to do so Note that I'm in India so Let me Know.. Thankyou, Love from INDIA.

[@thewoodmaster]

I wish I could help you but I am not familiar with that controller. Sorry

[@hungngo8075]

Hello Howard, great video Sir. I am in the process of installing a laser on my CNC router. Do you use the same Aspire program for your Router as well? Or is there a separate program for each process (laser/router)? Thanks in advance!

[@thewoodmaster]

Same Software for both

[@maher3561]

Hi there just like to ask what post processor are you using for Mach 3 thank you in advance

[@elconstructor7747]

good afternoon that has a gcode for mach 4 in mm

[@radikult-custom]

Where did you buy the laser? Do you have a link for it ?

[@thewoodmaster]

Opt Lasers Link optlasers.com/?opt=y2142

[@markcox9107]

how much air flow did you have on

[@thewoodmaster]

I am not sure as I am temporarily using an airbrush compressor to supply the air. I have a line coming from my shop compressor which I will be using with a flow gauge. When I get that hooked up I will see where it needs to be for best performance.

[@stvcolwill]

They (OPT) say to start with no more than 5 liters per minute, which to me sounds pretty low.