Adding A Laser Cutter to My CNC

[@tomnorman5461]

Good for you Frank...lucky dog! I hope that "laser upgrade" package came with a high-quality pair (or two) of safety glasses.

[@TheTrueStarGalaxy11]

Looks like a great product, my only concern is that most laser cutters have a full cover and that’s for a good reason. One of the main issues is obviously the risk of being blinded by the laser. Just want to reinforce that these open air laser cutters come with more risks than conventional ones!

[@AverageJoe928]

Yep, really hope he's wearing certified laser goggles for the wavelength of his cutter. Some of the cheaper open air laser cutter kits come with knock off goggles that should be replaced by anyone that cares about their vision!

[@dieterlamm1819]

I agree this stuff is really dangerous, and no one else should be in the shop while operating.

[@dpmakestuff]

This kit comes with protective glasses so I'm sure he's wearing them

[@Craftlngo]

@@dpmakestuff he hasn't showed it in the video, I'm concerned Frank is not aware of the dangers a Laser has.

[@dpmakestuff]

@@Craftlngo does Frank really strike you as someone not aware? He’s no fool.

[@josemoral8768]

Great idea, my concern is there should an enclosure and or the correct safety eye wear

[@samhklm]

Its been said here , but it is worth repeating. - The laser cutter cover AND ventilation are MUST HAVES.

[@I_Do_Not_Know_What_I_am_Doing]

I agree. I think the dust collection might be able to pull some smoke if it were configured effectively.

[@bryangrady5661]

Its always a pleasure to spend a Sunday morning and a cop of coffee with you!

[@tomreijtenbach7154]

Nice upgrade! I always love your CNC videos. I use my laser + spindle CNC to mark the locations of the hold down screws so the bit doesnt hit them later. Works perfectly because the board does not experience sideway forces by using the laser so it cannot offset the piece. Just lay the board on the CNC bed and screw it down after the laser is done.

[@frankmakes]

I like this idea

[@HGKaya]

You can make a jig for the razor blade attachment. Spring loaded balls in front and back side, it will glide but will push the paper down when the razor goes up. Some suction under the table does the job pretty good as well. Or you can mark outer lines around the cutting zones and staple outside to held it down. For fumes, you might need to add a filter somewhere in your dust collector and a seperate line for the laser attachment. Eye protection with sides, a makeshift enclosure or attachment around the laser would be a good idea. You might not have enough time to react before going blind, if some reflection hits your eyes. Locking the doors during operation or putting a sign is also necessary, especially if kids visit your shop frequently. A cap over the laser lens might be good idea to prevent dust getting onto the optics of the laser. I havent seen laser and router side by side until now, but dust might become an issue for the little optics on the laser. Even the fumes of the burning material can mess up your optics and reduce output power. Depending on your unit, cleaning might be a nightmare. If anyone is wanting a laser to mark wood, you can buy cheap spring loaded pens and make an adapter to put in in the shaft of the router. You can turn the spindle off and use it to mark or draw on the surface, it works wonders for marking bend lines on thin sheet metals, it is not a replacement laser, but cheap enough to try for simple stuff. Sorry for being annoying by commenting on safety, but, seriously, we want to watch your creations for a long time. I hope you take some precautions, diresta would mock us, john heisz would lecture us telling that he knows but is comfortable with things as they are, but i hope, you will not ignore some lighthearted concerns.

[@frankmakes]

It came with some nice eye protective goggles that go over my glasses. And so far I've been good about wearing them. It also came with a little cap to go over the end of the laser. Which I have not been so good about remembering to put back on again. Lol . I want to figure out how to let my dust collection vent outside when I need it to.

[@benbrown8363]

I keep an old crappy lipstick in my tool box for transferring blind markings in the manner you described for the card install. It isn't drippy and, while it stays put, it also transfers easily.

[@jasrenfro9856]

A stepper bit will prevent cut a cleaner sheet metal whole and will never dive and spin wildly because the bit is a cone. Great videos. ❤

[@idontthinkso666]

Words order sense make not.

[@fredquinn3919]

Can't wait to see what projects you come up with using this new feature!! Bound to be fantastic!!!

[@bgpappy30]

Thank you for sharing this with us all Frank. I am so excited to see your future projects now again. I love watching your channel and I know it takes time to make videos. I just always look forward to seeing yours.

[@FabricateUnclear]

Frank is going to be unstoppable with newer projects! a mixture of lasers and cnc work at the same time

[@canadianboyd1848]

Patterning an organic surface as a detail for a piece would be really cool. seeing the laser engraving across waves or something like that. It may also be a useful layout tool for hand carving something; reference points and all that. I also would love to see it incorporated into another lighting project. I loved the plywood design you were working on and would love to see you reapproach that or something similar again.

[@xyzspec82]

Also did that to my DIY CNC. It's a really cool tool to add. I love your channel Frank 😊

[@neobaggins3718]

Get some OD7+ ANSI certified goggles. They range from about $100-200 and will protect you from any vision damage from the dot of the laser. Make sure they also cover the wavelength of your laser. Should be around the 455 nm range, so goggles will be orange or yellow in color. But they should have the wavelength coverage listed as should your laser.

[@TrevorDennis100]

My team designed and built a device fore measuring torsional vibration using a laser a very long time ago. It was a fairly powerful laser and worked perfectly and had a way better sampling rate than the thousand tooth encoder we used previously (this was for measuring crankshaft vibration at Ford UK Product Development) but the safety people wouldn't let us use it, even in controlled locations, because there was too much risk of leakage hitting someone in the face.

[@frankmakes]

It came with a set of goggles exactly as you describe. I also ordered a second pair for any guests that come to the shop.

[@jbrito2699]

Hi Frank, as always excellent work, I've had a laser machine for some time and the advice I give you is to seriously think about closing the machine so you don't have the risk of the laser reflection causing an injury.

[@alanesq1]

I did this myself recently on my CNC router, they are a handy tool to have, very good for engraving and have a very thin cut line which can be handy. I didn't see what eye protection you have but please make sure the goggles you have are decent ones which are certified for the wavelength and power of your laser and no one (or pets) can get in (or see in) your workshop when the laser is in use. You or your viewers may not realise how dangerous these lasers can be.

[@olestampevestergaard4746]

If you did not already think of it, you could use it to lay out on a sheet what you want to cut, to show us, and then either not film the actual cutting, or time-lapse it

[@howesfull8]

Don't you have a rotating axis on your CNC down at the end of the table? It would be interesting to see the continents burned (drawn) on a turned sphere.

[@tomreijtenbach7154]

My first thought exactly!

[@owenjones9608]

Excellent! To drill accurate holes in alumin(i)um, I use pieces of clear 3mm thick polycarbonate as guides, mark it for the locations, drill it, then place over the aluminium.

[@homerj1640]

The quality of your videos is always amazing! Well done! I can't wait to see what you come up with next.

[@sparkyprojects]

You should get a set of step drills, it's too easy for a twist drill to get pulled too far into a cabinet full of wires, i've done it myself., also, the step above the one you're cutting will deburr the hole If there isn't a shield, i hope you were wearing the proper protection glasses.

[@JNWoodworks]

Nice video Frank. It was good to see what the final production version of this kit looks like (I had bits and peices of a protoype). I can't wait to see what you make with it!

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic, Frank! Congrats! 😃 The laser is going to open a whole new world for you! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@LeonardVolner]

Not sure if it's possible to use the drag knife at a 45 degree angle from the z axis, but if it were possible, you could hide the scoring needed for the bends on the inside of the model. This would also probably strengthen your joins having a bit more meat to grab onto on either side.

[@andrewross5978]

Really liked the lightsaber sound effect, great touch!!!

[@ShredPile]

What a cool thing, I wonder if you took a picture of a spalted or similarly featured board and ran it thru some kind of facial recognition and then used the laser to outline or enhance what it found somehow. Might make a neat chAIrcuterie board.....

[@ApexWoodworks]

Frank, the laser's mounting kit is more heavy duty than the Z-axis mount of my CNC! Impressive!!

[@speedbird8326]

Frank, very pleased you included Tasmania on your globes.

[@glowhazel]

this looks cool, but i'd be worried that the dust collection wouldn't be sufficient for the fumes generated by laser cutting?

[@GeraldJensen]

Welcome to the laser vortex! Suggest you add a honeycomb bed to the mix ... easier to hold thin stock down and cleaner burns when cutting.

[@frankmakes]

I've been looking at those. I need to get something like that

[@JimPeachley]

Very nice, Frank. If you made 2 or 3 reference marks all the way through the cardboard, could you then flip it over and make your cut-lines on the backside. That should allow you to close up your globe without any breaks in the finished surface.

[@AlanW]

That globe is very Buckminster Fuller-esque!

[@Shae_Sandybanks]

Looks pretty cool. How will you add a cover and fume extractor to it?

[@jonathan__g]

Can't wait to see a bowl made using the CNC and laser cutter for enscribing an image onto it.

[@huntz3215]

Interesting to see what you come up with in future projects with this upgrade. Should play "Danger Will Robinson Danger" when manipulating the dust tubes like you do with Homer - Table goes up, table goes down.

[@Rsama60]

I remember the first CNC machine. I’m an engineer and One of the sayings we had: „the work is finished, it can be changed“ Btw bout the safety concerns all was said below.

[@AW-pz3qc]

Would a rotary cutter blade work better than the fixed blade and produce a cleaner, deeper cut?

[@lsdave]

Frank, you should pick up a step drill bit for the odd time you need to make holes in sheet metal.

[@frankmakes]

Yes

[@idontthinkso666]

I got a couple at Harbor Freight for the rare times I need step drill bits. Works fine, super cheap.@@frankmakes

[@dpmakestuff]

The biggest problem for me with this laser was the smoke it created. Thats where enclosed lasers have the leg up.

[@onmywayout]

Good source of free chip board: the toilet paper layer separators at Costco.

[@d.i.d]

OPT Lasers 💪 great laser heads from Poland 💪

[@Rail_digital]

Gran trabajo, muchas gracias desde España

[@buffalojones341]

Hey Frank, I always get excited when you have new videos out. This was no exception. One thing I would love would be to see some more of your design process whenever you use blender or aspire. Have a great day!

[@maxpool162]

Major downside of add-on laser is that router table has to be sturdy and therefore heavy, limiting acceleration and maximum movement speed. Therefore you are usually getting stuck with low feed rates and thus slow cutting/engraving speed. Some CNC controllers also are not able to modulate laser power based on actual head speed, thus smaller details get overburnt and straight lines, where F is reached get much less exposure. But anyway it works if you manage to set it right and don't plan to run it for production.

[@woodywood1951]

Hi Frank! As usual, pretty nice video... where did you buy the "drag blade"? (time 15:00) Thanks for your time

[@frankmakes]

It's a Donek. You can get it on the Avid CNC website.

[@Rubbernecker]

Check out New Yorkshire Workshop, he made a very nice vacuum table.

[@craigsnowden]

Any additional info on that knife setup? Is the spindle turning it or does it just drag long and self centre?

[@xoxo2008oxox]

Been awhile but nice you see you back! I would have taken task with Avid to assist on the older revision panel or gotten that upgraded...regardless of the "free" laser since you will get them advertising aka influencer promo. I mean, if I were to invest in a CNC for my shop, Avid comes to mind thanks to Frank!

[@wmillios]

Where can I get that razor blade attachment? So cool!

[@DamianPenney]

A fun project is a relief map done with the cnc and then the streets/features lasered on top.

[@andrejohnson6731]

Big fan of your channel Frank! ❤ Apparently, your first polyhedron is called an icosahedron (20 sides). Thank google 😂

[@frankmakes]

I've looked up what all these shapes are called and then I end up forgetting. Lol

[@Cynyr]

Now avid just needs to come out with a 3d printing "spindle"...

[@frankmakes]

The first person I worked with at Avid.. back when it was CNC router parts. Was working on just that kind of system in his garage. He had it working but he found the world of people in 3D printing and the world that people in CNC were so vastly different. It was hard to it a commercial product.

[@coxsj]

+1 for the light sabre sound effects!!

[@465maltbie]

Use a step bit for drilling sheetmetal. Thanks for sharing. Charles

[@jacobdegeling]

I was imagining you doing air quotes every time you said "laser" dr evil style 😂

[@idontthinkso666]

Frank, you are amazing, and I love watching your projects. But this laser? Eh, it's underwhelming. Laser projects look so high school.

[@jrmintz1]

Fascinating! You once showed a pile of metalworking tools in your basement - did you ever set up your metal shop? FWIW, that's something I'd find interesting.

[@Harko-]

Is Frank trying to tell us that earth is not round, nor flat, but it is a dodecahedron? 🧐

[@Craftlngo]

Frank please! Working with an open Laser like in your case is dangerous for your eyesight. Even the reflected Laser light can damage your Retina! You should always use fitted goggles (letting no light through at the sides) with a filter specific to the wavelength of your Laser. And your dust extraction is not sufficient for the extraction of Laser fumes. The particles a Laser produces are way finer than any regular cutting tool could ever create. There are several fume extraction systems on the market specifically for Laser fumes.

[@ThoenWorks]

Wow - Pretty cool - I am really liking the new 44 watt #JTECHPHOTONICS laser I bought for my #OnefinityCNC. That laser seemed dramatically simpler to install and get running than the one you have there. Not sure about durability, but so far works great. Either way a great option to get started with laser.

[@missamo80]

There's no cover to protect your eyes from the laser, other than remembering to put on your safety glasses? That seems like an... odd... design choice on the part of Avid.

[@Maxid1]

4:18 High Tea and upgrading a controller box both require a pinky to be up.

[@moehoward01]

I new it! The Earth ISN'T a globe, or is it flat.... IT'S A DODECAHEDRON!!!!!

[@AtomskTheGreat]

i'm a bit baffled the company does not include either eye protection for the toolhead itself or any kind of ventilation/filter system. that's a hard no-go for me.

[@frankmakes]

It came with some nice goggles that go over my glasses to filter the laser light. I ordered a second pair if I have any guests in the shop.

[@arnhemseptember2009]

Amazing technology!

[@martinpanev6651]

Thats really cool! Having used a CO2 laser for quite some time, the diode lasers look quite underpowered but the massive volume of the CNC-Laser is probably suuppperr nice! The piston-compressed air system looks really nice- I have never seen something like that on any of the lasers I have worked with! I think routing something out of wood and doing laser-engraving on it in one setup could be cool, as well Awesome video as always, Frank!

[@freestyla101]

The CNC sounds like R2-D2

[@ethankincaid9022]

You should do a video about how you edit and make the graphics on your videos. The part install drawings that slide across the frame at 2:09 is great.

[@soniclab-cnc]

Hey AVID... upgrade time! Send me one too.

[@UncleChester]

Hello, I am curious if the subtle laughs/giggles we sometimes hear are organic to the voiceover or are they edited in for continuity? I have a nervous laugh when my social anxiety kicks in.

[@frankmakes]

I've never added a laugh in post. I've taken many out but I've never added any.

[@MrRobinhalligan]

so now Frank needs to see styropyro to upgrade his laser lol.

[@Warrigt]

Can you combine a laser cutter and a lathe....

[@hitnorcal]

I love Winco.

[@edadpops1709]

Get a set of step drills ,they are great for metal or wood

[@annas2912]

Eye protection???

[@AlbiesProductsOnline]

I never noticed before that you laugh at the end of nearly every sentence 😝

[@rumahseniparlinggoman6992]

Selalu menarik untuk ditonton. Terimakasih maestro...

[@funkuzo]

Te extrañaba Frank

[@Mike__B]

Be careful with that laser Frank, at 15 watts you're in the power range where reflections can cause eye damage, and the fact you can see the blue dot as it's doing it's lasing means you're seeing reflections. There really should be a cover over that entire laser that rides right off the surface of what you're cutting so you don't actually see the laser

[@d6c10k4]

That's what I was thinking.....a shield around the laser head plus a good pair of laser glasses in the right nm range.

[@williamellis8993]

Nice, Frank. Now Avid needs to figure out how to put a CO2 laser on that machine. Bill

[@doubledarefan]

Next project: Dymaxion Globe!

[@bascodelagamma]

👍

[@Dregg0]

Oh no! The glue bottle @ 14:10!!!

[@MarkPryor1]

Just bought a vision system laser from china. Conveyor belt. Two 120W lasers. 1610 size. Door to door shipping. $10k. I also own two Chinese cnc routers 4x8 and they have been work horses. If you have the space, by separate machines. But support and software with Chinese machines can suck. I have a 4x8 flatbed uv printer I'm not using because the support sucked.

[@squidskunk]

a diode 15watt laser is an engraver at best... the size of your bed is large however i don't see the value in spending 3700 on a 15watt engraver. can spend half that on a 40watt diode that's moveable.

[@Smokkedandslammed]

Do some laser and gold leaf stuff

[@T1nCh0]

Light power rust remover 😎

[@fleurdelune5240]

😊❤

[@sallyweiner4180]

Fun!

[@olechristensen2070]

Nice video, but you really nede af set of stepdrills!😮

[@lordnycon2186]

That's one way to "flat-earth" 😅

[@frankmakes]

Ha!

[@CaydensWoodworking]

Lets goooooooo

[@jasrenfro9856]

I know right?!

[@kevinwillis6707]

That's an awful lot of faffing about for a 15 watt diode laser, an expensive option as well

[@DebakulumToughguts]

👍 für den Algorithmus

[@jasrenfro9856]

When you are using the laser you are burning the material and creating smoke. Which will be circulated into the shop through the dust filter. Could it be possible ypu could create an unhealthier breathing environment? I know nothing about the subject.

[@derschwartzadder]

Yes, it is possible. That and the possibility for stray reflections is why i hate this style of laser

[@Jeff-uy8xg]

I made soup from a can all by myself today...

[@TheManfet]

I don't like all of those metal shavings from drilling right beside the electronics.... Please be careful about shorting stuff with metal shavings. That's a nice fire hazard, especially in wood shops...

[@frankmakes]

I vacuumed it out as best I could. But good point

[@ArtiomMarkin2000]

Nice video, he he

[@Scimi2000]

WOOO FRANK FRANK FRANK