BEST affordable laser engraver in 2023! Longer Ray5 10W laser engraver. Powerful and easy to use

[@MickMcMadder]

Hi Skyler, your channel appears to be growing well and the projects you take on show that you are multi-talented. The laser stuff is something that I have played with in the past, and did some experimentation with different colors of Rust-oleum 2X spray-cans, sprayed onto 4 1/4" white ceramic tile. The pigments in the paint become permanently-bonded with the glazed surface when lasered, and depending upon the particular pigment used, different colors are revealed in the final piece. Once lasered, any other process other than grinding will not harm/remove the intended image from the tile. The power/speed affects some of the pigments more than others, so some test-cards need to be done for each color of paint used. Apple Red gave mostly mid-shades of brown between speeds/powers of 1200/80 to 900/65 - using a 4x4 grid of 16 test circles. Brilliant Blue gave shades of gray, with a subtle blue tinge, at the same power/speeds. Gold was surprising - using the same power/speeds, results ranged from pale matte light brown, to a bright coppery finish. Grape was relatively uninteresting, producing some grays with a brownish tinge. Key Lime showed little more than a range of grays with a tinge of green, but there were some differences with speckling on the surface finish. Silver ranged from something of a matte finish at 1200/80, to more of a metallic finish at 900/65. Spa Blue looked pretty much all the same to me, as a man, but a woman sees more than 16 colors. The above was done with a FoxAlien Reizer 20W (7.5W laser power). With the above said, what was my intention? I had the idea of producing a pseudo-color image on a ceramic tile, by painting/lasering one color, then layering it up by repeating the process with different colors of paint. Unfortunately, I do not have the photo-editing skills needed to separate the intended shade areas from an image, create a file from them, send to Lightburn, laser, rinse-and-repeat. But I know a woman who probably does, and seems to currently be killing whatever she turns her hand to! I envisioned a personalized 'color' tile, not simply black-and-white, embedded into a something such as a wooden trivet....or a tile to put in a bathroom/kitchen renovation, memorialize a pet, make into coasters.... If you'd like all of the Lightburn files I have, to play around with, you're welcome to them without restriction. How do we get in contact?

[@pauca2014]

Thank you for being so detailed and having good camera awareness. The close ups give that insight of accurateness which makes it interesting. Another thing I love about your channel is the creative way you make your products which is an inspiration to me. Keep up the good work! 😊

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

Thank you very much Pauca2014

[@cayminlast]

I'm impressed with the attention to detail in your review, and the work you have done with it is pretty amazing. I think the laserengraver could pay for itself within a short time, the products/objects would sell very well.

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

Thank you. Your kind comment is much appreciated

[@jm7247]

I learned a lot. The inlay abilities are amazing! I'm going to get one. Thank you Skyler.

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

Very welcome! If you do decide to buy one don’t forget to use my link from description. I really appreciate the support. You might also want to get the air assist and the metal mat that I have under laser to have more airflow and prevent burn marks . all sold by Longer

[@fredparsons5134]

Neat video Skyler. I’ve always wondered what people are using to do this type of stuff. You covered my questions well. Thanks.

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

Glad it was helpful!

[@josephbutler5809]

I just purchased the laser and most of the accessories using your link. Can't wait to get my hands on it!

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

Thank you so much Joseph. If you have any questions once you get it let me know. I will try to help if I can

[@josephbutler5809]

I hope others who purchased this unit are having better luck than I am! After playing with it for a little over a month, my laser module has completely died. I emailed tech support this past Thursday. They said they would send me a replacement. So we shall see how timely that is. Keep your fingers crossed for me! LOL@@woodworkingwithSkyler

[@TREE-TOPWOODWORKING-pe4qc]

Skyler when you get the time could you please make a video on just how you engraved this owl step by step your program and your setings, im also using the longer ray 10w. and GRBL program..I have printed and cut up to 10 mm but I have never engraved deep 3d looking images like this owl. or those flowers on that box lid you did in another video.. You do amazing work by the way.

[@norm5785]

Thank you for the review of this pretty neat laser. They are so versatile as you said. Looking forward to some more examples of your laser work. Everyone stay safe, happy and healthy. From Henrico County Virginia

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

Hi Norm!

[@adamslemp9398]

No one cares where you're from Norm get a life and stop trying to be a stalker. Stranger Danger😮

[@g54b95]

This was an excellent video! Thank you for sharing.

[@mikalwtf]

Thank you for this informative and inspiring demonstration. I will certainly try some of these techniques that you present, and I am looking forward to future videos.

[@DeepSouthSlingsDarrellAllen]

Those little Maple leaf cutouts would look great stained red like fall colors, and glued to box tops

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

I like that! Good idea

[@PaulojnPereira]

Beware of the fumes when indoors, even a small amount can be an hazard, the particles are very tiny and will remain airborne for a long time , I have been using it for a year or so, to cut 5mm MDF sheets and the few times I used it indoors during the winter it left me with a really nasty cough. From experience I have to say, 10W is fine to cut wood up to 8mm or so with several passes and air assist, however, I would recommend to pay an extra for the 20W and if possible invest also in upgrading it to Y axis extension and some limit switches. Limit switches allow for precise positioning. Btw, The safety instructions recommend that EVERYONE in the space where the laser is operating uses eye protection. If the laser cuts and bounces in the metallic honeycomb frame it can easily damage your eyes.

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

That is great advice. Thank you. I usually use mine in an enclosure but didn’t for the video so people can see the product. As for the powder of the laser you are also correct. I will soon be reviewing a 20W and a 30W laser

[@dadams7902]

Thank you for sharing your insight

[@sputnik4216]

Thanks for doing LASER video, plain and simple. A1+++

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

Glad you liked it!

[@aliciaalford6309]

Thankyou Skyler. Your video is so helpful

[@billm4560]

Thank you Skyler for the demo on that laser! 👌 You made some really awesome things with it! I never thought I would need one but you changed my mind on that! 😊 I really like that Owl you did! 👍🏻 How about the smoke? I see some that put out a lot of smoke! Thank you for sharing!

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

Thank YOU. If you do decide to buy one don’t forget to use my link from description. I really appreciate the support. I really like the owl too. I love owls in general. Have one the often visits my yard. The smoke is pretty bad. I usually keep the garage door open. Also I purchased an enclosure ( longer sell them as well) that has a fan and a vent hose that you can snake out a door or window. I didn’t use it in video so people can see the laser. So Longer sent me the laser machine but I purchased the air assist, the metal mat that sits on table underneath laser for more airflow to prevent burn marks and the enclosure

[@billm4560]

@@woodworkingwithSkyler I’ll use your link for sure! Thanks for the info on the the smoke extractor! 👌

[@bradleytuckwell4881]

For the price it seems to do some great work

[@paragonn22]

I actually have this machine. I use it with Lightburn. And I have a long way to go as far as learning how to use it. My only tip for everyone is, DON’T purchase the roller device. And the Longer machine doesn’t sell risers for engraving cups, bottles and other drinking utensils. Other than that, it’s a nice machine. Thank you for the wonderful review! 😊

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

Thanks for sharing!

[@arthurmabeejr8752]

I have been doing mostly wood carving for over 10 years, and enjoy it. You have done many amazing projects since I watched your youtube channel, excellent work, and great detail. Have you ever tried wood carving? I will be praying for your wrists surgery for CTS, keep up with your great work! 👍💯❤🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@skylerewingphotography]

Thank you Arthur. Surgery went well and 99.9% recovered. Only tried wood carving once for about 2 minutes. Drove the chisel right into my finger. Just a small cut but will give it an other try soon

[@semplegirl]

Hey thanks for this tutorial couldn't come in a better time.....my laser should be here soon and one of the questions I had was the ease of upgrade.....again awesome stuff

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

That’s awesome. Let me know if you have any questions once you get it! I might not know the answer… but I will try

[@CWilson-d5l]

Where can I find inlay files? I'm not finding many at all on Google or Etsy.

[@3dtexan890]

I take you are in Canada with the maple leaves? I bought the 5 watt version over a year ago and just received the 10 watt laser module to upgrade. Lightburn is the way to go. It is only a 1 year subscription for Lightburn, but my last upgrade only cost me $40.00. Still a good deal as I also have a K40 laser I bought about 6 years ago.

[@josephperez7995]

Love watching beautiful work do

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

Thanks so much 😊

[@owenauer3406]

My Longer Ray 5W 10w decided to catch fire today. Things totally gone the whole Laser was engulfed in flames. I had only left the room ten minutes. Wasn't even 2 weeks old. So much for their flame detection..

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

Oh wow! That crazy and scary. I had a small flame today as I was trying to cut a half inch walnut.

[@1701_FyldeFlyer]

Very interesting and informative review. Seems like a very good little machine.

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

Thanks for watching! I love it!

[@rejej200c]

Great video with lots of details I really enjoyed it

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kevintravis2154]

Glad you figured it out!

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

Me too! :)

[@kevintravis2154]

After seeing this one work. Decided to add this to go along with Laserpecker 2. Did use your link.

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

Thank you so much for your support Kevin

[@guenterbortz5957]

Thank you, this comes in hand. I’m looking for such to engrave guitar bodies. Is there a tool to lift the frame? I don’t want to cut some wooden stands for it to bring it up on the surface of different guitars.

[@GroundedFlyboy737]

Skyler, thanks for this awesome introduction to a laser engraver. I was hoping you could tell me if you're happy with your choice of the 10W laser as opposed to a 20W one? I have a terrible history of buying cheap and then later upgrading to a better tool, and having to sell my original tool for a huge loss. I'm trying to be smarter this time with buy once, cry once. You impress me with your talent, knowledge, and creativity so I would value your opinion now that you've had some time to use your Longer Laser. Thx very much!

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

Hi Ralph. So far I tried the longer 10 W and really liked it. But that was my first laser and didn’t have much to compare it to. They also sent me the Longer 30W and let me tell you this is so much faster, powerful and better quality all around. Xtool also sent me their 20W laser but didn’t have time to try it yet. Creality sent me their 20w laser as well and still in a box in my entry hallway:) I will be reviewing all of this machines and after that I will do maybe an overall comparison video? Not sure. So far the longer 10 w is a fantastic machine for the money. You will not find a better one for the price. However the 30 w is better but also a lot more expensive. The 10 w handle’s engraving really well but not very strong when it comes to cutting.

[@GroundedFlyboy737]

@@woodworkingwithSkyler I'm looking forward to your Laser comparison with bated breath! Especially since the XTool D1 Pro is one of the machines I have my eye on. I've always been fascinated with wood inlays, so I was hoping to get a machine that can cut wood, and not just engrave. (Especially since I haven't figured out how to use those router template guide sets yet.) Sounds like another video for you to make! Thanks for responding, I do appreciate it!

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

@@GroundedFlyboy737 I will for sure make those videos. Router inlays are not hard but you can never get detailed designs like with laser. I don’t care much for engraving for myself but inlays is what I want my laser for

[@jacquescraftyexpressions5990]

Nice tutorial, Thanks

[@jacquescraftyexpressions5990]

Enjoyed the details. I have one and have not used it.

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

You're welcome! Thank YOU

[@geofflucock6001]

Hello, I'm curious about where you're from originally? Enjoy your channel 👍

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

Thank you. Romania

[@geofflucock6001]

Thank you. Best wishes from England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@jigsey.]

​@@woodworkingwithSkylerI was thinking Sweden

[@jsaurman]

@@woodworkingwithSkyler Do you get tired of people asking you about Dracula and Transylvania?

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

@@jsaurman :) it used to happen very often 23 years ago when first moved to US. Nothing for the last 15 years or so. But just so you know…. My grandma lives 15 minutes ( walking distance) from his castle and I used to go there with my friends and play hide and seek as one of my neighbors we’re working the tickets at the gate. True story

[@jethmpsn1]

Do you see any advantage over the Air Assist as opposed to the Lazer Enclosure? The Lazer Enclosure seems like a good way to help keep dust out of the project. Prices are the same.

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

honestly I think the air assist is better for no burn marks and cleaner cuts. The enclosure is more for shooting the smoke out of shop I think. I have not use the enclosure yet because you need to have the laser next to window or door.

[@jethmpsn1]

@@woodworkingwithSkyler Sounds reasonable...thank you

[@fookingsog]

Air Assist clears the cut point area of smoke AND keeps the laser lens from fouling up (hazing--reduces cutting power!). An Enclosure will help contain the smoke and evacuate it from your workspace with a fan and hose. Another forum mentioned what is called a "downdraft table" which can also be used for sanding purposes.

[@ga5743]

Does it work with a Windows computer? You do an excellent job of explaining things in your videos…kudos

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

On Lightburn website it says yes

[@byfordbarnard2264]

Makes me want one now

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

:)

[@martyjosephson4937]

is this laser a diode laser or Co2 laser?

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

Diode

[@madwilliamflint]

I didn't realize a 10 watt would be quite that flexible. I've still got my eye on their 30 though.

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

30 W sounds really nice

[@madwilliamflint]

@@woodworkingwithSkyler I'm not sure I can justify it.

[@spacemonkey1053]

That's an intense laser! 8.84MJ/m^2!

[@Salerno1947]

Can I engrave rocks with this?

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

Probably yes, I didnt try it

[@fookingsog]

Slate or tile is also a good material to use.

[@josesegovia1811]

Lots of good information. Thank you. 🤠un abraso de sur Tejas

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

My pleasure

[@oceanz55]

Hey Skyler! Thank you for the review and looking great as ever! Did you say the sky's the limit?? Did you mean Skyler's the limit?? LOL See you in the next one :)

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

:)

[@owenauer3406]

I purchased one and it came this past Friday. Very disappointed, I cannot get it to work with Lightburn or GRBL. It will engrave from the small SD card but will not print anything from the computer or Lightburn. It also will not access any file I put on the SD card. It also does not work with WiFi.

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

Nooo! So sorry you are having problems with it. Did you use the correct driver when installed it? The first time I connected to Lightburn, I used the automatic detect laser instal and it chose the wrong one. Please try again ! I can help you connect it and get it working. I dont have time today, but I could help you tomorrow? You can message me on my instagram username Skyler and we can set up a time to help you get it going

[@RYwoodview]

That owl looks 3-dimensional!

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

I agree. That was my favorite one

[@Laske]

@@woodworkingwithSkyler what style did you use ? grayscale ? or other

[@dantco]

There's only one bad thing about owning a laser engraver... it will steal lots of time from the bigger tools!!! Sneaky, that way. Some people--like me--end up using the wood shop to supply pieces for the laser. I made a table over the weekend...but it turned into a side table for the laser. 🤓🤓🤓

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

:) just made a shop stand for my sander this morning. 87 degrees and humid here....was miserable

[@wlmounce]

Come to Hawaii! Weather is always nice and you don’t even need that shirt!

[@woodworkingwithSkyler]

@@wlmounce :)

[@usernotfound904]

Best Rack in the business

[@kayostyle80]

Longer rays bigs

[@realityblast666]

Definitely seen some hooters

[@michaelscarn4133]

Damn I couldn’t concentrate on what she was saying

[@curtisendicott5989]

Who’s that cheap to buy you a real ring

[@re2248]

Also wear one of these. It's silicone and doesn't catch on things and if it does it doesn't rip the skin off your finger. Ever see that happen? Google what it looks like. With all the equipment she has in that shop, I guarantee you her man takes care of her. You come here with anything intelligent to add or was it to offer your expert advice on relationships?

[@curtisendicott5989]

@re2248 just saying a hot woman like her should have a beautiful ring and also I've worked with wood for thirty years so