Beginner Laser Engraving with the Longer RAY5 10W

LONGER recently gave me a RAY5 10W laser engraver and cutting machine to try out. This is an upgrade from the original RAY5 and now features a 10 watt laser. There are more technical details below. I'm very much a beginner with laser engraving and cutting so this video was as much a learning opportunity as a product test.
To see the RAY5 10W product page, click the link: gozbx.com/r/RS...
Additionally you can save $30 with the coupon code R510WSAVE30
Lastly, the RAY510W will be on sale for $419.999 (regular price $489.99) between November 10-14, 2022, however the coupon code cannot be combined with this sale.
10W Light Power Module with 50mm Longest Focal: 10W continuous pulse output power, dual beam technology cut 20mm thickness solid wood board and 30mm Acrylic.
0.06*0.06mm Ultra-fine Compression Spot: More Precise Engraving Capability: Adopts the latest spot compressed laser technology, the laser spot is as fine as 0.0036mm² and 2 times thinner than ordinary lasers, making engraving more precise, fewer burn marks.
RAY5 10W is built with an ESP32 chipset, which is running at 240MHz. Faster and more powerful than comparably equipped machines with 8-bit chipset,10000mm/min engraving speed.
Anti-Shake Engraving: Stable structure design could engrave well when run in max speed. The lines are smooth and clear, and produces less sawtooth.
Flame Detector & Buzzer Alarm: When the laser engraver detects flame, it will automatically stop and beep.
Tilt Shift Protection: There is a G-sensor on the motherboard, When the engraving machine is displaced or tilted, it will automatically shutdown for personal safety.
Motionless Protection: The laser will be turned off automatically, when the laser module is freezed over 15 seconds.
Fireproof Acrylic Cover: Adopts newly laser protective cover, it can quickly prevent burning.
3.5" Touch Screen for Offline Operation: 3.5" smart color screen, making easier for you to meet various DIY needs. You can transfer data via Wi-Fi, USB cable, and a large capacity TF card (Offline Use),use RAY5 10W anytime and anywhere.
Wide Software Compatibility: This machine is compatible with various mature carving software, such as LaserGRBL, LightBurn, supports Windows 7+, macOS, Linux; carving file formats Support JPG, PNG, BMP, G- code, GIF, SVG, NC, GC, etc.
Large engraving area: The working area of 400*400mm engrave area.is large 10W engraving machine area on the market, making it easy to make large-sized home decoration works.
Air-assisted accessories: Simply connect an external air pump, and air can be used to assist the cutting equipment in reducing the adhesion of smoke particles generated during the engraving process, resulting in cleaner incision and engraving lines.
Hassle-free returns: If you receive a defective machine, LONGER offers a 7-day return and 30-day exchange service. There is no other cost in the whole service and the postage is borne by LONGER. - 7x24 Support: LONGER has professional after-sales staff to provide 7X24 online service. When you encounter problems with the use of the machine, you can always e-mail inquiries [e-mail]
Open Tutorial for Beginners. LONGER offers a large number of video tutorials on its KZbin channel for new users of the RAY5 10W, where you can learn how to use the engraver.
"LONGER laser engraver group: You can join the group and share your ideas with users there. / 547357789652454 "

[@davey3765]

Thumbs Up just for the stop-motion animations, thats some effort! Thanks for including the speed/power setting you used on these different pieces thats a huge hurdle to get down.

[@claytonjames4779]

This is SO useful as someone having anxiety about buying a 230 cheap laser engraver

[@sigh_of_the_times]

This is the first video out of 8 that covers cutting wood. Thank you very much, I wish others would make videos like this more than printing. My plans are to use it for making my rc airplane part's. Keep up the good work Sir you doing a great job.

[@catspawcustoms]

Thank you!

[@claytonjames4779]

And I was trying to find information about engraving metal. I have some thin candle tins containers that are painted black I was hoping to be able to laser in a logo. The paint on them is pretty thin so I think it's the right kind

[@kirk595x]

⁠@@claytonjames4779You should be able to with the 10w model. I have the 20w and it engraves painted metal and anodizing easily.

[@aaronarnold3146]

Great video, thank you. My Ray 5 comes tomorrow and I am ready to start playing around.

[@volttherobot]

Woa.... those stop animations were really well done! I very much enjoyed watching this video.

[@catspawcustoms]

Thank you!

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

I just ordered this laser today with air assist for $479.00 US February 25, 2023 this will be my second laser the first was an Ortur master 1 the tee shaped model it was rated at 3.5 watts and did a good job for my needs as a logo engraver for my wood working projects. The new one will be a game changer. Your video confirmed that I bought the right laser for my needs.😁🛫

[@claytonjames4779]

I just ordered for 230 😂

[@craigI]

Just got mine today. Thanks for the video!

[@frankwinn2320]

Very useful information. I’m glad I found this video. Will make setup and testing easier.

[@MrKnotWright]

Thanks for this video, took a little bit to get my new machine connected but its up a running now, Appreciate you taking time to post this.

[@catspawcustoms]

I’m glad you found it useful.

[@RestlessViking]

Very Nice. Thanks for your work on the Longer printer.

[@Steve-Kratz]

I want ato see another video on how you did the stop action video of the bolts "walking" on their own!

[@Greatgadgetsgear]

Very good instruction video! Clear easy to see and follow to assemble. Wish my laser had the right mounting plate on x axis but channel cut too short and couldn’t lower laser enough to set focus so had to send it back. Great job!

[@PosidenSiren]

Helpful video I have just brought this machine.

[@Dukeandmandy]

Thank you for the step by step !!!!

[@Steve.Garrison]

New subscriber here - great review! I just got this same model a few days ago and like it. Chose this one over the other brands mainly because of the smaller focal point and higher energy density. I didn't know where the flame sensor is located, but now I do - thanks. I had the same issue connecting it to Lightburn, but figured that out on my own. Keep up the good work!

[@catspawcustoms]

Thank you!

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic review, dude! Thanks! 😃 Really impressive machine indeed! Some day I'm going to get one! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@catspawcustoms]

Thank you!

[@SANDS78]

Thanks for the info. Great vid.

[@nataliearena2241]

Thank you. So helpful

[@StephaniaAlexandra]

Thank you ! Very helpful video.

[@roccocroce]

great video thank you broski

[@PapaRusty]

Thanks for the great video. Trying to decide between this one and the Comgrow Comgo z1 10w. Price points are very similar, but the spot size on this one is slightly smaller (0.06 mm x 0.06 mm vs 0.08 mm x 0.08mm on the Comgrow). Leaning towards this one, but still doing the research.

[@catspawcustoms]

I’m pretty happy with it. If you decide to get one and want the air assist, by a set of weird circumstances I ended up 3. They retail $89, I’ll send you an unopened one for $65.

[@angelaehrhardt]

Thanks, it was helpful.

[@LaszloBagi]

Adding an air assist will help a lot

[@catspawcustoms]

I have one on the way, I’m really looking forward to seeing the difference.

[@LaszloBagi]

Great, looking forward to a review on it. I just subbed

[@eddyx420]

@@catspawcustoms any update on the difference?

[@catspawcustoms]

@@eddyx420 Yes, it definitely cuts more efficiently and cleanly, though I could not get through 1/2” plywood, even with 10 passes at 200 mm/m. I went slower and just burned the shit out of the wood. Supposedly it will do basswood at 10mm thick but I don’t have any to try with. Regardless, for an $89 add-on it is worth it and installs really easily.

[@coopzv8472]

What speed are you using for cuttting

[@abbyhinman9785]

Please help I can't get mine to print anything but the free prints they give you.ive tried to plug it straight to ly laptop but it doesn't even recognize I've plugged it up like it's not even there...

[@dwightevans3352]

Thanks for the nice review of the Longer Ray5 10W laser. Would you mind sharing where you purchased the aftermarket honeycomb cutting surface you spoke of during the review?

[@catspawcustoms]

Amazon, it’s an Xtools cutting surface.

[@waterlilly62lori]

I just bought this machine and am a nervous wreck, because I'm not the smartest when it comes to technology. I also don't understand the terminology. Is there a step1, step2 type of instruction anywhere? I really need some basic help.

[@kerryyeroyan8212]

So my 13 year old daughter has been hand engraving coffee mugs with a rotary tool. She’s been engraving the shape of our state and logo shapes along with lettering onto these mugs. Do you think something like this could do this more professionally? Maybe something else out there would be more applicable? I could see her doing other things also, like the logos engraved onto leather, etc..

[@catspawcustoms]

@@kerryyeroyan8212 depending on the material, yes, a diode laser could do that out of thing more professionally and faster. Might lose some of the character that would come from doing t by hand though.

[@kerryyeroyan8212]

@ I see, thank you.

[@wle_ir]

in longer ray5 , how many millimeters is the length of the following profiles? 1 - x-axis frame profile 2 - left and right frame profile 3 - rear and front frame profile Thank you for telling me the exact size of these profiles

[@catspawcustoms]

I no longer own this laser so I can’t measure it for you.

[@fookingsog]

Good vidya!!! Regarding etching glass, I'd be curious if using a candle to "carbon black" the glass with the smoke would assist with the etch/burn process?! 🤔

[@antoninopavia4604]

Il commento del video si può tradurre in italiano. Complimenti comunque è molto intuitivo.

[@sjl6869]

I just purchased this off Amazon and found your video to be very helpful. I'm primarily going to be doing leather. Could you send me any settings or configurations for leather that you have found to be great and I will definitely give you a subscribe!

[@catspawcustoms]

I actually no longer have this model, I upgraded to a 30W from Atomstack, so I don’t have any settings. I’d recommend running the materials test in lightburn on some scrap to give you the best idea of what will work. I show how to do it in this video Making Laser Cut Maps (while Testing the Atomstack A30 Pro) kzbin.info/www/bejne/jarSZZpsg5uUgKc, but there are also tons of other videos that show the process. I didn’t even know about that feature when I made Longer Ray 5 video, but it is super useful for dialing in the laser for your material.

[@SenZationalDesignsCreations]

Can you help? I uploaded my file and change speed to 3000 and power to 90 and hit start and there's nothing coming out. It's moving back and forth and says it's busy and the green bar is moving like it's engraving but nothing is actually working.

[@cesarruiz3958]

Hi great review, do you mind asking what kind of bed you have in the bottom and what's the size?

[@catspawcustoms]

It’s an Xtool honeycomb panel, about 19.5”x19.5x.875”.

[@v3nomoso]

Im having trouble saving files to memory cards….. any help/links?

[@claytonkumuhone612]

Do you know what light burn license do i need for my longer ray5 10W? Thanks in advance

[@catspawcustoms]

I was unaware that there was more than one kind. You can run it with the 30 day temp one, but lightburn is one piece of software that is seriously worth paying for.

[@volaticusfilms6185]

Brilliant! I have to commend you (as others have already) on the fabulous stop-frame animation. It was quite a treat! Do you know how well this would cope with acrylic up to about 10mm (5mm would probably be the thickest I could want in general)? My key question is whether it would just cut and melt it, creating a rough, unrefined edge. Smoothness is key as it would be for some flight simulator panels which will be backlit, so any roughness will look terrible. Thanks again

[@catspawcustoms]

To my understanding, a diode laser really isn’t what you want for cutting acrylic. I think you would need a C02 laser to effectively do that, and factors like color matter.

[@Salerno1947]

Thank you for the info. Can you engrave rocks with this?

[@catspawcustoms]

I’m not really sure, I don’t think I tried, but I would guess that you could since it did the quarry tile.

[@brytanniparrett]

I cant figure out where the limit switches go!!

[@alanday5255]

Try engraving a macaroon it is amazing. I have 20w so I am not sure if that matters.

[@artrevolver27]

Can you add your cutting settings ?

[@reidjensen569]

I’m sure this would not be an issue, but have you tried cutting dense foam with your laser? I’m curious if it would cut, or does it burn and catch on fire?

[@catspawcustoms]

I did try with a 30 watt diode laser and some closed cell foam and that laser didn’t do anything to it. I think you need a CO2 for something like that.

[@Raffaele458]

Complimenti per il video, potresti dirmi la lunghezza del cilindro per la messa a fuoco del laser? Grazie.

[@catspawcustoms]

I’m sorry, I don’t actually have this particular laser anymore so I can’t go measure it. I think it was 30mm.

[@marianogutierrez7340]

Hi!, Could you provide a link to that etsy test file? Thank you!

[@catspawcustoms]

www.etsy.com/listing/1268498949/laser-testlightburn-filepower-scalepower?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=lightburn+test+file&ref=sr_gallery-1-4&bes=1&organic_search_click=1

[@Oddy91]

Hello getting into laser printers and I was wondering if imagines or symbols work the same way too? Also can you change the font?

[@catspawcustoms]

@@Oddy91 Yes, but that is something you do in the software.

[@gl7038]

I have the 20w but have no clue how to use it yet

[@catspawcustoms]

@@gl7038 this might help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3WQnnuNodSpZqssi=3GWW3h3Il9Twdfz_

[@cesarleylim]

Helpppppp I have the same laser but I cannot make it work 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@GloomyOrange05]

I have a issue where it doesnt even recognize the connection do you know how to fix this

[@catspawcustoms]

I didn’t have that problem, but this might help: docs.lightburnsoftware.com/FindMyLaser.html

[@betsysnow3594]

Hi there question where did you get the honeycomb table?

[@catspawcustoms]

Amazon, x tools makes it.

[@dragonf1092]

Is that $30 a month to use the software or just a one time $30 dollar fee.

[@catspawcustoms]

I think it’s annual. Well worth it.

[@irenerodriguez3052]

I got the 5W and it not engraving like your sample. What am I doing wrong

[@catspawcustoms]

My guess would be the settings in lightburn are wrong

[@Tac-Chain]

How much tension should be in the belt. I make 400mmx400mm project and it take aboht 8-12 hours. Is it because my tension on my belt is to tight? My projects are well detailed. But does the timing of a project take that long?

[@catspawcustoms]

Belt tension should be enough so the gantry doesn’t wiggle but it will freely but slowly fall if you tilt the engraver. 8-12 hours sounds like maybe you need to increase speed or your settings in lightburn are off.

[@Michelle-oc4ty]

Question. Is it possible to run it off an art program, or does it need to be Lightburn? I have an art program that can save JPGs.

[@catspawcustoms]

@@Michelle-oc4ty you need lightburn or LaserGRBL. It’s not like a printer. You need software to turn the image into GRBL code.

[@applemania2133]

Just want to say the two screws that go on the back of the Lazer with the nylon bushings mine are to short, I was pushing hard to try and get those screws in, even withought nylon the screws don't reach so I just left it withought those two back screws it's more annoying but there's not much else I could do

[@catspawcustoms]

That’s a pain in the butt. Definitely not a problem I had. Did you try contacting Longer?

[@applemania2133]

@@catspawcustoms just talked to them, they said they did indeed send the wrong screws but they want me to buy new correct ones from them it seems

[@nathanmckinley6515]

Would it be able to engrave stone/rock?

[@catspawcustoms]

@@nathanmckinley6515 it should, but every material is different, and not all rocks are the same.

[@Fossy35]

Have you tried running the same file from an SD card in the machine? When I do this the machine frames in a different position. I cant understand it.

[@catspawcustoms]

I haven’t messed around with the SD card really at all. For me it is just easier to leave an old laptop hooked up and use light burn.

[@Fossy35]

@@catspawcustoms I really wanted to use this away from my PC. That's the reason I chose this laser. Cant see the point in an SD card if you cant do this. Never mind.

[@charmini7]

Same

[@brittond14]

@@charmini7 I figure out how to use the machine from my desktop. Its a little querky but now I don't ever connect my laptop to my machine. Just connect the machine to your wifi and then punch in the Ray5's address on your browser and you will get an ESP32 web page. That means your connected.

[@RobLeeBea]

What if I want to use me iPhone? Is that possible?

[@Javier1000A]

Im interesting to buy this one but i have some questions i hope someone could help me, what about the smells and wast material in a cutting are they dangerous? What are the safety rules i must follow to keep safe myself and the are? I hope someone could help me I'm new here:)

[@JoeyDobrescu]

Is your computer a MacBook or PC? I have a MacBook and tried connecting it but it does not work. Also, I saved several test files on the micro sd card and while it's able to see them, when I click print it doesn't do anything. Any ideas? Thanks

[@catspawcustoms]

@@JoeyDobrescu sorry, no, I have a PC

[@philandheidiharris4703]

is it possibe to engrave logo os golf club heads?

[@catspawcustoms]

It would depend what the part of the head being engraved was made of. Metal, no, wood for sure.

[@tylerfenn6727]

I misplaced my focusing column, the piece you fit under the laser to set the height. I’m going to just make a new on but can’t find spec for it anywhere. Any chance you could measure the height and diameter to the I can make one?

[@catspawcustoms]

Sorry, I sold this laser over a year ago, otherwise I would.

[@rob4263]

​@catspawcustoms hello, why did you sell? I'm brand new to engraving and am looking for something to engrave metal or aluminum tags maybe 2"x3" to label fruit trees and fruit grafts. I was seriously considering this unit but if you sold because you found issues with the unit I'll look elsewhere. Thank you for your time

[@frananderson5843]

What file type do you need to import into lugjtburn?

[@catspawcustoms]

@@frananderson5843 ideally a .svg, but you can import many different file types.

[@dragonf1092]

For the price these things cost they should come with the software shouldn't cost anyone anything to use it.

[@nicholaskillmeier4895]

How well does it engrave steel?

[@catspawcustoms]

It’s a diode, it’s not going to engrave steel.

[@billymacktexasdetective5827]

True, but it marks steel great. And copper, brass, stainless etc...

[@jimcampigotto9961]

Hi Newbie to Laser Engr. World...Nice job on review, very thorough. Just ordered mine after researching for months. Quick question if you find the time to get back...was there a problem centering the gantry, or once assembled properly was it perfectly square? Thanks for the video and reply.

[@catspawcustoms]

Mine was perfectly square. It was a pretty simple assembly.

[@deanmiller294]

Actually, the license is $60/year (unless they just lowered their price).

[@catspawcustoms]

I had to renew mine, it was so only $30. An unrenewed license still seems to work, but you don’t get updates. When I got it the first time it was $30 as well.

[@kristinecirule4822]

@@catspawcustoms Hi, just a longer Ray5 10w beginner. Can i use unrenewed licence at the beginning if it is the first time? or do you know are there people (maybe some grous) who split licence if -i pay half?

[@catspawcustoms]

@@kristinecirule4822 I believe that you can use it for 30 days as a trial before paying. I don’t know about splitting a license though.

[@marcuswilliams4443]

Metal

[@zeopale2062]

Anyone haveing issues geting the 2 screws and plastic thing to scrow in i cant get mine in

[@catspawcustoms]

Are you talking about the two that hold the laser on with those tiny white pieces?

[@zeopale2062]

@@catspawcustoms yes they dont seem to fit for some reason

[@catspawcustoms]

@@zeopale2062 Very weird. I just checked mine and couldn’t readily see any way you might be doing it wrong. You might have already done this, but make sure you’re putting the white plastic ring in from the back of the machine. I’d also recommend seeing if you can get the screws to thread without the y axis in the way, just a dry fit to make sure they are the right size screws.

[@zeopale2062]

@Catspaw Customs they can dry fit in im trying the way im seeing on videos i may try to sand the plastic down or ask for new ones seem there not long enough to me

[@claytonjames4779]

I am a little disappointed that you didn't do any metals

[@catspawcustoms]

@@claytonjames4779 it’s a 10 watt diode laser, outside of marking stainless steel, it isn’t going to engrave metal.

[@billymacktexasdetective5827]

Just purchased one for $320 on Amazon. Longer has them on their site for $320 as well...

[@CollinsSmith-c4u]

59323 Heathcote Port