CO2 Laser Air Assist Upgrade

[@jimfinch4341]

Another great Tutorial. Will install this air assist after air exhaust upgrade. What I thought might be a nightmare on both no longer scares me. :-) Thank you!!

[@vanstray]

That’s great to hear, thank you and good luck!

[@samuelhenriquez5755]

After watching several videos of this same upgrade you were the only one who has the correct wiring of the solenoid for my Ruida controller board, finally is working properly turning on when laser is on. Thanks

[@rewjproductions]

Followed your instructions completely and installed using all items you listed in the description (with exception of the compressor which I already had). I have to admit, I felt odd taking something out of a brand new machine but WOW, what an upgrade! Thank you sir for your very detailed description!

[@vanstray]

Very welcome! Thank you for the comment I really appreciate that!

[@mcarson2884]

Thanks! My favorite part of this upgrade was how much quieter the machine runs without the factory air assist!

[@vanstray]

Definitely. I feel like I can hear myself think again when i'm working on things without that rattle going on inside the machine.

[@markh3252]

Thank you for the tutorial, much appreciated. I am half way there, bought the compressor and connected it up but with no solenoid, regulator etc, didn't realise I'd need it! Should have done some research beforehand. Glad I found your video, I've ordered all the extra bits I need so hopefully up and running fully tomorrow!

[@roamingscooterguy2786]

Thanks for taking the time to be VERY thorough on your tutorial for this!!! I'm ordering a Omtech next week and want to do the upgrades right away....

[@vanstray]

Great! When you’re getting setup let me know if I can help in any way.

[@silverstacktician5065]

Your Video was absolutely the most helpful in installing my air assist.... thank you!

[@vanstray]

Thank you! So glad it helped.

[@douglarned817]

Thank you! Very new to lasers... One thing I have learned, or not perhaps, some go with a dual airflow to keep just a tick of air running for the optics. For your readers, though the Chinese may not, you should use a rubber hole grommet when passing wires etc through sharp metal.. that is a failure point. Again thank you very much for your video!

[@ProfessorOfEconomics]

Did you install an in-line dessicant air cleaner dryer? I contacted California Air Tool and they recommended an air dryer to be placed in between the regulator and compressor.

[@vanstray]

Nope I haven't, that's the first time i've heard of that being a thing for this type of setup. based on what my regulator looks like I don't get much water vapor in my lines currently.

[@thelaserjacks9690]

Great job brother, thank you from Canada!

[@vanstray]

Thanks, from your southern neighbor 😁

[@angie.frazier]

Thanks so much for this very helpful and thorough video, no longer worried about doing this upgrade on my 60w.

[@rashiedcombrink3308]

Great Tutorial, did everything, air assist comes on when the program starts running BUT it dont switch off when it Homes on program completion, WHAT am i doing wrong... thanks from Cape Town South Africa...

[@winstonmccoy2890]

Oh man!! I need this today. Installing my air upgrade now!!

[@vanstray]

Well give me a few and i'll make it live. Hope your upgrade goes smoothly.

[@winstonmccoy2890]

Thanks man! Your videos have been super helpful. I’ve watched them all multiple times. Got my LED upgrade, exhausts fan upgrade and now air assist done all today. Laser was just delivered yesterday. Thanks again.

[@vanstray]

@@winstonmccoy2890 that's great to hear! Sounds like you are ready to go. Let me know if you have any issues and i'll help where I can.

[@Blue_Collar_Creations]

Informative videos, excellent non-technical verbiage, so that really helped me! Thanks again

[@vanstray]

Hey thanks! I appreciate that feedback. Glad it helped.

[@amosdevonish5888]

Thanks for sharing brother. Just what I needed.

[@vanstray]

Glad I could help

[@DJLX808]

Thank you so much for this video. I will order all these parts today to do the upgrade.

[@vanstray]

Great hope you have a smooth install

[@tjandt]

Very nice tutorial. One thing I'm wondering is what PSI you run your compressor at for making cuts? Thanks!

[@vanstray]

Usually between 20-30 psi I’ve heard others who run it a little higher but it’s a good starting point until you mess around and see what works best

[@ProfessorOfEconomics]

Great video! Question: Is the fan that you reconnected the stock exhaust fan for the laser bed? I ask because I upgraded my exhaust fan so I guess I can completely disconnect the power wires (time segment: 12:58). Sound right?

[@vanstray]

no that was the stock fan on the opposite side for cooling the internal parts like the power supply

[@pushplayla]

Thank for sharing I follow your step by step on my 130 watts laser but it’s not working I notice on another video they also add on the ground wire I wonder if that could be the issue not working

[@vanstray]

Hard to saw without seeing your setup. I'd say see if there's a little green light on with your Solenoid and if not double check the power connection and that it's in the air assist. I know they make some changes every few months so your board will probably look different than mine does in the video

[@Adventures.with.Katrina]

That was cool. I didn’t know this was a thing. Ordering now.

[@KingJesus.316]

@ Vanstray i bought everything from your list and i just got everything today. And i just noticed that my wires are thinner so i went back to your list and you put 18g wires but in the video you mentioned 16g. Does it have to be 16g? Cause if not im going to have to order it again. Pls let me know if i can use the 18g or it has to be 16g. Thanks

[@vanstray]

You can use the 18g wires for this. I got 16 cause I wanted more uses for it down the road. Thanks for letting me know I’ll go update those links to match the video

[@KingJesus.316]

@@vanstray thanks for the response I really appreciate the help. And this a awesome video i have seen so many of them about air assist and for me this is one of the best video. Explaining and showing everything. Subscribed to your channel. God bless you and your family 🙏🙏

[@misspetite1987]

How much voltage was the solenoid?

[@hookshow]

Thank you so much! Going to attempt tomorrow wish me luck!

[@vanstray]

Hope it all goes smoothly!

[@hookshow]

@@vanstray Went well thanks again!

[@Greek-mb6yw]

Thank you for the video...Excellent!!! However, my air assist does not seem to be working. The regulator does not move, it makes a loud sound when I turn the laser on, I am getting no air during the cut, and lastly there was a 4 pole connector in the panel where 2 pole connector should go and a brown wire plugged into one of the slots (not the one that says Wind). Not sure what to do??

[@vanstray]

So quick path to follow is - compressor is on, air in regulator, your cut files in light burn are set to have air assist turned on. If all of those are good then in the board there should be something called wind or air assist and you'll need to be plugged into there. If it has the 4 block if nothing is plugged into wind that's where you'll plug into. It's ok to use the 4 block connector already installed.

[@oneproject6380]

Hey ! Great setup , question at about what psi do you set your regulator?? Furthermore , what do you do when you have a longer project , will that compressor hold steady at same psi you set it as for longer period of time ? Thanks

[@vanstray]

Have mine set around 25-30 for cuts. On longer projects it just empties and fills up as needed. It’s not very loud when the air and chiller are on so I dont notice it too much

[@BenniB1982]

Very good video. I upgrade my 130w CO2 with a 40L Compressor and a Solenoid. When I start the cut the air comes but don’t close after. Do you have any idea what’s the problem?

[@thebosun181]

Clear and concise...thank you!

[@MrFrosteeGaming]

Hey - do I want the 12v, 24v, or the 110v solenoid option? Thanks for the great video!

[@vanstray]

I got the 24v. There’s a link to all the stuff I used in the description

[@kenanderson2002]

Love the video!!! I noticed you're using stranded wire in the video but your Amazon link is for solid core copper-coated aluminum wire. I believe the OEM uses stranded copper as well. Have you noticed any problems using stranded vs. CCA solid? I deleted my other question because you answered it lol

[@uther10]

Great video and very detailed. Thank you for the vid!

[@vanstray]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@TheNerdyHomemaker]

Absolutely perfect. Thanks for mentioning the setting within light forge, I had completely missed that step!

[@vanstray]

Glad it helped!

[@bobbypowell9175]

This video is great thank you! Getting ready to upgrade my air assist. Can someone tell me why I need the regulator since there is one already on the air compressor. I have the same equipment shown in the video. Does this second regulator do something different than the one on the California Tools compressor? Or is just for easier access when regulating for different materials?

[@vanstray]

The regulator in between the compressor and machine is to regulate the air for different materials and to filter out any water in the line so it doesn't spray into the machine itself. I usually see a little condensation if i'm doing a longer cut or the temp in the shop is too hot or cold.

[@sythe827]

This is awesome. Quick question. With the 8 gallon air compressor, how often would you say you'd need to turn it on to fill up?

[@jeffcivjeep7]

Mine runs non stop at only 5psi so I hope you ended up with something else.

[@sythe827]

@@jeffcivjeep7 with the solenoid?

[@BirdyByNature]

Thank you soo much

[@MrLogansrun01]

Excellent! Thank you so much. Couple questions: On the regulator, do you adjust the PSI depending on different materials that you are cutting? Also, on the pressure regulator on the compressor, what do you have that set at as it feeds air to the regulator? Do you keep it at a constant PSI or do you adjust it up or down dependent upon the materials?

[@vanstray]

On the regulator I adjust based on the material I’m cutting or if I’m doing an engraving and just want a little air to keep the lens clean. On the compressor I just keep it at a constant psi since it’ll shut itself off and the regulator handles the rest leading to the machine.

[@MrLogansrun01]

@@vanstray Hi. So I got all my parts delivered today and working on getting everything installed. Traced the power cable from the old air pump to disconnect it. It did not go to the same place that yours went to. It actually went to a block connector that was plugged into the side of the module that has the laser output display. Question: Can I plug the wires from the solenoid into this same block that the old ones came out of, or should I plug them into the same place that you show in the video? On my system, it looks a little different but I believe it is the same as yours. There is a 24V and an Aux Air in the 1/2 spots in that section (instead of the 5/6) shown in your video. But there's nothing in that section now. Thanks!

[@vanstray]

@@MrLogansrun01 sounds like you have an updated model from mine with a different controller, but it sounds like the ports are labeled roughly the same. I'd say connecting to the 1/2 would be the way to start cause it's easy enough to disconnect those wires vs where the current power is running. I'd have to see it to get a better idea, but that's how I would start with it.

[@Williamchang23]

Hi I have the same regulator. How do you adjust the top grey knob? I try turning it in both directions and it seems stuck. Do I need a tool? Or is there a specific way to unlock and turn the knob?

[@vanstray]

Nope it should just turn freely. I'm not in the shop at the moment, but i'm pretty sure I don't have to push or pull on the knob to get it to adjust

[@shannonwilliams7743]

Hey Van, Thank you for making this video and for being so detailed. Your efforts are much appreciated. I have the same Chinese 100W laser. I think they later became Omtech as they seem to use the same chassie. Its a great machine but it does need some minor updates e.g. led lighting, air assist, and inline fan. Its also a good idea to have both 2.0 -2.5, and 1.5 focal length lenses.

[@vanstray]

Hi and thank you! Yeah it’s pretty nice, but those add ons and upgrades really dial it in nicely. It’s a great machine to start and grow with.

[@turboflush]

Just like with allot of things Chinese (scooters) one basic item is made ( the frame) and then a company buys a large quantity and stuffs their choice of parts in it. Even the units made in usa are still Chinese at heart.

[@ezsplitters]

Great video! I watched everything and was able to install everything. One question though, how do I know if the air is coming out from the nozzle thats next to the laser? I just got my machine and I did this install before even turning it on which means I cant really compare a before and after. I tried cutting with the lid open to see if I can hear the air but the machine stops.. I set the regulator to 20 psi which means that it does get air from the compressor. I actually did my 1st test cut today but I stopped it as there was a lot of smoke and a bit of flame. This makes me thing that there's no air coming out from the nozzle that's next to laser. or is that normal? Any help would help. Thank you!

[@vanstray]

When the air is on you should be able to hear and feel it coming from the nozzle. There is also a setting in lightburn to make sure the air assist is on as well as on your cut path making sure the box is checked.

[@angelvip2474]

Nice video. Subscribed

[@kylebeard418]

Great video! Do you have a link for the 5/6 2-block connector you mentioned at 12:32?

[@vanstray]

oops thought I listed that. Here's the link for the one I ordered. amzn.to/3C55hQL

[@GTXFpsGaming]

Explained perfectly exactly what i needed thank you very much

[@vanstray]

Thanks appreciate the feedback!

[@anarablehill5691]

I have issues with my materials smelling like smoke after cutting. Will this upgrade help with that?

[@vanstray]

Burning anything will have that slight char smell to it, but this helps to clear it out faster so it’s less of the lingering smell when you open the door after the cut

[@andreiandries3594]

20 Psi is enough?

[@TriPhatspots]

You did a great job. Thank you.

[@vanstray]

Thank you!

[@nicholas6667]

great step by step tutorial that clueless me needed, thank you! Also wanted to ask, where could i get this test card file @16:43? Thanks!

[@vanstray]

I got it from OMTech Facebook group. They have a bunch of free files they share to help get started

[@nicholas6667]

@@vanstray thanks!

[@amosdevonish5888]

How long does the compressor runs to in order to build back?

[@vanstray]

That all depends on how big of a tank you get and how long your cut is. I have a quiet compressor so it will cut on and off a couple of time during a long cut, but it charges back up pretty fast, but I don’t hear or notice it turning on much when I’m doing other stuff, because it’s that quiet.

[@vaughanza]

Great video thanks

[@BuddyClontz]

Thank you for the helpful video on the air assist upgrade. I did the exact same thing to my laser today. Works great! What pressure do you normally set your regulator at?

[@vanstray]

I normally leave mine in the 20-30 range, that does pretty solid for all my cut jobs.

[@nuxrohox-cortx-6222]

how much pressure is needed for a 40w co2 laser?

[@vanstray]

I can't say exactly, but I would say most depends on what you're cutting. I run my lower for engravings compared to higher at like 20-25 psi when i'm trying to cut all the way through plywood.

[@stevenjesssecrest7402]

What company do I order air systems set up the whole get up

[@vanstray]

I ordered pretty much all of this off Amazon. The links are in the description

[@bearingtonbear3162]

Make sure to add a diode relay into the mix with the Solenoid. Otherwise you run the risk of frying/shorting the port on the rudia board. Known issue apparently. Happened to me. Most videos on the subject don't mention this. >$5 part saves you the headache of having to replace a $300 board

[@vanstray]

hmm i'm going to look that up. Thanks for mentioning it.

[@rustyp21]

@@vanstray Have you looked into this at all? I’m getting ready to order parts for the LED and Air Assist upgrade.

[@vanstray]

​@@rustyp21 I looked it up a little and didn't find much info on adding in a diode relay for this setup. Checking in with some of the other laser guys who have similar setups I don't see them with relays either. Not saying it can't help, but based on this setup it might not be a deal breaker. I'm also not an electrician so that's just my current opinion based on what I currently know.

[@markgearing]

@@vanstray Look up “flyback diode”. They prevent the collapse of the magnetic field in the relay coil from inducing a negative voltage spike and damaging the controller. The diode shorts the spike. Just connect it across the wires where they connect to the relay. Polarity is important; the end with the stripe goes to positive, the other end to negative.

[@carriestage1373]

What do you do if something is already plugged into the 24 volt spot

[@vanstray]

depends on what's plugged in. Is it the current air assist or is there a different spot on the board marked for air assist and power?

[@NYCustomize]

My kit came with a manual switch, I didn't see one in your setup. Is it necessary?

[@vanstray]

Not sure what you mean by manual switch? Attached to what?

[@NYCustomize]

@@vanstrayfigured it out. the cloudRay kit comes with an additional high voltage relay and a manual switch, so you can turn compressor on with a toggle switch located on the machine. Realized I only needed the solenoid, and the air button works on my controller just like your setup, all the extra cloudRay crap isn't necessary.

[@luceromorales2984]

Amazing

[@2a3dLaser]

i HAVE 3 BROWN WIRES COMING FROM THE 24V ON MY BOARD ABOVE AIR ASSIST. NOT SURE WHAT TO DO THERE

[@vanstray]

Hmm don't know which version of the machine you have. I'd say try to trace those back to the source, one could/should be for the power to the current air assist unit.

[@pedrorios34]

If I buy a compressor with a regulator already installed I don't need all that right, just the hoes and wires.

[@ptahkiricha7289]

Did you say KImani?

[@vanstray]

yep that's me

[@ptahkiricha7289]

@@vanstray so your origin is kenya

[@SoloWoodworking]

Thank you so much for this. Fantastic job.