Laser Engrave Darker designs without extra power, Baking Soda or Borax

In this video, I demonstrate how to get a beautiful dark colored shallow engrave without changing speed or power. I don't use lotions and potions like baking soda or borax. The other two critical elements is very low air flow and take your 2” lens out of focus. How much out of focus? Watch the video and see. It’s pretty incredible!

[@sarper_]

FINALLY! A video that has it all. Your video was short & to the point, had lots of visuals for us newbies, i could clearly hear you speak and no loud back ground or segway music.. perfect!

[@computercreationz]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@robertkajor3774]

What are you talking about? Guy is rambling for 3 minutes

[@personofnote1571]

@@robertkajor3774 Maybe the algorithm suggested the wrong video for you. You don’t have to watch next time. 👋

[@risbill1]

Great video. So many people especially with diode lasers obsess about the dot size and getting it as small as possible. Sometimes defocusing a little can make such a huge difference and a smoother burn.

[@computercreationz]

Well said!

[@jasongibson1823]

Great video Robert! Thanks for all your efforts to share your knowledge with us!

[@computercreationz]

thank you for your comments and your sub I appreciate it!

[@andresdreier6208]

Great tip! I can’t wait to try this and all of the other great tips and advice you offer.

[@computercreationz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@martinsvideo1]

Interesting as always. Thanks for taking the time to do these.

[@computercreationz]

Glad you like them!

[@markferrick10]

Very interesting. I will give this a shot tomorrow. See what it does. You present your information very clearly with good visual demonstration. Thanks

[@computercreationz]

give it a shot, the only time this doesn’t work well is on very small engraves you will loose some detail.

[@jamesmcalpin2325]

Great job explaining the differences in focal distance.

[@computercreationz]

Thanks for watching!

[@michellekabdi7694]

Thank you! Now I am searching for how to change the focus! Great video!

[@computercreationz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@scorpianspirit5124]

You just earned a new sub ! Great information, I will give this a try. I know now that I also have to much air flow with the air assist and that explains why I'm getting so much contamination around an engrave on wood. Seems as though I'm learning something new on a daily basis. At age 61 I'm glad that I can still learn new tricks...lol...I'm using a Genmitsu 6050 for the laser as I don't have the room in my small shop for two separate machines so the cnc serves two purposes. I thought the cnc router was enjoyable, but adding a laser (10 watt output) took things to a whole new level of fun ! Cheers from Utah, and thumbs up !

[@computercreationz]

Thankmyou for the sub and comments. I appreciate it!

[@cdoneamericancece]

Thank You for explaining this so well!

[@computercreationz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mikeguidry49]

Wry informative to the point and helpful. Thanks for the video.

[@computercreationz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stevenjohnson7384]

Fantastic puts things into perspective great work 👍

[@computercreationz]

Thank you Steven, I appreciate it!

[@RobSandstromDesigns]

Appreciate your videos they are well done and thinking of those of us that are trying to learn.

[@computercreationz]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching

[@jonsaircond8520]

What surprises me is the sharpness in the engrave. I would have thought the letters would lose resolution. Thanks for the video

[@computercreationz]

Thanks for watching!

[@murthara]

Thanks for this!! Learning a lot from you.

[@computercreationz]

I appreciate the comment!

[@arlenesteenkolk7852]

Thank you for your content! I learned a lot from your videos.

[@computercreationz]

Happy to hear that!

[@woodpens10]

Thank you so much! Great content. I made a test board for these settings with my Aufero Laser 1 and it was a dramatic difference with both the focus and the LPI settings! Goodbye Borax!

[@computercreationz]

Glad it helped!

[@markferrick10]

Woodpens10, how did you change the focus on your diode laser? Raise the laser ( so you are higher than the recommended distance ) or down so you are below. Thanks

[@grantburrage]

Great work Robert!

[@computercreationz]

Thanks Grant, I appreciate your comment!

[@StephenBoyd21]

I'll be giving that a try. excellent tip

[@computercreationz]

I use this all the time. give it a try!

[@terryevans1976]

I usually run the job once at the regular focus and then run it again out of focus to darken the image. The first run makes a nice defined engrave and the second run gives it it's color.

[@computercreationz]

I bet that works well!

[@carlitorualez4806]

great and timely informative video. Just a week ago we acquired a 100W CO2 laser and we could not get it cut a nice and clean line... Thanks to your tips we are looking forward to a better performance in our ongoing testing. Wonderful job.

[@computercreationz]

Glad it helped, thanks for watching

[@computercreationz]

Thanks for watching and the comment

[@karvtek]

Good info. Lots of variations to try. Thank you. I always thought more air was better to blow the debris away. Good to know.

[@computercreationz]

give low volume air a try, I think you will find there is allot less contamination on your work piece.

[@karvtek]

@@computercreationz I certainly will. Thank you.

[@allenyarberry7502]

I really enjoy your channel. I have learned so much about how to use a laser. I’m new to lasers and look forward to your next video. You are a good teacher - keep up the excellent content.WELL DONE1111

[@computercreationz]

thank you for watching and the comments. I appreciate it!

[@sorenac]

It just goes to show, that testing with your materials is absolutely necessary :) But some people just want the quick and easy way and get the exact settings right out the bat. :D Thats not how this business works 😁 Thanx for an awesome video 👏👌

[@computercreationz]

Thank you!

[@maggie9256]

Great tips. Thank you.

[@computercreationz]

thanks for the comments

[@maggie9256]

Thanks! You are appreciated!

[@computercreationz]

Thank you very much for the donation! I really appreciate it.

[@MrDavesbox1]

IM in agrement with the last poster- this was informative, no excess babble- nice job. Wish someone would do this type of video with different lazers, Fiber, co2 , Blue light , Etc. anyway, thanks!

[@computercreationz]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@adamzarate5547]

Good Video, I got an xTool D1, I'm a new to this, but you gave me an idea as how to change the focus for my laser.

[@computercreationz]

Glad I could help!

[@85thandPine]

Thanks Robert! When doing this trick along with cutting, if I need my cut to be at 6mm focus, would that mean I need to use the Z axis function for the bed to move at the proper height during the project when switching from engrave to cut?

[@computercreationz]

enabling you z axis is risky in my opinion, I will do in two different files engrave first out of focus, then re focus and cut. way to many horror stories when you have the z enabled in lightburn. thanks for watching

[@85thandPine]

@@computercreationz sounds good, thanks!!

[@renealmer6351]

I am just trying this for the first time, and you are correct…GAME CHANGER!! This is fantastic! My best engrave on Baltic Birch ever! Thank you for all your wonderful videos and information.

[@computercreationz]

So glad it worked out for you!

[@SodBustersMetalDetecting]

Great info

[@computercreationz]

Thanks for the comment!

[@EricGrayEricLeePhotos]

It's all about trade-offs, clearly. For me, the 9mm corners and edges are noticeably softer and more rounded than the 6mm, which is crisp. I thought the 8mm distance was a decent compromise I would accept. Thanks for the content!

[@computercreationz]

Yes I would agree, depending on you design the 8mm seems to be a good compromise! Thank you for watching!

[@BrianWerner]

Good stuff!

[@computercreationz]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@HdB69VB]

Excellent content! Thank you! What would the equivalent setting be that you used to use on your Nova 24 60W?

[@computercreationz]

I believe I would be around 400 mm/s and 35% power. Thank you for your comment.

[@Mekaproyects]

You are the master, I always learn something incredible in your videos, thanks

[@computercreationz]

I appreciate the comments

[@enduringpromise]

thank you for sharing.

[@computercreationz]

My pleasure

[@SkyJohnWalrond]

Great video Robert. Others have commented on the edges. What I usually add is a secondary burn line at small power. It really sharpens the edges. Have you tried this before?

[@computercreationz]

Yes it works great, just add a sub layer a pond set it to line to score the parameters. Really makes the engrave pop!

[@PopsCustomSignsLLC]

I have not tried focusing that far out....the most I have tried is 0.125" out of focus while using the Borax and water solution. I will be trying your test soon. Thanks.

[@computercreationz]

give it a try it’s not perfect but another option.

[@kurtkroh6637]

Thanks!

[@computercreationz]

Thank you for the donation! I really appreciate it

[@aishacarter2285]

Thank you

[@computercreationz]

You're welcome

[@Sanisfaction]

THANK YOU SIR!

[@computercreationz]

You're welcome!

[@tomeriksen1920]

Great info, curious about the air pressure gauge in the last video, add-on? if so where do I get it? Thanks for all you do and share.

[@computercreationz]

Hey Tom, I added it was super easy but not cheap! works fantastic! support.thunderlaserusa.com/support/solutions/articles/65000177509-smc-ise30a-01-n-l-pressure-switch-implementation-reference

[@ntrumpdeplorable7781]

@@computercreationz This link is broken. Can you give an update since ThunderUSA updated their web site.

[@jktechwriter]

Silly question, but if you're doing a mix of engraving, scoring, and cutting, do you just (within Lightburn), turn off the scoring and cutting operations after adjusting your lens to 9mm, run it, and then move the lens back to 6mm for the remainder of the operations? Is it that simple or am I missing something?

[@computercreationz]

yes that’s how I would approach it

[@SensSword]

I'd go with in focus first, then out of focus to darken it.

[@MRJSWORKSHOP]

Thank you⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@computercreationz]

You are so welcome

[@ntrumpdeplorable7781]

Great video! H0w does de-focusing work on image engraving?

[@computercreationz]

it doesn’t, you want you focus to be as sharp as possible. a ramp test will determine you best focus for your lens. lots of tubes on this subject. thanks for watching and the comment

[@cnckitsplus1]

The inverse is true as well go closer to the work and get a sharper look that is darker. Ran some test yesterday and it worked great

[@cnckitsplus1]

Also lightly wipe it clean then spray with hair spray or clear sealer or the char will wipe off with enough water and wrag 😢

[@computercreationz]

great to hear

[@MCSEDanny]

I have a Boss LS2436. I'm not able to tune in my focus to those exact 6,7,8mm points perfectly using the up down buttons. Do you control this with Lightburn? Do you have a video on it? I've heard about going out of focus but never understood until this video.

[@computercreationz]

you can enable z control in lightburn but I don’t recommend it. it’s a good way to crash your head if you do t know what your doing.

[@mickysoifer7423]

I was so excited to try this but I'm getting the opposite results!! 😭 Any idea why? Love your videos by the way, super informative and to the point with great visuals!!

[@computercreationz]

Make sure you dont have allot of air going on when engraving. Very little air flow for engraving

[@computercreationz]

Thank you!

[@stevebryson5464]

Not doubting your results, but for my diode laser (xTool), increasing the focus distance made my test fills lighter, not darker, albeit the difference was very subtle.

[@computercreationz]

these results are for co2 laser not diode lasers

[@HanginWithTheHendos]

We use the 4” head. What would the setting changes Need to be? Or are we better off swapping back to the 2” head? The people we bought the laser from said they used the 4” all the time.

[@computercreationz]

Your beam spot is way bigger on the 4” you will loose even more detail unles it’s very large designs. 1.5” or 2” lens is my goto lens for engraving

[@westcoastcarver4328]

Cool

[@computercreationz]

it works well thanks for the comment

[@MountainBabyRoses]

Can you change the focus in lightburn getting these gradients? Or do you have to stop the job and manually focus it even though the machine has auto-focus?

[@computercreationz]

you can by enabling the z but it’s very risky unless you are very skilled at lightburn. I keep mine turned off for that reason. usually I run the engrave out of focus first then in a separate run I refocus and cut.

[@Winsumone]

I am so new all of this is greek to me..

[@MountainBabyRoses]

@Winsumone keep at it if you are really looking into it. It is fascinating stuff and I'm constantly learning. I forgot I even commented this. 😅

[@jakerazmataz852]

No expert but, would it be correct to assume, you can be out of focus high or low, with the same affect? I really like simple fixes. Borax and the other options are a pain. Thanks.

[@computercreationz]

Yes that’s exactly what this video covers, no need for borax if you Defocus your lens

[@AlexandreMS71]

What about 8mm focus with 30% power and 200 LPI? It could have a nice balance between dark shalow engrave and faster time.

[@computercreationz]

Yes lots of combinations to try here, not one will be the only one that works. time is money!

[@benzand57]

What is the benefit of using slow speed and low power? Wouldn't higher speed and higher power be more efficient?

[@computercreationz]

it all depends on the size of your design, if you have a small design setting you speed at a higher rate may not be achieved. large design faster speeds because the machine has the room to go that fast. for me it about being realistic about the speeds that your laser is capable of traveling. Thanks for the comments

[@koolkiwikat]

whats the effect of going faster or slower? looking for the best efficency vs look, seems like a pandoras box with 3 options to tweak...speed, power, LPI

[@computercreationz]

going slower makes your engrave deeper, but all that vaporized material has to go somewhere! lol

[@mx3ver]

pre sanding result look a like the edges not as sharp but after look as shap as regular ( at least at vided )

[@karkule5919]

I wonder how this would look on acrylic. I need dark lines in my windows but don't want to use paint, stain or dye.

[@computercreationz]

it works similar, especially if you have cast acrylic. thank you for the comment!

[@myronbenware8779]

What is your association with Thunder Laser? I contacted them before about their product and never got a response.

[@computercreationz]

I’m not affiliated, that shocks me are you sure your are talking To Thunderlaserusa.com?

[@woodartcncsigns]

is there a setting in lightburn to adjust the focus?

[@computercreationz]

Usually that is done manually or with the manufacturer process in the software in the controller

[@woodartcncsigns]

@@computercreationz thank you, I just ordered a focus gauge, my laser has a powered bed but it uses 2 laser dots to manually focus, I push the up or down button to get both red dots lined up so there are no mathematical settings for me to adjust or to know what distance I am or what distance I am moving it. I will use the gauge once I get it.

[@bbigoss]

It's darker but also less sharp.Do you have solution for that?

[@computercreationz]

in laser work there is always a trade off. most of the time it you try to have your cake and eat it to it results in more work for you in the end. very few customers will ever notice the difference. you notice because you have a comparison. Thanks for watching

[@user-zq6pj5jo8j]

What's that digital pressure gauge attached too? Is it just for the low? Or does it display the high as well?

[@computercreationz]

It’s plumed into the single line air delivery system so it provides both hi and low pressures depending on what I have selected in lightburn air assist on (hi volume air for cutting) or air assist off (low volume air for engraving ) this is specific to thunder laser brand!great features that stands that brand away from anyone else

[@user-zq6pj5jo8j]

@@computercreationz Ok, Can you control the air from the SMC pressure Switch/Gauge? If so how does it hook into the controller? Or is it just on the 12vdc or 24vdc for power? I have a new Nova 35. Thanks..:)

[@computercreationz]

No the ar plow control comes from 2 needle valves below the guage@@user-zq6pj5jo8j

[@user-zq6pj5jo8j]

@@computercreationz Ah OK, So it's just a digital air gauge. Thank you for the info..:)

[@computercreationz]

He’s a very accurate digital air guage. I engrave all my acrylic a 1/10 of 1 pound and get 0 ghoasting.

[@genecollier576]

How did you change the LPI?

[@computercreationz]

Open up your layer in lightburn and it’s listed about half way down

[@mazzugara]

Are you moving the bed away from the laser to get out of focus?

[@computercreationz]

I’m adjusting the lens instead. Thunder has a slidable laser lens that goes up And down. I typically manual focus most all my projects

[@therealwaldopepper7802]

@@computercreationz I was wondering if you are defocusing toward or away from material?

[@computercreationz]

@@therealwaldopepper7802 yes away from the material.

[@Captainhairyass]

But doesnt this increase time for production?

[@computercreationz]

not in any way,

[@iq0099]

does it wipe off?

[@computercreationz]

like any engraving some engraving soot will wipe off usually engravings are treated with a topcoat like lacquer. generally this method doesn’t produce any ,ore soot than any other I’ve tried.

[@robertarmstrong2323]

I heard this doesn't work for images

[@computercreationz]

no this technique will not work on engraving pictures. it’s a very different process and you must be in focus for pics

[@MaikaiGuy]

Good content, but you need to get to the point! This video didn't need to be this long. You just kept repeating yourself for the first 2 minutes. Tell me what you're going to show me. Show me. Tell me what you showed me. That's the formula.

[@computercreationz]

thank you for your input but it’s either one minute or less or more than 8 minutes in order to monetize a video. that’s the only way this works!

[@HdB69VB]

I find this channel to be quite informative without all the acts other channels put up. Did not find it too long or overly repetitive at all. I kinda really don't like your response toward someone who's helped a ton of people by providing valuable free insight and instruction. Be kind and thankful and considerate. He did not need to share this information for the rest of us to benefit from it, so the fact the he did overules your snarky demand for a specific format.

[@ntrumpdeplorable7781]

I think he is trying to explain to the inexperienced user is the reason he goes into more detail. You should thank him for sharing his knowledge. I have learned so much from watching his videos.

[@sbennett1535]

Thanks!

[@computercreationz]

Thank you for your donation to the channel. I really appreciate it. save it for some better av equipment!