Cutting and engraving some acrylic keychains

Using some Amazon materials to cut out some keychains. The assorted colors all react differently to the laser and some testing had to be done. Running the Comgrow Z1 10 watt that was sent to me to try out.
For templates that I have made, check out my Etsy shop. I build files for projects and tools for laser engravers.
www.etsy.com/shop/TheClackShack
For Clack Shack shirts, check out my store:
the-clack-shack.creator-sprin...
The links below are affiliate links that will direct you to the product in this video. If you use this link for a purchase, I will receive a commission from the purchase. I remain unbiased and honest in my assessment as always.
My XTool affiliate link:
www.xtool.com/?ref=TheClackSh...
Comgrow: comgrow.com/?sca_ref=2392321....
Translucent orange acrylic amzn.to/3TnRKZA
Assorted colors acrylic amzn.to/3yDDmVa

[@juvenalisgitau223]

Best description about cutting and engraving acrylic. Thanks

[@TheClackShack]

Thanks

[@jacknick429]

Bro - you’re video are EXCELLENT - and your honest advice is PRICELESS !!! MAD PROPS TO YA !!

[@TheClackShack]

Thanks, I appreciate that.

[@rickhoguerealtor]

I had that same crackling sound when I did a lighted piece of clear Acrylic. I was told it is actually cracking the acrylic during the engraving due to too high of either the slowness of the cut or the power of the cut. With mine I got burnt spots too. I was using black tempura paint to get the engrave.

[@TheClackShack]

It didn’t create any visible cracks.

[@DONNABROWN1959]

Hi, I came over from Chestnut Hills Farm. I didn’t know that some of your videos would mess with my epilepsy. This breaks my heart, as I love seeing things made, from people who are passionate about their art. Prayers and Blessings always ♥️🙏♥️

[@TheClackShack]

Thanks

[@TheRoadRoamer]

Don’t sweat it! Most, if not all, of us trust you! I know I do. Oh and I can 3D print a replacement shield for you to go over the air assist once mine arrives if you like but that focus tool jigger looks awesome!

[@TheClackShack]

Thanks

[@ericeinsmann5559]

This video is an excellent resource! I have a specific project I'm working on. I am making a control panel out of black acrylic. I'm leaving the paper on because I am using it as a stencil for a company logo. The laser will only cut through the paper.. Once it's finished, I will peel various portions of the logo and paint it different colors. I've never tried it before, so I hope it works! Thanks!

[@TheClackShack]

Black can be cut with a diode. You are gonna need to get the right settings.

[@ericeinsmann5559]

​@@TheClackShack I'll do some material tests on my 20watt diode.. The logo will be line, not fill. I will only have to cut a couple of holes for some usb chargers and the perimeter of the panel. Thanks again!

[@Jumpy66]

I have cut orange transparent Acryl mean wir 90% 100mm 5 times, and have a really sharp cutting with air Assistent. And the reason, why you can cut any material an any not is the interaction from the light frequency of the Diode laser, wirth the colour of the material. If you have a resistance, you get temperature and you can cut. Everyone who work with a Diode Laser should this know.

[@TheClackShack]

Exactly, and some materials allow the laser to pass through, the color also either reflects or absorbs blue light. Everyone with crayons should know this.

[@TheRoadRoamer]

Camera, awesome quality improvement! 👍

[@TheClackShack]

Thanks

[@brendaberrey4347]

Here! Loving your channel!

[@TheClackShack]

Thanks Brenda…

[@TheRoadRoamer]

Another GREAT video. Yes, would like the link if you can find it and use it to help you and the channel. Thanks!

[@TheClackShack]

Links should be in the description

[@jefferymccaleb7536]

Camera works great!

[@TheClackShack]

Thanks

[@osiris9679]

With the Laser Master 3 [10w]. Ive been able to get black acrylic cut at 600mm/m, 80% power, 6 passes. Super quick.

[@TheClackShack]

Good deal

[@oldmancarnivore2576]

curious if you've tried any other colors?

[@TheClackShack]

@@oldmancarnivore2576 yes, all of them. I have videos

[@TheRoadRoamer]

Hope you don’t mind but I’m thinking of coming to Clanton to see you in November to see your event set up if that’s OK. I’m just about ready to start Production. Faster than I thought considering I’ve had my Comgrow Diode 6-7 weeks and 8-10 days for the CO2.

[@TheClackShack]

I plan to be there

[@TheRoadRoamer]

Yeah! Since it’s formulated to stop the light to protect eyes, I’d assume it would both engrave and cut.

[@TheClackShack]

It cuts so it must absorb the light

[@edwymer2226]

Have you tried covering the area you are lazer cutting with some masking take so the reflection doesn't keep the lazer from reflecting off of the surface.

[@TheClackShack]

No, the light will disperse into the material also. I use my CO2 for most colors other than black. Engraving with a blue laser can be good but not cutting.

[@davekimbler2308]

I’m not use to working in mm/sec , I did mm/m but tried your way and it seems to go a bit faster ! On my black 3mm I went with 3@75 , 4@80 and 33@75 and it cut great ! I should make more patterns for keychains, I have 2 now ! Lol

[@TheClackShack]

I just prefer mm/s

[@Dancopymus]

It doesn't change anything at all. Simply convert from minutes to seconds or seconds to minutes.

[@Pr0fessorBr0ke]

I've learned that White is always a no go on a diode laser because it will absorb all of the blue light. Blue acrylic is also nearly the same because it's close to the color of the laser wavelength. Your only shot at clear or white is a CO2 laser because it fires an infrared beam that's mostly invisible to the naked eye. I'm still doing some testing myself to find the colors that work best, but it's starting to feel like it's a waste of time unless you have at least a CO2 laser. I'd like to know more about the orange transparent sheet you got results on, because the color may be the ticket with the transparent ones. Plain clear has melted on me even when using dark tape on the bottom to stop the laser.

[@TheClackShack]

Yes, the clear is also a no go in every test I have done. The orange works pretty well though. Just in time for Halloween.

[@TheRoadRoamer]

Ah, the magic of KZbin pause/screen capture/zoom makes for zoomed in clear views. 😂

[@TheClackShack]

Cool

[@melissamcdaniel3542]

You camera is very clear!!

[@TheClackShack]

Thanks..

[@drogersusa]

Camera looks very good on my 27" monitor - opened up to full screen. Hope that helps.

[@TheClackShack]

Cool

[@TheRoadRoamer]

I’m gonna try black Tempera paint on the white acrylic to see if it works like glass for engraving. Still won’t cut though. Just order the same sample pack using you aff link. Thumbs up 👍 Then do the cuts with my new K40 CO2. (Or do both on it.) but it’s good to know the Diode can help with the Engraving Production.

[@TheClackShack]

One of these days, I will have a CO2 to use…

[@TheRoadRoamer]

@@TheClackShack Well, sir. You have a friend and neighbor that has one if you have any requests.💪 I figure I can cut blanks that I could then put in a Jig to engrave on the Diode Laser, which as you showed can engrave most of the colors. The CO2 I think will be able to engrave the white. I'll try it once my sample pack arrives and let you know.

[@ninefingermining8694]

diode wont cut clear

[@MrChamz99]

Great vid!! Just subscribed. Would love to see if you can do a video on doing a tumbler on the 10w. I jus got mine and can't get it to engrave the tumbler.

[@TheClackShack]

I have several in my videos. Search tumbler, it’s been a while

[@MrChamz99]

@@TheClackShack yes sir I've tried many ways I've seen on KZbin but still unable to get it. Everyone makes it look so easy with the xtool but the comgrow seems to be some different method. I will keep testing.

[@TheClackShack]

@@MrChamz99 , if I can get my hands on a rotary for the Comgrow, I will do one

[@mgfpresentespersonalizados]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@TheClackShack]

Thanks

[@digitaldiorama]

I think you need to use a CO2 laser to cut white acrylic. I think it’s more to do with the wavelength rather than the power

[@TheClackShack]

Yes, I use my xTool P2 for acrylic.

[@daverowe5351]

Curious if you have tried engraving and cutting Enduramark material with the Aetzer while making these retro key chains?

[@TheClackShack]

No, I haven't

[@lightworkz61]

Nice video & thank you for sharing your information, you said your engraving at 40mm/sec 100% power & cutting is 6mm/sec 100% power - pass=6 on a 10W machine, well I have the Laser Master 3 10w and tonight I was engraving & cutting red 3mm cast Acrylic using Lightburn, my setting were engrave 83.3mm/sec - power 55% & cutting 3.3mm/sec - power 60% - pass=2, I never run my laser over 90% power as it shortens the life of the diode, I normally run at mm/minute which is the recommend in Lightburn for blue diode laser machines but tonight I wanted to match up with your measurement settings to make a comparison, if I had increased my cutting power to 90% and cutting speed to 6mm/sec I'm sure that I could have cut in one pass, just done this experiment to see what the difference is between another make of laser, but saying that I still enjoyed your video and I thank you for your time that you spent to make it and to share it with us all.

[@TheClackShack]

You may wanna check on the power output affecting the lifespan of a diode. Even if it does cut it in half, it should still have enough life to survive well into the upgrade of the machine. The cheapest machine I have tested is rated for 10,000 hours of use. I have ran my 10 watt at 100 percent more than most folks run them all together. Mine is still going strong after over a year with no repairs. I just prefer mm/s, the larger number will allow for finer adjustment for very low output machines but I do not run any 3 or 5 watt mchines. My primary machine is now a 20 watt.

[@mikesprankle6785]

Is the focus jig available in the esty store? Will the jig sets work with the comgrow z1?

[@TheClackShack]

I have a kit for the Z1 and the focus tool in the shop

[@AhmeDroid92]

Hey, I have a 5 watt optical power diode laser, trying to cut acrylic with it but it just melts the edges .. suggestions? I have the acrylic pretty darm close to the laser cover, less than a 1 mm gab.

[@TheClackShack]

Most colors are tough for a diode. If you are using black, do not go too slow or it will melt back behind the beam.

[@WePlayGames1]

I am trying to educate myself and I am trying to buy a laser cutter than can cut some fluorescent acrylic, what model is this laser? and do you think it could cut those fluorescent colors of acrylic?

[@TheClackShack]

To be able to cut all colors of acrylic, you need to get a CO2 laser. Diodes can cut certain colors of acrylic but not others. To be sure, a CO2 would be the way to go.

[@JsThompson-rl2st]

Do you think wecreat laser is good choice for first time users or something else

[@TheClackShack]

For smaller items and tumblers (rotary objects), it seems to be a decent machine. The small size and out of the box setup is nice.

[@randyrowles1932]

I put my hillbilly hat on tonight and got to wondering that if you don’t set focus to the surface of the material, but set it to the bottom of the material, would you have better cuts especially on the marginal ones?

[@TheClackShack]

The color and light reflection is the issue. I have tried everything. It just isn’t an effective way to cut it.

[@lornacurtis8897]

Those are gonna sell for sure.

[@TheRoadRoamer]

Agreed. For sure. Thumbs up 👍.

[@TheClackShack]

Hopefully

[@lestertuckeriii189]

Just found your channel. I ordered this laser for my wife for Christmas and I am trying to find a good pair of goggles for her. Any suggestions?

[@TheClackShack]

These are the ones that I wear, they seem to work well. amzn.to/3ics5G0

[@davegirimonte9945]

On another note I noticed that you have Springs on your enclosure when your door is fully open is a Springs under tension or when it's closed under tension I can't tell if I'm looking at the video I like to put Springs on my enclosure I know it has nothing to do with the video thanks for your comments really enjoy all your videos

[@TheClackShack]

Both, it holds it open and closed. If you do it right, it’s all about the positioning

[@davegirimonte9945]

@@TheClackShack OK, I got a 12" by 1/2 " spring..So have to play with positioning the spring, thanks buddy...Have a safe day

[@TheRoadRoamer]

Gave your Comgrow KZbin videos a gratuitous plug to Flora Ye today btw! Told her how great your Jig is and your videos too. 🎉

[@TheClackShack]

Thanks

[@thomascorcoran2975]

How did you get the white coloring, mine is coming out the same color as the acrylic

[@TheClackShack]

No idea, it just happened. I am thinking it is layered acrylic... must be science.

[@thomascorcoran2975]

@@TheClackShack gotcha thank for the quick response, awesome videos by the way

[@jefferymccaleb7536]

Question: I’m a Woodturner and I’d like to ask how deep will the laser engrave? I.E if the laser corners were elevated, and you put a wooden bowl under it. What’s the maximum height you could engrave in the inside of the bowl. Most bowls avg. 2” to 4” deep. I give bowls to families that a member has passed away. In memory of “ “. I’d like to engrave their picture in the bottom of the bowl. Thanks

[@TheClackShack]

I have done some recessed engraves and the setup is very tricky. You have to make sure to limit the movement of the machine to avoid hitting the sides of the box or whatever. You also have to consider the contour of the surface that you are engraving. The depth of the laser module is machine specific. Some machines like my XTool are limited to maybe 4 inches below the gantry. Others can go lower with adjustments. Also, you can modify mounting of the laser module and go much lower.

[@yoandralopez11]

Will this be the same as the xtool 10w?

[@TheClackShack]

Similar, the both use same type laser.

[@JonSmith-cf2jt]

Would have been nice to see your computer work 😊

[@TheClackShack]

I have several lightburn videos that show most of the process

[@kaistockman6443]

If a transparent orange works would a transparent red work?

[@TheClackShack]

Not sure. Would have to test.

[@UmerKhan-mn3re]

hey , can you guide me cutting a golden acrylic ?

[@TheClackShack]

Not all colors cut well with diodes. I don’t know that I have ever tried gold.

[@derek2593]

In my experience, "crackling" is usually electrical arcing.... But I have a 100 watt Co2 laser. Not sure how that translates to a diode laser.

[@TheClackShack]

it is the tiny cracks forming and the material making bubbles. Usually too hot.

[@derek2593]

@@TheClackShack, for me, on my laser, I usually have to do two passes at a lower power for the best acrylic cuts without warping. Maybe try lower speed and/or power (if you haven't already). Or maybe it was the material. Considering this was 7 months ago, you have probably figured it out already.....

[@derek2593]

Since we have a dialogue started, can I ask you something? How big an issue is backlash doing complex vector files on a diode laser? I am curious if the slower speed minimizes backlash error. It might be worth getting a diode laser too, if backlash effects are minimal. Certainly cheaper than a galvo laser, and with a larger print area.

[@TheClackShack]

@@derek2593 , diodes do really good with images. The way they operate in lightburn, I have no issues. The software regulates power and overtravel to minimize any excess burning near the edges. I have many videos on images with different machines

[@TheClackShack]

@@derek2593 , I have a CO2 that I use for the tough colors on the diode. After a lot of testing, I have some good settings

[@mikeledee8786]

Sorry, but I do not see the jig for the old school hotel/motel key holder, please place link. Thanks

[@TheClackShack]

Not sure I am following, what file are you looking for? The display that I use?

[@mikeledee8786]

@@TheClackShack The oval type

[@mikeledee8786]

In the video the image at 21:22

[@TheClackShack]

@@mikeledee8786 If you are talking about the design that I am burning, I haven't placed it in my etsy shop.

[@brentshepard3925]

Have you tried cutting/engraving any glitter acrylic?

[@TheClackShack]

I have cut some with the xTool P2. It is a CO2.

[@brentshepard3925]

@@TheClackShack I’ve only got a 10W D1. I can cut black acrylic fine and want to try other colors, but don’t want to put too much money into it just to try it and it not work. Then I’m stuck with a sheet I can’t use. Not having much success on finding videos on that particular style.

[@TheClackShack]

@@brentshepard3925 Red and Yellow do ok.. Blue lasers just don't do well with other colors at all.

[@Rizal-ir1pt]

Sorry, have you ever tried using acrylic mirror?

[@TheClackShack]

Not with a diode, it will not cut properly.

[@KJ7JHN]

link for the specs? thanks.

[@TheClackShack]

Specs?

[@KJ7JHN]

@@TheClackShack the 450nm laser light blocking glasses please.

[@KJ7JHN]

@@TheClackShack im going to build your enclosure for my laser. I like it.

[@TheClackShack]

@@KJ7JHN amzn.to/3Qind0K

[@TheClackShack]

It works for me.. @@KJ7JHN

[@darrellrichards2133]

Do you sell the keychain pattern

[@TheClackShack]

Not currently

[@TheRoadRoamer]

Maybe fill with paint for a little pizzaz🎉.

[@TheClackShack]

Maybe

[@jramseysr1]

Is there a reason you don't paint the inside of your enclosure? I painted mine flat black and I get no reflection please let me know if I did something I shouldn't have😁

[@TheClackShack]

I just leave them plain wood. Just a preference. I have considered painting them but haven't.