😶‍🌫️ DEEP DIVE unbiased review & testing of the Creality Falcon 2, 22W diode laser engraver, cutter.

[@toddshepard3592]

I think this may be the best laser review I have ever seen. Thank you.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Wow, thanks Todd! I decided to change my format and get a little more organized.

[@kensutton174]

Great video!! I have the Creality 10W and I love it! Well made machine. Cant wait to see who gets the crown in the battle of the 20W!!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

The final video will just be comparisons of the same projects Ken. You, the viewer can decide!

[@777daveboy]

Hi, Thanks for doing this video, most informative. I have just taken delivery of the same machine, so slightly disappointed that you recommended a LaserMATIC over this one to a previous commenter..!! Be that as it may, you have given the Falcon2 22w a fairly glowing assessment! I'm new to the Laserering world, and hadn't of the LaserMATIC. In the focusing chapter of your deep dive you mention, after showing the step gauge, you stated that you suggest a ramp test, could you explain what a ramp test is please ? Many thanks. Rgds. Dave (from UK)

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I choose the LaserMATIC over every diode laser. My video was a review of the machine, not a personal recommendation. It's a perfectly capable machine, just a different class of laser. If you search my channel for the word ramp, you'll find the video, but the step gage that came with the machine was accurate.

[@777daveboy]

Hi Rich, thanks for your reply. I've now watched the ramp test video & it all makes perfect sense 👍 I will do the test for my own machine to satisfy myself. By the way, in the video you mention how happy you are with your calipers! What make are they, I need to get one? Thanks again.

[@davidelder5399]

Great review on this one Rich. Sorry i missed the livestream LMR on Saturday it was 2.00am stupid o'clock here in the UK. I was dreaming lasers 🙄

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Next time!

[@magnusltd]

Great format and review Rich!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Much appreciated Bill!

[@corjansen1958]

Very nice and clear video, the best I have seen so far. Price wise wouldn't it be better to buy the complete set, with honeycomb and encloser? Since you need this anyway to work safe?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Best idea would be to go for the LaserMATIC! It's the best diode on the market today. Link in the description.

[@CassiusProps]

Hi, I have a question regarding device settings / scale calibration mentioned 37:55 - how did you do it? I'm facing similar problem on one axis.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Edit --> Machine Settings --> Calibrate Axis

[@canalboating]

Hi Rich brand new to lasers having watched a lot of your videos and currently going through your lightburn tutorials just bought this exact machine i'm across the pond and am hoping this is going to be a good machine for a newbie thanks for everything you have shared

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Welcome aboard! It's an awesome cutting machine, but not on par with raster engraving. You'll need to do a lot of testing to dial that in.

[@LaszloBagi]

Great video Rich! Still loving my Roly 10.... can't wait for the power upgrade

[@merrillalbury8214]

I hope the Roly 20watt upgrade fits without modifications.

[@LaszloBagi]

@@merrillalbury8214 it will

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Me too Laszlo! The 20W lasers can't do what the 10W does as far as engraving, and the increase in speed is nominal.

[@LaszloBagi]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy I'll take any increase in cutting speed Lol

[@marcusburnett22]

Hi Rich, do you have a cut&engrave settings library for this machine? Can’t seem to find it on your downloads page. Thanks!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Sorry, no Marcus, but you can use any of the 20W libraries on my forum.

[@marcusburnett22]

Thank you for responding! Digging deeper, some on your forum recommend the 24w settings as a jumping off point.

[@brianmack6285]

Excellent review! The most detailed and comprehensive I've seen. I may be up all night watching the others in the series and you're to blame. :) It seems Creality now has this in a 40W version that has precision and power (?) modes. I wonder if they've addressed the spot size via this.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

No, and the engraving hasn't gotten better either. It's a great cutting machine, but not so much on engravings.

[@bobrose6429]

Hi Rich I could not find your setting for this laser as I have now purchased the laser and am new to the world of lasers. Still getting used to the software. Love your video and sent a beer over to you.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Any 20W library on my free forums would work. You have to be a member to see the free download sections. lahobbyguy.com/bb

[@olafb.2929]

A really good review, thank you. But I am curious, will you do a video on how to go into machine settings and calibrate ?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I already did Olaf. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGnOgHtrgsh2oLs

[@olafb.2929]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy Super, thanks 👍 Didn't make it that far in watching your videos, slowly going back in time.

[@gerritgeldenhuys2763]

Fantastic review. I'm considering this machine but I have one concern. Because it doesn't have a removable shroud at the bottom of the laser module like many other lasers, how will this impact engraving something like a watch band with permanently attached hardware or the inside of a dish. Will the housing of the module not run into things like that ?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

It makes small jobs very hard to run.

[@frankschoenle8566]

Really great review. Thanks for your efforts.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it Frank! After lots of use after the video, this is not a laser I would personally recommend.

[@DebMorris-k3f]

Thank you for this wonderful video. I’m super new to the laser engraver. My hubby bought me a Creality Falcon 2 22w 40w for an early Christmas gift. I love making resin tumblers and want to expand and losing my marbles on trying to get things to work. Can you head me in a direction of any videos that would be most helpful?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Search my channel for the word roller Deb.

[@DebMorris-k3f]

@ thank you so very much. Going there now

[@merrillalbury8214]

Covers all aspects. Thanks. Are you going to do giveaways on the 4 lasers after finishing the reviews like you have done before?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Not on these Carl. These will likely go to my other shop replacing some of the older diode machines there.

[@kyflintlock]

How did you square the gantry , I need to do mine.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I can't explain it in a text, sorry.

[@frankrowland63]

I have a 10w creality could i buy a 20 or 40w laser and install it on my frame or would i have to change the controller also.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Contact Creality for that answer Frank.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

*In this series are;* the Creality Falcon 2, 20W, Comgrow 20W _(all new design),_ Neje Max 4, 24W Sculpfun S30 Pro Max, Ortur 20W _(on an LM3),_ Ikier 36W & Atzer 35W. BTW, I kept saying *M7* in this video, when I meant to say *M8* for the air assist.

[@WhataBargain]

Hi. I have the same problem with my Falcon 22w not being completely square. I don't want to start undoing things and making it worse.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

You can try loosening the screws and using a framing square while tightening them again.

[@richardlong4076]

I can't wait to be able to get a bigger better one but as my first laser I have a Falcon 5w in the mail, cant wait to get it. I Will be setting it up and using it on the very day I get it for sure...

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Have fun!

[@cointroll]

The Comgrow Z1 20W is more my price range. When will you be doing your review on that machine? Just not much out there about the Comgrow 20W. I have learned so much watching your reviews and all about lightburn. Just don't stop.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I already did a review on the Z1 20W quite a while back. If you mean the new Pro model, maybe in about 2 weeks.

[@dvalinut]

Great review! That spot size is a killer though.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Yeah, that's going to be the problem with almost all 20W machines. Roly has found a solution though, and will be using it on their new 20W LaserMATIC 20 coming next month!

[@jacksaalfrank5084]

Great video, I love your series and thoroughness. one of the best I've viewed, thank you, subscribed

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Welcome aboard Jack! I take a lot of time real world testing these, as opposed to just a fluff promotional review made in one day. All of these machines are tested for many weeks before I do a review for a user experience.

[@scottmurphys]

Just bought one of these, and should be here in a few days. Doing lots of research and your video was extremely useful, thanks. I did however have one question. When you were measuring the 0.1, did you set it to Precise at the top of the laser? You did not show how to tighten the belts to square it, but I am sure I can find that elsewhere. Thumbs Up + New Sub!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

No, I ran it as is. That is the spot size. It pretty much squares itself during the assembly, and the belt adjustment is in the manual Scott.

[@mysticalaelfheah5475]

Have you tried cutting 3mm MDF? How does it do?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Yes, I tested 5mm MDF and it did well.

[@grahamwhitehead5629]

why is the mesh moving on your first cut at 13:43 ??

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Video distortion.

[@Cornelis-Dz]

The video is very informative. Thank you for the perfect and calm explanation. I am going to purchase the Creality Falcon2 22W laser engraver today and hope if I have a question I can ask you. If not I totally understand since it takes your time too.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I would recommend the LaserMATIC over this hands down: rolyautomation.com/lnJ4A7

[@Cornelis-Dz]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy Very impressive. Thank you for the thoughtfulness. I have been looking at reviews all evening and think I have made a choice. I can buy the Creality Falcon2 22W for 669 euros but then I have to buy a Honeycomb with it, make a Laser Engraver Enclosure and buy an extractor. And the LaserMATIC also comes with a camera which can be easy. It looks fantastic. Last but not least, also very good results. So for a little more money, I am complete.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

@@Cornelis-Dz You won't be sorry!

[@carlschulz1057]

Thank you for this review ( and your other videos ). It was well done. I did purchase this machine in a bundle at what seemed a good price. Two questions: 1) You mention the need to create a waste board. What is this, how do I create it, and what is it used for? I did a quick scan of your other videos but did not see it. 2) In a couple of the sections you are cutting and using a "framing square" on the Honeycomb. I am sure this is useful. Required? Where do I get one? Thanks 🎉

[@rohithrao9050]

Hello Which one you would recommend for a beginner - Creality Falcon2 22W vs SCULPFUN S30 PRO MAX 20W

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

The LaserMATIC 20 or 30. Links in the description.

[@stefanbaumann9226]

Hey Rich, thanks for this awesome video, very well done, well organized, well spoken and comprehensive. I am about to get myself a laser mainly for engraving, photos on tiles, wood etc. but also cutting plywood stuff for myself and my kids. I am in between getting this one or an atomstack X30, but the spot size is troubling me a bit since I am keen on sharp engravings. Is the Atomstack a better engraver for this? Or would you recommend to downsize in the Watts (10 Watts) for better results? Would take longer but I am not going for mass production so not so worried... Greetings to Lousiana from the Black Forest 🙂

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

The only laser I recommend is the LaserMATIC Stefan. The 30W also has a switch on the module to flip to 10W. rolyautomation.com/lnJ4A7 BTW, We went through Rastatt after leaving Frankfurt by car on the way to Switzerland many years ago and we got one of the famous cuckoo clocks from the Black Forest. 30 something years later, it's still as beautiful as the day we bought it! Beautiful scenery there as well!

[@stefanbaumann9226]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy thanks Rich, yes, they are beautiful watches and back then very probably still made in Germany 😁. The US is still on my travel bucket list, I would love to see those redwoods one day! Thanks for your answer, I will have a look at that laser snd it’s availability here. Thanks for your input on your channel. An Italien friend of mine who just got into lasering showed me your videos whilst engraving stuff for our kids, he loves watching your video during his shifts on a boat.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Thanks Stefan! If you can't buy it from the website, send an email to [e-mail] and they'll quote you a price, but I do believe it is available from the website shipped to Germany.

[@stefanbaumann9226]

Hey Rich, I can buy it from the website but shipping is too expensive. I have to make up my mind now if I go for the Falcon 2 or the Atomstack X20/30, or a 10 Watt Laser... or if I wait until the Matic is available again in Europe. Thanks for your help, looking forward to getting started! @@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy

[@Philh-y9u]

Did you use air assist cutting acrylic, my edges are white with air on

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I use air assist for everything. You can polish the edges.

[@rebeuhsin6410]

Nice work. I think a couple of facts were a little off. It actually uses, V groves rails and wheels like the Ender 3D printer, not linear rails. The metal for color engraving is stainless steel. At least by other videos. The green glasses that came with mine are actually good for the blue 450-455nm laser. They blocks 99.95+% (I cannot measure absorption any higher than 3.3 accurately) of the laser light. This is an optical density between 3 and 4 (likely nearly 4) which is good enough, not good enough. They should reduce intensity well below class 2, even below 1mm. The glasses you recommend would be safer in some ways, but not because of the wavelength range or density, they appear to be much better made. So they might not break. One does not want the wavelength range to be any smaller than needed, or the operator is more tempted to take them off. So please be careful about this type of advice.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I stick to my advice on the glasses. None of these cheap manufacturer supplied glasses are certified, nor would I trust their claims of protection. No certification, I throw them away.

[@RogerLohrum]

Hi Rich, new subscriber and lasers but your video made me think i need to learn soon, Thanks.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Try my Lightburn College playlist!

[@drm0563]

Would you provide, or do you have a recommendation for someone like myself, not new to wood crafting, computers and having a business, but new to lasers? Def thinking diode, prolly 20w. Not sure best route, 10w or 20, and which brand. Would appreciate your comments.ty -love your videos and explanation!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I would recommend the LaserMATIC 10 to anyone new or old to the hobby. It's the only all-in-one on the market, and the best in it's class. amzn.to/46i859H

[@drm0563]

Thank you! Pulled the plug and ordered it! (LaserMATIC)... Now... Could you point me in the right direction with your videos/playlist to best get up to speed? Thanks so much!

[@jfineo1986]

Would you recommend a creality 20 watt laser or a xtool 20 watt laser? Thank you!!!!!!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I don't particularly like xTool products Joshua.

[@TheAndrian463]

Great stuff. I've been waiting for these tests to be broadcast. Can't wait for next week.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Next week is the Sculpfun S30, Pro Dimitrios. The week after is the Ikier.

[@TheAndrian463]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy Great info thanks. There are so many new kits these days that it would be impossible to cover so many in one go.

[@annperz4132]

Is a Fox Alien going to be one of the 20W lasers that you will be using in this test?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

No

[@annperz4132]

Will you be reviewing the Fox Alien 20W? I have this one and i would really like your thoughts.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

No Ann, I don't have one of those.

[@annperz4132]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy ok thank you.

[@rkovvur]

Creality is releasing a 40 watt version. What is your opinion on that. Thanks

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I don't have one, so I can't say Raj.

[@michaelameredith]

Do you think the spot size was due to focus or misaligned lasers?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I don't know Mike. What you see is the exact focus set with the manufacturer recommendations using the step gage. I did not do a ramp test, and wanted a pure video of what an end-user may experience. I personally would do a ramp test if I were keeping the laser and most likely would get better results.

[@dangerous8333]

I can confirm that raising the laser 1mm above the provided gauge block improves cutting capability. Although further testing would be beneficial.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

After the final video, I did a ramp test and the focal gage provided for this machine was 2mm off. But this review was straight out of the box, results the consumer would expect. With my adjustments, after a ramp test, I was able to get close to a .01 spot size.

[@DavesCave]

Great job as always. Couple of questions Can you set you lasers offset different in x than for y to allow for the rectangular beam? The square was out … when you set for 50mm x 50mm square did you allow for kerf? I imagine that for engraving we set it middle of line to middle of line. There was something else but it’s been a few hours since I watched the video. Might watch it again after work. Can’t wait till the rest of the series ❤

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

The purpose of the 50mm square is to make sure if I call for one, that's what I get without a kerf offset. And yes, you can make adjustments to allow for the rectangle beam. That's what I was doing without actually saying it. Engineering wise, the laser should cut the 50x50 out of the box, with the X&Y both being different sizes to make the perfect square.

[@DavesCave]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy does that mean if you engraved a box it would be bigger than 50x50 to centre of lines do to line width? Or Is there something in lightburn or the laser that compensates for engrave v’s cut? Just trying to understand it more for the sake of my own work.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

No, by making the adjustment in the machine settings and using the calibration feature, I know I'll get a 50x50 with the kerf for the cut. The line width when scanning will always be the the same and is controlled by the LPI.

[@mykeb804]

How long did it take to engrave the photo?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I really don't remember.

[@ValleyForged]

And so it begins!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Finally! 🤪

[@truetech4158]

Disclaimer: Safety is super critical, critical thinking required with lasers, eyes don't reset like in videogames...people really only do live just once.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

The industry is starting to move away from the open gantry lasers... it's about time.

[@ModlrMike]

I see they've now released a 40W version.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Yes they have!

[@endicott65]

I have had the 40 watt version (8x5.5 w diodes) for a couple of weeks. Still dialing it in and have posted the recommend speeds / powers on LHG's website. Pleased with it so far...

[@moinquin]

I use this laser and i love it. Can you show me how you calibrate X & Y 38:10 in device settings? EDIT: Oh i just found video on your channel 😆

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Glad you found it! I had to do two calibrations.

[@billiverson1437]

Coupon didn't work

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Yeah, these companies do things like that. I can't help it.

[@scottmorris4914]

Great video, thank you,

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@mykeb804]

I'd like to see it cut 15mm ply in one pass like it claims it does.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Cutting is a strong point with this laser. 10mm ply cuts easily, so I would guess it can cut 15mm.