DIY Homemade Laser Cutter

The full documentation for my latest Laser builds can be found here:
www.furtherfab...
In this video I share my process of designing and building a co2 laser cutter using a combination of 'V' & 'T' slotted aluminium profile 3d printed parts. I wanted a larger cutting area than my old K40 chinese laser cutter had, and I'm a sucker for a challenge.
FAQ:
Cost:
Total cost of the build was around NZD$3000 (US$2k)
Electronics:
AWC608 DSP controller - I purchased mine from lightobject though in hindsight i'd buy something directly out of China in the future.
Laser Tube:
Bought from Aliexpress, though you may have better options depending on your location.
Instagram:
/ further_fabrication
Website:
furtherfabrication.com
Music used:
FREI - Moody
Liam.M - Medicine
Liam.M - Voyager

[@FurtherFabrication]

Hey everyone! I'm looking at putting together a 'VERSION 2' laser cutter/engraver in the new year. If you're interested in a full step-by-step build guide, in-depth resources, and how to then generate an income using a laser (so that it pays for itself). STAY TUNED! Feel free to put any questions you'd like me to cover down below, so I can help everyone out as best I can!

[@jdoc99]

Awesome!!! Can't wait!

[@The_Bufficorn]

Might also want to include things like materials able to be cut and times for say 100 mil cuts per material. People like to hear about all the possible materials this type of project will let them process. Also maybe provide Freedom Units of measurement to reach a wider audience if thats what you are aiming for. Also got yourself a sub loving your presentation style.

[@Pseudothink]

This tutorial/guide is an amazing resource for maker spaces, or anyone interested in DIY laser cutting! Thanks so much, really looking forward to V2 guide, which is sure to have significant revisions and refinements.

[@Scairborne66]

DEFINITELY staying tuned! Would like to see a list of all the parts needed, to include the .stl files for the 3d printed parts.

[@guitarrero2009]

Do it man ,do it !!

[@lhxperimental]

It is amazing how accessible technology has become. With internet sharing, ideas pass around the world in no time and spawn newer ideas and the cycle repeats. Humanity is make going to make tremendous progress in the years ahead.

[@FurtherFabrication]

My thoughts exactly! It's such a great opportunity for learning and sharing. I remember being limited to the 3 books per week I was allowed to borrow from the local library hahaha. We've come a long way in a very short time.

[@billysgeo]

@@FurtherFabrication The positive side of the 'net. The one that lives up to the information super-highway that the past generation dreamed of!

[@billysgeo]

@Don Mega The technology level does not matter, it's what people decide to do with it that matters.

[@Moronicsmurf]

Until someone wanna wage war - then we make great strides to kill each other with more and more advanced technology.

[@puchomoreno]

Not in my country. Retarded 3rd world.

[@DKELL111688]

Nice work! Love the larger footprint design. However, one thing worries me. Is that just clear acrylic? The view areas should be covered with a laser protection film.

[@lorandlayton1756]

Just a thought You could do well by selling this machine in the kit form !

[@bevan5937]

Wow master maker! That's quite the impressive project you've got there. I remember when I built my first laser cutter circa 2011. I had quite a different set up to you but by the looks of it yours does the job quite nicely. Mine was running a 1250 x 850 bed (honeycomb of course) and a 60W tube and oh boy that thing chewed through 9mm Acrylic like nobodies business. Great to see passionate young makers like yourself sharing your knowledge with the rest of us. Keep up the good work. All the best for you future projects. Cheers Bevan :-)

[@FurtherFabrication]

Thank you for your kind comment, you know I'm actually a huge fan - ever since your initial findings and subsequent dissertation of the theoretical application of the 'mega mondo' effect in the 10.6 μm wavelength. Your research forever changed my outlook on subvisble light. Such an honor.

[@bevan5937]

Ah yes! I see you've done your research. very impressive... And yes my in depth studies on getting the perfect panel lines led me to the discovery of the MM effect. It truly is one of my proudest moments. So glad to hear that you enjoy my work. Keep on keeping on fellow maker! Regards Bevan

[@hotfuzz1913]

I can't stop watching your build videos all around nice job on the design , build and documentation not to mention the video and editing Excellent work Sir

[@123jerro]

I used PLA to print all the parts for my D-bot printer back in 2015 and they have worked flawlessly to date so don't be afraid of PLA unless you're planning on storing in a very hot place.

[@herrakaarme]

It's awesome what people can build at home if they have the knowledge and skills.

[@MrLucidity]

I did a 'drunk-buy' of a 20w laser tube - I thought it would be cool to have one - and have been researching how to use it ever since. This vid helped greatly, cheers

[@charlietame1892]

Very well thought out project, I wish the designers of some of the stuff I have to work on and repair put as much thought into their work as you did.

[@ironknobsteelworks4063]

Some people are good at talking, some are good at doing. This lad does both.

[@chris746568462]

Brilliant project. I have just finished building a 3D printer with the T slot aluminium. I used a metal bandsaw and then milled the ends for squareness. Takes a long time but i wanted accurate dimensions. Thank you for confirming that a wood mitre saw can cut it quicker with good dimensional tolerance, I have been wondering about trying it.

[@FurtherFabrication]

Thanks, and no problem. Awesome! I built my 3d printer with t-slot too, very useful stuff. I was hesitant about using a wood saw for aluminium at first as well, but by dialing it in with a few test cuts and going slow, it actually works really well.

[@glennmartonic6376]

amazon sells a 10 inch aluminum cutting miter blade for 20 bucks

[@mikecrane2782]

Extremely well done from start to finish. Pleasure to watch, and enjoyed your thinking & commentary. Good luck with your other projects, and yep, I'll be making a laser cutter one day, and your project is very informative. Cheers

[@amessman]

Wonderful video, I'm still on the fence about buying or building but your video certainly will make building a lot easier, can't wait to check out your other content!

[@MRdoA77]

I have bought a lot of chinese machines and I wondered about building one from scratch. It took me a few months but I built a 100w with a 5x8 foot bed using hybrid nema 34 steppers and a 708C controller. I am looking at manufacturing them full time from my shop.

[@bneben]

Awesome vid. Just finished my own build - I took a quite different route but had similar size constraints. Ended up with 495x720mm cut size using the same 40w tube with plans for a Reci w2 soon. Wish I’d timelapsed my build now!

[@originaltrilogy1]

How much did it end up costing you?

[@spikeydapikey1483]

Good call on the outer case, that makes a lot of sense. Cheers.

[@chrisnurse7658]

Great project to share to mate. When you consider that the large format lasers cost $1000s and even just to have a big machine shipped to Perth is $1000, building one makes a lot of sense!

[@flyboy3d]

I work with industrial level co2 laser cutters and have always wanted to make my own but the ones we produce are far too expensive for the average Joe to get. Definitely will go with your route.

[@arthursauret7323]

That's insane dude, your project is awesome

[@paulsenior69]

Well done! Thank you for uploading! I used a laser for a year nearly daily and rebuilded our lately.I switched from three to two mirrors by turning the laser tube 90 degrees and let it directly shoot I the second mirror. This was it needs a lot less recalibration.

[@FurtherFabrication]

Thanks! hm interesting I hadn't considered removing the 1st mirror, how does the tube fit in the enclosure - because wouldn't it need to be sticking out parallel to the end of the y axis?

[@paulsenior69]

Further Fabrication yes, correct. Don't know if it's working, but here is a link to a photo of the setup. drive.google.com/file/d/1_EqXSbv9Fm90gInfqRwfimIQC_ZlGP24/view?usp=drivesdk So you need a little bit more space but on the other hand calibration is much easier, took me maybe 3 minutes in total.

[@FurtherFabrication]

Nice one, thanks for showing the photo! it's very cool to see a different method being used

[@glennmartonic6376]

sounds really big....even for a 700mm k40 laser

[@whiskeysquiker]

Very helpful. I'm currently in design phase of a simple 10watt optical diode laser, but I want the option to upgrade easily later should I choose to go CO2 (and finances permitting) but right now I got about 250 bucks to blow so I am pricing everything out during design. Figuring out what I can make and what I shouldn't make vs. purchase. Also what I can print for now and maybe upgrade later. This will be a fun addition to my little print farm. Gah, I need a bigger shop. Appreciate the time you took to document the whole process.

[@AtulSohan]

*"i Hope that something was helpful for someone!!"* that is an understatement Brother. Knowledge and experience is to be shared ! nothing is a waste , i mean nothing there are literally 1000s of people who have made DIY laser cutters but each one is different and you sharing your experience means that i dont have to make the mistakes and i dont have to reinvent the square wheel , Thank you for sharing Plus Great narration and editing . I understand making videos of projects is hard and it takes 3 times as long for the project to complete thank you for sharing . i Hope you make more of such projects and post them online . Thank You Again

[@chriskiwi9833]

That was really nice. I agree that it is nicer to roll your own rather than buy.

[@AnecProductions]

Wow just wow, this is the kind of stuff i love want a laser cutter? Just build it yourself. I wish it was as easy as that hahaha I compliment you sir

[@TheRainHarvester]

I wish the tubes didn't wear out after a couple years...it's the only thing stopping me from making one. So tempting. Nice job!

[@FurtherFabrication]

Thanks. Yeah it's totally a pain, I just had to replace mine after 18 months. You just have to factor it in as a consumable

[@TheRainHarvester]

How much was the replacement? I heard you can take the old one to a neon sign shop to have them refilled. I don't know how much that would cost.

[@FurtherFabrication]

I hadn't heard of refillable ones, that would sure be handy! Depending on the power of the tube it's normally a couple of hundred dollars (I have pretty hefty shipping to deal with as well though because of my location).

[@karlfimm]

Great build. We've got an 80W laser (700x500 bed) and it tends to be the 'goto' machine when I want something in a hurry.

[@FurtherFabrication]

Thanks, yeah it seems to be a good comfortable size for most things.

[@glennmartonic6376]

wondering how big is your 80w laser....designing and taking into acct possible upgrades. 1200mm+??

[@karlfimm]

Physically, it's a big beast - about 1160*870*960, but the bed is 700x500. www.redsailcnc.com/X700.html Bought it a few years ago and found it very useful. I'm sure you can get the equivalent cheaper now, however.

[@1kokkerrot]

This video just earned you a new subscriber 😁 I'm a cnc and laser machinist and always wanted to build one.thanks

[@ovidiuvelecico6873]

i love it! i'm still figuring out the electronics part, don't have experience with that.

[@Submanca]

That is frigging gorgeous!

[@skidz8426]

Thanks for putting the price in the description. I was thinking to my self this doesn't look like a cost-effective build, but $2000 USD very much is if you're trying to cut engrave anything larger then 12" but if not a $400 machine is going to be the way cheaper, plus I wonder if you can just use those components. I'd like to know how much the box alone cost.

[@humbertorodrigues2361]

Awesome design Further! Im currently exploring 3D Printing and starting to do the same in the CNC Laser Cutter and i came across with your project. Thank you very much for the enlightenment and for sharing!

[@ScottTurnerformeindustrious]

Amazing! Great work!

[@FurtherFabrication]

cheers mate!

[@qtour99]

Fantastic work dude. You should be proud of yourself. I'd like to second some comments saying you should sell this in kit form. Put me on the list if you do! Great video

[@alexvonbosse5090]

Very interesting information at the proper time! I'm in the process of making my plans for a homemade laser cutter/engraver using a CO2 Laser. Thanks for sharing your information and knowledge and keep up the great work!

[@rusticagenerica]

May the God bless you for your stupendous work and this award-winning video !

[@MasterCraftFishing51]

wow you did a wonderful job on that project .

[@kermets]

Mmmm a fellow Kiwi...... I like the use of the clothes peg Spring at the end......Cheers Brett

[@runicevan5624]

that's one hell of a cnc plotter

[@alexandermilleriii499]

With talent like that, I'm sure this channel will succeed.

[@FurtherFabrication]

Thanks dude

[@supcoinjournal7720]

Great video! Looking forward to V2!

[@thumbwarriordx]

"How quickly they go together" Damn straight. I was helping my sister put together a milled Chinese 3D printer kit for my nephew and it took like 8 hours compared to the one I built a few years ago out of the railing in just over 2 hours.

[@MD_Builds]

Really needing a laser cutter for my setup... After building my own corexy printer, this video is really making me think about doing a laser build for a large laser cutter... Ive been really struggling to source one at a reasonable price... I realise you ended up spending 2k, but I hope to try and reduce some of those costs... For starters by not building one quite as large as yours. A 4060 would be perfect for me tbh...

[@RICRend]

Outstanding machine, you certainly earned my sub. Great job man, really dope to see people innovating like this. Inspiring!

[@rock3tcatU233]

Wow, you sir are a gentleman, genius and a genie!

[@alexfishman2961]

Wow! You've got some great skills!!! Amazing!

[@benjaminisaacs4668]

KZbin just suggested this video! Great to see another Wellington NZ Maker!

[@MrvelvetviruS]

Amazing! Looking forward to built it here in Colombia! Regards.

[@SuperMakeSomething]

Fantastic video! Thank you for sharing!

[@abdulfattah9189]

Super Make Something I

[@АлексСадко-ж7х]

Awesome build ! Thanks for video. Hope that some day you will be selling such constructer laser kits of your design.

[@waaduu6189]

That came out great. Well done mate! What about the corrugated boxes shown at the beginning. Manufacture them for shipping of your products?

[@juliangoulding]

Awesome to see this vid finally getting the views it deserves bro! I’m calling 1mil!

[@FurtherFabrication]

Thanks homie! yeah it was super random, youtube just starting recommending it or something

[@juliangoulding]

Yeah I think it sometimes takes it a while to figure out who to suggest it to. Had the same thing happen to my Ebike vid. Nothing and then all of a sudden, boom 200k

[@goldbunny1973]

I'm upvoting this after 10s, this is a lovely video to watch, it's beautifully done! (I am however wondering who has a door or a room that can't fit an 8ft x6ft x3ft extrusion frame through it.)

[@billysgeo]

That alignment tho... DAMN!!!

[@wendyvalerie6624]

You are a genius. Thank you for sharing your talent.

[@chadcory]

great build! I have a k40 that I'm going to upgrade. I think this is going to be its new look. Thanks man!

[@FurtherFabrication]

Awesome! good luck with the upgrade!

[@chadcory]

@@FurtherFabrication I really appreciate your cad file it opened in fusion 360 great. I'm going to be making a build video and talking about the build on a podcast I'm on(The makerz @ podnutz.com)

[@FurtherFabrication]

no problem dude - i'll check it out

[@ORDWIFEY]

You got skills!! Great Work!

[@krautmaster7922]

Beautiful work!!! Looks really professional!

[@scottmorgan5370]

Grade: A++ Excellent work young man... God Bless ya my friend...

[@VanquisherUSMC]

I run a quite large laser myself. The video didn't show any type of exhaust system for fumes and smoke. It's quite important to have one for a number of reasons. Obviously for health reasons, and when the smoke from cutting/engraving goes into the laser beam path, it greatly decreases the power of the beam causing inconsistencies in the cut or engraving . Over all though, really nice looking build though!

[@FurtherFabrication]

Thanks, and thanks for sharing your experience! Yes good extraction is crucial and is a topic I could easily do a whole video on!

[@GrahamMealand]

What materials can you cut? I'm really impressed with your end product and the simplicity of your design. A true inspiration to many people i'm sure.

[@FurtherFabrication]

Thanks mate. Just standard CO2 laserable materials, 95% of what I use it for is just wood and plastics.

[@cliffchism9187]

A very impressive job of design

[@blackend00]

great work .i'm going for a 3d printer using those aluminum gantries , basically the same thing only with more Z axe distance , but seems there is a lot of details need to be taken in consideration .

[@FurtherFabrication]

Thanks. yeah there are lots of little things you only really discover once you start building, you just have to have open to small changes and expect to get frustrated by things haha doing a 3d model first always helps as well

[@SF-fb6lv]

I don't know what to say. Amazing! Just finding all the parts would be a full time job. How did you learn all this?

[@greengoatman]

Just finished my own design and its such a great tool to have!

[@Tuffenough4u]

Hey, sweet build and great video. But to retouch on the laser DSP from LO, it might be worth the extra coin to consider Marco's latest offering in his T9 controller. He now has direct input on the programming and firmware updates as a partner of the actual manufacturer. The T9 has some cool features such as re-cut and a plethora of other nice attributes that make it top notch. I bought the T9 that I retrofitted into an old Lasersaur build. It obviously runs infinitely better than their failed open source board and has every feature you can imagine.

[@hebertotonielgamarra5111]

I watched the video just out of curiosity, and wondered what you majored in. Are you an electronic engineer or something like that? I really love it when people make things by themselves. Thank you for sharing.

[@FurtherFabrication]

Thanks for checking it out! I majored in Industrial/Product Design, which is much more about the design of things rather than any engineering. So that side of things has just been self taught.

[@fliptop62deceived95]

Nice!!! Also liked peg spring.

[@Laflx]

Amazing work!!! Would you do a DIY fiber laser some time soon?

[@ryanmacewen511]

Awesome man. Reminds me of my first printer build. Subscribed! Awesome video.

[@ez-airbrush]

Dang I thought you bought it like that. There's no chance of me owning one now .Oh and you're very smart.

[@Сачёк]

SUPER!! Your work is the best motivation !!!!

[@SuperMatt2112]

Great video even though I'm a bit late to the party, this was WOW amazing, someone else commented about how technology is becoming so advanced and available to just about anyone, I;ve said for a long tim, the internet is our collective consciousness on training wheels, just imagine the speed of learning if or when telepathy becomes the norm... not sure, but I think this is where humanity is headed over time, but its a process. IDK just thinking out loud anyway, Thanks for sharing this amazing laser project, truly inspiring.

[@MrDmorgan52]

You might want to use distilled water for cooling. Keeps down the mineral crud from growing

[@mechtech_stuff]

excellent video series

[@Umairworkshop]

This video is informative I will also make my laser cutter

[@rickt1866]

CLEAN BUILD NICE WORK.

[@originalmutant]

Always a pleasure watching a real craftsman at work.. NIce job!

[@ajc4477]

Very, very clean design.Thanks for posting.

[@sz72909]

I would very much appreciate a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to building Version2. I have no problem building the mechanics, but I lack the knowledge in selecting the proper and reliable electronics/controller/power supply, and the firmware necessary to make the laser functional. Thank you.

[@tuftman6092]

why did you make the y gantry go the long way across? wouldn't it be cheaper, lighter, and stiffer to go the short way across?

[@FurtherFabrication]

Check out my latest build - that's exactly what I did

[@RoyalIsmayilov]

Great job i am so empress 👍🏻👍🏻

[@SciCynicalInventing]

You have a very professional build that I admire but some people cant easily spend 2000 or 3000 on these machines. Maybe it would be a good video to look into some cheap alternatives. Anyway you get what you pay for, thanks for the great build!

[@AdvancedGT]

If you want cheap alternative then go with diode laser. Dont expect cutting however. They are good only for engraving. If you really want co2, than probably go with finished chinese product. It is not a briliant design, but it works and it is great value for the buck.

[@captainheat2314]

@@AdvancedGT or make it out of wood wich if setup properly wont catch fire

[@kamikazekk-df4vz]

One of the best DIY project i seen! Very interesting and smart result, well done.....and you obviously have a new sub!

[@jksr127]

You are amazing! I learned a lot from your amazing knowledge!

[@jasonl3445]

Honestly very impressive great job man

[@anthonyb5625]

Fantastic work. Really well thought out and loved your video

[@jordymoors]

Being in the final stages of my own 80W build, I would appreciate it if you could elaborate a bit on the 'accessories' like the air assist, exhaust, and laser bed. For the air assist I've read everything ranging from an aquarium pump to a full blown industrial compressor. What are you using, are you happy with it, how's the noise, and does it require extras like air filter or water traps? For the exhaust, are there any specs you can give that you've found to work well? Do you direct airflow to/from the workarea by any means (slots in specific places, or a downdraft under the table? I've seen you use a tiny fan on top). As for the bed, I've seen you use various things like nails, t-slot, and construction rebar, is there anything in particular you like, dislike or would recommend? I was planning on using a honeycomb, but am open to alternatives. As an aside, how's the V-slot holding up? Does it require regular maintenance like re-tightening and/or cleaning to keep it running smoothly? Does it allow for decent speeds (ballpark number on the speeds you can achieve?) I'd appreciate it if you could elaborate a bit on the above since those are the last bits I'm unsure about and could use some advice from someone with IRL experience :) Thanks in advance, I enjoy the build and videos!

[@FurtherFabrication]

That's awesome, congrats on getting it almost finished! Those are some really excellent questions: - The air assist I'm using is the same little aquarium compressor that came with the my original k40. It puts out enough air (no technical figures, but a 'gentle breeze') to keep smoke from entering the nozzle, but not aggressively enough to clear particles from the cutting path. For me this has been fine, it functions and hasn't broken. It would most likely be beneficial to have something a bit more powerful - but it's low for me in upgrade priority. - Exhaust is something you'll have to feel out a little bit with what it is you're cutting and the length of the run. The set up I've been using for the last few months as - minimum viable solution - is the K40 exhaust fan (essentially a bathroom fan), sucking from the back. With two 150mm computer fans blowing in from the front (positioned as needed). This remarkably has served me just fine. My exhaust run is also only about 2 feet long out a window, which probably helps. - Bed was a bit of a surprise, I wanted honeycomb but couldn't source it at a price I could pay. So 90% of the time I actually use strips of plywood with nails sticking up through. This leaves me with zero smoke marks on the underside and is really easy to adjust placement. - V-slot is holding up fine and accuracy is no problem - now that you mention it I should go round and double check the connections at this point - I have cleaned the rails several times but that's to be expected. The belt tension and motors are more of a bottle neck concerning speed, but I've always been limited by the power of the 40w tube dictating working speed. I typically engrave at 200m/s but can go almost double that if needed. Hope that helps!

[@UnexpectedMaker]

What an awesome build and final result. I've been thinking about pulling my K40 apart to make something that can cut an A2 area.... I'm finding A4 just too small for things I want to make.

[@FurtherFabrication]

Cheers dude! Yeah that was exactly my thought! I got a k40 a few years back, swapped the control board for a decent DSP but then it kind didn't get used because I was restricted by that size - so then I was like 'well why don't I just make it bigger?' and here we are today haha. If you're thinking about upgrading I totally recommend it!

[@UnexpectedMaker]

Yeah, I've done all the mods. New controller board, air assist etc... but you are a world ahead of me in knowledge with extrusions and mechanics and well... everything! hahaha... one day maybe!

[@FurtherFabrication]

the thing that took me to the next level was building a reprap 3d printer (if you haven't already). It's a really great way to learn about all those things because it's relatively low $ investment and danger, and it's extremely well documented

[@TheFlyingKiwiNZ]

Good to see a fellow kiwi doing stuff like this! Awesome work dude!

[@Jayell61]

Wow! How are some of you people so smart?! Lol. If I tried that on my own, I would have what I still have. Nothing! Lol.

[@happyfox711]

Nice build, a beautiful machine.

[@giftbox5155]

Best diy ever ..... Thanks a lot for sharing

[@jennygao7542]

Very interesting! May I ask how much it cost for all the bits and pieces apart from ur time?

[@RSmith-ld9ct]

I'm late to the party.... but OUTSTANDING! Simply brilliant.

[@travissmith7471]

Thanks for taking the time to share... Very helpful...

[@QuebecoisSti]

awesome DIY cnc laser cutter! Keep up the good works!

[@TheOldKid]

Nice build

[@jaredpenner5941]

Great build, you definitely earned my subscription. I think you have me convinced to build my own. Do you have a list of parts and suppliers?

[@FurtherFabrication]

Thanks for the sub Jared! you should absolutely build one. I don't have a full breakdown of parts yet, but if enough people are interested i'll put something together!

[@jaredpenner5941]

Further Fabrication sounds great looking forward to it.

[@brandao.rafael]

I'd very much enjoy that!

[@RedNapalm]

Further Fabrication would really love the parts breakdown. I’m in Australia and I’m having a hard time finding a cheap source. Thanks mate!

[@Venancer]

@@FurtherFabrication would love to build your design. Please list parts and part specs. Thank you.

[@douglasbrier3549]

Great work mate