DIY Rotary Module for K40 Laser Engravers!

After many requests, I have finally put together a guide to make your own rotary module for your K40 laser engraver! This is a surprisingly simple build and will undoubtedly be the best accessory you will have for your K40!
While there are 3D printed parts in this project, I have listed alternatives for those pieces so access to a printer is not entirely necessary.
Please post below if you have any comments, questions or suggestions!
If you are looking to get a Glowforge Laser, you can use my referral code to get:
$600 off a pro, $300 off a plus, or $150 off a basic!
I'll get credit too! Use the link below.
glowforge.us/f...
Links to all Parts:
=========================================
3D Printed Rotary Chassis File - geeksmithing.c...
OR
Laser Cut Rotary Chassis .svg File - geeksmithing.c...
3D Printed Belt Pulleys File- geeksmithing.c...
OR
Metal Belt Pulleys for Linear Rod (GT2- 40 Teeth):
amzn.to/2MZXAlZ
NEMA 17 Stepper Motor :
amzn.to/3EIY5XX
Rubber Grommets (5/16 I.D. x 5/8 O.D):
amzn.to/2A0qNEY
Skateboard Bearings - 608-2RS 8x22x7mm:
amzn.to/313MnEb
Rubber Belt (GT2-200- 6mm):
www.amazon.com...
Metal Pulley for Stepper Motor (GT2- 20 Teeth 6mm):
amzn.to/313eRxX
Linear Motion Rod (8mm x 300mm):
amzn.to/2Lty71b
Heat Shrink:
amzn.to/2PUJncr
Wire Loom Cable Wrap:
amzn.to/31ccKYZ
M3 Hex Screws (9mm long) for Stepper Motor Mounting:
amzn.to/2ZLq4FT
Stainless Steel Ruler:
amzn.to/2PS1bEM
Pneumatic Nibbler:
amzn.to/2PUJCEn
==============================================================================
Amazon K40 Laser Link: (These go in and out of stock often, so I will try to keep these K40 links current in hopes you can find one!)
www.amazon.com...
For a Laser that has an even BIGGER cutting capacity and MORE cutting power than the K40 or Glowforge AND still cheaper than the Glowforge. (Sometimes these can come with Rotarys as well, just be sure to double check)
amzn.to/3knvGxy
If you are still looking to get a Glowforge Laser, you can use my referral code:
I'll get credit too! Use the link below.
glowforge.us/f...
The above links are Amazon Affiliate links and help support Geeksmithing Projects.
===========================================
Software I use:
Adobe Creative Cloud (Includes everything listed below):
adobe.prf.hn/c...
Adobe Photoshop (Raster Graphics):
adobe.prf.hn/c...
Adobe Illustrator (Vector Graphics):
adobe.prf.hn/c...
Adobe Premiere (Video Editing):
adobe.prf.hn/c...
Adobe After Effects (Video Effects):
adobe.prf.hn/c...
=============================================
=============================================
Social Links:
Website: geeksmithing.com
Twitch geeksmithing.co...
Instagram geeksmithing.co...
Patreon: geeksmithing.co...
Twitter geeksmithing.co...
Facebook geeksmithing.co...
============================================
Music: www.bensound.com

[@redportleft]

Best explanatory video I've seen in a long time.

[@Geeksmithing]

Thanks Tom! I appreciate that! It is a tricky balance of being entertaining yet informative. Thanks for watching!

[@bkarr81]

@@Geeksmithing typed the link in manually and got the files. Must of had a popup blocker that was blocking it.

[@adammichoo2930]

Is your website gonna be back soon? Would love to start printing parts needed for this mod. Thank you for this video.

[@Geeksmithing]

So sorry for the delay, but I finally have the files back online. Please check the video description for the link! :)

[@whatfor5]

I wanted to thank you for this vid. There are a handful of clever little ideas in here which some people may not appreciate, but I certainly do. :)

[@Geeksmithing]

Hey cheers! I really appreciate that!

[@Thor_Hamma]

Great explanation. Thank you. So i activate the bell 😊

[@Geeksmithing]

Thanks!! Happy to help!

[@TrevalessTales]

Mine gets here Wednesday, hoping to do bottles for deer camp this year for everyone. What happens if the bottle isn't same size all the way down? Is there anyway to do that or is it a lost cause? Only thing I can think of would be to shim it so it's all the same distance from the laser

[@Geeksmithing]

If you are doing a tapered tumbler or something similar, I cut a ring out of some scrap to fit on the bottom (or a roll of tape even!) to let the tumbler ROLL square (keeping the bottle surface slanted). As for engraving areas that are on a taper, I have found that you can only laser a tapered region as long as that region falls within the focal range of the laser... As you may or may not know, the laser lens has like a sweet spot that it can remain in focus within... usually about 55mm to 65mm from the lens. This 10mm range is all you have to work with. If the design can remain within that 10 mm region as the bottle changed shape, then it should work.. It will be tempting and intuitive to want to raise the tapered end up enough so that the surface is level. (by shimming underneath one end of the rotary device) This MAY work for you if your image is not very big, but it may cause an issue as the object rolls around, and will result in a distorted image in your finished product. It may be possible to compensate for the distortion in the image editing software, but I have not tried it. I definitely recommend a test bottle to laser on over and over again to get it all sorted. I hope that novel of a response helps and makes sense. Good luck on your project!!

[@TrevalessTales]

@@Geeksmithing Thank you so much! I really appreciate the response and the words of wisdom! I'll try my best!

[@ChadsCustomCreations]

Such a great teacher thank you for showing this I had no idea it was using the Y axis output.

[@Geeksmithing]

Hey thanks!! Yeah, it kinda blew my mind when I realized it too!

[@deanclauson3566]

Great idea and great video. Do you know when your website will be back up? I really need to build this but I'd like to get the laser cut files. Thanks!

[@Geeksmithing]

So sorry for the delay, but I finally have the files back online. Please check the video description for the link! :)

[@deanclauson3566]

@@Geeksmithing Thank you very much!

[@Geeksmithing]

@@deanclauson3566 happy to help! Good luck!

[@livinglifeontheedgechaos.1957]

Just out of curiosity how long did that Tumblr take to engrave on that K40 I'm considering replacing my xtool D1 with ak-40 and I mostly just do small flat stock and tumblers and just seeing if it will give me a speed increase

[@Geeksmithing]

I'd say about 15 minutes. Probably not running at top speed. If there is detail all the way around it takes longer. A typical tumbler with a small message is like 10 minutes.

[@Jakefrc]

Hypothetically anyone building the same rotary table as you can use the same calibration factor as the reduction in travel will be the same

[@Geeksmithing]

Should be true, yep! Unfortunately, the stepper motor availability has not always been consistent, so it was important to explain how to come to that calculation in case someone gets a different one.

[@fredwienbarg5051]

How do you adjust the focus the bottom cut out?

[@whostyle2005]

Hy and thx for the video! I want to build this rotary but i'm having trouble finding this exact stepper motor. Could you please update to exact model or replacement that i could use? Thx!

[@Geeksmithing]

Hi. All items used in the project are listed in description of this video, including the stepper motor. I just verified the link is still valid and in stock.

[@droneshots711]

hello Do you remove the laser tube when cutting the bottom of the unit? Thank for your reply

[@Geeksmithing]

I did not. The region being cut is pretty isolated from the tube. As long as you tape up all of the mirrors and the holes in the chassis where the beam exits the tube area right after the first mirror bounce, it should be fine.

[@Hoss_1966]

does your y-scale you calculated change if you use a bigger diameter bottle, or is that a one time setting? thanks

[@Geeksmithing]

It does not change with the diameter of the bottle.

[@pattibroussard1031]

you speak way to fast to learn, constantly have to stop to get the points. Sorry that im a little slower than everyone else. Other than that it was a great video

[@Geeksmithing]

FYI, KZbin has a playback speed setting. ;)

[@GeekBuildersNet]

One more vid to convince my wife to buy one.. and the ad spot for the podcast was great.

[@Geeksmithing]

It is my sole motivation! ;) And yeah, I thought the ad was fun too! :)

[@fredvarao3894]

Cool! But if you aren't an Engineer is better stay away from the K40 lol

[@Geeksmithing]

I wish I was an engineer

[@zombieprinting2670]

Nice tutorial. Do you think this could be adapted to the Atomstack A5 Pro as well?

[@Geeksmithing]

Probably as long as the laser is powerful enough, I think a similar approach could be taken.

[@Schrauba]

verry nice!

[@Geeksmithing]

Thanks 👍

[@giselasalazar711]

Great video, Can you tell what power you use and the speed . Thank you

[@Geeksmithing]

Thanks!!!! I believe it was around 7mA of power and 200 in/sec raster engraving pass

[@giselasalazar711]

@@Geeksmithing thank you I appreciate your help.

[@nikkicork8815]

How do you go about tapered items, just raise one end of the rotary bed?

[@Geeksmithing]

I fashioned a ring (laser cut piece or even a roll of tape) to fit around the tapered end to hold it up so that it spun level. Lifting the rotary can cause a distorted image.

[@30bkg]

Subbed as soon as I seen the intro, I loved that game 😂

[@Geeksmithing]

Haha thanks man!!! 😁 Me too!!!

[@MarceColucci]

Great explanatory video. Question: the rotary table has a fixed spacing between the struts. What is the minimum and maximum diameter circular object the table will handle?

[@J1I9M7M4Y]

I don´t know shit about lasers, but after this video i feel like i could do this.. Very well explained!!!

[@Bobster986]

With your own graphic software, why didn’t you just make the registration box yourself?

[@Geeksmithing]

Hmm? Sorry, not sure I follow.

[@Bobster986]

Geeksmithing you obviously use a program to make and adjust the graphics you use to engrave. Why would you go through all that hassle with measuring and math when you could have simply made your own square box that worked perfectly the first time and in less time?

[@Geeksmithing]

@@Bobster986 the purpose of the math bit is not to create a square, but to calibrate the rotary. The stepper motor used in the Rotary is different than the stock one. It rotates at a slightly different rate than the stock one If you do not calculate for and account for this variance, your images will come out squished on the final product. I am sorry this was not clearly described on the video.

[@Rgmekanic]

Someone's been watching This Old Tony ;) . great video

[@danielvrana9444]

How a bout a Chucked unit? I want to use this kind of unit. Your best option for that?

[@Geeksmithing]

That's a great idea, and I actually went down that path first, but ended up going this way instead as it was fewer parts to make and a bit simpler.

[@Geeksmithing]

Great question though!

[@truehybridx1]

Do you have the STLs posted somewhere?

[@Geeksmithing]

So sorry for the delay, but I finally have the files back online. Please check the video description for the link! :)

[@grezmel]

Just started to print and order the bits to make one of these for my 100W Laser - think I'm going to have to tweak the design as my laser uses Nema 23's and an aviation connector. Great design tho :)

[@Geeksmithing]

Awesome! I'm sure it will work great! :)

[@tomsedragon]

Nice vid, thanks! where do you get the bottles from/what are they called? I can only find branded ones on amazon, but yours look generic.

[@Geeksmithing]

I actually got them at Wal-Mart of all places, but they never carried them online..... I would have to hunt them down in various stores in my area, but for the price it was worth the effort... they were like $6 a piece or so.

[@tomsedragon]

@@Geeksmithing thanks :-)

[@austinf.9006]

Don’t really bother commenting, but come on this guy’s breakdown 👏👏👏

[@Geeksmithing]

Haha, cheers! I appreciate it!

[@kuaheamagnani5859]

Ok, I don't have a 3D printer and would like to know where i can get the rotary chassis from.

[@Geeksmithing]

I also made a laser cut version, you are welcome to try that as well. Link is in the description.

[@teemuleppa3347]

i hope more content creators were like this...no BS...just the content without any distracting things :) thank you sir :)

[@Geeksmithing]

Oh wow, thank you so much! I appreciate that!

[@Geeksmithing]

I hope you enjoy the rest of my stuff here as well. 🤓😆

[@AFlyingBean]

Most of what I want to work with are not perfectly round...how's the quality, and how well doe sit work, on non-perfectly-cylindrical objects like the first (white) water bottle you showed?

[@Geeksmithing]

For objects that are tapered, I make a ring(sometimes laser cut, sometimes just a roll of tape!) And stick it on the end to allow it to roll level. Then as long as the surface that you plan on lasering is within the focal range, it works pretty well.

[@AFlyingBean]

@@Geeksmithing Great idea thanks! Another question, do you know, is there a limit to the circumference of the object? Sorry if this is a silly question...I've used 3D printers but not lasers. I'm guessing since the X limit switches are never triggered the system wouldn't know the diff, but the software might. Say I want to engrave an object with an 8 inch diameter...technically that's a ~25 inch circumference!

[@Geeksmithing]

@@AFlyingBean as long as you can fit the object in there, and have the surface at the right distance for the laser, it doesn't matter! (even easier if you remove the bottom from the laser as I show). I have engraved a big 64 OZ growler bottle in there and it worked perfect. www.walmart.com/ip/bubba-Stainless-Steel-Growler-Water-Bottle-with-Wide-Mouth-64oz-Licorice/765224900

[@Geeksmithing]

@@AFlyingBean exactly, the Y axis limit switch is never triggered, so it just keeps going, and the software doesn't care how tall the image is that you are engraving :)

[@tsunamas]

Thanks so much for sharing this!

[@Geeksmithing]

Hope it helps!

[@karolkluczynski9144]

How do you know what level to set your digital control version , which I don’t want to kill my laser

[@Geeksmithing]

Um, not sure. I dont have that version. Probably not over 75%🤷‍♂️

[@summerswoodworking]

Where do you get your tumbler at?

[@Geeksmithing]

This was from good ole Wal-Mart. It was like $5. :)

[@josephgauthier5018]

couldnt you avoid needing the calibration by copying the ratio of the original y axis stepper motor to the linear movement of the gantry?

[@Geeksmithing]

Good question. I am not sure.

[@josephgauthier5018]

@@Geeksmithing I'll be honest, i wasnt expecting such a quick reply. Also, might be something fun to figure out if you are so inclined.

[@Geeksmithing]

@@josephgauthier5018 Ha, well, honestly, I am onto other projects atm, and don't have much of a need to investigate this. If it ain't broke and all that... Besides, I'm not entirely sure what you meant by the ratio thing anyways. :D

[@josephgauthier5018]

@@Geeksmithing that's fair. This isn't exactly for someone who is only willing to do plug and play.

[@augustinmeignan]

Awesome video But do you know your website is down? I wanted to download the 3d printer files but I can't access it

[@Geeksmithing]

Oh.. I actually didn't ... Thanks for the heads up! I'll check into it. I appreciate it

[@augustinmeignan]

@@Geeksmithing if you could send me the files that would be great Or if you can't I'll just wait for your website to be back up

[@Geeksmithing]

@@augustinmeignan should be back. Thx again

[@augustinmeignan]

@@Geeksmithing everything works thank you very much!

[@klave8511]

Interestingly, because you turn the rubber wheels that then turn the bottle, the Y scale factor isn’t affected by a change in the diameter of the bottle. Neat way of doing it. You probably mentioned it but I missed it in your explanation. Also, the stepper turns both rollers but if the friction is enough it only needs to turn one, the other can just be an idler. That way you can get rid of the belt. Chances of slipping would be more unless the drive wheels were carrying most of the weight. This way conical shapes would be possible without the cone climbing out as the different diameters travel different distances. You really only want one roller to drive, all others should freewheel. The shape will be distorted because the smaller diameter travels less than the larger diameter.

[@dustinhanlin]

I know this is a really old comment, but can you explain what you mean about conical shapes not creeping if you have one drive roller and one idler?

[@klave8511]

@@dustinhanlin basically, if you have two driven rollers their outside diameter turns at the same rate. Unless the shape you’re turning has the same diameter in contact with the driven rollers it will slip on one of the rollers or try to move axially.

[@dustinhanlin]

@@klave8511 ok that does make sense. I had to visualize it to get what you were saying. Most tumblers are conical so I guess this design isn't ideal for those. I hadn't thought of that before I got the parts together. Maybe I'll just have to design one myself using some of the parts and convert the one wheel to an idler.

[@robertchu7977]

Really loved your video. Refreshing to get your take on these cheap laser's and to get the most out of it. Thank you and keep up the amazing work!

[@Geeksmithing]

Hey thanks!! I appreciate it!

[@MyJoliLife]

Great video. I must admit that the laser printer is looking more and more enticing 🤪

[@Geeksmithing]

😆🤓

[@GeekBuildersNet]

Enticing enough to order it now?

[@Geeksmithing]

@@GeekBuildersNet 🤞

[@craigcater5783]

I'm getting vertical line, it not smooth raster engraving. Any ideas?

[@ArchibaldCharles]

Have you thought about using 2, 3, or 4 different sized rubber wheels on 1 end that you can slide in & out so you can do non nice cylinder? So like the slanted coffee tumbler.

[@Geeksmithing]

You could totally do that! My solution is I have a 3d printed ring that I slip into the narrower side of the tumbler that keeps it lifted up and level. Good idea though!

[@SDVCommandSourceLLC]

@@Geeksmithing Correct me if I am wrong, but I have tried this - (I am very new to this laser process) - by adding a taller ring for say the 30 oz tumbler that has a larger taper in the bottom, you must change the rotary settings as it stretches the grid test substantially. Settings must be changed to do this...am I correct about this?

[@chade74]

Thanks for finally doing this. Yes, I did bug the crud out of you over this subject.. Thanks for helping!

[@Geeksmithing]

I am happy that you did! Keep perstering me! 😆

[@cwallace91472]

Do you sell a fully assembled rotary attachment? I don't have a 3d printer nor do I intend to purchase one, but I would love to be able to have this in my new engraver.

[@Geeksmithing]

Sorry no, but I did list the metal items you could buy if you didnt have access to a 3d printer...😜👍 And you could laser cut the chassis piece, so you really dont have any excuse 😛

[@cwallace91472]

@@Geeksmithing Thank you for the quick reply. Are you familiar of any spceific machines that are NOT able to be hacked to use a rotaty attachment? I purchase a preenex (red) 40w laser and the seller tells me that there are NO attachments that work with it. I am a little concerned...so I need to confirm this and purchase a DIFFERENT one...or ignore them becuase I almost think they are just not wanting to ENDORSE it as possible...thoughts? :) Sorry for the long post...I am getting ZERO assistance from anyone...lol...:)

[@Geeksmithing]

@@cwallace91472 As far as I am aware, all of the K40 style lasers use similar stepper motors to drive the X and Y axis. All I am doing in my video is temporarily rewiring that Y axis motor output to use my Rotary stepper motor instead. The laser machine doesn't really know the difference. As you stated, it is likely that they do not want to be responsible for people cracking the machine open and messing with the internals, which I can understand. There is a great Chinese K40 laser Facebook group that I could share with you that might be able to help support your decision further.

[@cwallace91472]

@@Geeksmithing please do. I would love to find an interactive online area to communicate with other users.

[@Geeksmithing]

@@cwallace91472 Awesome! Here ya go! facebook.com/groups/888394261237059

[@vwood3489]

thank you so much for your lesson! I'll try using mm where I live...

[@stevelaminack9861]

Can you engrave anodized bottles or only painted? Where do you get the bottles? How is the K40 working for you? I am thinking of getting one but am hesitant to get a Chinese made K40 knowing (and seeing on Utube) the quality of these machines? But ...at the same time I don't want to spend thousands for my first machine.

[@Geeksmithing]

The K40 can laser off powdercoater paint and anodization as well. (I have lasered colored/anodized dog tags before) If you get the K40 on Amazon, you are pretty protected from a consumer standpoint. I have heard of folks getting things replaced and remedied when things happen to arrive broken. I figured for the cost, it as worth the risk, and worst case I could use the parts for a robot or 3D printer😆🤷‍♂️. I have a video on the K40 that gives more guidance of interested. Good luck!

[@trevorrumbold2726]

Great video - after watching this video a couple of times I was able to make a working version in a matter of days using my 3D printer and scrap/recovered parts from old inkjet printers - thank you.

[@Geeksmithing]

Oh wow! That's super cool!! Can't ask for for a better result than that!!

[@braxtoncrane9208]

I did the same thing! Just used it for the first time today and it's working great!

[@prismaerospace139]

I successfully built the rotary. I am noticing sleight wavy lines parallel with the y axis when raster engraving. The rotary spins true and belt tensions are good. Any ideas where my issue lies?.

[@Geeksmithing]

Hmmm... Not off hand, but send me a message/pic of it on one of my social media platforms (or contact thru my website) so I can get a better idea.

[@hollyellis8254]

I’m curious, how do the designs work when the cup is angled? Like how the 20 Oz Yetis are wider at the top than bottom. I work with vinyl and I know the images can be warped to fit. Same premise? What about the laser being further away from the item at the more narrow part?

[@caseynathanson7911]

Holly Ellis You would change how far from the ground the rotary is. You would either engrave the top or bottom part of the 30oz yetis, and the 20oz should be fine

[@MEM2022]

do you still recommend this to newbies?

[@Geeksmithing]

All skill level is relative. :)

[@MEM2022]

@@Geeksmithing Thanks! have you actually engraved a cutting board on this? I'm very very very close to buy one.

[@Geeksmithing]

@@MEM2022 yeah, I engraved several cheap bamboo ones and it worked great.

[@Geeksmithing]

@@MEM2022 Here it is: instagram.com/p/BnL2OobAe5L/

[@absolutetuber]

12:18 RIP King of Random :( i enjoyed your video!

[@Geeksmithing]

Thanks!....RIP. 🙁

[@GaryMcKinnonUFO]

Great stuff, love the magical editing! Liked and subbed :)

[@Geeksmithing]

Thanks Gary! 🤓👍

[@sik-sf1to]

Can a gun be engraved using this k40?

[@Geeksmithing]

Depends what part/material/coating. 🤷‍♂️ There can be any number of materials on one.

[@theeasyartistbox1292]

Is there an easy solution to bringing items of different diameters into focus? I'm used to being able to adjust the laser head to get the proper focal length, but with everything stationary, this is throwing me for a loop! And of course I just bought the k40 strictly for my tumbler etching 🤣 ... 🧐🤓

[@Geeksmithing]

Well, there is no dynamic focus or anything, as you said, it is all pretty static. The only caveat is that the lens has focal range where it is more or less in focus. This is how I am able to do tumblers myself! On mine, I just adjust the height of the tumbler so that it is like 55 mm between lens and the closest point of cup using a ruler. The focal range of the laser is about 10 mm, so the furthest point that can remain in focus is 65mm away. On the tumblers that I laser engrave for example, I cannot engrave the section that is super tapered between the upper section and the lower section of the tumbler. ( If that makes sense). I just stick to you engraving the upper section and there's enough range there to allow for that. I really should do a follow-up video specifically about tumblers. Feel free to message me if you have any other questions I'll be happy to answer them best I can. Good luck with your new laser!

[@heidbumbee1689]

Excellent presentation. I have had a K40 for about a week now but still haven't used it!! I'm waiting for a honeycombe base, have added air assist, red dot laser, water temp gauge, ammeter and threw the air extract internal "funnel" in the bin. I didn't bother shortening it as it is pants. I cut a 4" hole in the side of the machine for clear turbulence free extraction. I bought the machine for "flat" projects to enhance my woodworking projects. I've read statements claiming that the K40 can't have a rotary function but it was in my mind that all I had to do was what you have here but I wondered if I was missing something. All of this is to demonstrate my lack of knowledge or experience before I ask this question. If you increased the diameter of the wheel on the stepper motor would that resolve / remove the need for the calculation? Can a perfect stepper wheel diameter be achieved?

[@Geeksmithing]

I suppose that is possible, but there can be a variance depending on the stepper motors, and it might not be a one size fits all type of situation. Great question though! Congrats on the new shop addition and I hope it all works out for you! Drop me a line if I can help in any way! :)

[@ChrisBires]

My GT2 200mm belts are too tight to work over the metal pulleys. Bought from Amazon. Thoughts? Bought these: smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TF6KG4H/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@Geeksmithing]

Ugh oh. I will investigate. Let me get back to ya!

[@ChrisBires]

@@Geeksmithing I bought different belts: smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B074W229W1/ Same issue.

[@ChrisBires]

Rubber bands to the rescue! While I would still like to get the 6mm belt working, a rubber band tripled is working.

[@Geeksmithing]

@@ChrisBires haha, good idea! I am just finishing up that revision and it should be uploaded tonight.

[@ChrisBires]

@@Geeksmithing Is the STL for the chassis what you are updating/have updated? BTW: Your video is excellent. I should have led with that. ;)

[@MRrandini2U]

how do the wires on that motor map to the pins/colors of the existing connection?

[@EngravenArts]

Very informative video. I like your channel a lot. Liked & Sub’d!

[@Geeksmithing]

Thanks very much! 🤓👍

[@cliftonsuber]

That will only be correct for that particular bottle, a larger or smaller bottle would need some more fine tuning right?

[@Geeksmithing]

The diameter of the bottle has no bearing on that. Once you do the calibration step I show in the video, that holds regardless of the size. When you get a larger bottle, it's changing the circumference. That is the measurement that matters as it dictates the dimension of your design. The height of the design is constrained by the bottom of the bottle to the mouth of the bottle, but the width just gets wider as the diameter increases. The larger the circumference, the longer distance the rollers have to spin the bottle to make a full revolution. Hope that makes sense.

[@TheRealFourFifths]

Holy shit conkers bad fur day!!!!!! Use to play the shit out of that game on N64 did i pass the test!?!

[@Geeksmithing]

Absolutely passed!! Send me your mailing address on my social media and I'll mail you some stickers as a prize! ☺️

[@TheRealFourFifths]

😂 Unfortunately don’t use social media or id be all over it. Send it to the next deserving old school gamer! I did subscribe tho cheers!

[@Geeksmithing]

@@TheRealFourFifths haha works for me! Cheers! 🎮👍🤓

[@Geeksmithing]

@@TheRealFourFifths you should find many old school gamer related things here. :)

[@TheRealFourFifths]

Already watching another video! im a fan boy now 😂

[@josephmellentine3619]

Thanks for the video on this! Looks way simpler than I had in mind. I knew there had to be some kind of correction factor and axis substitution going on but was unsure how it was done. Now Ive made up my mind to get one of these devices. Awesome work man!

[@Geeksmithing]

Excellent!!! Happy to help!:) I also thought it had to be more complex than it really ended up being!

[@MillaloveHandmade]

Yeah ok, subbed straight away. Your x axis y axis explanation spoke to my soul. Some people are natural teachers. Can you be my dad. Ps. Probably older than you but that’s fine.

[@Geeksmithing]

Oh wow, hey thanks! And sure son! 😁 Now go clean your room! 🙃

[@SJSSawdust]

Great video!

[@Geeksmithing]

Hey, thanks!!🤓👍

[@schlotdoglaser]

I've had a rotary for a few months and have yet to use it. WIth this video, I think it will be easy to get great results. What is a good power setting for powder coating?.....you were at 7mA (what is that in percentage....I have the percentage pane). Thanks!

[@Geeksmithing]

Hmmm good question... Not completely sure, but I'd start at 25% and go up from there. Until you see it is zapping it away.

[@SouthernGinger]

Very nice bro! Thanks for sharing

[@Geeksmithing]

Thanks! You bet! :)

[@partybusdad]

I realize that it's too late now, but could you have used a shallower focal point lens instead of nibbling your bottom out?

[@Geeksmithing]

That is also an option, but in my case I wanted have no limit in other objects I could laser with or without the rotary. It's not super uncommon for the more expensive CO2 laser systems to have a removable bottom for such things. Good observation though!

[@DerGreve]

Is Gt2-200 a 200mm long belt or is it one with 200 Teeth? I'm trying to find this belt in germany and i just don't understand what belt exactly this is.

[@Geeksmithing]

From the item description on Amazon link: Specifications - Material: Neoprene rubber with fiberglass core - Length: 200mm - Width: 6mm - GT2 pitch : 2mm - Color: Black - Teeth quantity : 100 -Belt height : 1.52mm -Tooth height : 0.76mm

[@DerGreve]

@@Geeksmithing thank you.. That's embarrassing 🙈... Couldn't find this yesterday but today I see it right away

[@Geeksmithing]

@@DerGreve No problem!! I am happy to help! Feel free to ask away! Good luck!

[@theriot6891]

Awesome video, I just ordered all my parts to make this rotary device. Gonna cut my frames out of acrylic since I have some laying around. Thanks for a great explanation.

[@Geeksmithing]

Good luck! Let me know if you have any questions!

[@sitgesvillaapartmentneilsc7924]

Really cool presentation and excellent kudos for making it available to print etc. One thing I dont understand is how do you cope with cone shape items like the drinking cups and say a 1 pint glass which is say 4 inches at the top and 3 at the bottom of a height of 10 inches . There is nothing on the rotary machine to cope for the difference in level? Normally I would expect to see a adjustable wheels , Bars at the bottom of the Rotary unit . Do you put something under the shallower end to lift it up as the bottom of the glass is out of focus compared to the top Surely?? I would love to know how you resolve this please. Many thanks Neil

[@Geeksmithing]

Hey Thanks! Yeah for tapered objects, instead of taking things apart and adding new roller each time, I have found that it is easier to cut a wooden ring (with the laser cutter) that will fit onto the smaller end of the glass for example, that will allow it to roll squarely. It may take some fiddling with sizes to get it just right, but very useful if you are batching items out. The other thing I have used in a pinch, is a roll of masking tape actually. It fits right onto the end of a tumbler perfect and I just used up enough tape to get it to be the correct thickness so that it rolls square. Hope that makes sense. Good question!

[@sitgesvillaapartmentneilsc7924]

@@Geeksmithing I thought some thing like that, all you need to do really is add two rollers at the other end on a angled hole each side, allows them to be tightened on piece fo 2020 and you have a K40 tightening adjustable 2020 bed that works perfectly for odd shaped circles.

[@prismaerospace139]

Tried lazer cutting the SVG file provided in your link. Having an issue with the sizing through inkscape. Are you able to supply the dimensions for the chasis?

[@Geeksmithing]

I have updated the files to include some dimensional measurements to allow for proper sizing if you scale the svg and maintain the aspect ratio.

[@BryanKupko]

Great Vid ...what minimum specs PC would your recommend. We need to by a PC Laptop but don’t want to spend a tone of money but want something that has enough specs to drive this and somewhat future safe. I’m a Mac guy so I have no idea about PCs and the features I need to drive this unit-Thanks

[@Geeksmithing]

Speaking of Macs, there is apparently a subset of folks that use K40 whisperer on Macs. I don't have any personal experience doing so however... You should be able to certainly get by with most PC hardware. Get something with at least 16GB of RAM I'd say.

[@idahotroutchaser7096]

Great Design! I made one very similar after watching your video but out of aluminum instead. (I'm a waterjet operator for the day job) I was wondering what bottle you were using and how you get the engraving to show up so clean? I am having a problem with the engraving almost not getting all the way through it seams. I have tried on multiple power settings but can't get one to turn out clean like yours. Any and all advice is appreciated!! Thank You!

[@Geeksmithing]

Hello! The bottle I used was a cheap one from Wal-Mart actually... They often have a variety scatter throughout the store. I just use the settings shown in the video, and the use goo gone to clean it up at the end. If the image is jagged, then you are likely going too fast.

[@fredwienbarg5051]

How do you adjust the focus?

[@Geeksmithing]

The focus can not be adjusted in the lens itself... It's a fixed focal length. You can only change the focus by changing distance the material is from the lens. Some people have special rigs, beds or lab scissor jacks that they use to set or dynamically adjust the height based on the object you are engraving/cutting

[@fredwienbarg5051]

@@Geeksmithing thanks

[@martymcfly4038]

Damn this video is so freaking good. Can't wait to cut the floor out of my machine once it gets here. Big thanks for the rotary design to save us buying a unit..

[@Geeksmithing]

Hey, thanks! I appreciate that! Best of luck to you! #teamk40

[@graemebrumfitt6668]

I want to buy a laser cutter just so I can make one of these, I love it. TFS, G :)

[@phantienhung93]

That’ awesome

[@Geeksmithing]

Thanks!!!

[@pedrocaballero1497]

Have you by any chance made a lower profile rotary module to alleviate the need to cut the bottom of the laser? Or are there any modules that you may know of that someone else builds or sells already assembled that can work with this machine? Thanks.

[@Geeksmithing]

As far as I know, you may have a hard time finding other rotary devices that are lower. That was one reason I made this as low as I could, to help prevent cutting the bottom out of possible.

[@six5ths]

Hi, thanks for this video and the files. I assume I'd be ok using the 330mm x 8mm rods I already have? It looks like there is enough room, judging from the video.

[@Geeksmithing]

Yeah, I think you should have no probs.

[@thesimplyspoiled1]

Such a great video. I wish someone could make one for the GlowForge I already have. 😭

[@Geeksmithing]

Thanks!! Yeah.....

[@DanielLevesley]

Amazing work! I can't wait to try it. Just to check, what thickness of wood should you use if laser cutting the chassis? Also, which length m3's work best for mounting the motor?

[@Geeksmithing]

Good questions! I used 1/8" pieces of Baltic birch plywood sandwiched together (I need to add that detail to write up...thx!). And I'll measure the screw length when I get home.

[@DanielLevesley]

@@Geeksmithing Perfect, thank you.

[@Geeksmithing]

Sorry about the delay. They are 9mm long. Let me know if you have any other questions!

[@Geeksmithing]

@@DanielLevesley thanks for asking! I will update the info for others. 👍

[@danielbenbow4228]

Hi. Just wondering, if I were to use a tapered bottle and raise the one end, would the lasered image be distorted because of the gradual change in diameter as it’s engraving? Would I need to alter settings to reflect the “cone” shape of the bottle? Amazing video btw. Thanks :)

[@Geeksmithing]

Great question! Imagine putting a wide sticker on the tapered part of the bottle. Now place that bottle upright on a table as one would do when liquid is in it. That sticker sort of curves up when viewing it on the table relative to the flat surface of the table. Hard to describe....😆. That's why I figure lasering perpendicular to the center axis of the bottle when spinning is best, even the tapered parts. It certainly takes some experimenting to get a feel for it.

[@gabrielar20]

do you live in florida by any chance? I would love to get some face to face lessons rather than just youtube videos! I am starting a business and really need to know how to use this but never have ever!!

[@Geeksmithing]

Hahahaa, I am in Florida right now!!😆 ( Disney) but sorry, I live in NC!

[@scottindayton]

Nice job explaining in lay terms. Especially like that this is done on a stock K40 using Inkscape and Whisperer.

[@Geeksmithing]

Thanks Scott! I appreciate that! It is amazing what this machine can do when combined with some free softwarer :)

[@618kustomz]

Exactly what I was looking for! Thank you very much!

[@Geeksmithing]

More than welcome!:)

[@618kustomz]

@@Geeksmithing definitely subscribed after this.

[@michaelb1478]

Is the k40 big enough to hold a 30 ounce yeti rambler?

[@Geeksmithing]

Only if you cut the bottom out.

[@GoGreenMan]

How did you figure out where to cut for the big hole and do you have the k40 on foot risers or something to get the extra height? This is all so new to me. God forbid you even have a thought about modifying the Glowforge. Haha

[@Geeksmithing]

I just cut the hole to the approximate size of the cutting area, and the laser is shimmed up and down with 2x4s laying down if that makes sense.

[@GlitterBeeBoutique]

Do you sell the 3d printed pieces? I do not have my k40 yet and am trying to have all the parts delivered same day for my friend to help me put together.

[@Geeksmithing]

Sadly, no, I don't. :(

[@Geeksmithing]

First! :D

[@bkarr81]

I am having issues downloading the SVG template from your website for the laser cut pieces. Are the links still active?

[@Geeksmithing]

For the chassis? I just tried it and it worked for me.

[@SlickJWilly]

Are there any CNC files or do you have the actual dimensions for the chassis. Im getting the Millright mega V hopefully this month and ordering a k40 probably the following month. I would really like to get this installed as soon as I get it. Ps. Im new to all of this

[@Geeksmithing]

I have updated the files to include a few dimensions. You should be able to scale the SVG to determine the proper size with this information.

[@SlickJWilly]

@@Geeksmithing great, thank you

[@prototypeeight9503]

If you plug in the 4 prong Y axis plug backwards, I think it won't work at all. The red/green wires in the middle would have to be swapped also. I'm speculating.

[@Geeksmithing]

It will just cause the motor to turn the opposite direction. ;) I know cause I have accidentally done this. :)

[@jasonsayre4403]

Item I want to engrave is 1' to maybe 2" diameter at most, what is your recommendation on modifying the rotary to accommodate the smaller diameter? Bigger pads on the rollers? Modify the brackets? Make two larger wheels to ride on the rotary with my material threaded on a rod between them?

[@Geeksmithing]

You could definitely add larger roller wheels... You would just have to raise up the legs as well. There was a person that recently shared a different redesign idea for the rotary that might be worth me investigating to allow for smaller items such as pens or shot glasses... 🤔 Might be worth revisiting...

[@venadomazateco]

hi, thanks for all but you can put a video how put the limit switch please

[@Geeksmithing]

How put the limit switch? Sorry, not sure I follow.

[@gcrecon]

Are you able to do a bigger diameter yeti tumbler inside the k40?

[@Geeksmithing]

yeah, but only if you remove the bottom of the unit. Not enough clearance otherwise.

[@abuubaydullah1]

Ha! Ha! Awseome reveiw and i love the lesson as well as the idea at help the youth and us not youth anyway you should give yourself a patt on the back for doin the video's , i look forward to checkin the all out , kile i said patt on the back you've earned it Geeksmithing

[@Geeksmithing]

Thanks!

[@warriormountainworkshop7099]

So I've got all of my parts to build the rotary and I am cnc ing the parts for the brackets. Laser cutting was proving to be too difficult. Do you think all the stepper motors (same as yours) I should just try to go for .76?

[@Geeksmithing]

As long as they don't pull too much current, it could be too much for the stock power supply.

[@warriormountainworkshop7099]

@@Geeksmithing its the same stepper motor you have listed in your list. Thats where I bought it. What I mean is .76 per inch in the settings

[@Geeksmithing]

@@warriormountainworkshop7099 instead of doing the adjustment calculation you mean? Maybe. Might be a place to start from, but if you power supply is different than mine it is *possible* it may be different. It's easy enough to do anyways.

[@bobf3598]

How did you get a 200-2GT 6mm belt around the Metal Pulley for the Stepper Motor? Using the links for the parts, the Metal Belt Pulleys for Linear Rod are too tight for the stepper motor pulley.!

[@Geeksmithing]

I recently started hearing this more. I'm investigating it and looking to make improvements. Sorry for the troubles!

[@Geeksmithing]

I have revised the chassis files on my website to hopefully allow enough adjustment to help with over-tensioning on belt. Let me know if that helps!

[@karolkluczynski5204]

Wes, thank you for the video can you repost the link to where to get the parts for the machine can’t see to find it in the comments below, also can I make a smaller one for smaller items like shot glasses, etc

[@Geeksmithing]

Hey Karol. All pieces are linked in the video description. To engrave shot glasses some changes would need to be made to accommodate the smaller diameter

[@HowIDoIt]

very well done wes! I've been holding off on the rotary until I saw your video. The rotary looks great, and the results are perfect. Also for those who don't know how to calibrate the rotary, good job explaining that in the video.

[@Geeksmithing]

Thanks Matt! I had too much fun making the animations in this vid! Glad it all made sense!

[@HowIDoIt]

@@Geeksmithing I loved the animations!