Everything You Need to Know About the K40 Chinese Laser Cutter

[@HariWiguna]

I love my k40 lasercutter too. If you have a good vent suction, you should try cutting acrylic. It cuts easily and the finished product looks really slick. But it stinks! hence the good venting is a must.

[@phototec]

How thick of acrylic are you able to cut with the K40?

[@HariWiguna]

@@phototec I cut 0.08" ( 2.12mm) Acrylic from Menards (hardware store) at 10mm/sec (6mA). Most likely could cut thicker but I've never tried.

[@phototec]

@@HariWiguna Would that 0.08" Acrylic be the plastic used for window panes in the glass section?

[@HariWiguna]

@@phototec Yes, that's the area. Just beware that they have different thickness and other non-acrylic plastics too.

[@MileyonDisney]

Cool video. I watched the full-length version, too. Where can I get the 3D file for the air assist you used? Thanks!

[@karllaun2427]

Something I found very useful was to implement some alignment dots so you know where the laser is aimed before you fire it. There's all kinds of schemes for fancy laser crosshairs out there, but really all you need to to is set up some bright LEDs close to where the beam enters the case. The mirrors and lenses will pick them up and project them onto your workpiece. I made mine out of a piece of acrylic (cut with the laser, of course) and it's just held in place with some neodymium magnets for easy adustment. I tapped some power from the unit's power supply to light them.

[@MkmeOrg]

I may add that. I have lasers and the nozzle I made even has the mounts but I ditched them as it interferes with getting full travel. I wondered about firing a visible laser in to mirrors somehow. Seems like a way better solution than putting more on the moving head. Cheers

[@karllaun2427]

@@MkmeOrg I thought I had posted my design somewhere, but can't seem to find it now. It was 2017-ish. This video gives the general idea, although I found 4 LEDs is plenty. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hF6soHavmLZ2oZY

[@RobiSydney]

I use a select comfort air mattress compressor for my air assist. I put in safety lid switches as well for the Tube hatch and the work area. I use a 12v 5amp power supply to run a Arduino 2560 running marlin and a RAMPS 1.4 board on mine. I also have the Z table as well. I use a PC Cooler radiator and water pump. I'm on my second tube. I have a DJ Light bar power strip which I can turn on Air Assist, Exhaust fan using controls from the Marlin software. I cut the air shrouding like you did from the back and I also added a slot in the front of the case to allow me to use long material. I also switched to a 4" (101.6mm focal length lens) to run under the gantry. On my light objects Z table I also run some aluminum hex to space the work up off the table. I also run the LCD panel off the Arduino as well. I've modded the Marlin software to only go to 14mA tube amperage so I don't blow the tube out again. My new panel has a Key lock to only I can turn on the laser. Using the white 12vdc LED strips from ebay I also lit up the work chamber and the Electronics area with their own switches on the control panel. I used a cheap acrylic clip board for the panel - nice smoked gray and it lets my see LED's inside the compartment. The Laser Power supply doesn't produce enough power for the Z table stepper or all the extra goodies I've added.

[@adammiranda8073]

I'm interested in one for flashlight bodies. They are annozided aluminum. How would this work for this application?

[@dherrendoerfer]

Really nice breakdown of your work! You might want to put an air-cleaner/moisture remover before your air-assist pressure control. Also with the grate on the bottom you can add an air duct, so the smoke gets sucked through the grate and doesn't go into the laser path. Also, aluminium under the laser leads to stray reflections, aluminium does not charr or discolor when the beam hits it, like steel does, so for safety you should make it black somehow. It's kinda funny how air-tight these cases are, with my big one the vacuum of my fume-extractor really pulls the lid shut, but the smoke's not extracted efficiently.

[@CreepyUncleOfficial]

Hey mate, I have the same unit, just set it all up but when I cut I don't see any laser, I was thinking how you said the tube wasn't lined up that may be the reason. How did you line this up? Also did you connect an earth tale? Thanks.

[@MkmeOrg]

You cant see a CO2 laser. You have to put tape over the mirrors to see where it is hitting and adjust.

[@SJSSawdust]

Will that rotary attachment work/fit with this laser? Thank you

[@NovemberDelta]

How's it work on steel and aluminum? We're looking and are unclear/unsure what it can do on the engraving side...

[@MkmeOrg]

You are looking for a fiber laser not CO2

[@NovemberDelta]

@@MkmeOrg arggh that sounds a lot more expensive... thank you so much for answering that!!! at least we know now :) how well does the k40 do on engraving on polymers and other plastics? I just went ahead and ordered one, the mods you did seem very doable and have me wanting to just get one as it works for wood and other things... we'll make it work until I can find a good Fibre laser thanks brother!

[@MkmeOrg]

Youll love it. Cant fail for the price.

[@dailyhauntedhistory]

did you have any issues using the antifreze? I read it may ruin the bulb but i cant confirm. just got one of these dont want to pay for the om tech coolant.

[@OlavSchneider]

Nice and informative video. I'm thinking on getting one. What material were you cutting? How wide is the curf? Is it precise to cut out small detail?

[@LucianCojanu]

what are the settings to cut mdf 2.5mm ?

[@MrLP10o]

Nice video ! Just curious, how thick plywood or acrylic can you cut at maw power ?

[@MkmeOrg]

I stick to 3mm

[@jopaul32]

I'm looking to engrave logo's on blank acoustic guitar head stocks. Do you have any mod ideas for this unit to get an assembled guitar neck at the correct level or should I buy a different laser?

[@amrnayal]

Wonderful video, thank you for sharing. I was hoping you could clear a question I had before buying this machine. I'm pretty much new to this. Would it cut and engrave acrylic, acrylic mirrors and vinyl? Where do I get laser tube replacements? Is this my best option for custom prints of gift and chocolate packaging?

[@MASKART-fi1xl]

Hey there ! I am having issues with the key "USB" , every time I plug it into my pc it states USB malfunctioned, therefore I haven't been able to use it. I have been looking around for information but honestly I can't find a resolution to this issue. The USB is marked it says lihuiyu studio labs - 2019.08.15 .If you are familiar with this issue what would you recommend me to do?. nice videos I have the exact same laser engraver but the brand is preenex. I'll appreciate it if your can help me out with this one !, Thank you!.

[@nurselnasuf9791]

I can't connect pc with vevor k4040 machines. Please help me. Thanks

[@DustinWatts]

Thanks for showing an interesting option! I'm not really "in the market" although I do really would like to own one. Have you tried thicker acrylic? Like the acrylic to make cases/housings for Raspberry PI's etc.?

[@MkmeOrg]

Not yet. To be honest its just too expensive for me to buy till I find a cheaper source. Before all hell broke loose I tried finding some but ran out of time/luck. I know it works fine for acrylic though- tonnes of videos on that out there.

[@AlexandrosNikolakis]

hi there!I just bought one...i think mine has a shorter co2 tube...cause the casing is 70 cm ...does this affect the machine alot?

[@MrLP10o]

Hey MKme, do you have a video showing your aim assist laser mod ? Thanks !

[@christianresources1912]

Will it cut 1/4 inch plywood for model airplanes

[@MkmeOrg]

Yep

[@HomeMadeCnc]

Still happy with it? Also, can I run it on Lightburn?

[@es491]

Hi sir. I using daqin screen gurd cutting machine. Can I use this customized wood engraving. Any alternate for machine. Plzz reply to me

[@es491]

My mail id is [e-mail]. pls tell sir 🙏plzz

[@jonwebb9261]

Great video. Have you tried burning the dye out of black anodised aluminium?

[@MkmeOrg]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWrXpnRmh6eDh7M

[@jonwebb9261]

@@MkmeOrg thank you!

[@ΓιώργοςΣτουμπης-ξ9φ]

when you engraving or cut wood or plexi glass what are your speeds?

[@daryllyons1287]

Always good to see laser videos. I get to use a few different ones at work.

[@MkmeOrg]

Excellent thanks!

[@internettrihard2955]

Thank you very much for making this video! I was about to buy a $1000 20w laser engraver but you got me sold on this one! Btw, what’s the smallest numbers and letter it could engrave? I’m looking to engrave steel for my diy watches

[@tested4you14]

hi, is it ok to use Aluminum for the ground plate? as it reflected 98% of the laser. Maybe Steal is better? May I am wrong, but I learned that I should avoid Aluminium in the horizontal Groundplate. Let me know if I am wrong, as it is so much easier to get Aluminium sheet :-)

[@MkmeOrg]

If you dont run it with the lid open you can use whatever you want.

[@tested4you14]

@@MkmeOrg thanks, I think I am not crazy enough to run a K40 open..hahaha

[@totalmayhemleather4030]

What is the working size now that you modified it? They say 12x8 but it looks like more now that you modified

[@MkmeOrg]

Right about that. 8X11 or so

[@totalmayhemleather4030]

@@MkmeOrg ok

[@ABWOrturLaser]

Which board/ firmware can allow Lightburn?

[@Slovenianwoodworker]

That was informative. That you buddy. I'm about to buy one for mu work. One question if i can. I would need it only to burn /engrave my logos onto some pieces of wood. You think it will do the job? Thank you. Happy New year

[@MkmeOrg]

Sure the K40 will do engraving/woodburning no problem. For good results of varied tones you have to swap the control board and run Lightburn so I'm told. For basic cutting and engraving it works great for the price.

[@Slovenianwoodworker]

@@MkmeOrg Awesome. Thank you for your reply. I have to learn everything still but videos like yours sure help. Another question if i may This 40w just to have a perspective. How thick material can cut? Oak maybe or multilayer plywood? Did you made any tests so far? Cheers

[@MkmeOrg]

3mm is about max for a general rule.

[@grahamatgrandpasworkshop5885]

There appears to be 5 or 6 of these on ebay and amazon all with different names but looking more or less identical. What "brand" is yours?

[@rickyjohnny8452]

i know I'm quite randomly asking but do anyone know a good site to stream new tv shows online?

[@djasynchronous7777]

Nice! chill, to the point, great edit, subed ;) Love the 'other channel deep dive setup'

[@MkmeOrg]

Welcome

[@euanmuir6402]

Dose it take a while to with it?

[@NewAgeDIY]

Nice. New to your channel. I was looking for info on laser printers and found this video. I have watched you channel before and find your delivery straight forward and to the point. Question after 2 years what your thoughts on this printer. Going forward what laser (low-cost) would you recommend in 2020

[@MkmeOrg]

I have only had the K40 for months not years. It is great as I say right here in this video

[@JoseRamos-ke2nh]

I have been contemplating in buying this product for over a year now, and I just seem to not order because I dont want to end up not knowing how to use it. I really want to engrave hard plastic such as handgun grips. Have you tried it on it?

[@MkmeOrg]

Sorry we don't do handguns here in Canada

[@stevenh6376]

So straight out of the box and without modifications, its pretty useless?

[@MkmeOrg]

Not useless at all

[@moetivation2378]

Can you add a rotary tool

[@emel8828]

What is size of cutting area?

[@LG-ro5le]

can you use this to engrave slate?

[@matthewwilson7687]

Where did you get the file for the air assist?

[@MkmeOrg]

Thingiverse. Files and attribution/link are in my Github repo

Cool man! Maybe something to look at later in year.

[@garthhowe297]

Interesting... I would like to see more follow up videos as well. It would be interesting to see how it works engraving, and cutting, different materials.

[@MkmeOrg]

I have a few in the pipe. One is already uploaded using it to cut carb gaskets. A use case I never even considered but works EXTREMELY well for.

[@vicomedia1]

why the gloves? i'm just curious....

[@cgfyl]

Love the video, thanks much! I’m looking for one myself. I heard you say you paid less than $500 Canadian for everything. I’m also in Canada and found one on vevor.ca for $595 or EBay.ca for $620. I followed your links and they’re all over the $500 mark. Would you suggest one specific one over another?

[@MkmeOrg]

They are all pretty much the same. Home manufacturing tools tend to go up in price with a global pandemic :)

[@wouldntyouwanttoknow7633]

Ebay has them for 425 american

[@danfraser7286]

@@wouldntyouwanttoknow7633 Just bought one off Ebay.ca for $619. I tried to make offers starting at $575 all the way up to $615, not one took the offer. Paid full $619. We shall see how things pan out I guess....

[@cgfyl]

Weird, I replied to the comment about EBay. I just bought one for $619 Canadian, delivered.

[@havana4123]

What is the work area on this machine ?

[@MkmeOrg]

8X11

[@johnhoyle6390]

great information. on initial k40 laser adjustments / mods.

[@MkmeOrg]

Thanks for watching!

[@joeblogs4146]

Why don't you try a 12v PC fan positioned in the center of the door on the curved section on the inside either with self tapping screws or try ultra strong adhesive, I've done it and removed that stupid vent like yourself and now its smoke free. Good luck.

[@kiddkali9855]

Would it cut ⅛ inch plastic?

[@MkmeOrg]

Yep

[@mpiechu11]

Where can I get 3D files for your air nozzle

[@MkmeOrg]

Description link

[@grahamatgrandpasworkshop5885]

There appear to be 5 or 6 "brands" on ebay and amazon that look pretty much the same which brand is yours?

[@MkmeOrg]

There's way more than that. No brand

[@casey6259]

"It just works" - Todd

[@NovaspiritTech]

Awesome video!!! I'm using the same k40

[@surfworker]

Great informational video! Thanks!

[@MkmeOrg]

Part 2 is UP! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gojPhWOmibVsfbM&ab_channel=MKmeLab Buy the K40 Amazon: amzn.to/3aNWrWk Cheaper on eBay: rover.ebay.com/rover/1/706-53473-19255-0/1?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.ca%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dp2334524.m570.l1311%26_nkw%3D40w%2Blaser%2Bcut

[@JointerMark]

A very informative video, thank you for posting this.

[@MkmeOrg]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@shelby50411]

Im buying one of these today on ebay...only bad thing and its a huge bad thing is these machines have ultra tiny engraving area 8x12 is ridiculously small...makes these machines very very limited to,what they can do

[@MkmeOrg]

Ridiculously small??

[@shelby50411]

@@MkmeOrg yes 8x11 is 88sq inches if you think thats a large area than thats your opinion. but its tiny in reality. cant do much with 8x11 area..you would be limited to doing tiny projects.

[@luckylarz4269]

I didn't know Woody harrelson did commentary on lasers. Lol jk 😂 do kind of sound like them though but I digress good video been trying to figure out what to get before I can swing the huge price tag 20w fiber laser nothing really seems to be the same But obviously talking to a big price difference but always trying to find a cheaper laser that can do some kind of stuff in the meantime mainly looking for something to engrave slides and magazines and possibly some lower Glock stippling appreciate you making the video though was informative!

[@buzzsah]

Nice unit at a good price.

[@MkmeOrg]

It sure is

[@adriancoleman2876]

has anyone ever told you that you sound just like Owen Wilson.

[@MkmeOrg]

Yep

[@mfx2customs]

THE LAZER DO 3D PRINTING ALSO ?? WOW THATS A WINNER

[@henrytobler]

If you're considering a laser cutter, it’s essential to explore all options. While the K40 Chinese Laser Cutter is a popular entry-level choice known for its affordability and basic functionality, I highly recommend the Monport Laser for those seeking a more advanced and reliable machine. The Monport Laser stands out with its superior precision, robust build, and user-friendly interface, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from intricate engravings to precise cuts on various materials like wood, acrylic, and metal. Additionally, Monport provides excellent customer support and comprehensive resources to ensure you get the most out of your laser cutter. By choosing the Monport Laser, you're investing in a tool that will not only meet but exceed your expectations, providing professional-grade results and enhancing your creative projects.

[@philipppeyer4604]

Please use safety equipment! Don`t turn on the laser without a closed door. install a safety-switch that turns of the laser when opening the door.

[@cMrob73]

Instructions are too advance for me. Wanting to purchase one of these but I need simpler instructions.

[@weddingdjwales]

Narrated by Owen Wilson.

[@MkmeOrg]

Waooowww

[@luckylarz4269]

I didn't know Woody harrelson did commentary on lasers. Lol jk 😂 do kind of sound like them though but I digress good video been trying to figure out what to get before I can swing the huge price tag 20w fiber laser nothing really seems to be the same But obviously talking to a big price difference but always trying to find a cheaper laser that can do some kind of stuff in the meantime mainly looking for something to engrave slides and magazines and possibly some lower Glock stippling appreciate you making the video though was informative!

[@luckylarz4269]

I didn't know Woody harrelson did commentary on lasers. Lol jk 😂 do kind of sound like them though but I digress good video been trying to figure out what to get before I can swing the huge price tag 20w fiber laser nothing really seems to be the same But obviously talking to a big price difference but always trying to find a cheaper laser that can do some kind of stuff in the meantime mainly looking for something to engrave slides and mags and possibly some lower Glock stippling appreciate you making the video though was informative!