First impressions- Monport 40 watt CO2

[@ctconn35]

Well I have ordered one just what you said for acrylics. I’m glad I seen your video and will be looking for more, thank you

[@TheClackShack]

You’re welcome 😊

[@knitsewfancy]

Congratulations on hitting 5K before the holidays!

[@TheClackShack]

Thanks...

[@squirralien1863]

Add an air vent in the front of the base of the machine inline with the fan on the back, that will create air assist front to back, you could even add a fan if you wanted to.

[@TheClackShack]

A fan isn't the same as air assist. It handles the smoke ok already.

[@ГордейДьяченко-и1и]

How do you cool this cutter? Do you use the default pump or have you engineered something else? I am looking to cut 3 mm thick acrylic .

[@TheClackShack]

I ended up getting a chiller. Used the bucket and pump at first.

[@ГордейДьяченко-и1и]

@@TheClackShack thank you for quick response!

[@kcimable]

What software are you using? Mine came with mLaser ART

[@TheClackShack]

I ran lightburn. Machine must be lightburn compatible.

[@kcimable]

Thanks for the reply. Mine isn't. I watch your videos a lot they are helpful.

[@TheClackShack]

Glad you like them!

[@3DJapan]

2:52 I have the same issue with my garage getting cold. I've checked and most of the time it doesn't go below 40f in there but on occasion it might. I considered an electric blanket but you aren't supposed to leave those unattended. I've brought it into the house once but it's very difficult to move it by myself.

[@TheClackShack]

I went with antifreeze…

[@nigelconroy3944]

Be careful using honeycomb if you're going to cut a lot of acrylic. Residue builds up on honeycomb and fires can be a result.

[@TheClackShack]

I have noticed a lot on the bed. Thanks

[@TheRoadRoamer]

I keep hearing you say MonPort recommends a MAX power no greater than 60%. Am I hearing that right? I’ve always been told a mA max (15mA current for the ~40w CO2s aka K40s in general not just from OMTech) figure to maximize Tube life so I wasn’t sure I was hearing that right?

[@TheClackShack]

It’s written repeatedly in the book. Recommended 20 to 60. I used the test button and the most it will generate with the variable all the way up is 18 ma according to the gauge. This one is controlled with lightburn. Seems to stay at around 5 to 8 ma when cutting

[@TheRoadRoamer]

@@TheClackShack Cool. Either MonPort's tube is more durable, they are willing to risk in-warranty damage at the expense of a customer repair delay or OMTech and others are more conservative on Tube Life. The Louisiana Hobby Guy, who used to advocate for OMTech but is now a MonPort employee rep is one source of the 15mA or ~37% (I use 40% on the meter myself) limit advice even on his MonPort 50W, not a K40 like ours. So IDK what to think but am being conservative with mine. 👍🤔😅

[@SgtTaz]

You'll get better results having your work piece 2 inches from the laser. so you'll need to raise up your work so the beam can be close to it's range. As is the beam is going wide instead of a pinpoint. This will allow you to use less power overall

[@TheRoadRoamer]

But it’s 2 inches from the lens which is inside the head. At first I had to take the lower half off to figure out where the lens is when seen from the outside and mark it for future use in focusing…

[@TheRoadRoamer]

Sir, I LOVE your methodical approach. 👍 ❤

[@TheRoadRoamer]

I’m doing this CUT test on 8mm bamboo as we speak… The Z1 10w not cutting it all the even at 22 passes. Almost but not quite…

[@SgtTaz]

@@TheRoadRoamer You are correct. Fortunately mine came with a measuring piece of plexi-it referenced the lens cap/ lens height. I have done quite a bit of upgrading to mine, the air assist and also remembering to clean the lenses is very important as well.

[@TheClackShack]

It came with a focusing measure tool and seems to be where it should be. This whole, no way to move the focus is a bit of a pain. Working on a fix

[@garydavis964]

I recommend RV antifreeze. I use this for my CNC Router Spindle.

[@TheClackShack]

That seems to be a common solution. I wasn't sure about it... Thanks

[@nigelconroy3944]

Could result in corrosion. Doesn't mean it doesn't work but that is my only hesitation with using RV antifreeze

[@slick11nick1]

Use g48 antifreeze for cars, protects from corrosion (mixed metal loops) and from Algae build up and from freezing water

[@garydavis964]

@@TheClackShack I have used the RV Antifreeze as it does prevent Algae and there have been no issues for me going on 3 years now. Others mileage may vary.

[@Ricks2Cents]

You can also run Radiator Fluid in it.

[@TheClackShack]

Thanks

[@Ricks2Cents]

@@TheClackShack I’ve been beating my read reading up on fluid additives. Pros / Cons. I’ll post an interesting article I found. Lot’s of different Opinions on this.

[@billb921]

OK... another expense, Fish and fish food... We used liquor in the RV lines to keep from freezing, first outing in the spring was a blast !

[@TheClackShack]

It’s always something

[@billmeade8092]

The air assist should keep the clear acrylic from melting back to itself.

[@TheClackShack]

That is my hope.

[@RelentlessVet05]

I have the same laser and i can not get it to connect to my PC i get an error that says USB not recognize Any ideas what it could be? i even took my PC into Geek Squad and they said the drivers are all fine

[@TheClackShack]

Check USB cable, some cables are charging only for usb-c. I haven't had any issues.

[@johncorbin355]

Have you tested thicker woods yet? Great on the clear acrylic, im very interested now :)

[@TheClackShack]

Not yet, I was just getting my feel for the machine and making sure I understood it before getting too crazy. I plan to test it out.

[@TheRoadRoamer]

Did you get 1064nm glasses for this machine? They are different filter than the Diodes.

[@TheClackShack]

It came with a pair

[@VC-id1ho]

Did anyone else catch that daddy long-legs spider crawling thru the laptop? lol

[@TheClackShack]

His name is Pops

[@PandorusFightStick]

will this cut 5mm acrylic / perspex

[@TheClackShack]

Should, can't say for sure.

[@8mmmauser896]

Can you please show us what grbl settings you have for the k40?

[@TheClackShack]

I used the settings that are in the manual for the M40. Page 21 cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0591/5128/6471/files/Monport_40wlightburn_User_Manual.pdf?v=1663813115

[@kevonmccreary]

You know as well as I do about this Alabama weather.... Freezing one day and hot the next 😀 Good video and good idea with the fish tank heater. I'm considering one of these but I'll wait till it becomes available with the Lightburn compatible motherboard already installed.

[@TheClackShack]

This one comes lightburn ready. It is new. I think antifreeze is gonna work for me.

[@billymcgee5987]

@@TheClackShack I thought I read somewhere in the manual that antifreeze was a no-no, something about leaving deposits behind. I just got mine and never used a laser before so talk about Noob I'm a tad bit before noob

[@jacknick429]

Clear Acrylic - will it CUT Clear Acrylic ?

[@TheClackShack]

yes

[@djkidsaturn]

Takes me about 5-6 passes to cut through 1/8??

[@TheClackShack]

That's not good. Sounds like a focus issue or power output.

[@chrisl4999]

What was the thickness of the clear acrylic you used?

[@TheClackShack]

3mm

[@bubbastees]

Can you cut ink bandit on the Monport and compare time against xtool

[@TheClackShack]

I could do a cut comparison but maybe just a regular box.

[@miguelmigue3008]

I would like to know proprietary fot k40 in LightBurn

[@TheClackShack]

Not understanding the question

[@terrytharrett9033]

My monport has caused me problems so far. It does not home correctly. I have been working with Monport Support to try to get it fixed. They told me the motor needs reversing. They are going to send me a video on how to do it. Hopefully it is not a complicated procedure. Hoping to get the problems corrected in the next few days.

[@TheClackShack]

Should be as simple as swapping the wires around. Maybe they will get it worked out. I havent had any issues of that sort so far. Good luck.

[@terrytharrett9033]

I just had to switch some settings in the machine settings area and now it seems to be working. Hopefully it keeps working.

[@LAAM619]

@@terrytharrett9033 how has it worked for you so far?

[@terrytharrett9033]

@@LAAM619 It has been working fine now that I have made changes to the machine settings. I only use it occasionally now because of the bed size. I am using my Xtool 20W and Atezr 35W more.

[@97JoMiller]

what is that device you have your exhaust going into?

[@TheClackShack]

I used a small smoke filter

[@97JoMiller]

@@TheClackShack does that make it ok to run inside? Does it get rid of the smell and smoke?

[@TheClackShack]

@@97JoMiller the smaller filters help but don’t eliminate the smoke

[@TheRoadRoamer]

You’ll miss out if you don’t integrate it into your workflow. I have a .clb file specifically for this Maching, Sir. Size matters but it’s the POWER that will impress. Don’t go over 37%, that should be 15mA. At least it is on my OMTech K40.

[@TheClackShack]

I plan to use it

[@terrytharrett9033]

Do you plan on doing a video on installing air assist on the monport?

[@TheClackShack]

Waiting on my nozzle to arrive but yes

[@terrytharrett9033]

@@TheClackShack That's great! Just got my monport and want to add air assist; but, since I am somewhat of a dummy on doing this type of thing I usually use KZbin for step by step instructions. I really enjoy your down to earth videos.

[@anw0625]

Will this machine do tumblers?

[@TheClackShack]

In its current configuration, it would be challenging with the bed design. With some modifications, yes.

[@milasmith2052]

your lovely cat catches my attention🤣😂🥰🤩

[@TheClackShack]

I saw her in the editing, didn’t when filming.

[@justpiddlin1470]

The Louisiana hobby guy might can answer the questions you have

[@TheClackShack]

I am sure he could

[@chucklenz9011]

How much power does ur computer have?

[@chucklenz9011]

In other words how much power do u need to operate this laser? I have as old one and I’m wondering?

[@TheClackShack]

I use an older laptop but it is was built for heavy work loads.

[@TheRoadRoamer]

It won’t fire below 5% due to power needs to Arc the gap between Cathode and Anode…

[@TheClackShack]

Makes sense… thanks

[@dannyreynolds7428]

Aquarium heater in coolant tank .

[@TheClackShack]

I went with antifreeze

[@jeffteeter501]

If you don't have room in your house, you can ship it to me!

[@TheClackShack]

I have plans to get more organized… lol

[@torowazup1]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👌🏼🍎😎

[@TheClackShack]

Thanks

[@garyfretwell3869]

if your thermometers goes blank there are little batteries in the back of it

[@TheClackShack]

Yea, I cleaned them when I first noticed the issue. Not sure what is going on.

[@EricPaul007]

I am a little concerned about you seemingly wearing the same glasses as you do with the diode lasers and not using glasses suited for this laser. Not a good idea to keep the cover open.

[@TheClackShack]

I don’t use it with it open. I have the glasses for the machine

[@EricPaul007]

@@TheClackShack Just for some examples you used it open (17:30) and with your glasses on. I know you have these glasses for the xTool, but do they protect you from the CO2 laser frequency as well?

[@toddo3591]

These monport machines are garbage and there support is non existent. Save yourself a lot of trouble and frustration and don't do it.

[@TheClackShack]

The machines are VERY basic

[@toddo3591]

​@TheClackShack I've tried a K40 from OMTECH and MONPORT, Same machine with a different name stenciled on. OMTECH knowingly sent me a used machine, I paid for new, it was broken. MONPORT sent a defective machine and had me swapping the motherboard among other things. Weeks of frustrating back and forth ( normally one poorly translated email a week from China). They're basic alright, basic garbage. From what I can see, the only ones of these that work are the ones they provide to folks like you to promote this stuff.

[@TheClackShack]

@@toddo3591 I don’t PROMOTE, I just show what I can do with them and work with folks to operate. They are very basic machines and I upgraded mine a lot to get it to work as I wanted.

[@toddo3591]

@@TheClackShack I'd be pretty thrilled to get one to work at all.

[@Panelson74]

will this cut through 1/4 rubber shore durometer 60? about as hard as a car tire?

[@TheClackShack]

Not sure but with enough passes, probably.