Ep6: Laser Beam Mirror Alignment. The DIY CO2 Laser Cutter / Engraver Build Series

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further_fabrication
In this episode of the DIY CO2 Laser Cutter / Engraver Build Series, I focus (get it?) on aligning the laser beam.
I made this a standalone episode so it's easy to reference and if you already know how, just feel free to skip it and you won't miss any of the actual build.
furtherfabrication.com
//It should go without saying that electricity and lasers are dangerous.
None of this video should be treated as professional advice.

[@thenotionlab]

This is by far the easiest explanation of mirror alignment I've seen so far. Great resource for future laser users.

[@user-hz2kb4fx1p]

Mnrrnmllklkljkblbbrpp

[@sfkillar]

I second that. I've watched 40 min videos on this and he explained it in less than 9 minutes.

[@Tanner4.20]

No doubt man ur my guy that was so simple, 😂 everyone is like ewww lasers because we are using them we have to use a whole other vocabulary just to talk about them...

[@timtimmons3115]

Absolutely amazing. I’ve seen a dozen videos, including one produced my my laser manufacturer, that all say the same thing that never made sense to me. That being: adjust the mirror near to the aiming point then adjust at furthest position adjusting using the same set screws. How do any of these people think using the same adjustment screws fixes overall alignment? It’s wildly infuriating. This is the only video I’ve found in 4 weeks of searching that accurately describes the procedure. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. I wish I could give you a million thumbs up so this is the only video that shows up for people struggling to align their lasers.

[@productdevelopers]

I'm at the point that I needed to adjust the mounting of the mirrors thanks for posting

[@JDFuchs]

"stand alone video for easy reference" Now its saved to my favorites! Thank you so much for a good detailed to the point video :-)

[@UnexpectedMaker]

One of the best explanations and demonstrations of laser mirror alignment I've even seen! I wish I had had this video when I got my first laser (K40) years ago! Thankfully my 80W arrived perfectly aligned, and has not needed any adjustment since (touch wood).

[@danbemowski3014]

I have watched a lot of videos on mirror alignment and this by far is the best explanation. I can easily wrap my head around the concepts and it makes the most sense.

[@sgurnsey3304]

Absolutely the best video on laser machine alignment. I have watched many videos on this subject, but none of them were this down to earth. Thank you for this much appreciated.

[@mchaney2003]

Holy hell, this is the most amazing alignment tutorial I've ever seen. I've watched 6 or 7 different ones, and this is so professionally done. Definitely got my sub.

[@seankher]

Best laser alignment video on KZbin! To the point and easy to understand. Thank you for making this.

[@homeassistant9122]

An absolutely stellar video on laser mirror alignment. Simple, and to the point. Your open frame design makes things so easy to see, and your animations are top notch. I hope you do not mind me constantly referring people back to this particular video. There are so many people that are afraid to tackle this task. I have always wanted to create my own video on demystifying this process... but until I do... yours is clearly the best. Thank you for this.

[@antoniokfranco]

Thank you! this is the best explanation and example of aligning the mirrors. I've seen almost all and wish I found you 18 hours of aligning ago. I almost went crazy, I was shimming rails and taking shower breaks in-between losing my mind. All the other videos I watched had mirror 2 already in alignment. I can sleep peacefully now that my mirror 2 is dead on plumb in alignment. So much thanks for you.

[@alexvonbosse5090]

I like it, a straightforward explanation of the alignment process. Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work!

[@laser-art-rn325]

Best explanation ever. I was watching hundreds of vids about, mirror alignment but this one is far the best.

[@bearingtonbear3162]

this is EASILY the best method for newbs and experienced laser folks alike. This method of chasing the initial dot is not mentioned in any of the other slew of videos I researched. A+ job, I was able to align in 2-3 hours after a few days of being stumped

[@killerke11]

So glad I found your channel, this is hands down the best tutorial on laser mirror aligment I've ever encountered, other resources had so poor explanation of the aligment/accuracy circles that I never had a decent aligment before and now it's dead center on all corners

[@michaelalstrup8425]

As said by many this is by far one of the best videos explaining mirror alignment.

[@adaur981]

I have 4 co2 lasers and this is how I align them. It can be hard to describe it to new owners well. This video does a great job.

[@shawnmcandrew6923]

Thank you so much for walking step by step and how to get the beam into alignment. i have watch so many videos and they never go over how to walk the laser in. Its just tape, pulse check quick adjust move to mirror 2 alight 3 pules and done happy engraving. Its been driving me nuts too.

[@billcampbell6857]

Great video. Short and succinct - accurate information with no prettification and no ego.

[@nicholassels7411]

Man, this video is a life saver for anyone who is concerned their tube is losing power! My machine is running better than it did when I set it up the first time after following someone else's convoluted video. Seriously, thanks for making this!

[@BrianLeeWho]

I like your comment on using cheaper mirrors as opposed to the more expensive ones because they all wear out and need replaced eventually. That's the sort of info I'm looking for--the 'why you buy the particular parts and components'.

[@TheFlyingKiwiNZ]

Just caught up on all your episodes, looking really good mate! Your explanations and tips are really good, looking forward to building one myself.

[@biketracks]

Great video man!!! Finally all the steps explained. Best part for me was the alignement & accuracy. Until this breakdown of the steps it was a night mare to calibrate. Cheers!

[@DeadiDexx]

I had never heard of mirror alignment in terms of Alignment & Accuracy, 2 steps. this makes things wayyy clearer than any other video i've seen, and the visual graphics you add in really help, good job.

[@FurtherFabrication]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@kariforrest9960]

Best explanation ever! Thank you for taking the time to offer such a great resource for such a finnicky adjustment!

[@design8studio]

Thanks for the excellent video! I echo the sentiment of others: this explanation is far and away the best I've ever seen.

[@samueldudley8084]

Very nice! Would happily pay for the plans and parts list once completed. Keep up the great work!

[@OzSpeedway]

Outstanding video, one of the easiest to follow and what looks to be simple methods out there!

[@black1985vette]

Awesome explanation. Just went through my K40 and this is so much more understandable. Thanks!

[@paultakoy7091]

Throughly enjoying this series and looking forward to the upcoming episodes. You are doing an awesome job building and explaining! Keep up the great work!

[@FurtherFabrication]

Thanks mate, glad to hear you're enjoying it!

[@SmellyCatCreations]

really well explained, best version i have seen on youtube.

[@NicleT]

_This tube is quite old and sometimes likes to make funny shapes instead, so… Just ignore that, ‘cause you only encourage him._ XD You got me there. Subscribed.

[@ironstyle2796]

Thank You! I watched your film twice and correctly set the mirrors in 30 minutes to 1500x1500 area.

[@pretenda]

Thanks for posting this! I've got a laser cutter that I struggle with alignment with. Going to give this a good shot, hopefully get it working better

[@rickmccaskill7888]

Thanks for the video. I am going to start aligning my home build laser tomorrow. Your build inspired me to build my own 100 watt laser. Thank you.

[@webdronez]

Your explanation of this is incredibly easy for a rookie to understand. Of course i have exp with steppers and 3d work. I've seen a lot of videos and this one is the best i think. All my Extrusion will be here monday and i will be sure busy building the Y400.. Again Thanks

[@derekkehoe172]

Hi I am enjoying these step by step videos, and have started researching the components

[@queenidog1]

Super video. You should be teaching... You must have done this 1000 times to get it so perfect.

[@klave8511]

Excellent presentation. Thanks for the clear and detailed presentation!

[@joetke]

Gorgeous! INstructive and helpful. Thank you!

[@adammaciorowski]

Your passion for build big version of laser cutter pushed me to design my own laser cutter but with laser tube on gantry (to reduce beam distant (weak chinese 40W tube)). Thank you so much mate for being such awesome motivator for doing such awesome things! Best regards from Poland!

[@FurtherFabrication]

Awesome dude, that sounds really like a really sweet build!

[@pete.n.]

Waiting desperatly for the next episode 😊

[@LukeMk3]

That is an awesome design for a laser cutter! I have designed and built my own laser cutter, but with almost zero documentation. And I wish this video was available when I was dialing in my beam. It took me forever to figure out how to get it right, and I actually used the "do not touch" knob to get it correct. Keep up the good work man!

[@FurtherFabrication]

haha thanks man, glad to hear you got it sorted though

[@Sarveshdd1]

Loving your series. Inspired from you, I have already started my build.

[@krystiantyczkowski9948]

You just saved the day for me. Massive thank you!

[@dvjb]

Really nice and clear guide. This series has really inspired me to start building my own!

[@FurtherFabrication]

That's great to hear

[@ffelt]

Hi it's a very nice serie, I'm very curious to see the end 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@ardenpm]

New gold stsndard explanation for alignment. The tip to get it hitting both mirrors first before worrying about accuracy should make a big difference. Been putting off aligning my LAYZOR build but keen to get back to it after seeing this.

[@FurtherFabrication]

Thanks mate. Yeah in my mind I just find it easier to separate the two processes. Glad it could help!

[@barjimarine960]

That was excellent, best I've seen, thankyou

[@krugtech]

I've worked on "flying optics" (light source and work piece stay still, only optics move) lasers that had 6x24 foot beds, up to 6kw. they were put on thick floors and were very rigid. they spent a lot of time getting a useable beam to travel that far without divergence and pointing instability. Purging the beam path with N2 helps.

[@turkishkman1]

I literally bought a 3d printer so I could build this. I can't wait for you to finish! I would personally pay for your plans or throw you a couple bucks in a patreon account to see you keep on creating. Thanks for taking the time to share your hard work. keep it up!

[@BruceAUlrich]

Great video! Thanks for putting this together.

[@shaggygangst]

you deserve way more subscribers man, you are awesome

[@richarda19601]

Great explanation of the alignment process..

[@tombouie]

Very impressive, w/o all the profanity & throwing-thing too, Well Done. I probably won't be that skill/lucky.

[@HDTwiZ]

Could you make a video explaining how you determine cut and engraving speeds on different materials? I find your videos to be so informative and professional, as well as being relaxing for some reason haha.

[@Zaizaizo]

You are GOOD in what you are doing, I wich a lot of success!

[@jerrysaunders3672]

Great video! Thanks, keep them coming!

[@ruftime]

Nice concise explanation. This is going to come in handy very soon. Thank you!

[@RickGreenPhoto]

Excellent job explaining how to align a laser!! Thanks....

[@terjegjerstad9692]

Thanks a lot for your video. It helped me a lot. And you explained it very easy and undrrstanding. Have a nice day 🇧🇻

[@fyrstorm2010]

Looks like a very good episode and series so far.

[@ivangutowski]

Increible animations ! Ahh The difference between alignment and accuracy is the thing that's been bugging me for ages, trying to use one to compensate for the other never works it seems. Thank you again so much. Once All complete I'll certainly be emulating your setup very closely !

[@FurtherFabrication]

Glad I could help! I always find it easier to think of them as two separate processes

[@christianfilloux]

best guide ive ever seen. Thank you!!!!!

[@darynsmith4938]

Awesome method and explanation, thank you!

[@terencetrinidad6367]

Super appreciated. I’m in the process of designing something similar. I’ve enjoyed the whole series and it’s been a great inspiration.

[@FurtherFabrication]

Thanks mate, glad you're enjoying it!

[@itayirwambiwa4864]

Excellent, well explained!

[@andrewwatts1997]

I have a 2023 manufactured laser cutter that does not have up/down-left/right adjustment possibilities and let me tell you. I have spent 15 hours trying to align everything.... It's a hell of a job.

[@TheGeeMan]

Excellent video about beam alignment [thumbs up]

[@misamokuzelpizu]

awesome, detailed and easy to understand

[@milanjosejose9939]

Thanks for sharing the technical details.

[@darkracer1252]

nice. i own a k40 and never even thought about using all of the extrusion and rails and whatever. to make a bigger one that's actually usefull.

[@startinsomethin]

Excellent tutorial! Thank you

[@Geeksmithing]

Excellent episode man! Subbed!

[@ajpran]

very nice explanation, thanks so much

[@aakashgupta4478]

This is just Amazing,,, Wishing for your long and better life.

[@clarkmulvey4876]

I am more than moderately disappointed that there wasn't a demonstration of this cutting something And this is because the video was so good I was really invested in this alignment lol

[@FurtherFabrication]

haha there's no extraction yet, so all the smoke and fumes would have gone into my garage :(

[@Testundprobier]

Thank U very much for those perfect "How to"

[@frobbit30]

Great video, this project is awesome as I've been researching diy laser cutters/engravers of a much larger form factor than what's available commercially !

[@cbe6310]

Very nice explained... thanks bro

[@mambaman2007]

Fantastic video

[@MilanKarakas]

You are the first one who approach laser alignment 'the right way' using minimum power. Just... I think you need to consider using fourth mirror for future upgrade for longer laser tube. It is worth additional cost - since you already have huge workspace. Also, longer laser tube has lower beam divergence aside higher power. Thus, better overall efficiency (and maybe smaller laser spot). Additional mirror may not insert too much losses, I hope. Divergence is important. Did you check further point - whether it cut the same as closest point?

[@tranthanhson8986]

Thanks you from Viet Nam. I very like this video.

[@akaibukai]

Great explanations! I'm impatient to see the end and the first results. Thank you for sharing! I'll definitely try do replicate your project!

[@mrtorch485]

Nice Explanation!

[@CarlosDelcristo]

Great Job, thank you for sharing

[@krakaka4726]

Don't forget to secure the mirrors by tightening them locknuts, Otherwise next weeks vid is going to be alignment again ;-)

[@FurtherFabrication]

haha yeah good point! I forgot to mention that

[@tharinduuld]

Thankyou .. very important and useful video..

[@MikeProjects]

Perfect Video!

[@chriskiwi9833]

Nice and clear. Thanks!

[@firzanali6575]

This Very very good Very useful for me. Thanking you Very much

[@ashrafshikalgar8539]

Thanks sir ur video helped me a lot for my laser machine alignment.

[@DavidWTube]

You made that look easy

[@princedhuria6026]

Best alignment❤❤❤

[@RyanRoyer]

Great explanation.

[@ravenstudios4218]

loved the Kenny Loggins reference

[@martins.6122]

VERY well done, thank you! Is there a way to see in case of some misalignement, that the problem is that the tube is not perfectly parallel to the gantry, meaning the beam would go up or down? Or don't I have to worry and fix it with the first mirror? Thanks in advance for your comment...

[@barkster]

Awesome Video Thanks

[@brainnurture1828]

Thank you very much .

[@cristobalmarag]

Great Video!!!!!