How to Cut Acrylic on a Diode Laser

[@eliseolopez6294]

I realy thank you for this video you are the only one that explains step by step also letting people know what acrylics diode laser can cut and were to get them I was about to quit until I looked at your video I have esend lots of money on this machines I have a 12 falcon2 and a 5w laser also thank you for your information on this matter I which everybody can do what you have done . my name is Eli and I am from portage indiana God bless you.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Glad it was helpful!

[@justrockinout7333]

Thank you for going through the different colors of acrylic and explaining why they may or may not cut on a diode. Very helpful information.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Glad it was helpful!

[@NYCHICLIFE]

So the thing is I’ve seen some CO2 lasers being about five or $600 and people saying they’re very budget friendly. I got an X to M one and it was around $1200 at the time brand new and now they’re going on sale for like 700 $800 two years later and I feel like I could’ve just gotten a monoport or omtech co2 laser for under 1k and that have really amazing reviews by a lot of people experienced with both CO2 diode lasers. But I’m happy to see this video since I’m hoping to just use my xtool to cut out the acrylic but then also cut out some permanent vinyl and a color. I might not be able to cut and layer it on top.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I actually hadn't seen those less-expensive CO2 lasers until you commented here. I need to check them out!

[@FrostLine1448]

Do you have Infared lazer machine suggestions?? I was close to buying the wecreate vision 20w; but then while watching your video you showed that diode lazer cant cut mirror, clear, or blue acrilic which kinda defeats the purpose of the machine for me. You mentioned infared lazers cut that- problem is i only see diode lazers on the market. Maybe an infared machine or a infared attachment? I'm looking for something easy to use like the wecreat software, What do you suggest?

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

If you want to cut clear acrylic, the best machine to get is a CO2 laser (but they are more expensive). Glowforge Plus or Pro, xTool P2, or Flux makes a small one that I haven't tested. There are others as well! I don't think the Infrared attachment on the Vision would do it-it's only 2W while those larger machines I mentioned are 30W and up.

[@JulieEbersole]

Great video, Corey! Thank you! I don't have the space for any laser right now, but I'm so intrigued! Would love to see the Spark used with card stock and paper or learn if there are certain papers that work better than others.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Cutting cardstock with. my machine is on my list! Probably not until later this summer though :)

[@jamemccall6958]

I am just starting to look at lasers. So happy to see you are educating on them. I am currently watching the Sublimation camp and am leaving this comment in hopes of entering the contest. This may not be where I am supposed to comment so - please ignore if that is the case. :)

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

It was the wrong place, but no problem! :) Glad you're looking at lasers -- they are SO FUN!

[@lindseycaldwell2998]

This might be a stupid question but can you like paint the clear or blue acrylic with a washable darker paint and then cut?

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Nope, it doesn't work for cutting. There are some hacks like that for engraving, but not for cutting.

[@lillianbonvallet1772]

Have you tried just doing the opposite side with the mirrored acrylic? Does that engrave well? Ive seen some cool projects done that way but not sure if they were just doing C02.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I have not, but now I need to test it!!

[@harryhodge3049]

If you try engraving (reverse) on the back siide of the mirrored acrylc you shhould get a great effect. This also works with regular mirrors.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Yes, someone else mentioned this! I think I might do a whole video on it.

[@techprojm]

When you are engraving on acrylic instead of cutting it, do you still use the same recommended settings from Houston Acrylic?

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

It would be different settings since their settings are for cutting only. I'd pick a similar proofgrade acrylic and test those engrave settings.

[@jamiemesser1990]

@@HeyLetsMakeStuff Thank You!

[@LouRao]

Maybe near future videos you can provide product or material links you demonstrated and recommend. Example 5:38. You recommend their site but don’t provide a link. Thank you.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Yes, I’m so sorry - I’m behind on adding links and captions right now! It’s all on my list to add this week.

[@LouRao]

@@HeyLetsMakeStuff 👍🤗

[@sandrafranco4212]

Thank you Corey

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

You're welcome! :)

[@mindycastoire1630]

I would like to know where to get acrylics like does colors

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I like Houston Acrylic for fun colors! Craft Closet also has a wonderful selection and has sections for CO2 and diode acrylic materials. That way you know what works with your machine!

[@mindycastoire1630]

@@HeyLetsMakeStuff thank you i have the aura

[@usergoogle]

👍