I Got This Laser Engraver For Free. Was It Worth It?

[@deefdragon]

I can only hope you engrave that ending frame of you holding an image of yourself on your next engraver.

[@pjtruslow]

Just for your safety, make sure you can barely see the dot from the laser with your goggles on. The goggles being green is somewhat worrying for me as goggles for 445nm lasers are generally orange. Over a watt of laser power is definitely enough to cause eye damage even from looking at the dot, and God forbid a reflection so stay safe and (as styropyro says) happy lasing

[@BYin541]

a Styropyro crossover is what we need.

[@kstricl]

Brainiac75 has some good videos on laser eye protection where he checks the actual wavelength of chinese lasers vs published. I'm going to have to check out styropro now too.

[@Ghlargh]

I was going to point this out. I got a 30W Fiber laser, the goggles that came with it seem to be just green tinted cheap safety goggles. They DON'T BLOCK THE WAVELENGTH OF THE LASER THEY SHIPPED WITH!. Neither do they really block anything else very well.

[@ObservationofLimits]

Green glasses would filter everything that *ISNT* green light. You wouldn’t want your glasses to match the frequency of your laser.

[@Ghlargh]

@@ObservationofLimits Well, except most common everyday pigments do not filter out infrared (because most pigments for transparent plastic is made for light filters, you WANT them to pass IR so they don't get heated up by halogen lights). These goggles also passed a good amount of near UV light.

[@srmofoable]

I've done testing with a spectrometer to check how effective those junk green glasses are. They are absolute junk and do not stop anything in the 200-600nm wavelength. Considering those diodes are all in the 400nm - 450nm range. They are 100% worthless. Spend the money and get a real set of safety glasses. Opt Laser sells glasses for around $50 the are OD7+ all through the 400nm range.

[@UnderDunnOfficial]

That's useful safety info. Thanks!

[@tom314]

I'm assuming it depends on the quality of the green glasses? I haven't done any tests on them myself but my boss' old lab had them around for when working on Raman spectrometers so I assume he had the relevant safety kit. (I used to work in the physics department of a university)

[@TilmanBaumann]

I actually shone my laser in a sacrificial pair of those glasses. The glasses melted and the paper behind was fine. It's still glaringly bright and looking at the focal point will still feel uncomfortable. But I don't think they will fail at protecting you from a frontal hit

[@Dr_Mauser]

Interestingly, 405 nm is the curing wavelength for printing resin....

[@michaeljones5681]

@@UnderDunnOfficial can I recommend pinning this

[@FishersShop]

Fun to see what's actually on the other side of those emails. Great video, my friend. I've gotten plenty of those same emails and, like you, I recently said "sure, why not?" to a laser. I haven't gotten it yet, but I suspect it'll be the same one you got.

[@DanielH]

I think they send to all KZbinrs and then after we respond, they make a pick of who's channel is better. I already said yes to a bunch of mails. No laser came yet.

[@knoxboxdesigns]

Maybe convince your neighbor to ask them for one, then you can "borrow" it.

[@AnthonyRose]

Hey... Fancy meeting you here!

[@RealLatinGeek]

"I'm gonna keep taking advantage of these emails as long as they show up" king. this is the chaotic good opposite to AvE's lawful good not-taking-sponsorships-ever.

[@ObservationofLimits]

To be fair, not really a sponsorship as they aren’t paying him. A compensated review would be more accurate. We send you something for free to review and you keep it (also they didn’t seem to be one of those companies that pushes for a good review - so already better than many other companies), and no offer of “if we we like your review we’ll do more business in the future. All in all, this seems like the most fair and honest review method. We’ll send you something with no demands and no promises and no comment on your final product and no incentives.

[@pr0zyon]

It's a cool machine. Especially for the price point. But if you give it away, give away a proper set of laser safety glasses with it. The glasses that are delivered with those things are often low end and worst case, sometimes don't work at all.

[@naso4265]

The fact that the weird shield and glasses are different colors is very concerning

[@tarstarkusz]

Forgive me for being a dummy, but why do you need them when the laser is facing down a few inches from the target? Does the light that reflects out damage your eyes?

[@fighterguy4561]

@@tarstarkusz Yes just looking at it could blind you for life depending on the strength of the laser

[@Yugophoto]

If he's building a fume hood around it, he could just either make the hood opaque or get a tint in the appropriate spectrum and make the entire fume hood also a safety shield for the laser light

[@tarstarkusz]

@@Yugophoto Personally, I would just use it on my stove top. The exhaust filter fan could probably get the fumes out.

[@parkerfiskar3589]

That engraving of you with the glasses on needs to be for sale. Aging wheels merch. Sign it for me. you’re my favorite KZbinr.

[@MillertimeTV]

Love the transparency and honesty of your review. Not a bad little machine for $0.

[@FnordOok]

Looking forward to the video of the other one. Tool reviews suit you well, you've got a good style for them.

[@robm9772]

This is legitimately the only tool review I've ever watched because I find them boring and pointless. Robert, your presentation style is amazing and I love everything you do.

[@ElNeroDiablo]

Honestly, for a

[@stonecyfer8225]

I have the non "pro" laser master 2 20w and it is a rather capable machine. Adding an "air assist" is prob the best thing you can do for yourself with any of the diode style engravers. It *greatly* improves efficiency in both cutting and engraving.

[@DIYBuilds]

Hey I get these emails too!

[@DieDae]

@@papasmurf9017 those damn leprechauns.

[@SimpleElectronics]

One of my Patrons sent me here.....man your videos are hilarious!

[@JayOfBurn]

I just stumbled onto this video, having not seen your work before... you had me chuckling all the way. It's 1.30am, my dogs keep looking at me like I've offended their ancestors. Great video mate.

[@MrClownWorld]

I first started watching you for your woodworking and problem solving, now I watch for the comedy and the rest is a bonus.

[@FrancGorenc]

protip for fine adjustment: the lens on the bottom is adjustable, it's a screw that you can turn to raise or lower the lens.

[@trbstang]

Robert, you do a great job as a tool review channel! Like a more handy Ed Bolian, I could listen to you talk about just about anything. I say keep taking advantage of these freebies if you enjoy it. Great job!

[@ObservationofLimits]

Yea I like that he jokes around but gives a semi-serious review. Many other reviewers tend to have no emotion and also end up focusing on how bad or good something is. “I know it can’t work on clear acrylic but what the hell, I tried anyways” 10/10 review method.

[@ecnivo]

I'm just really glad you disclose your sponsors / companies are sending you these products for free.

[@decidiousrex]

"I like my circles to be especially rectangular" This is why I'm subscribed to your channel.

[@N1RKW]

That does look like fun! I'd like to echo what others have said: Get a proper pair of laser glasses if you wish to keep your eyes working. I would never have to worry about my cat around this thing: She's too lazy to bother chasing lasers. Wish I was kidding.

[@sirtiberius1083]

I was just going to say this

[@TheOtherBill]

My cat never stood a chance. She tried but the 80 lb. dog would just knock her out of the way as he chased it.

[@koenverhoeven4897]

i found your channel like 1 month ago and im having a blast, ur the first guy that makes me laugh out loud when im viewing youtube. there is like no other. keep up the good work.

[@Bloodray19]

A laser engraver can be very useful for layout lines. You take the thick material, engrave the parts on it and cut them out on a bandsaw. It's much more convenient than printing paper templates.

[@jbbresers]

Good idea - would also be useful for detail work for a scroll saw 👍

[@jamesmyname]

I have a similar laser and have used it for making templates for use with a router and flush trim bit. Once you get the quirks of the cheap laser figured out you can make very precise templates.

[@ixamraxi]

Before you buy one for yourself, you might consider just getting one of those import K40's. They are actually cheaper than the device on your table, and are actual 40w C02 laser tubes. The downside is that the cutting area is smaller (if you make a better table, the effective area is 8x12. I've had mine for about a year and have since done a bunch of small upgrades, but at some point my plan is to make a new enclosure and transplant the guts, so that I can have a 2' x 4' cutting area, and at that point I will switch to linear rails, but the current methods is the same as this engraver, v rollers on extrusion.

[@MRCNC1967]

Sounds like you have a really cool mom! Drove a Porsche and now has a laser engraver!

[@ORLANDOMTZ911]

You are not a tool review channel, but you are honest and funny, and that made this video awesome. I’m gonna wait for the next laser review video, I know it’s gonna be as funny and entertaining as this one

[@1D10CRACY]

I just got the ortur enclosure and it is actually pretty nice! It comes flat packed and takes a bit to put it together, but it's built very well.

[@startedtech]

Please get yourself some proper laser safety goggles so you don't damage your eyes.

[@Reman1975]

Oh Jesus. I haven't laughed that much while watching a tool review in ages. Keep up the brilliant work mate. :D

[@harryragland7840]

3:58...Go Missouri! Thanks, I watched your video and was moved to get my diode laser going over the weekend. Mine is a Nextwave Moray which is a 7Watt, fully enclosed unit which as you say retails for $1500 (I got mine refurbished). The enclosure helps with smoke evacuation and I feel a bit safer given that I have kids in their tweens.

[@21mph12]

Came down here to find the Missouri comment. Found it!

[@harryragland7840]

Awsome! I'm in the the STL area.

[@marquardtbre]

I like the random reviews of things I didn't know I needed!

[@thebosun181]

FYI...i have a Ortur Laser Master 2and have been having a great time with it. etches glassware with a little work. Works on canvas very well, black slate, acrylic. It rocks You do need an enclosure, for eye safety and fumes. I use a small grow tent, works great. Engraving at 100% power is not good for the life of the laser. I engrave slate coaster with photo's at 35% power and speed of 1200mm. Try black cardstock under the acrylic , really helps with engraving. Also if cutting you need air assist to cut down on charring. 20w diodes are getting good at cutting 19mm of plywood. I agrre with you about the z-height issue. Anyway just my 2 cents worth. BIG ISSUE Get some better eye protection. The orannge glasses will do the job. Cheers and sorry for my long rant lol

[@StuffInMyStudio]

I really flippin’ enjoyed this review. Thanks!

[@johnalexander2349]

I ordered a laser module for my 3018, and it's been super useful for cutting vinyl stencils for painting.

[@bobforester6151]

I respect the hustle. Take all the things they're willing to send you.

[@RVSparky]

You are a fun person to listen to. No matter what subject.

[@astersfun]

Fun video, but I'll join the choir here and echo that you really need to get some proper safety glasses rated and certified for the laser wavelength (at minimum). Even a glancing reflection can blind with a laser like that, much less a 15W version. If that one is going into a domestic setting I'd recommend a full laser-safe lid with safety interlock (requirement for most makerspaces, schools, and work places for obvious reasons). It's best to be extra careful with one-strike-you're-out machines like that.

[@dg50484]

Hello, I'm a NEW fan! Just watched your video for the first time. Love it!

[@brianheikes1025]

There are 40 watt diode lasers for sale now that can do the work of CO 2 machines. They cost significantly less than a CO2 and can do the same work. We had a co2 laser in grad school and it was a major maintenance problem. You had to have a bunch of spare parts on hand to keep it running. Diodes machines are definitely the way to go for the money.

[@devandestudios128]

I'm not going to join the 'proper-set-of-laser-safety-glasses' quire, as your safety, is your concern. I'm just gonna say, now I wanna laser engraver. Oh and, Cool Vid as always. Love your editing style.

[@StevenDavisPhoto]

Never seen your videos. The algorithm suggested it for me and man, this video is hilarious. I am actually waiting on this exact machine at the moment. I had the non pro version and though it is low power, it is great for portable use.

[@1stage]

I've had great success using an indoor hydroponic ventilation fan with my CCL (Cheap Chinese Laser)... they have modest "organic filtration" in the form of a carbon filter (gets rid of dank smells when growing stuff in manure). But they are easy to acquire online, and they have good remote turn-on capabilities.

[@krisknowlton5935]

Remove one of the thumb screws on your height adjustment so the dovetail will seat properly. It takes out the wobble and makes it easier to set the height.

[@sheldonaubut]

I have absolutely no use for a laser engraver, but after watching this I am wishing I had a use for one. Great review!

[@jameslmorehead]

You should look at the A5 pro with the 20watt laser. I've tinkered with one for a bit and was generally impressed. The laser point has a much smaller focal point and comes standard with the Z axis adjustment rod. It even had a stepper motor on the Z axis so you can bump it around in the software for the final fine adjustment. I'm sure there could even be a way to automate that process.

[@yeabutwecouldbefreer]

Awesome Video! BTW You probably already know this, but in case you don't try to not run the laser at 100% ever, and just do more passes/cut slower and/or get a cheap aquarium pump(for air assist) to remove the soot to cut deeper without wearing out the diode. The degradation curve is very similar to Lithium Ion batteries when charged/discharged from 0-100%-0. The laser will last exponentially longer if you keep it under 70%.

[@LazerLord10]

I had one of these. I used it for a little bit. Then I threw it away as soon as I realized how f-ing dangerous visible wavelength lasers are. Here's a little reason: Infrared or UV lasers, if they strike you, will burn the outer parts of your eye. This can be fixed with surgery and stuff like that. Visible light, by nature of your eye being designed to focus visible light, doesn't need to be as high power to do damage. Your eye will focus it RIGHT down to your cornea and blast a hole right in it. There is no way to fix that. Is your vision worth less than the $1,000 it takes to get a better engraver? I'll let you answer that.

[@gorak9000]

Non visible light lasers are actually MORE dangerous, because you don't get the pupil-closing response you get with visible light - with visible light, your pupil closes to limit the light entering your eye. With a non-visible laser, your pupil just stays open while your eye fries

[@CaptCorgi]

honestly, I loved this content, give reviews to random stuff that you think might be useful for yourself. plus its also a win-win assuming the company doesn't send you a heap of garbage, and if they do send you a heap of garbage, Man will it be funny to watch you make fun of it

[@jasminaibojantodorovic566]

Love the Yugo sign! Greetings from Serbia...

[@everwoodfurnitureandcabine1153]

​ @Under Dunn I cut the green glasses up to use a filter for filming.. a bit easier on the eyes. and a lightburn camera will make lining up your work way easier..

[@StuartAdams]

This is a good sell out. Keep em coming

[@markjames8664]

This might be useful for marking plywood for cutting/drilling with other tools, especially if you are making multiple copies of the same part.

[@gorak9000]

you can also just print the pattern on paper and use a gluestick - and that doesn't cost $450

[@finecutpost]

Very well done. I'm going to keep an eye on your channel. Excellent presentation style

[@davidquaschnick1668]

you can etch glass by painting it first, I suggest black or white paint. you can also do canvas "painting" with it, for the price and what it can do, it is totally worth it but this design is a little different than the one I currently have

[@iliketobuildstuff7013]

you can engrave glass and metal, just put some black sharpie on the area you want to engrave and it will work great.

[@keithbordlee976]

The pro is the 3rd version and best so far. I have the lasermaster 2. It has been great and the best Christmas gift I've ever gotten. I wish I had thempro version but hey I'm good with the one I got... it didn't cost me a penny.

[@97JoMiller]

sad to see this channel hasn't had any videos in a year now.... And be happy you're getting companies willing to give you things. 🙂

[@jakeganey7032]

This is probably the best advertisement this company could have asked for

[@arnoldcp11]

I am jealous. I have been looking at one of these for awhile to cut thin ply wood and hardwood. I think I would rather deal with the smoke than the saw dust at this point.

[@keithl4779]

Good to see you again

[@dhm7815]

Very fair to us and to the manufacturer.

[@daves.software]

For the price, you might also look at a K40. It requires liquid cooling, but it would do a much better job of cutting plywood.

[@vikk3]

Found your channel yesterday and now I'm all caught up. Great videos, keep up the good work! (BTW, should have painted the walls before installing the dust collection ;D)

[@WoodUCreate]

I love the review and look forward to seeing how the new engraver compares.

[@davesgarage78]

A Ryobi ad played before the video. How fitting!

[@AstoundingAmelia]

I could see it useful for cutting thin plywood in the case of making wooden lettering or thin wooden intricate parts or even for layered cutting (such as a wooden version of vin diesel instead of one made out of ham)

[@oglaucio]

I love the Tavarish shirt! I have one too! Cheers!

[@jbbresers]

After your last video on Aging Wheels and this video I fully support the move to tool based content

[@luilu9167]

No matter what you do, I love it :)

[@cho4d]

I love the unabashed hustle of this video

[@chubbysumo2230]

how did I miss this excellent channel, I feel like I know this youtuber from another channel and I can't place it...

[@xlrxlr]

looks like it would be really useful for cutting custom stencils.

[@hmsiegel79]

"Magic is just science that works" - David Picciuto

[@VAXHeadroom]

Any sufficiently advanced magic is indistinguishable from technology...

[@PeterHertel]

I like your humour 😁 that was truly enjoyable to watch

[@colelepper9381]

when you said that it would be sharing a room with cats all I could think of is the cat in Christmas Vacation

[@ale6242]

Hell yeah take advantage of those emails! great video!

[@johncfalk]

Excellent channels. I so very much enjoy it. Much good!

[@QALibrary]

very well done - I love this type of video - next thing you be unboxing stuff

[@Robothut]

Having used these diode lasers for a few years now I can tell what kills them is running them at 100% power. The diode gets to hot to fast and is degraded. The unit will still work but the output power is forever lower. Engraving glass, and ceramic tiles is possible with a temperary paint top coat for the laser to heat up then you remove the paint and the glass or tile will be engraved. I have even done this with clear acrylic.

[@podiumnutter]

Just found your channel. It's like watching an intelligent version of myself! 🤣 Subbed x

[@postshawn]

Love these videos. Wouldn't mind seeing more reviews like this, even on another laser engraver. Maybe a video about your 3D printer. I have one too but haven't had time to use it in a while.

[@mclarenjohnf1]

Robert you are a perfect saless "Person"

[@Raytenecks]

I love my laser cutter, and yours is *way* better. After I bought mine, I did better research and found that's what I should have bought instead. But I'm still quite happy with mine.

[@Raytenecks]

Thanks for the run-down on the problems with it. That Ortur still has advantages over mine, but I've found that mine has some unexpected advantages, too... Like I've never had it just stop and burn a spot. I think that's a printer problem, and not Lightburn.

[@mauserkk98]

Great review, Christmas comes early for some .

[@Farm_fab]

I would definitely try one of those lazer engravers. I could make custom signs to hang on my shop wall. Incidentally, I just picked up a school bus stop sign similar to yours. I plan to use it with an alarm system, although I don't currently have one. Maybe it will be used as an indicator for someone approaching with a motion sensor. I have a number of signs that I've gotten over the years, including some from a bank that closed and was demolished. They are warnings for skateboarders.

[@Di3mondDud3]

Ive always thought that youtubers should take advantage of those china emails when they can. You had to make this video, but you got a thing! And it didnt suck

[@Locane256]

Hell yeah keep taking them! Thanks for doing a new video, can't wait to see the new laser 🙂 🙂

[@TheJourneyAhead]

Lasers are very fun to use. I can use a 80W CO² laser in our hackerspace in Bamberg, Germany. Just yesterday I used it to cut a gasket for my Fiat 126p carburetor out of Elring EWP 210 gasket paper.

[@johnm9263]

i have a feeling the laser focus could make it so that it can actually cut into clear materials, even if poorly, you will need some sort of shim

[@reginaldsin738]

if you want an actual co2 laser cutter for cheap, look at the K40. they're quite popular and so easy to modify and upgrade to be decent little machines.

[@nessnesn64]

The brownies JUST came out of the over, what a perfect time for an upload :)

[@hugobose2254]

True and Honest review I'd say lol great vid btw

[@CadenArmstrong]

You should get a k40, they are lots of fun. But also suck a lot because the upgrades cost more than the machine.

[@davidthedj]

Yeah, I had a K40 and had to put about $100 more into it to make it to what I would consider usable. Having a 3D printer helps when it comes to modding a K40 but it would probably be a nice addition to his workshop.

[@qmurphy8833]

They saved some money and used the bump sensor to also determine when the carriage crashes into the housing apparently

[@2cooltek]

Laser engraver engraver = Inception Engraver. WOuld watch your tool review channel, your humor amuses me.

[@chrisskelhorn5727]

Nice one Robert! That looks like a decent machine! 😃

[@FurryWrecker911]

5:47 hahaha! It's making a copy of itself! That's brilliant.

[@alexcrouse]

Awesome work. Definitely invest in quality laser glasses for the specific wavelength. The included pairs are typically trash.

[@fullmetaljacket7]

That thing can be used to cut custom gaskets, like a hard to find water pump gasket for example.

[@HexenzirkelZuluhed]

I was gonna say that... you got more than one mail, didn't you. But like the smart cookie you are, you already figured that out. I like the tool reviews.

[@patthesoundguy]

I have wanted one of those for cutting gaskets for quite a while.