Ikier K1 Pro 24w | Initial testing and review

[@donm1025]

New to lasers and decided on a diode... Ikier just launched a 24/48 watt switching unit.. So think I will go with it.. Thanks for your review... Looks like a good unit to start with... Thanks

[@Vintauri]

I've been told, Ikier is sending me one of the 24/48 watt lasers to test out as well. I'm looking forward to seeing how well the switchable laser works and how much more effective the 48w setting will be at cutting. Congrats on jumping into this fun hobby!

[@007donj]

Brilliant presentation of the Ikier laser.

[@joetkeshub]

Thank you! as informative as helpful.

[@Vintauri]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MarklTucson]

Looks quite interesting. Manufacturers are definitely addressing some of the issues with these machines.

[@Vintauri]

It is good to see them making changes on the new models to address some of the concerns. I’m enjoying playing with the motor driven z height as well.

[@MarklTucson]

@@Vintauri I find that part very intriguing. That seems like a significant step forward.

[@I-LOVE-EARTH]

Another great video! The autofocus and ability to drop the z-axis on the second pass is cool! Much nicer than xTool! Looking forward to your review of their new 48W/24W selectable laser.

[@TechOutsider]

I have the 36w Ultra and haven't had lots of time to test yet, but it's been working great with what I have been able to get to. It was good to see you playing with it, and I would be one of the first to get your plans for your enclosure for it should you decide to do so for this unit, the feet are different and I am looking to get the rotary for it. Thanks for the great content!

[@Vintauri]

I’m wanting to see about some extensions and then build a new enclosure around that. The 36w would be fun to play with to compare the cut quality and speed. Thanks for watching!

[@RonSmith-fm8nm]

@@Vintauri IKier Extension Kit For K1 Series Laser Engraver [Pre-Order]

[@RomeKnowsTech]

Great video, I have the 24w Ultra its a beast I have been able to create everything I would want this unit to be able to do.

[@freddychrisdijanto6588]

My Ikier K1 Ultra 36W it should be coming this Wednesday.

[@cybyrd9615]

Return it get the 48W

[@hedleypepper1838]

Oh no 14 mins in and we're going for the 2x4 lol ..... Nice review thanks 😂

[@hedleypepper1838]

First impressions are that the frame is superior, semi enclosed which is good for keeping clean bearing surfaces but may make cleaning difficult 😮

[@thomashajicek2747]

Hey thanks for the review and all the great info! I just got one of these but have one issue where the manual and their assembly video doesn't say anything about tensioning the belts. It only says "don't over-tighten". Any tips on how tight the belts should be on these machines?

[@Vintauri]

You want them tight enough that they wont slip but not so tight that they cause extra tension or binding. It can be a little bit of experimentation at first but soon you get the feel for how much they need to be tight. IF you are getting wavy lines, or your squares are not square they are likely too loose.

[@marklengal9990]

How do you compare to the XTool? This one is much cheaper but is it equal? I plan on using a rotary with what ever I get. Thank you. Great review

[@Vintauri]

This has some nice features that the xTool D1 does not. The auto air option is perhaps the biggest upgrade over the D1. The motorized Z axis is okay, but not as big of a deal for me. It's also large both in the frame size and the working area so you'll need a bigger space and enclosure for this one. Cut quality wise they are about the same but I really like the auto air on this one.

[@hedleypepper1838]

I like the max power max speed engrave test, actually far more relevant than trying to cut 4x2's 😅

[@louvp57]

Hey Steve great review, wondering if you can also test the Resume Engraving feature , thanks

[@Vintauri]

I'll see if I can test that out. I'll also be working with the Atzer L2 36w unit that seems to have a very similar frame and controller. So perhaps between the two I can sort out if an dhow that works.

[@paytonguess2359]

Looks like you've had your hands on many lasers. Out of the ikier 24, atezr l2 24, and the xtool d1 pro which is your recommendation? Thanks

[@Vintauri]

The Ikier 24 and the Atezr L2 24 might as well be the same machine. They work well and I really like the auto Air feature. However the Autofocus, while nice, can mess up at times and is a slow process. I honestly could do without that. Sometimes, no frills is the way to go. I have used my xTool D1 Pro20w the most out of the three and with it I wish only two things, 1) that it had mechanical limit switches instead of inductive 2) that is had auto air. I would say that the Algolaser Alpha or Delta, have the features I want in an open frame laser otherwise I'd look at the xTool S1 laser for an enclosed laser with the more modern features like auto air.

[@paytonguess2359]

@@Vintauri thanks so much for the insight. Will definitely check out the algolaser video

[@atbien21]

Thank you another great video. This machine looks very similar to the Atezr. Are they made by the same company?

[@Vintauri]

They are very similar with differences in the frames but the internals seem almost identical. I would not be surprised if the same manufacturing plant is producing both of them.

[@stevedue4485]

I have 3 lasers already, the only diode i have is the xtool f1, it has good definition on slate but need to be able to do bigger pieces of slate, and that is what i am looking for for this laser, I was thinking 20 Watt, S1 20 W is too much money imo when you can get something like the Ikier k1 pro. Is the Ikier k1 pro 24 w my best choice for the price? Thoughts?

[@Vintauri]

I think the IKier line is decent, however I’m not a fan of how the autofocus works. Over time it’s been hit or miss for me. If this is going to be primarily for slate, you don’t need the most powerful laser but having something with decent precision in homing and positioning would be good. I’d consider the Atomstack A20 or X20 laser. My only issue with that one is that the fans stay on all the time and it can be a bit distracting when not actively running the laser on a job. The XTool S1 is a great laser but as you’ve mentioned it’s a bit pricey compared to others.

[@stevedue4485]

@@Vintauri I appreciate the insight, and your time, thoughts on Lasermatic?

[@FranOnTheEdge]

Hi. I have just got this same laser. (The 24 watt one) and I want to cut red and grey rubber stamps. I know you've done a video on materials testing with wood. Is there any chance of some help finding out what top and lower limits to use for red and grey rubber? Never having had a laser before - I have no clue. I don't want to start my laser 'career' with a house fire!

[@Vintauri]

I’ll see what I can do with that. I believe I have some rubber material but if not I’ll try to grab some more and do some tests.

[@nialzinth]

I have been using this device for roughly a month and a half now. Been loving it so far but I have some minor concerns about it's cutting ability. I have done a few material tests on 5mm plywood (1/4th inch is 6mm) but my Ikier K1 Pro does not come close to your results in this video. To get your results my device requires two passes. I'm not sure if I'm doing something wrong or do I have to blame the plywood I am using? Trying to remember which plywood I bought but I think it said 'hardwood' in it's title. This might be the reason why it takes more power to get through?

[@Vintauri]

All woods will vary based on density and plywood can be even worse with the various glues used and the alternating layers. Some plywood I avoid due to the heavy glue and fillers used that just stops the laser from cutting through it.

[@nialzinth]

Guess I will have to try out some other shops. Not many options around here sadly to keep the prices reasonable. Just figured out the plywood I used is a mix of several hardwoods (oak, walnut and mahogany). Fingers crossed I can try out alternatives for a reasonable price.

[@kroke1]

Have you figured out the problem yet? I want to buy my first laser and also want to cut around 1 centimeter and can too engrave nicely too. Can you recommend the Ikier 24W or do you regret this purchase? Best regards kroke

[@nialzinth]

It's been a while since I placed that comment. If I'm not mistaken I was using some plywood consisting of different kinds of hardwood. This made the cutting capabilities much tougher. Once I changed to 4mm (1/8 inch) thick poplar (softwood) plywood it's been going much smoother since. Cutting speed went up a fair bit with less failed cuts. Failed cuts still exist but it's probably likely to blame the cheap plywood I'm using which can have more inconsistancies inside you can't see. Though I read about using a flashlight to see glue pockets for example which you should avoid. I don't use my machine a lot. Only like once or twice a month so a bit tough to say it's a good one. Neither hard to give a conclusion without having compared to other 20-24W machines. For my own purpose of occasionally making something it does the job pretty well and I am satisfied with it.

[@twinenk15]

Wow! Their page looks identical to Atezr. So, how does it compare to Atezr P20?

[@Vintauri]

If's almost identical to the Atzer L2 laser. As for how it compares to the P20, it has auto air, power Z axis and linear rails, but the power is about the same for the modules cutting and engraving abilities.

[@PandorusFightStick]

so i am torn between getting ikier 24w and Acmer P2 both seem like great machines for the money!

[@Vintauri]

Both are nice machines and very comparable to each other. The Autofocus on the Ikier can be a bit picky and get in the way when it's not working right, but you can remove the shroud for better access to the air assist cone and focus point which is important when aligning items on a rotary, where as the Acmer you cannot remove the lower part of the module. Both companies continue to develop their products which is good to see. Both air pumps are decent but I might give the nod to the Ikier one as it gives you a manual variable speed knob to adjust your airflow for different situations. While I can't say one or the other is the best, as it depends on your situation, I hope I gave some things to consider when looking at each one.

[@PandorusFightStick]

@@Vintauri That was the best reply I have had to a question, very detailed and explanation!! thanks you for taking the time to answer.

[@Vintauri]

@@PandorusFightStick Happy to share my thoughts to help make a more informed purchase.

[@DoggNite]

im trying to make a decision on which machine to purchase in 20w-24w range. im looking at the ikierk1 24w and the Algo Delta 22w. Do you have any recommendations ?

[@Vintauri]

Right now I'd lean towards the Algo Delta unless you are looking to extend it. At this time they have not announced an extension kit for the Algo Alpha or Delta so you would be limited to the stock working area. The Ikier has a rail extension kit if you want to go longer.

[@DoggNite]

@@Vintauri I'll be making small projects for now so im not worried about the ext. I'm curious what puts the Algo over the Ikier?

[@tmophoto]

Thanks for the video, do you know if they have any plans to make a infrared laser module for engraving metals like the XTool IR. Do you know if that xtool modual would work on this frame?

[@Vintauri]

Not that I know of, but it would be a good option to see them develop.

[@tmophoto]

@@Vintauri they actually released one this week and its even cheaper than the xtools one. its called the Atomstack R30 Infrared Laser Module 1064nm Laser For Engraving All Metals And Plastic. The people at Ikier directed me to it.

[@daverowe5351]

Hi Steve is the Ikier an Atomstack laser just Renamed/Branded?

[@Vintauri]

That is what I have heard, that Ikier is the high end branding for Atomstack lasers.

[@daverowe5351]

@Vintauri Thank you sir - I had heard that but didn't know if it was just a rumor - loved your review if it

[@rogero8061]

I just got the 24w/48w machine. For some weird reason, I am not able to connect to lightburn. Any tips to get this working? 🙏 Been at this for a whole week now with no success. Help Pls

[@Vintauri]

Assuming you are using a Windows based computer, there are many things to look into, first make sure you have the proper CH341 drivers and that it's showing up in the device manager under COM ports. Then make sure you have it plugged directly into the computer. Don't use a USB hub. In lightburn if you have another device already configured, make sure that when you go to detect the new laser, your com port is set to Choose and not on a specific Com port. Other than these tips, you can also try swapping out the USB cable to eliminate that issue.

[@MASSCUBE]

Please what are outer dimensions of Machine? And how big is working area?

[@Vintauri]

The outer dimensions as I measure it at the widest points would be 683mm side to side, 760mm front to back (including the detachable screen) and about 220mm tall at the top of the Z axis. This does not account for any space needed for cables and their movement. The working area is pretty close to the 410mm x 410mm they state.

[@MASSCUBE]

@@Vintauri perfect thank you very much

[@RonSmith-fm8nm]

wood of been nice if they sent you the 36w one too see how that works

[@Vintauri]

Yes I’m very interested to see how the higher wattage modules perform along with the Z step down feature.

[@RonSmith-fm8nm]

@@Vintauri I did order the 48w laser hoping its all that and better with the 24w for Engraving and 48w for cutting

[@Vintauri]

@@RonSmith-fm8nm The dual power head on that one is an interesting idea. I’ll be curious to hear or see the results when it’s out in the wild.

[@RonSmith-fm8nm]

@@Vintauri Me too will not know tell July when there coming out and not sure if people know that the 48w laser come as 120/240 volt so Im thinking about doing it at 240 volt too see if it runs better

[@Slcsaltcitysteel]

I got one but i cant get my computer to find it any tips?

[@Vintauri]

You'll want to download the CH340 drivers for your computer for it to see the laser and set up the COM port for it. This driver is common to most gcode diode lasers. It should be on the USB stick that came with the laser but it may have been buried in a tar.gz file. This should be a safe site to download them from. learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/how-to-install-ch340-drivers/all

[@Slcsaltcitysteel]

Thanks

[@merrillalbury8214]

Rich..LAhobbyguy just did a video on the 36watt.

[@TheBlairHouseProject]

PLEASE SHOW YOUR SETTINGS IN LIGHTBURN!