Is a 40W CO2 Laser Cutter Worth? OM Tech K40 Review

[@tatsuhirosatou5513]

I like the idea of the 50w but being over Tripple the price of the 40w takes it out of the running

[@parker1ray]

Just finished a K40 with many many upgrades to include upgraded gold mirrors, upgraded lenses, upgrades fume extraction, upgraded cooling, air assist, amp meter, Cohesion 3D board, adjustable manual bed and increased table area, upgraded power supply. Works like a champ and a fraction of the cost of a glowforge co2 laser. All of the upgrades took around a week mostly due to waiting on parts.

[@JamesHarrell31]

can you share details on what you purchased and installed and pictures please?

[@limebulls]

Yeah please share

[@Hazzardstarzak]

Glowforge are terrible I have one and I think it's the worst laser I've ever used

[@bajojohn]

@@Hazzardstarzak what makes you dislike the Glowforge? Is it mainly the online software?

[@Hazzardstarzak]

It's slow very low power for the cost the cloud system is slow unreliable and the. It broke because of poor build quality and for the sake of a 10 dollar cable they wanted to bill me 1500 for a refurbished unit witch are notorious for not being refurbished or even cleaned before they go out to someone else

[@eddyrobinson4315]

How does this video not have 50K plus views yet!? The quality here is on par with the best. Great video mate

[@makeorbreakshop]

Thanks!

[@glennmartonic6376]

k40 whisperer was a game changer for the k40...i now have built my own 600x400 co2 laser using the k40 control board, 45w spt laser.....have had for 3+ years.....spt makes great tubes.....they are actually tested with info like peak power......made motorized bed out of 1x1 steel tube and 3d printed parts....total cost was $900....well worth it as its paid for itself many times over

[@scottrupp6067]

great idea, so you just made x/y axis longer? are you able to make it as long as you want? can you just set the software to cut as long as you want? you just made a bigger housing for it. this would be a game changer for sure...

[@glennmartonic6376]

@@scottrupp6067 I designed my 600x400...bunch of 2020 extrusion....think k40 whisperer has an x/y limit....not sure...but having something do approx 16x24 inches compared to 8x12.....well, it works for me.....the advantage of having something at least 12x12 is huge.....so, to all you ripping out the inside of the k40 to make bigger.....i applaud you...

[@Adrian_G444]

​@@glennmartonic6376 can you share photos or a document with info on how you expanded and parts list?

[@jerrychan1471]

Excellent overview. An issue that I see with mine is that the controller seems to sometimes restricts the head to stay within a virtual 8x12 inch boundary when using K40 Whisperer, but sometimes allows the head to move outside of that boundary (I've modified my bed setup to allow 9 x 12.75 inch boards). Reinitializing the laser seems to reset things and then I can go outside of that boundary.

[@makeorbreakshop]

Great point!

[@Ralith09]

@@NoughtSure Unfortunately the board is half the price of this unit isn't it? Like another $200 right?

[@jerrychan1471]

@@Ralith09There are boards that others have used to upgrade their K40 printer that are significantly less money (i.e., 3D printer controller SKR 1.3 running Smoothieware for $25 plus < $20 for TMC 2208 stepper drivers for the X and Y axis) that were purportedly compatible with LightBurn. I have a spare SKR 1.3 but haven't gotten around to trying it yet.

[@Dex2R7]

Did you modify the gantry to get that 9 x 12.75 bed size? That's about what I need.

[@stanleyshostak2737]

I bought a “upgraded” K40 about a year ago along with the cohesion 3D board and light burn. I was in the process of changing out the board then had an accident and never got back to it. I would appreciate seeing you do some of the upgrades. Especially doing the board conversion.

[@makeorbreakshop]

That’s the plan!

[@jordymoors]

Cohesion3d should be a 10 minute swap, simply un-plug and re-plug the wires.

[@steve-martin-42]

Cohesion 3D board was 10/20 mins, followed the instructions on cohesions website.

[@user-mz6qu3hz6m]

I inherited one of these that had only been used for one project before the owner passed. I have a 3d printer collection with 3 Prusas, 2 Bambulabs, a Voron 0.2, and a CocoaPress, so I’m familiar with the basic construction and Cartesian mechanics, and gcode. As best I can tell, it is complete, except the water chiller hasn’t turned up yet. It’s also missing the manual. I am interested in learning about the machine and the process. Thanks for producing this video.

[@jacobv_]

Definitely excited to see what upgrades you're gonna do and how to do them.

[@JohnMadeit]

Im looking at a k40 to dip my toe into the laser world and hopefully get a bigger one later on. I would like to see what upgrades you do. I hear that upgrading the mirrors helps.

[@darkokmet1884]

Fist of all start with diode laser to learn the basics

[@hellokittystan4ever]

Hi… I would like to set the machine up in my office that is in my basement. If I get the fume extractor that they recommend, Do I need stool get a tube out through a window for ventilation? Because I’ve seen other machines that comes with extractor for use indoor spaces.

[@wkdmnky]

What do you think about the k40+? Does it solve all the issues of this older version?

[@pen25]

Ordered one a couple hours using your link. Finally made me do it. Should be here in 5 to 7 days

[@makeorbreakshop]

Awesome! Let me know how it goes.

[@elissitdesign]

How do you like it after 8 months?

[@jderekwilliams]

Do you have a review on their 50W unit?

[@rtlongthegeek]

Thanks for the helpful insights! Wood smoke is also very toxic, FYI, not merely “no fun”.

[@makeorbreakshop]

Good point, fumes in general aren't great. I should have been more clear that you'll need to vent out ALL fumes and to be especially careful when working with acrylic.

[@darkokmet1884]

Get version with ruda controller and ofcourse air assist

[@vw1610]

I just ordered this one. Excited to start using it

[@makeorbreakshop]

awesome!

[@Barriebatsbak123]

And how is it

[@vw1610]

@@Barriebatsbak123 it’s been great. I haven’t used it a whole lot due to moving across country. But it works well for cutting plywood.

[@TheRoadRoamer]

Air assist and a scissor lift are easy inexpensive upgrades that can be 3D printed coupled with an aquarium air pump. K40 Whisperer doesn’t actually come with it. It’s freeware and can be downloaded, though.

[@GilMataGuitar]

I have a question. I'm curious what eye protection you use. I just got a k40. Very concerned about the uv radiation. Also, Do you think the tinted window filters uv effectively?

[@lightsoutperformance]

I am enjoying my k40 so far! I am having trouble with some of the design stuff though... To create a file that works for vector cutting, I am using dxf files, but the size is shrinking when I save it as a dxf file in inkscape. For example, my design in inkscape is 100x100mm. If I save it as a svg, it goes into Whisperer just fine. If I save it as a dxf, it come out to about half that size. Any advice on this? Thank you!

[@DarrenMalin]

what softwar are you using to run the K40 ? K40 whisperer can use SVG files do no need to convert to DXF and is free.

[@michaelgeronimo-ym8dj]

I am so new and green but I enjoyed your video, I would like to do acrylic or glass 2D photos mainly, can I do this with the 40w laser capable to do use and can I use the recommended software whisper or what it's called.

[@Black6ear1]

Thanks for sharing. Did you do a video of the wiring in the back? I just bought this laser and there is a black wire taped to the hose for water and it it is not connected to anything and there is no mention of what to do with this wire in the manual.

[@georgelza]

you mention at @4.33 upgrade of board to use Lightburn. Any chance you can elaborate... maybe a link on what to upgrade to... and then a how ;) got a friend that mentioned the 40W is the low end, as you also indicated, is it worth considering upgrading the laser in this unit... the K50 is like 3-4x more expensive for us. you mentioned the upgrade video ?

[@rattler-60]

I have just purchased one of these machines and I can't get the laser beam in the tube to show or switch on. Water flow using supplied pump and distilled water are fine, although the rubber tubing supplied is crap and folds readily, with a series of clothes pegs, I have been able to press it open along full length providing no restriction to water flow. Power switches on and off to the machine okay, emergency stop working fine, temperature LCDs and Power LED working fine, as are the adjustment buttons. No damage to the box it came in or obvious damage inside, laser tube is watertight ie no cracks visible and no leakage. Set laser power to 30% following instructions in the instruction manual for mirror alignment on mirror 1, set masking tape across mirror 1 and pressed the pulse button. Result - no laser beam, and no burn on the centre of masking tape. Tried beam switched on constant, still no purple laser beam in the tube (as appears at time point 1.20 on the video) or burn on paper. I have tried increasing and decreasing power and temperatures in the tube have remained about 28 degrees C. My machine does not appear to have a flow switch, having pulled the tubes both ways in the casing to their full possible extent. Is there anything else I need to do or can try other than sending it back to the supplier for a refund?

[@jabbarhajiyev3052]

hello. should I choose this machine or neje 2s max? what do you recommend?

[@adamlambert1797]

Has any body tried to use it on work shop tooling.. I know it's not a fiber laser but I'm wondering if it would leave some sort of lasting impression on tools like sockets, spanners. Any help would be appreciated

[@justinwtolbert]

i dont know if anyone asked this yet. But do you know where to buy a circuit board for this model already installed ? I would like to use light burn

[@annperz4132]

Is there any laptop computer that this lazer cutter does not work with or can you point me in the direction to find that info out?

[@stankozoranovic4824]

Ok, I'm just looking for something like this (I hope)! Planing to use just for hobby (dioramas) coz I guess I will speed up my progress like brick texture, cobblestone, cut windows frames parts, and all what I need for models.... but with my 0 knowledge on this field, I want to ask first is this one good or is to much for me? I would like and appreciate some opinions

[@BLAZEX09]

On the OMtech website I see a "K40+" With a built in Air Asist and compatibility with Light burn / Laser GRBL. Any updated reviews with this new unit? seems almost too good to be true.

[@denisedee1608]

Could you please do a review update on the K40 since there has been some added changes to this laser

[@theresalischke]

I wanna work with this on a very small scale for making jewelry. How precise is it?

[@mmc0058]

Hi, great video, thank you. Will this K-40 engrave acrylic? Also, will it cut through 4mm thick acrylic?

[@billb295]

Good review glad I did not pull the trigger on this one, I want to use light burn.

[@JohnWeland]

could the k40 cut thin metal? I am thinking to engrave and cut out pet id tags.

[@noobulon4334]

You'll need a fiber laser for that

[@ericeinsmann5559]

Maybe you could do an update video on this? A few things have changed from 2 years ago. Nowadays, K40's are generally Lightburn compatible out of the box, have air assist and adjustable laser head for different material thickness. I've been thinking about getting a K40 and it's between Omtech and Monport..

[@speedyandangry4486]

Is it possible to engrave a bottle on this laser? Is it tall enough to fit one underneath, that is?

[@tat2man68]

will this do rubber stamps for custom ink stamps for crafting?

[@mikeferretti7422]

Any chance the k40 can do tumblers with an add on adapter for tumblers to rotate

[@amyntortactical3559]

How thick of a piece of material can you place in there? Specifically, would a Jar lid fit roughly a 1/2 inch think. I don't want to cut it, but simply engrave or etch my logo in the top of the lid.

[@CGngauge]

Are you going to be doing a review of the new Omtech K40+?? Would love to hear your thoughts.. I was thinking of the xTool S1.. but then came across the K40+ as it's CO2...

[@flare_nvme]

Can u engrave yeti mugs?

[@frankmcdonald5878]

Can the 40 engrave a gun slide or stipple the plastic grips for a pistol?

[@Ag3nt47-u1z]

9:36 FDA? I didn't realize that the Food and Drug Administration certified lasers.

[@BeautyforAshes428]

Complete newbie to laser cutters- is it possible to upload images and have the laser cut around the outlines of the images on felt? If this cutter isn’t able to do that, what would be a better option? Any tips would be much appreciated. Thanks so much!

[@juanzamora1447]

Did you add the purple and green lights inside & if so can you make a video explaining the installation please

[@elsantisimok]

Hi, there! Do you know if I can engrave metal with this one. For example, to make PCBs?

[@Lwyte17]

Because of you I just grabbed an Ortur LM2 and loved it for engraving. You also made me get an Omtech K40, can't wait for it to arrive. Thanks for making these awesome videos!

[@Dv-hb2gi]

Hey! I am planning on also getting both. I will mainly use the Omtech laser for cutting and the Ortur for engraving. What is your experience with the ortur Lm2

[@Lwyte17]

@@Dv-hb2gi I'm still very new to the Laser world, and I have the same plan or each laser as well. So far I've been really happy with the LM2. I've only used it for making smaller item so far, some bookmarks, gifts, and souvenirs - sold a few, so that's a good sign haha It was really easy to setup and use, only took me an hour to have it running I just received my K40 and I'm waiting to get an air assist set up before firing it up. If you want to ask specifics, or see my results, feel free to email me if you want [e-mail]

[@ronaldseto]

Will the Omtech K40 cut thin metals, say 1/32" aluminum?

[@Pitpure]

I just purchased a use k40+ compatible with lightburn when I try to make cuts it burns a straight line to the next cut laser stays on the whole time how do I fix that

[@Velereonics]

Exhausted still unfiltered the right? I still got a filter because it's just blowing out of window easily go back in another window, or neighbors or my animals could inhale that. As I understand it when you burn abs it produces cyanide so it's more than a smell is what I've been told

[@larrye]

The new k40 on OmTech's site is LightBurn compatible and still A LOT cheaper than most 40W Diode lasers. Any reason to choose a diode over this?

[@Ralith09]

What is the plastic cone pointing towards burning area? Is that guide laser? Would love to see video of air assist... can I use my shop compressor for air guns? Just lower psi I assume?

[@funnysword1414]

how are k40s for tile laser engraving with paint, wanted co2 but the better ones were to big and wanted small one like this.

[@trevorcory2448]

If you cut bread with this will it toast it?

[@ramkumarkrishnamoorthy9739]

It will roast it

[@Basement_CNC]

go look at william osmans vid

[@alakaolushola5556]

Thanks for this video am very new and this is my 1st time to buy a laser cutter. this is the 1st video that explains those power button please my question is the 3 ➕ and minus ➖ buttons only for the power? and can i set directly from 40k whisperer software?

[@zacharysearcy]

Is this what youd recommend for someone that only needs to cut through thick cardstock?

[@teiganfordhunter4783]

Can you engrave products that aren’t flat sheets? For example, if I have a circle ring made of wood and I want to engrave on the bottom outer side of them ring could I do that?

[@RevMonkey]

Do you think this is suitable for decent engraving on metal business cards?

[@redwiremmg9715]

Do you think this will cut through thin clear plastic, like plastic food gloves?

[@richmattos9473]

can you do acrylic water bottles, stainless water bottles and coffee mugs?

[@eimarketinggroup]

I'm a little hesitant on buying a random one on ebay that could be coming from anywhere so I'm going to buy directly from your link that goes to the company page. I can't wait to get it!

[@ashleighfisk8664]

Does this machine leave burn on acrylic as looking to make some clear stands and also if i want to cut out 5 parts at the same time can it do that or do i have to do 1 at a time also can i scan a image parts for a stand i already have and make that or tha way

[@thepacemaker1972]

I am just really starting to get into this and I am wanting to cut very thin plastics for like stencil art. Will this machine be able to do that well? Thanks

[@CaroleHaddon]

I just ordered this about two hours ago!! Been looking for "this video" for the last 45 minutes, had to call my sister, and she asked "WHYYYY?? I have it in a corner collecting dust, you could have borrowed it!!" But this one is mine, and i won't have to give it back!!

[@soniasingh9343]

Ask her if i can have it

[@soniasingh9343]

Please & Thank you

[@tawnyarussell1567]

Thanks so much for your review. I have been having such hard time deciding what to by. I am really interested in making earrings. Do you recommend this for that?

[@pjforde1978]

The footprint of these units is really confusing to me. It seems like 35-40% of the width here is a mostly empty box. It's fine if you have a large shop, but some of us have limited space to work with.

[@krash20]

Just a question. Compared to the Xtool P2 which costs $4600 how does this laser stand up as this one costs $450?

[@ronaldseto]

Can I use Autocad software on this machine and if so, is it just a matter of connecting it to my computer and cut away or is there other software I need?

[@ryankawash2847]

Does this have capabilities of engraving glass/round glass cups? Does it have an option to attach a rotary piece?

[@cipriansofineti346]

nope

[@betobeto7903]

Great vedio! Thanks! Question, looking for a good quailty laser, a little on the higher end but trying to stay under $5k. What would you rocommend?

[@bigfranksworld]

I see now the OMTech K40 comes with the Lightburn compatible board, air assist, and a mA meter built in. They are not $599.00 I think that is still a good price with all the built in "upgrades". Thinking of getting one in a couple of weeks. Would really like to have a cabinet model 60w or 80w laser, but it's just not in the cards right now. Are you still loving your K40, and how is it holding up? Thanks for the video...

[@geofferystevens]

Would this be able to stipple Glock grips?

[@ericl3272]

Will this cut sheet metal? I'm thinking of trying to make stencils for pcbs

[@Darus2013]

Man I have been sitting on laser build for a year ... All the parts I have just no motivation to build it hehhe

[@makeorbreakshop]

Do it!

[@sitgesvillaapartmentneilsc7924]

your arse needs a bloody good kick, there is all the reason in the world to make one so get on and get it out of the box and use it!

[@taraalarid1576]

Does the wispherer software left you use this with a Mac? And would it cut 1/4 thick plywood ?

[@michaelgeronimo-ym8dj]

can you engraving on acrylic or glass such as photos

[@mumtazahmed5312]

Hi … Iv been watching ur videos… Thanku… I would really like to etch acrylic… is this machine suitable?

[@bestfriend9493]

I would like to ask if this model is good for a small business? OMTech 40W 30x20cm CO2 Laser Engraver Engraving Machine Red Dot Pointer

[@MonstrousMakings]

Hi, I've been looking at getting this unit and had a question. Is there a way to remotely operate the unit like one does with a 3d printer with a USB stick. I want to have the laser cutter out in my workshop but my PC is inside the house. Do I need a small laptop to run it or can I load files onto a USB stick and run them straight on the machine?

[@mikehardiman2697]

I'm looking at getting one of these co2's 40k and was wondering if you know if it could cut abalone vernier?

[@jarekkrol5773]

can you cut 0.5 inch transparent acrylic with it?

[@billfr8053]

Is this good enough to do metal business cards?

[@Maker1998]

Can I use this user to cut 1/4 " or 3/8" clear acrylic? Additionally, is there any spec difference between this blue and black model and the red and white model? I can't seem to find any but the red is listed cheaper everywhere.

[@giomakers]

hello nice video very useful. I wanted to ask at what distance should the laser be positioned from the workpiece? thank you

[@web33bies43]

Do you know if you can cut silicone sheets with this , or any affordable laser cutter ?

[@derrickstewart5554]

Nice Video you are so helpful. Does this K40 cut like 3mm acrylic? I would like to see a video if you don't mind on the best way to cut acrylic.

[@ashleigh33391]

Second this! I need to know as well :)

[@kayanna418]

what’s the difference from the other one you mentioned that was a little smaller but also a 40w laser

[@MattSimmonsSysAdmin]

Do you think it's possible to get one of these then add an air assist to help the flame issue?

[@giger2001]

Question can you do tumblers in this or to small?

[@almavega3644]

I purchased Light Burn how do I upgrade the board?

[@varyingpierced]

Will it cut Cordura for morale patches?

[@momx4kds]

Out of stock! Hopefully they’ll be available again soon.

[@makeorbreakshop]

I think they are getting a new shipment this week! I know they have been slammed from the holidays.

[@momx4kds]

Okay awesome! Should i go ahead and purchase the rotary attachment also?

[@ajc181]

So best laser around 2k$. That I can use for firearm engraving and stippling.. but also for plastic, leather, cups etc. ?????

[@lindabryant8176]

I'm curious to know if I'm using this 2-3 hours a day, how much will my electric bill go up? Also, can you engrave and cut in the same pass, or do you have to set it to engrave and then reset it to cut in a separate pass?

[@Labpainter]

A question.. after a power outage during operation, when power is restored does the laser restart automatically

[@goldeneaglealexander6884]

Will this engrave design s on billiards pool balls

[@ChantalLalonde]

I’m looking for an engraving machine that would engrave stainless steel. What would you recommend?

[@Patrick19702210]

Can it do the hard glass trophies to engrave?

[@conectividadredes9719]

Thank you for all. This is a great video. Can't I wait for it arrive. Do you know how to install air asistence?

[@Barriebatsbak123]

How is it

[@luzedquist7687]

Hey there im looking into buying a laser cutter and engraver, i have zero experience with laser machines but i want one ti start making acrylic stamps and things like that to sell on my website since i dont have any experience and im not super tech savy which machine would you recommend for me to buy im also hoping to stay under 3k also dont want an itti bitty cutting space.... helpppp