Monport 60W CO2 delivery, setup and first project

[@HoboWithWood]

Looking forward to learning more about CO2 lasers and start generating some real income.

[@chrismonson3581]

Great to see you got the "monster" up and running! I love that they make it Lightburn compatible, looking forward to more videos.

[@blastmasterparker6358]

firing my 60 watt co 2 ,up today the adventure begins

[@davidelder5399]

Congratulations on the new machine👍let the fun begin

[@iansm1000r]

Exciting times, I myself started a few months back with the xtool d1 pro 20w and quickly realised the down falls of a diode. I just took delivery of a CO2 900x600!

[@HoboWithWood]

Congratulations. Stay tuned. You may see me doing something stupid and correct me. Anytime someone points out a better way to do something. I send them one of my T-shirts. I've sent out quite a few. I appreciate learning a better way. I will still be working with the diodes. But I do plan to get away from the xTool completely. I've got the Comgrow Comgo Z1. Waiting on air assist to arrive to set it up. And they just released a 20W module that will work on the xTool. And it's a much better design. Stay tuned lots more to come. Be sure and subscribe to the new channel The Laser Maker's Realm. It's could turn into the biggest and best place to go to for FREE laser projects with FREE downloads. We hope to own the KZbin laser market.

[@brianpenn6782]

Thank you for sharing this. It was very helpful. I’m waiting for the same laser to be delivered. And I appreciate the real-time project.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

*Excellent video Steve!* Welcome to the big boy toys!

[@stevedonalson5675]

Congratulations!

[@poppin_freshgaming4334]

After a year are you still happy with this engraver? I'm thinking about picking one up.

[@JackInTheShop]

when I got my 60watt CO2 in. you could see the bottom of the crate had been punctured by a fork lift. Guess where the fume extractor fan was. The fan had a big dent and the front caster was bent, but it still worked fine.

[@HoboWithWood]

I've heard tons of horror stories dealing with freight carriers. That's why we opened the crate before even moving it.

[@pgrosebud2012]

Thanks for a good summation of your receiving and setup of the 60-watt. Can you please tell me what type of rail and bearing system is hiding behind that wide belt on the X and Y axes? Please don't take anything apart to see, but maybe push a belt in a little to see the bearing system? Thanks.

[@HoboWithWood]

I know nothing about the tech specs of the machine. Sorry. This is a question for Monport tech support. It's been a little of 4 months and I've had no major issues. If you are going to be doing more than hobby projects, this is a wise investment. Wish I could be more help. If you don't have any luck with a response from Monport, let me know. I will forward you contact information to my contacts there.

[@mrsdizi1234]

Question why did you pick the manual instead of the auto focus?

[@HoboWithWood]

There are advantages to both. When Lightburn comes out with Z axis control, auto-focus will most likely be the way to go. But it currently does not have Z axis control, being able to manual control your focus for varying needs is my preferred option. Thicker material requires lower focusing levels for cutting. When Lightburn has the option of inputting material thickness and preferred focus heights, auto-focus will be tops.

[@MrRdjhebs]

Is there a difference between a 36W output power of a diode engraver and a 40W CO2 laser? Just wondering

[@HoboWithWood]

My smart alec answer is, "The difference in a 36W diode and a 40W CO2 is 4W. Duh." But an honest answer is, "I dunno." I do know that @TheLouisanaHobbyGuy will be doing a Battle of the Diodes next month. He is much more knowledgeable in this area. Hopefully he will chime in on this question. We will both learn something if he does.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

The difference is one is a Co2 with a 1064nm invisible laser that vaporizes the material. The other is a columnated 455nm blue light that absorbs into, heats and combusts the materials. The diode lasers can produce almost 20x more energy than a Co2 or IR laser at the same power levels, however, vaporizing the material is a much more efficient way to go in the hobby world. For wood or leather and the things we use it for, the Co2 would be faster for cutting, though not as focused for engraving.

[@MrRdjhebs]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy if I understand you correctly. Diode is better for engraving than the CO2?

[@HoboWithWood]

Thanks for your clarification.

[@1vekeller]

I just received the Monport 60w 20 x28 CO2 laser with autofocus, and the chiller. It was a lot of work to get it in the door. I removed the protective covers, but when I opened the cover on the laser tube, I noted that there was some clear tape holding some wires to the tube. I was not sure if the tape was there for shipping or if it should stay on the tube. I have not tried the laser yet. I contacted Monport, but I have not received an answer yet. I sure they will get in touch, but I am looking forward to getting started. Do you know if it should be removed? I just bought some of your files on your website for the lanterns and ornaments. They look great. Thanks.

[@HoboWithWood]

I'm not sure about the tape. Did it mention the tape in the unboxing instructions? If not, best wait for an answer from them. Thanks for your support. If you have any problems or questions on the files, let me know. Thanks again.

[@1vekeller]

Hi, I apologize for the delayed response, I thought I had sent this to you. I got a reply from Monport that said to remove the tape. It was there for shipping. Thank you for your help. @@HoboWithWood

[@1-Nice-Guy]

For a 60W, you sure did a lot of passes to cut out the shapes, why is that. Also, are you running air assist, lots of soot/charring?

[@HoboWithWood]

As the title says, this was the setup and first cuts. I was still learning the laser AND it turned out I had a faulty laser tube. I was not getting full power from the laser.

[@laurabauer4939]

Loved your video thank you! Can you tell me how big the unit is once you removed the bottom wheels?

[@HoboWithWood]

The entire base separates. Not just the casters. Once you do this, it will fit through your standard 36" doorway.

[@laurabauer4939]

@@HoboWithWood Thank you. But the door I have to work with isnt standard...its 29" will that work?

[@HoboWithWood]

@@laurabauer4939 Once separated the largest piece, the laser cabinet appears to measure approx 25" tall (z axis), 36" wide (x axis) and 49" wide (y axis). You would have to momentarily rotate it to get it in. As long as you do not unsecure any of the internal packing or securing straps you should be okay. Remove all the loose items, of course. But I believe it would work.

[@laurabauer4939]

@@HoboWithWood Awesome, I think you have me sold! Thank you I appreciate your taking the time to measure for me.

[@HoboWithWood]

@@laurabauer4939 If the website isn't currently offering a better discount than my discount of 6%, I'd love it if you used my coupon code Hobo6. It won't save you any additional money, I believe they always have 6% savings on the website. But this just lets them know you have seen my videos and it may have influenced your buying decision. Thanks.

[@tinarichardson8085]

I am a lot like you. I have an xtool 10 watt I got last March. Ordered the monport 60w end of Dec and got middle of Feb. my questions-does wood engraving look better on the xtool or am I doing something wrong? Can I use the ra2pro from my xtool on the monport? Or do I need to purchase a new one?

[@HoboWithWood]

I'll address your questions, then I have a couple for you. Initially your engravings are going to look better with the 10W laser. But with time and testing, you can get a really good engraving with the CO2. I tell people constantly, the lower the power and speed, the more precise the engraving will be. The 5W lasers are like an Exacto knife. The 10W is like a scalpel. 20W is like a butcher's knife. The 60W is like a machete. It's more difficult to make small, detailed cut with a machete. But if you slow it down and use a lot less power, it can get pretty detailed. The RA2 cannot work with the Monport as is. Some rewiring could possibly work. The only time I use my xFool is when I need to use the rotary. Monport does have a rotary available. But I've not heard great things about it. Now a couple questions for you. Did you purchase your Monport before or after seeing my video? Did you use a coupon code when you purchased? My coupon code is for 6% savings, but the website regularly post coupon with greater savings. To date, no one has used my coupon code, but I have communicated with many that have purchased the Monport that purchased after viewing my videos. But the online savings was greater than my coupon. So, naturally, they used the online code.

[@tinarichardson8085]

@@HoboWithWood I used LA Hobby Guy code when I ordered back in Dec for laser and the online code monport offered for the chiller. I found you on his videos but not until this year.

[@Byangelinamaria]

Hi I ordered the C02 60w am excited. Do you know how long before you get an update been about a week. Thanks for the Videos

[@HoboWithWood]

I can tell you from the time I ordered, until the time it arrived, was about three weeks.

[@Byangelinamaria]

@@HoboWithWood oh ok no need to get nervous LOL....good to know. I truly enjoy your videos Thanks for all you do🥰

[@HoboWithWood]

Following up. Did you receive your Monport?

[@Byangelinamaria]

@@HoboWithWood Hey thanks for Asking Oh no never received the Machine or any responses from Monport, Just cant believe it was so difficult to get answers, I finally call my bank and they are in the process of retrieving my money. Very Upset very disappointed. Again thanks for the follow up.

[@HoboWithWood]

Please send me your contact information and order number if you have it to [e-mail]

[@FLEXCopMNPD]

Hey Steve, what criteria did you use when choosing the power of the CO2? I have a diode currently and am looking at upgrading to something more powerful.

[@HoboWithWood]

After all my nightmares with xTool and their complete lack of support. Which I knew before I bought it. This time I based my decision on first and foremost availability of US technical support. I don't want to have to be up at 1 A.M. on order to talk to someone. So customer support was no. 1. Then it was price. There are better CO2 lasers on the market, but not at the same price point. If rather have a slightly less expensive product with someone I can get in touch with, than a really expensive unit and no customer support. So it was Monport for me. I'll keep suggesting it as long as they have US technical support. If I had a greater working knowledge of lasers and had the ability to troubleshoot and make adjustments & repairs myself, I might entertain a few others. But I don't have that knowledge. I know nothing about CO2's. So having that crutch of US technical support made it my only choice. Use the code in the description to save some money. Grab you one and let's learn these things together.

[@FLEXCopMNPD]

@@HoboWithWood That I saw on your other video, which I agree with. I have an XTool D1 Pro 10W as a “starter” laser. Your content as well as some of your co-conspirators, as my wife likes to call you guys, got me into trying my hand at a hobby laser. Specifically my question deals with the power of the CO2 that you chose. Why a 60w versus something bigger, or conversely, something smaller? I know price is definitely going to be a factor, but I was curious what led you to chose the 60W. I love the content and enjoy following your knowledge adventure. It means a lot to me for you to share your journey. Regards from Nashville, TN Brian

[@HoboWithWood]

I guess the first consideration is what is your need. Are you planning to be cutting through 1/2" material regularly? Are doing production work and just simply require more speed? Are you only looking to increase the size of your work area? There are CO2 lasers out there that have a smaller work area than the xTool. So it comes down to what you needs/wants ultimately are. AND do you have somewhere to accommodate a large console laser. I'm still learning and I am do expert by ANY means. I think of the lasers as hammers. Any hammer can be useful in the right hands. If a fellow working on a 2006 Freightliner asks for a hammer to assist him removing the front kingpins from the front suspension of the truck and you hand him a 4 ounce jewelers hammer, he'd use it only to throw at you. Same goes for the jeweler working on the $100,000 Rolex. If you hand him a 10 pound sledge hammer, he is liable to throw that at you, (if he can pick it up). There is a place for every laser. I plan to upgrade my diode game. I have a couple different 10W lasers now. One 5W and would love to get a 20W. I seen last night there is even a larger diode coming first of the year. And they are beginning to make them backwards compatible. Comgrow has released a 20W that will work on several other manufacturers lasers. You only need to buy their module. Which only makes sense. If you like everything about your laser except you need more or less power, the ability to simply exchange the module is crazy awesome. I can see times where I will be using the 60W to do some larger cutting jobs then take the pieces to the diode for the embellishment engravings. Then it also comes down to what is available when you are ready to pull the trigger. But with this technology advancing so fast, whatever you buy will already be dated by the time you actually make a decision and get it operational. So if I can't talk to anyone with ease about the product I'm looking to spend a couple grand on, I'm not going to do that... again. Did I mention Monport has US based technical support?

[@FLEXCopMNPD]

@@HoboWithWood makes sense. The hobby laser I bought to play with has turned into a potential post retirement, I am about 3 years out from being able to fully retire with 30 years as a Police Officer, business opportunity. I have mainly been engraving powder coated mugs for friends on the Dept to give as gifts. That has morphed into larger orders where I am seeing the speed of the diode just isn’t cutting it anymore. I do have plans to use it for wood cutting and other “sellable” items. 3/4 in plywood and maybe some thin aluminum or mild steel would probably be the thickest material I would be working with. I have taken over my two car garage so space isn’t a real concern yet…lol My creative mind is going crazy with the possibilities. :)

[@HoboWithWood]

I realized early on that you are limited pretty much by two things with the diodes, your imagination and you time. I made more money doing personalized pencils than I did any other thing since I started selling items. Doing a dozen at a time. 12 in 12 out. Doing pretty quick, too. But that doesn't challenge my creative soul. But I got to keep the lights on. I had someone send me a picture of a bookstand bookmark and ask me to make them one. It was simply three pieces of 1 x 6 framed in a triangle and painted. The sell for around $25. Those are boring, (to me). I am designing an elaborate stand with nice area that can be embellished with favorite quotes, pics, artwork, etc. But people are going to want to pay the price I'll be wanting to charge for these. You have to know your market. I unfortunately like to design champagne like items to sell in my Boone's Farm atmosphere. That's why I'm hoping to be successful here on KZbin. I ain't go the market locally for the things I like to create. Too many others in the area doing mugs, pencils, cork trivets, coasters, etc. and they ruin the market by not valuing their time. I've got a post that is due to drop on www.youtube.com/@lasermakersrealm that has a fun project I designed. But to do them enough of them to sell on a diode would take too long and drive the price too high. It is mostly cutting and very basic engraving. No need for a 10W scalpel. The 60W machete will do it much faster. Now they are cheaper and sellable. But if you only wanted to make a couple the 10W will do it just fine. Afterall, that is where I created it. There is a local lady running a true business out of her house with a 100W CO2. But when people compare my work to hers. There is no comparison. My finish and detail are far superior to hers. It's not a reflection of her skills, but a difference in the lasers being used. She cannot produce the fine detailed images I can with the smaller laser. So I say there is a place for both. And if you are going to be truly efficient, you probably need both. Good luck and stay tuned. Subscribe to www.youtube.com/@lasermakersrealm and watch for my video. Hint: It's a fun way to deliver the Christmas spirits.

[@davidhunt3908]

Hey brother I have some questions if I may would it be ok to cortisone with ya through email?

[@HoboWithWood]

[e-mail]