OMTech Polar Unboxing and Update| Did we make a HUGE mistake???!

[@Millsbritish4x4]

As a lot of people have stated its nice to see a good honest review of this machine, certainly given me some things to think about, before I take the plunge and purchase a laser cutter, Well done and all the best for the future!

[@bounce2159]

Great video, thank you. There are precious few actual reviews online, many are just paid promotions. The irony is that honest reviews like yours give me more confidence in buying. I am like "yeah that sucks but I can deal with that" or "I wouldn't know what to do there but I am glad these ladies figured it out and gave me the information to fix it". Love how you went start to finish too with your experience and you both come across really well, lovely to listen to you both.

[@rockman732]

Keep it up ladies. I have been using lasers for many years. I have had expensive Epilog lasers, large format Camfive and now I am retired have an OMTECH Polar. It is a very good machine. Lightburn, in my opinion is the best laser software. I have modified my machine with an external control panel which makes it much easier to move the lens and focus it much easier.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Thanks Ladies, I have not been really excited about starting the process but you have given me the hope that I too will over come the "new tech" I am sort a pencil and paper type of guy.

[@derek2593]

I own a 100 watt omtech. The polar, requires less maintenance, but be sure to learn what maintenance is required. Looks like it moves the entire tube, so there are fewer mirrors involved. But, it looks like you need to do a ramp test to determine your best cut distance from the laser head. If it has autofocus, then you probably need to adjust some autofocus settings. Also, upgrading your air assist significantly decreases burning. And, be sure to learn the advantages of different focus lenses. You need a longer focus lens to cut thicker materials. Happy lasering!!!

[@parker1ray]

I own two C02 lasers, two diode lasers including a 30 watt Xtool D1 Pro. The C02 lasers are highly modified and still cost just a fraction of what an OMTech costs. I also own three FDM 3d printers, one SLA printer, and a fiber metal engraver laser. I have been a maker for years and sell most of my products via word of mouth and craft fairs. I can tell you that any one of these machines takes a long time to learn and get good at. I have purchased many machines over the years that others have given up on after a short stint into the hobby. Most do not have the wherewithal to see hobbies like these thru!

[@LoKeeConcepts]

That is definitely true, we have learned so much even since this video was posted.

[@aliderees1344]

@@LoKeeConceptsHow’s life with the omtech plz ladies as I’m looking to buy one,any comments appreciated 👍

[@darknixxsagi6709]

Hey yall...got my polar a few weeks and i love it. Didnt experience much problems with it as this is my 2nd OMtech laser. But you guys are gonna love it.

[@LoKeeConcepts]

We’re starting to find our groove with it and are really loving it now. We’re having a lot of fun creating!

[@f1hotrod527]

Kind of glad I went with Xtool P2. Seems like a lot less fiddling around. Although the mirror alignment procedure is confusing for the first mirror. Otherwise there is no calibration and the software seems easy to use.

[@thymeparzival]

Sounds like a rough start, but it's good to hear ya'll figured it out with the help of the community.

[@LoKeeConcepts]

Very true, thanks! ❤️

[@amybrandt922]

Thx for the video! Trying to decide between the Polar and one of the full size laser cutters. Your video was very informative!

[@LoKeeConcepts]

Thank you so much! ❤❤

[@michelledaniels5619]

I am currently deciding on the polar as well and the 80 watt! what did you finally decide on ?

[@toddgardner8749]

I've just ordered my omtech polar 350. I am really excited for it to get to me. I am new to lasers and lightburn any help would be great.

[@salvatorefanale]

Wow, I just unboxed and setup my Polar this weekend. I can say that I found the included paper user manual... bare bones. There was a good bit of necessary information missing, but as you discovered, the community and company support is amazing. OMTech has their own youtube video for setup and that was much more helpful. Unfortunate about your mothoboard, sucks to get a DOA part on an expensive machine, but glad you were able to get it fixed. I also shared in your camera calibration frustration. I beleive the camera is a fish eye lens, at least that is what OMTech's own videos say... I found the camera calibration worked MUCH better when i left the lid fully open, unchecked the honeycomb box, and held the calibration card in my hand. THEN I was able to get routinely lower than 0.2 scores with just a couple attempts at each location. Funny enough, I also burned a hole right through the cardboard on the alignment test just like you did. Lesson learned on checking those default settings! Something i found very helpful was to run a test card for each type of material. If you get the files setup right, you can simultaneously test all the powers of engraving, cutting, and limitations on sizing for each material. Then you can keep that card as a future reference for setting up lightburn projects. I used this one here: www.thingiverse.com/thing:2243854 Good luck out there and looking forward to seeing how you progress!

[@wendyhanshaw2011]

Hi ladies, I just received my Polar today. I'm both EXCITED and SCARED to death!! Wish me luck tomorrow with unboxing and setting up. I am new to Lightburn so this will defiantly be a learning curve. I have a Glowforge, Cricut and Sublimation machine also.

[@LoKeeConcepts]

Good luck, you’ve got this! 💪🏾🙌🏾

[@rhymecypha]

Excited to see WOC killing it! Between my Mother Wife and I we have a Polar, XTool D1 Pro, and 20 FDM 3d printers. Thank you for keeping this real! We had a heck of a time getting this set up, phone calls with Omtech and the Facebook group were invaluable! Make sure youre venting OUTSIDE not just out of the machine.

[@evieb93]

Yall are so cute! Love it. Thank you for the video. I'm on the fence of which one to buy. How big of a tumbler have you been able to engrave with the Polar?

[@ctfeet1]

Just watched your video - thanks for sharing. I saw a couple comments about the motherboard dying and I guess my feeling is "Stuff Happens" - that's what warranties are for. They took care of you and that's what matters. I am thinking of getting one of these myself. You mention a discount code, but it's not in the comments. Is that still available?

[@learningwithcindy]

Great job, is a big leaning curve but you got it

[@LoKeeConcepts]

Indeed it is! Thank you! ❤️❤️

[@grlygirl1264]

OMG for that amount of money I would have been beside myself that you needed a brand new motherboard. Do they not test their machines and do quality control before shipping the out???? If your paper is self sticking, run some hot water over your finished piece, it will release the glue. Glad to see you ladies doing your thing though!!!!

[@Oliver_Things]

Do you have a link for the FB group? I tried searching it, but can only find the Omtech general group for all the machines, and the PRO group.

[@mixedpopcornproductions9692]

Does thisOMtech Polar laser have have the oass through feature?

[@earlcummings3653]

How do you use this laser without a pointer to align your cuts

[@diamondsingingmethod]

how did you get it connected to your mac. my lightburn WILL NOT FIND IT

[@BeardedBuildsCo]

You talked about the “autofocus”. The polar is not an autofocus machine other than the equation that they tell you to use when you home the z axis to the top and the do subtraction blah blah blah…. Using the step gauge like you mentioned is the best way to focus. Even on my big machines I prefer gauges over any auto focus sensors.

[@LoKeeConcepts]

Yep, since this video that’s how we’ve got it to focus. At first it seemed like a hassle, but not anymore😅.

[@johannecleroux6637]

I can't get mine to work. So disappointed but not giving up. I've had it for about 6 weeks now.

[@pinklipstick8]

Is light burn easy to use?

[@rockman732]

I have been using different lasers for many years with different software. I find that light burn is definitely the easiest to use. I have the polar and use Camfive lasers at work. The OMTECH polar is a great little laser.

[@pinklipstick8]

Thank you I’m brand new to lasers. Wanted to know it the software was as user friendly.

[@MeganBrix-ej4ml]

I've had issues with the OMTech Polar, experiencing inconsistent laser performance and durability problems. Disappointed with its reliability.

[@orlandosky5639]

Hi ladies. I love supporting content creators who I find to be helpful but especially POC like myself. So you have a new subscriber. I've had my omtech for about 3 years now although it's not the same model you have. Over time, I've figured out that what works best for me is low power and doing a second or sometimes even a third pass if necessary. It may take a little more time but you're less likely to burn through everything. Anyway, I'm sure you will figure it out. I look forward to seeing what you make.

[@LoKeeConcepts]

Thank you so much!! ❤️❤️

[@SvdhCzhnd]

Robinson Richard Brown Linda Walker Jennifer

[@parker1ray]

Women and tools do not mix LOL!

[@LoKeeConcepts]

😬😬