ℹ️ Review and Testing of the Longer Ray5 Laser Engraver (OUTDATED)

[@rossbernheim2329]

I bought a Longer Ray5. I liked the ability to use it stand alone without having to tie up a computer to run it. The 32 bit controller and touch screen are where all diode laser engraver/cutters should be. I was impressed with how easily it went together and the attention to detail on the machine. The manual was excellent and the inclusion of brackets to mount it to a base was a nice touch. I added an air assist to it and it is brilliant.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Yeah, I was impressed with it too. The Wi-Fi is what got me. I usually have two machines running in the shop next door and now I don't need two laptops anymore.

[@kfirish44]

Did you make a air assist nozzle or bracket to fit the laser head? I just purchased this laser and it will be delivered onThursday. I have search on line for a prefab attachment with no luck.

[@rossbernheim2329]

@@kfirish44 Got this from Amazon

[@merrillalbury8214]

This laser is a super laser and the price is great. All the bells and whistles make it user friendly. Thanks.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I liked it so much I ordered a new one for the raffle Merrill! Not a single glitch in two weeks of testing.

[@katebeasley5508]

I just bought the Longer Ray5. Can't wait for it to come !!! Thank you sooooo much for your review. Have no clue about lasers but you make it so easy to make a choice. Thank You !!!!!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Hope you enjoy it Kate!

[@fookingsog]

Great Review!!! Just ordered the Longer Ray5 10W from Amazon on Sale for $237.95!!! I just subbed and will definitely be referencing your videos!!! 🤗

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Awesome! Thanks for the sub!

[@CESAR_H_ARIAS]

Its nice to see you are getting a lot of reviews Rich!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Thanks Cesar!

[@samdauria]

nice review on the Longer 5 Looking forward to to the raffle and a long standing relationship with your forum

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Thank you Sam!

[@fireunderscore]

Great review sir. I have been 3D printing for about 5 years now but light burn has been throwing me for loops. Anyways. My dad makes military themed bird houses in his wood shop and uses stencils and paint for his designs so for his birthday I saw your video and thought hey this looks perfect. Well, it was when he saw the box, he was ecstatic. However after following EXACT assembly instructions (keep in mind I have built multiple Ender 3 3D printers same concept), the first engraving on the sd card went well with the compass and a custom file that I created with laser GRBL was great. Fast forward to next day we loaded a waste board grid on the sd card, homed at absolute 0. It probably framed 80mm on x axis and threw a flame protection alarm. I have tried everything I can think of for hours on end for 3 days now with no joy. Sometimes it will print small stuff with no issues and other times it will throw the flame protection error while framing even on the included files on the sd card. The wood shop is probably about 85 degrees here in GA and we've tried 1 dedicated fan, multiple fans, big fans, small fans, belt tension, refocus, eccentric nuts, unplug everything and plugging it back in, blowing out the laser housing with low pressure air. We're stumped. The only thing we haven't tried is taking it into the a/c inside because of smoke. Would outside ambient temps mess with the flame sensor and cause it to trip? I wouldn't think so but hey I'm as green as it gets when it comes to lasers. Have you heard of anyone else having these problems? I know this is a long one and if you take the time to read this then thank you. Keep up the great work sir.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I don't have flame detection on in my Ray5. That sounds like an Ortur problem to me. Anyway, on the console tab, type in $261=0 and press enter, and then $262=750 and enter. See if that solves the problem.

[@kortt]

Great review as always! The wifi feature is very interesting!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

It really is!

[@rustyp21]

Wow - great video Rich! Now I’m wanting to buy a second laser… I really need to learn more about using absolute coordinates as you do…

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Glad it was helpful David! I use it almost exclusively except when I run templates, which is rare nowadays.

[@assantemark]

I just ordered this laser and got 70.00 off Thanks Rich i also joined as a Sustainer. I believe in you Mark A

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Awesome! Check your private messages at Patreon, I sent info on your benefits. $70 off, I'm guessing that's the Ray5! Good choice!

[@karenmoyer586]

Ok, wow, just threw another one in the mix to choose from! Thanks again Rich for the great video. I'm not very techy so a few things I'm not clear on like what is a GCode, $command...what you were showing in the wifi part of the video, but I did join your forum so I'm sure I'll figure it out. I've heard the terms due to spending hours and hours researching so many so I'll just keep going forward, lol. I do think is a front runner though, from listening to your affirmation of this particular laser.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Gcode is the computer language Lightburn sends to the laser that interprets it into moves, power and speed, etc. Advanced users tweak the code sometimes.

[@VintageForYou]

Fantastic review Rich looks like a nice laser and no cabals are needed as it has wifi keep up these great videos rich 😁👍

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Thanks Malcolm!

[@timbecker2193]

Nice review Rich! The Longer laser engraver has a nice setup. The wireless hookup is a big seller for a lot of people. But I like the performance of the longer machine just using the basic Longer setup specs.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

The laser module does and awesome job Tim! I literally ordered one for myself!

[@georgechambers3197]

Great review Rich. Enjoy the vaycay. 😁 Thanks for the video!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Thanks! Will do George!

[@dhellis19498]

Was a nice review and the fact that you ordered one for yourself tells me a lot about who you are. I haven't got a laser yet but watching your videos gets my juice flowing and I am learning a lot. Keep up the good work.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Glad it was helpful Dan!

[@ThePapa1947]

Been watching your videos and have learned some great tips on using Lightburn. I just recieved the Longer Ray 2 10 watt and have a question on it if you don't mind. Will the Fire button in Lightburn work with the Longer Ray 5? It does work on the Ortur Laser Master 3 but I do not see anything light up on the Longer. Same thing with holding the shift key down. Just curious if it is supposed to work because I do not want to spend a lot of time trying if it doesn't. Thanks and I do enjoy your channel. Gary

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Yes, just go to the device settings and turn on that feature.

[@ThePapa1947]

Yes I have done that. Works with the Ortur LM3. I will try a higher setting than the .75 Thanks

[@johndiego3105]

Great laser at an awesome. You do a great job in teaching us how to get the most out a product.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I appreciate that John!

[@barbaradexter7317]

Just had to add, what an incredible machine....perfect for the hobyist

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I really like mine Barbara!

[@brummiekoipond3757]

Great comprehensive review thanks Rich

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

My pleasure Brummie!

[@dennyscnc]

Nice review. Great deal of info that actually pertains. Only question. If you use the Wi-Fi software does that preclude the use of light burn?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

No, I did all of the design in Lightburn and then exported the Gcode file to a folder on my drive. I then simply opened the file in the browser and sent it to the laser. It's really very simple. Watch the video again and you'll hear me explain it.

[@4110mahindra]

Bought one of these a couple weeks ago with both a 5w and 10w module. The 10w laser module quit working 5 minutes into first print with the longer logo file included. 2 weeks trying to get help from longer . The 5w works ok, but I would like to have a functional 10w laser I paid for.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I'm sure they'll replace it. I've heard their customer service is slow.

[@4110mahindra]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy now they want video of it not working.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

That's pretty much standard of the China companies.

[@melindagibson8606]

Wonderful video! Do you see a way to attached a rotary and expand the base? I asked the company but they said they didn't know if it cut acrylic, even though it says they do, and you showed you can. They said a rotary and upgraded head is still in development. This looks great though. I can't decide on this, the Sculpfun S9 (because I can expand the area for large wedding signs), or a Co2 like the monoport or Omtech. I am so close though! Thanks.. get videos!!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Expanding the work bed is as simple as changing out the 2020 extrusion for a longer one and replacing the belts. Then a simple adjustment in the Gcode and it's done. Rotary units are universal. As long as the wiring matches, they're simply replacing the Y-Axis, one stepper motor for another. You may have to make a custom wiring extension, but that's really pretty simple to do.

[@JohnWaclawski]

Thanks for thorough review of this engraver, Rich! I may be in the market for a second engraver and this one looks like it will fit the bill. Regarding the stamped steel. Did you buy that somewhere or get it made? I didn't see a link for it or may have missed it. Thanks again for the review. I always learn something when I watch your videos.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I got them on Amazon John. Stamped steel blanks.

[@KENMCCRORIE]

Thanks Rich! I am glad you did this review. This is the laser that I bought a few weeks ago. I just need to figure it out now. You make it look so easy. This is my first laser. Will your art files work on GRBL instead of Lifgtburn?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

No, the art libraries are coded to Lightburn Ken.

[@MrChamz99]

Another great review!!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Thanks so much!

[@markhall7222]

Good review thanks, I did see that the circle cut out did not match up what do you think about that?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Did you see the test card Mark? All of the circles and squares were perfect. I didn't tighten all of the corner brackets thinking I was going to have to repack this one, so it probably got a little out of square by the time I got to the fish.

[@bobmartin6118]

That is the laser i bought . i got the 10 watt one. You kept talking about the recommended setting where did you find the those at. I am new to all of this so any help would be appreciated. Thank you , Bob

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

On their website Bob.

[@jamessteurer644]

Have you had chance to test Xtool D1.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Nope, not yet, but it's in the shop waiting in line James.

[@JohnRuckart66]

Have you looked at the X-Tool D1 diode laser? I own one myself and it is great. I would love to see you do a review on it.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I have one, review coming soon!

[@graceland75]

Hello Rich, I couldn’t find in your web forum for the engrave/cut Library on the Longer Ray5 10W, is there one available?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Any 10W library will work John.

[@barbaradexter7317]

Really enjoy your videos!!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Thank you so much Barbara! I really appreciate that!

[@schlotdoglaser]

Awesome video Rich as always. Can you use Lightburn or do you have to upgrade the board?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I was using Lightburn. Just showing the Wi-Fi feature.

[@dennybaker6264]

When using light burn do you have to leave it hooked onto the computer all the time, are you able to send jobs to it and then unhook the computer and I seen it takes a TF card or sd, are you able to load the lightburn jobs on that send them that way without a computer?

[@3dtexan890]

Where does the network cable connect to? Do you mean the USB type B connector?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Yes, the laser comes with a standard printer cable.

[@MrKly123]

Great vid as usual!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@1950BeachGuy]

Thanks for the review Rich, at this time no rotary table for the unit; is that correct? Do you think an after market table can be connected to the Y axis through the existing connector to make it cut round objects?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Yes, any diode roller would work, you would just have to check the pinout and make sure the plug is wired correctly Jeff.

[@1950BeachGuy]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy Thanks for the rapid reply.

[@staltus]

Good review, I agree the 2 negatives are really nit picks. I keep hoping someone will make something like OctoPi from the 3d printer arena for the lasers. The built in web server looks like a nice compromise. I do have two questions: Is the web server password protected? Can the web server turn on the laser or if the laser is off you need to head to it to start it to fire up the web server.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

No Steve, if the power is off, so is the network connection. I should have mentioned that you have to login to the Wi-Fi every time you power it on. No big deal for me. I created a guest network with no password and it doesn't broadcast the SSID. So it's just 2 clicks. Oh, also it has to be 2.5 ghz.

[@mechanical_bob6591]

1 eccentric nut for 3 wheels is standard for 3d printers. i have only seen 2 eccentric when an axis used 4 wheels on an axis (like a large bed y axis movement). No limit switches seems petty or nit picking.

[@Hakuwoodworks]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy did you do the update on it? Supposedly the update keeps the login information, but I haven't tried yet.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

@@Hakuwoodworks No haven't done it yet, but I will when I get time.

[@VintageForYou]

Can I cut an Acrylic 3mm sheet with my Ortur Laser Master 2 PRO S2

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

If it's not clear you can.

[@Crewman2770]

Great review. 👍🇬🇧👍

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Thank you Tony!

[@melissakelly7900]

Are you able to cut out words with this laser? I'm a total newbie and looking for. a hobby laser .

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Hobby wood, yes Melissa. 1/4" wood is fine.

[@bbsports3_reviews]

Will this fit with the comgrow laser enclosure? The dimensions look like it will be to big but not sure if it's the controller in the front or the actual engraving size

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Pretty sure it would. I can't tell you because I'm on vacation right now.

[@nicovandenberg2642]

Thank You Rich

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

My pleasure Nico!

[@kfirish44]

Can air assist be added to this?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Air assist can be added to any laser.

[@kfirish44]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy thank you. I ended up ordering this one instead of the Ortur. Do you know where I can purchase an air assist nozzle or air tube holder that will fit this laser head? I don’t have a 3D printer.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

@@kfirish44 I haven't started researching it yet.

[@lmlindbergno]

I recently bought a Ray5 10w, but having "big problems" with the air assist. I have to clean the lower lens and the air assist nozzle 2-3 times a day. Anyone else experiences the same? When i don't use air assist it stays pretty clean. It looks like really fine dust, and clouding on the lower lens/protection lens. Any suggestions?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Not sure what that can be. I don't have that problem.

[@lmlindbergno]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy Thanks for the answer! I do some fine sanding in the same room, so maybe the airpump sucks up some of the fine dust. Seems strange, but could be. 🤷

[@mechanical_bob6591]

great review. I'm working on mine. your videos and forum is great for newbies. fyi: 3 point (wheel) gantry brackets only have one eccentric nut as standard for 3d printers. I have only seen 2 eccentric if axis uses 4 wheels for stability. I love my ray5 so far!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I have seen a couple of reviews with that as a complaint, but I personally see no reason for the 2nd nut. If you have it adjusted properly, technically, 1 nut would be better than 2 as far as I can see for a smoother operation. Having 2, one could theoretically work against the other.

[@OldCurmudgeon3DP]

Not that I recommend being away from the device when it's running, but not being tethered by a USB cable or app is a nice feature.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I wouldn't recommend it either without a camera. I had a camera on it so I was able to relax in the AC.

[@idmnstr]

​​@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuyAre you able to see the camera in the longer control interface?

[@yelenavanoorschot3248]

Perfect!!!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I thought so too! Thanks Yelena!

[@anonymous-wx5xu]

Do you have an extra laser engraver, can I have 1😅

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

🤪