When to Get a Fiber Laser - ComMarker B4 20w

🔗 ComMarker B4 20 watt Fiber Laser: amzn.to/3Qzq2v6 🔗 Laser Files & More on my Website: samcraft.shop/ 🔗 Color Engraving Slate: • Any Laser Can Do This!... ⬇️ MORE LINKS BELOW ⬇️
🔗 Slate Coasters: amzn.to/3Qy7eMC
🔗 Terracotta Dishes: amzn.to/3Ow9yRP
🔗 Stainless Steel Business Cards (THICK): amzn.to/47tgEin
🔗 Anodized Aluminum Business Cards (THICK): amzn.to/3OOKDdi
🔗 Metal Military & Pet Tags: amzn.to/45jF8st
🔗 All my Laser Engraving Videos: • Laser Engraving Business
🔗 MakerStock with a Discount Code for You: makerstock.com/discount/craft10
🔗 REAL Laser Safety Glasses: amzn.to/3YlhAAN (Diode & Infrared) amzn.to/3FtkbjP (CO2)
🔗 xTool Test Files on my Website: sam-craft.com/product/xtool-c...
🔗 All my xTool Videos: • xTool Lasers
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🔗 Gweike Cloud Pro II Review Video: • GOOD & BAD: Gweike Clo...
🔗 All My Laser Engraving Videos: • Laser Engraving Business
🔗 Our Family's Small Business: greenacrehomestead.com
🔗 Make Money Woodworking Videos: • Making Money from Wood...
🔷 ABOUT SAMCRAFT 🔷
Samcraft is a channel all about educating, inspiring, motivating, encouraging, and sharing the things I've learned since starting my own small business in 2018.
In today's video I show you my new fiber laser, the Commarker B4 20w fiber laser. I have used this fiber laser for over two months in my workshop and for my small laser engraving business. This laser is great and has performed perfectly for my needs. I also answer common questions like:
When should I you get a fiber laser?
Who are fiber lasers for?
How much of a difference does a fiber laser make?
Is a fiber laser worth the cost?
What can a fiber laser engrave?
🔷 VIDEO CHAPTERS 🔷
0:00 - Intro
0:25 - Overly Cinematic Footage of a Laser
1:31 - About the ComMarker B4 20w Fiber Laser
2:46 - Real Time Material Tests
7:00 - Colored Engravings on Slate from a Fiber Laser
7:47 - Engraving Terracotta with a Fiber Laser
8:29 - Leatherette Patches
9:30 - Silicone Drink Coasters
10:32 - THICK Metal Business Cards
11:50 - Metal Military & Pet Tags
12:23 - When Does a Stationary Fiber Laser Make Sense?
14:51 - PROS & CONS of the ComMarker B4 Fiber Laser
17:06 - Lightburn vs. Easy CAD for the ComMarker B4 Fiber Laser
19:02 - Who Should Buy a Fiber Laser?
20:38 - Thanks for Watching & Supporting My Small Business!
#laserengraving #samcraft #commarker
*DISCLAIMER*
This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!

[@EngineersHomestead]

One unique laser business opportunity I have seen and paid for: local engraver sets up a booth at the annual marathon/half marathon and engraves your name and time on your finisher medal. Easy $5 for 30 seconds of work.

[@Samcraftcom]

That’s a brilliant idea!

[@misury]

​@@Samcraftcomcould you link those silicone coasters, please. I can see amazing potential for those.

[@Sbregher]

Great video! Extremely helpful info! Thanks a million Sam!

[@jon10231]

Very good review and I love how you encourage people to get this if you are a business or intend and not just starting out. Often us newbys want the latest and greatest thing, I love you being so forthright about who could benefit from this and not getting more from your links.

[@davidlewin2744]

A very watchable and informative presentation. Thank you 👍🏻

[@adamgrim911]

I mean i can learn new things it just takes a lot longer but as long as i do videos of what i am working on i am ok i keep tons of notes and my wife is amazing when it comes to helping me rember new things

[@Fancylooks]

This is perfection, precision, speed... OMG!!!

[@awesomearizona-dino]

Thanks for sharing, there are some very high quality machines available now at reasonable prices.

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

It is impressive, and they are mighty proud of it too!

[@VinnysProjects]

The footswitch is very handy when doing multiple items. In lightburn there was no setup beyond plugging it in. Mine has NEVER been on the floor, I keep it on the table next to the laser and hit it with my hand when I'm ready to engrave. It's stiff enough you're not going to accidentally set it off with your hand.

[@1vekeller]

Great video as always. Have you tried ceramic tile with it, or laser marking spray to make a dark image on steel tumblers? I was so pleased with your laser test cards, that I bought another one and gave it to a friend who has a laser as a gift.

[@deannaoverstreet4146]

Thanks Sam!

[@davedayton]

Nice machine. I would love to see you create an enclosure video, to protect your family (and yourself). You would probably put a manufacturing spin on it as you use these for your business, which works be cool to see. Keep up the great content

[@bluegizmo1983]

I have a fiber laser as well and I love it! I actually got a steal of a deal on mine. I bought it on ebay as a "used re-manufactured" unit, it was listed as a 30W Raycus unit for $1,800 which I was happy with, but two weeks after I got it I had opened up the case to install a rotary tool controller in it since it didn't come with that, and to my surprise and delight, when I looked at the actual laser source inside it was a 50W Raycus!! 😂 the seller didn't realize someone had replaced the laser source with a 50W unit. The outside of the machine said 30W on it so they just assumed that's what it was. A used 50W Raycus machine should've sold for closer to $3,000

[@Seven_Craig]

Very cool! How deep was the terracotta burn?

[@private15]

Metal tags with horses name on them are great for labeling horse blankets. Winter, rain, fly, sunscreen and super cold winter. Every horse has multiple blankets and labels need to be able to go thru the laundry. Horse barns and horse stores may also buy tags to label horse show trunks and halters and saddles and other equipment. Send a letter with plan and get a batch price with 5 or 10 tags for each horse with each name. Or a large race track may also label blankets by size rather than horse name. Dogs need one or 2 tags. Think big!

[@cubansli3099]

Thanks you just answered my question. At 13:24 time slot

[@DENNCUSTOM1]

Hi great work do you have settings for the silicone ? I might invest into this ! please

[@stevedue4485]

What exhaust fan are you using? I have a 50 watt co2 a 20 watt fiber laser and just ordered the xtool f1 as I like the accessory bed for it. We will see where it fits in after a few months. Do you know if the F1 will do more items than the fiber? I know some things on the fiber I have got to work just by giving a dark surface. Even wood somewhat works. If you don’t catch a t on fire first lol

[@ChatterontheWire]

Can you do something on comparing the Fiber Laser to your Xtool F1. I know it will depend on what all you're trying to do, but would be nice to understand the differences between the 2, what you've found you use one for over the other, how well each etches X or Y, etc. thanks for all the content

[@LA98dyna]

Hey bud, will this laser engrave cast iron? Just came across your videos as I’m extremely interested in getting into this hobby and perhaps turning it into a nice small side gig. So, thanks for the great info and “to the point” videos!

[@RobSandstromDesigns]

Nice review.

[@fithriahanas8423]

Hi Sam! Thanks for the great content. Any chance you'll do a comparison video between Gweike G2 and Commarker B4?

[@loyduffelman6580]

hello sam i enjoyed your video on the laser printer. currently im looking into a pad printer to print on inkpens probly slogans company names ect ect. so far im not so good at making cliches using uv light box do you think a laser ptinter could replace this task

[@2911Homestead]

Wow, Thats us! Thanks for featuring our brand!

[@Samcraftcom]

My pleasure! When I’m done using the handful of things I’ll reach out for an address to send a package of things to. 😁

[@mattsara2802]

The foot switch is easy and a big time saver. I can help if you need it.

[@jf5336]

Thanks Sam, a great review, as always. Now I'm going to see if you discuss MOPA v MOCA systems and whether they are Galvo systems...which I suspect they are. All this is really neat technology but is also somewhat confusing for the newcomer.

[@mattdonnett7872]

great video.. Do you mind telling me what the round black and white coaster looking item is? Looks like it could possibly be used for small batch hat adornment. Thank you!

[@l.scotbradfordbradford9534]

Very happy that I bought the laser. Quick question... The main thing that I do is put qr codes on stainless steel 2"x2" tags. I am struggling to get a really black mark on the stainless.. It is pushed not polished. I got a darker mark with my xtool and brilliance spray. Any help or setting. Really appreciate your channel.

[@TripodsGarage]

When you increase the marking area by replacing the lens. You will greatly reduce the power of the laser. If you are not doing deep engravings, then you will be fine. Also we switching out the lenses, you need to make the adjustments in EZCad\Lightburn.

[@TheFeist77]

I you want to build enclosures, how do you know what to make the sides and top out of to protect peoples eyes.

[@47alexb]

finally a video with real time speed

[@chrisoliver3851]

Hi Sam how well does this machine do engraving pet portraits on slate or wood? Thanks like your channel wish i had your energy !

[@proudcanadianeh4663]

Hey Sam love your channels and videos as always. Was wondering where we can pick up some of those leatherette. colour patches and flat/plain silicone coasters. Also respect if you cants as its a trade secret! Thanks

[@Samcraftcom]

JDS Industries sells them online. :)

[@I-LOVE-EARTH]

Nice review. The link you have to engrave colors on slate is for the xTool F1, which you know has 2 styles of laser. In this review, you were able to achieve colors with solely the Fiber, can you please share your settings?

[@fate2022]

Really good video, but I didn't see any actual EZcad files on your site.

[@lifestyle3000]

very good! thank you!

[@adamgrim911]

Whats a good machine to start out with i do alot of resin work and i want to expand to engraving because lets face it it is amazing what you can accomplish with one. I wish i had someone i could work with its better for me to have hands on as Opposed to reading instructions due to my brain injury. So live in north east area and i am willing to work for free if it will allow me the means needed for me to learn nowadays. I have figured out that even tho i have issues now taking what i read and putting it to use. Hands on has made it so i xan still enjoy working and this along with my resin work would be a game changer for me. So thank you and like i said i am looking to learn and do hands on traing free of charge my payment would be the muscle memory from hands on training and that will allow me the comfort of knowing i will not be watching time and material. So once again thank you sir

[@EnergizerTX]

Hi. Thanks for the video. What would you recommend for a hobby laser to stipple polymer gun frames and basic engraving on metal.

[@LaserLife67]

Good review and informative. Thanks Sam. I didn't see a link for the leatherette patches. Where did you get those? Thanks.

[@Samcraftcom]

They're from JDS Industries.

[@wymanhammond6466]

Hey Sam try cutting some leather with it, I would be very interested in knowing how it would stand up

[@ChatterontheWire]

For the 2ndary lense to do the 7.8 in capability it can supposedly handle, how tall can that piece be? I assume that is flat on the base there? If I have a metal box that is say 6" tall that I'm trying to etch on, how much of that 7.8 in capability have you lost since the laser only goes so high? Hope that makes sense.

[@adamgrim911]

How hard was it to learn the machines you use i only ask cause i was hit over seas and my memory is a issue for me and i want to get into this real bad i just do not want to mess up cause i have a issue with rembering steps

[@patrickpendergast898]

Looking at hobby gun engraving aluminum, steel, wood buttstocks, and polymer grips. Would this 20w be enough to deep engrave metal with enough passes with the laser?

[@TP-si3km]

👍😃Danke für das Video

[@jimhamilton2680]

thanks for the video. can the slate coaster come out "white" or does it have to be a shade of gray?

[@MrBarryd83]

Hey Sam, Have you a link to the silicone drink coasters?

[@simpatiko2k5]

is the engrave quality of fiber laser the same with co2 lasers? We have a printing shop here in the Philippines and we are planning to venture into laser engraving. As a beginner, what machine would you suggest to us to get first, the co2 or the fiber? Thanks

[@DENNCUSTOM1]

settings for silicone please with this fiber laser !

[@robinbowman2464]

What fun😊

[@C1E2Moose]

Great review as always! I would love to get a fiber or MOPA laser but I'm still a ways out from that. I'm turning out slate coasters with the Ortur LM3 and while it's faster than the original it's still 30 minutes per set of 4. The current order of 350 coasters is taking DAYS to complete! Keep up the good work!

[@rbparadise]

Have you tried using the offset fill? It sometimes is faster than going across each line. And sometimes creates a really cool effect. I also have that laser. I can do a coaster in about five minutes each. Make sure you have the laser set to do one at a time. So it is not traveling over dead space. I run most of my coasters at 6000 and 90%. What are you running yours on?

[@C1E2Moose]

@@rbparadise I haven't done the offset fill with the LM3 but that's a great idea. I do have them set to do individuals, that cuts down the time for sure! Thanks for the idea!

[@rbparadise]

Sometimes the offset fill adds a neat design within the design. It’s kinda crazy how it does it. Seems more violent than going back and forth. I have been using offset fill more and more. Have fun with it.

[@Mark-cl9yy]

Around the 8 minute mark you talk about leatherette etching. What settings, (Power, Speed, Frequency) do you use? My 20W fiber either burns or just come out black, none of the color substrate shows through. Thanks s

[@dangoras9152]

Sam how much for the metal business cards with a logo..

[@cubansli3099]

I know the power is different, but I saw your do the F1 laser, what do you think of that one compared to this one you are showing.

[@mattsara2802]

I have never noticed how small and green your hand is 😂

[@vcap7886]

Great video! Can you engrave gun slides with this?

[@patrickpendergast898]

This is what I’m trying to figure out also. I’d like to engrave my ar15 upper and lower.

[@jessicagwinn3373]

Mine will be here tomorrow! Eeek! I've been wanting to add a fiber laser for quite some time now. I'm not gonna be able to sleep tonight! LOL

[@Samcraftcom]

Have fun!

[@remy9mm]

have you tried to do color engraving on Silver?

[@spencerjw]

I see links for everything you engraved except the silicone coasters. Where did you find those? - n/m I found someone else asked and you answered: JDS Industries

[@patriot9560]

That’s a great look-see at this machine. Is it able to cut magnetic sheet,like biz cards or fridge magnets? Most lasers I see are recommended to NOT cut this material.

[@Samcraftcom]

I don't know if it will or not. I would never attempt it due to the magnetic dust that will be created and the havoc it would cause in my shop.

[@andreaspetersen1218]

10:27 Hey Sam, the silicone blaks. Where do you get those? Really cool idea, But cant seem to find any anywhere

[@Samcraftcom]

JDS Industries. :)

[@mikepetitt9624]

Wow Sam this is really cool! Thanks for this demo! I’m still a year maybe away from having space to get into laser stuff. But been thinking of having small round tags made of my logo to glue on to my cutting boards and the bowls I turn. Better than the crappy heat stamp I currently struggle with! Are you by chance doing stuff like this yet? May need to hit you up for an order.

[@C1E2Moose]

That's a great idea for a makers mark on your items. I use a 1.5" wooden "coin" that laser engrave with my diode laser and inlay them on the back of my projects. I would love to use a 1" steel coin just so it stands out and if you know you're going to only do a run of 50 or 100 of something you should number them. Hope he can burn some for you..

[@Samcraftcom]

Sure, that's something I'd be happy to help you out with! Shoot me an email at [e-mail]

[@jasonchaney5382]

You could 3D print jaws for that rotary.

[@cubansli3099]

Ok you’re silly dude, but I like it. Reminds me of the lessons I would give my students. Cool😊

[@gabehutchinson]

Where do you buy your thick aluminum blanks?

[@cotyjulien248]

Hey quick questions, Did you get this before your Atomstack M4 Fiber or your Genmitsu Z-5-1 fiber? You probably love the Commarker as it has much more power. Out of all 3 what do you like about them and why? all are fiber lasers just lower power. I got a Genmitsu after watching your video, after using it and learning BSLAPP/ Seacad I love it for all small quick projects. My main drawback is I wish it was 5-10w laser and the engraving area was more than 70x70mm that aside love the portability and its lower cost to get into fiber laser. Im upgrading to a 50W and cant wait. Thanks for the advice review and if you answer the questions above.

[@cotyjulien248]

Upgraded to a 50W 175x175 and a 300x300 lens and still use the Genmitsu for small or portable etching.

[@heffe2001]

I'm looking at a 30w made by the company who makes my big 100w Co2 (slightly lower price, single lens, slightly smaller working area than the 2nd lens in your kit), BUT the ComMarker looks to have a powered gantry, which the one I was considering doesn't... I think it'd be worth the slight price difference to go with the ComMarker, but dropping 10w kind of makes it a difficult decision... As far as the foot switch, and safety, I'd like to see them make a key-lock safety switch to disable the laser's ability to fire, so you could 'safe' the machine so the footswitch won't set it off. Also as for the rotary, the one you have would also work with metal tumblers and such, that'd be my preferred use if I had that particular unit. And just for future info, we call that debossing in my day job when it basically excavates the area of the marking that you can feel. Great review, and it's definitely given me some things to consider on my next laser purchase.. I'd definitely make some sort of enclosure or shield which ever I go with (they both look VERY similar in design), most likely out of the appropriate wavelength-blocking acrylic.

[@rusticfox4283]

they sell enclosures on their website that fit the Commaker lasers the only accessory they don't sell is an extraction/filtration device though there are plenty of amazing options for those on the market.

[@patrickfitzgerald4810]

Have you tried ss cups and glass cups?

[@chriswaalen6956]

Good Review do you have a link for the silicone coasters

[@niceboy761]

Read Coments

[@rickbreininger3494]

I have been using a cheap laser to engrave cork coasters. From the website it doesn't appear this will work for that. I would like to expand my possibilities but don't have room to keep two lasers.

[@JoeMama-ke1fi]

Have you used this laser to engrave on a powder coated piece of metal?

[@theprofilestalker900]

Can it engrave photos onto gold and silver for jewellery

[@georgewilmore7599]

Laser town is going to outgrow your shop soon.

[@Samcraftcom]

You’re exactly right! I’m planning a shop addition soon

[@chrissmith841]

Is EZCAD easy to use for a Beginner? i only want to mark small metal items like pen's, clippers, and other small metal items with simple engravings like personalized name and text ..I was looking at the F1 because have heard xcs software is really user friendly but would really prefer a real fiber .. Worried that if i put down 4k on a fiber that i struggle to use the the software..

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

Can you cut metal or just engrave?

[@devicelink]

Will the machine engrave simple text without Lightburn software.

[@mochisdigital]

I would like you to help me decide, between the xtool f1 or this machine ComMarker B4 20w, starting bussiness... Thanks

[@Samcraftcom]

Unless extreme portability is a need, this is a much more capable and faster machine than the F1. Just remember the capabilities of 1064nm light and 455nm light. This cannot engrave organic materials or cut wood.

[@1vekeller]

I just received the Commarker B4. I upgraded Lightburn to the galvo version. I'm having a problem setting up Lightburn to work with it. There does not seem to be a Lightburn device file like there is in a diode laser. I tried to have Lightburn find the laser, but it couldn't find it. I tried to create the device manually, but I can't find the laser in Lightburn. If you can point me toward some instructions, I would really appreciate it. Thanks.

[@MikeGravs-vg2bi]

Did you cut the leatherette patches out of a blank sheet or did the patches come pre cut in their shape? Thanks!

[@Samcraftcom]

These were precut and purchased from JDS Industries.

[@zachmcg2651]

Do you have a link for the silicone disc you tested on? I didn't see it in the description.

[@DogsInFlight]

Interested in this too 👍🏼

[@avexoidavex3577]

I know how to create 3d models, but I don't know how to draw in raster or vector programs. Can a laser machine accept a .stl file with the correct dimensions (e.g. 0.25 mm engraving depth)? Or do I need a vector or raster file?

[@jesusislord2457]

Farm out! ☮️💝🙏🤜

[@johnnyditommaso6807]

what laser do you think is better for anodized aluminum pet tags? The xtool F1 or this laser? Which one do you prefer?

[@Samcraftcom]

Unless you need portability for on site engraving, this machine is better 100%. I use this for most all my engraving needs.

[@retrobombstudios1258]

How does this company compare to the Monport?

[@clydedecker765]

Sam, I sent a link to Colorado Mountain Living - she could really use one of these and a lot of other things you do .. maybe you two should get connected?? I loved this review and if I weren't so old and decrepit, I would probably camped out on your phone looking to get advice...😄😄😁

[@Forest_Actual]

Every time I watch a Samcraft video I want to buy a laser engraver. LOL

[@elliottviles6078]

where does one get those alignment acrylic jigs?

[@PopsGunChannel]

I dont see a link toyour color engraving video Thanks

[@lexispapi]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥Do you have an affiliate link to the silicone coasters? Thanks!

[@Samcraftcom]

Thanks for asking but I don’t. They’re sold by JDS Industries :)

[@TravelingOurBestLife]

would you please advise me. I want to engrave rings and bracelets. But also want to cut plexiglass. I was about to buy the xtool F1, but I read where it doesnt really engrave but "marks". I dont know what that means, so I stopped to look at fiber. Now Im totally confused which would be best.

[@700Junky]

Will this machine etch .003” deep into 416 stainless?

[@adamgrim911]

Cool

[@dangoras9152]

Brother juice box needs to be up and running... We want to see lazer engraving off grid with solar and batteries 😂.... I love running the cnc off grid will never go back to the grid... Keep it up brother...

[@patrickpendergast898]

I’m curious how many watts this machine and accessories draws in watts. I’d like to run a setup like this off solar

[@patrickpendergast898]

Would 500-750 watts of solar be enough?

[@sharonromer6606]

Magnets?

[@bosujo7toulah]

How to place ur items exactly center of it to laser print ur design .

[@toosas]

what is the lifespan of a fiber laser compared to co2 and diode? do lenses need replacing etc? how harmful are the fumes?

[@BarryDelaney-bn1ki]

They reckon about 100,000 hours

[@HDMann292]

what is the deference between a b3 and b4?

[@eddrm4685]

What is a centimeter?

[@cubansli3099]

So no enclosed for this bad boy?

[@johnnyditommaso6807]

Bro which ComMarker B4 did you purchase? There are so many different versions with different prices. They go from like 2 thousand to a little over 4 thousand. Can you please let me know which one you specifically bought and what you paid. I Currently us a Umarq diamond drag machine and I run a co2 laser at work but I do a lot of anodized alumium. So I want to purchase a fiber laser for home.

[@Samcraftcom]

This is the exact model that I have in this video, ComMarker B4 20w: amzn.to/44kKLG6 ComMarker provided the machine to me for review & I did not purchase it myself. That being said, my experiences and everything in the video were 100% honest. I still use it daily for my business. :)

[@patrickstachl510]

Where do you get those silicone drink coasters?

[@Samcraftcom]

JDS Industries