😲 Save 90% time on your laser engravings with the one little trick! Offset Fill!

[@Essentialvideophoto]

Hi Rich. Watching your videos is like going to university again except tuition is not so expensive. People do not realize that( thanks to great people like yourself), they can safe so much time in learning, getting better and faster in mastering their skills. Now I can go for a vacation after saving so much time on engraving by using your advise.🤪 Thank you for another great tip and awesome video Rich.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Thanks Bob; can I come?? 🤪

[@ChazmillsADLT]

There we go! You learn something new everyday, thanks

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I wish I had time to post a video every day! There is so much to talk about!

[@norbertdavis8903]

Offset fill makes SOOOO much sense now. Not probably the best for all situations but for things like frames or circles, etc. it’s perfect and may provide a more cleaner and consistent looking engraving. Thanks Rich!!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Absolutely! Give it a try!

[@davidelder5399]

That's an incredibly important setting & a huge time saver for sure. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

You bet David!

[@cutchinstreeservice]

Thanks Rich! I just never used LightBurn before but after watching your channel I have much more time to spend making new 3d printing and laser products. I own a small tree service and would like to start using some of the 40K Lbs of tree wood I cut down as new products. Power coating with laser to give colors was a great video.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Awesome Ed! Thanks for watching.

[@hefalump56]

Thanks Rich. The Roly laser which I have looked at on Amazon (is marked as currently unavailable and they don't know when it will be back in stock) looks like a very good package for anyone thinking of getting started with diode lasering. The offset fill makes a lot of sense but only for simple frames! For complex, frilly frames, it makes more sense to split the design in half. this keeps white space traversals small and etch time down. This tip came from the Australian starting a new YT channel that he mentions in posts on your Facebook page.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

They're in the Amazon supply chain. As soon as logistics gets them settled in a distribution center, they'll be ready for sale. Should be in a few days.

[@BuddyClontz]

Thanks for the helpful Lightburn tips!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

No problem Buddy! Thanks for being here!

[@merrillalbury8214]

Thanks. Have a great week.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Thank you Merrill!

[@richardwright6572]

your videos are the best for someone like me that just starting im just old marine retired just wanted to do things spare time thanks keep up the good work hope you are feeling better semper fi brother

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Thank you so much Richard! I really appreciate it! 👍

[@woodworkergene5416]

Wow… amazing feature. Thank you so much for sharing this knowledge.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

My pleasure!

[@HoutmeyersP]

Thank you very much for the tip...this is a huge timesaver.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Yes it is! Thanks for watching!

[@MICK2453]

Thanks for you channel,I am new to this, the information you in your videos have helped me,understand lightburn better. Thanks Mick in the Uk

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Great to hear!

[@savadious]

Thanks for this tip ! Made a HUGE difference.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Glad it helped!

[@VectorRoll]

It's the simple things that are brilliant. Thanks for making this video.🤘😉👍

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Yep, the little things make this software great!

[@Tabyaoui]

Thank you for your vidéos, its really helping us to do jobs.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Great to hear Driss!

[@LudwigSpiegel]

Thank you for sharing Rich!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

You got it Ludwig!

[@baronleathercraft]

Thanks again Rich! I am going to give this a try right away with different LPI settings. It seems that the LPI is the key to making the offset fill come out nicely. This will be very much of a time saver for certain laser jobs. Thanks again!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Settings are the key to everything!

[@terryh5677]

Brother as always so helpful information. Thank you.!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Glad it was helpful Terry!

[@colind2955]

Hi Rich, can you advise please, i watched a video of yours of making a stamp out of wood instead of a rubber stamp and and wanted to know how do you engrave the white space backing . Many thanks Colin

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Offset the design by 0.

[@dempseyjordan4600]

Thanks!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Thanks so much for the support Dempsey! Much appreciated!!

[@Vintauri]

Good stuff as always Rich!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@skysurferuk]

Earlier versions of Lightburn call it flood fill.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

No, flood fill is completely different, and it is still available of the advanced tab. Not recommended by the creator of Lightburn though.

[@ColinWatters]

Im using a diode laser to remove the silvering on the back of mirrors. I find that in offset fill mode the path traced out is more visible than in fill mode.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I'll have to try that Colin.

[@ColinWatters]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy Most noticeable if I print a square. The laser path is a square spiral and I think it overtburns when it slows down for turns?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I don't think Offset fill changes speed. At least I haven't seen that.

[@michaelk5889]

Subscribed =) So it's my understanding the "min power" setting is not available for my Monport 40W with a GRBL controller. I have no option for min power in LB. Thanks

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Yes, the Min power is only available on grayscale photos in GRBL.

[@DJRandomHajile]

This is awesome advice. I definitely would never have tried it and a couple of things that I engrave regularly have just been cut down by over 50%. 😮

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Great to hear!

[@johnnydohe6506]

Thank you.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

My pleasure Johnny!

[@thomasbakerii6953]

goodevening can you tell me dose the Kiff change by the thickness of the wood

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

If you mean kerf, yes it does.

[@aztecwarrior1421]

Thank you sir. I feel smarter thanks to you!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Happy to help!

[@stevespringer8385]

Just curious why the laser reverses direction about 1/2 way through running the offset fill. I've seen mine do so, and now I just saw it in your video. thanks

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I'm not sure Steve. Lightburn chooses where to go next in odd ways!

[@Andreas1975DU]

Damn. Sad that I did not watch that video befor. That could hve saved me hours of waiting. Thanks. Amazing work as ever. ;)

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

My pleasure!

[@jimnugent1143]

Thanks for the tip! A real time saver.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

You bet Jim!

[@MnACreations]

Thank you for sharing, Rich.. I have used it a few times and yes, it is definitely a time saver!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

It sure is Mike!

[@lpaltageek]

Doubling clicking on my Offset fill layer only gives me Speed and Max Power Settings? To make a short story long, I ran through this video last night. I am going through it again as I speak. Why? First thing I had a problem. Forgot you started with Fill layer. Realized 15 minutes later. Previewed Offset fill and went from 25 minutes to 1 min 10 (I love you!). My settings are in inches. Automatically converted 500 mm to 19.7 seconds.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Awesome! 👍 Thanks for watching... twice! 🤪

[@OldCurmudgeon3DP]

I've used offset fill on slate. It adds a bit of character to the design as it traces the text/art.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Yep, awesome feature!

[@andrewbouley6627]

I was just wondering if you could help me with I've been having some problems with aluminum to get it to etch on the aluminum I have a 20WATT Laser and diode and they say that it will etch on aluminum but it won't do nothing it's not broke or anything it's just it won't etch on aluminum what am I doing wrong

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

With a diode laser, you have to use full power and go very slow.

[@StumblingBumblingIdiot]

Awesome video. Really easy way to explain it too! Getting caught back up with videos after being a bit under the weather :) Keep em coming man! These tutorial videos are so great even for more experienced people to get brushed back up on their skills.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Welcome back Mike! Hope you're feeling better!

[@emanuelpelleg281]

Hallo Rich. many thanks for this enlightening video. In anticipation of the announced review, this is my question: A few days ago I watched your preview / interview about the new high level laser. It seems to be really a very high quality machine. My jaw dropped, though, at the high price tag. I have been in the laser hobby only about half a year. I started with the Sculpfun S9 5.5W. A nice machine but I have encountered it's cutting limits very quickly. 4 mm ply is the practical cutting limit of this machine, in my experience (upon somebody's advice I do not exceed 75% power, to avoid shortening the diode's life expectancy). As I need better cutting ability I bought the 10W diode. This brought a significant improvement. Now, cutting 6mm ply is easy, with 5 - 6 passes and a very mild scorching. Cutting Birch is still not practical: At 700 / 70 it takes 12 passes and the edges become very scorched. The new high level machine seems to be of the highest quality but has no more cutting power? So, when you do your full review of this machine, maybe you could address this dilemma: what should one do, invest in this limited power laser or in a 30W one with, maybe, lesser general quality? many thanks. Emanuel

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I just did 13mm solid oak in 5 passes Emanuel during the testing. 6mm Baltic Birch at 77 power and one pass. And the price is not high! It's being offered at wholesale during the launch! You have to consider all of the options included on this machine that you have to buy separately on any other. This is a complete package! Plus, if you want to cut the price in half, you can elect to get it without all the options.

[@emanuelpelleg281]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy Wow. I am amazed . These are very good results! I'll wait for your full review. Thanks a lot.

[@markgaither5635]

I must have checked or unchecked something because when I make the same pic frame at 100 inches per minute I get a solid black box in the preview and the time is 3hrs and 28 mins with fill and 3 hrs 27 mins with offset fill. What am I missing? Thanks for any help

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I really don't know, I can't see your settings in a text.

[@dragonshoarddesign3094]

I am running a I7 processor with 64gb of ram, gforce 2070 super. offset fill take forever to process. Is there a setting to change to speed this up?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

No, offset fill and 3D slicing take time to process. To speed it up, lower the LPI.

[@dandeegan2575]

I know this video is a year old but using offset fill keeps freezing up LightBurn. Have you had any issues with that happening? I have to totally shut down the program and start over.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Yes, if your LPI is too high (over 275) it will take a long time to process. The computer isn't locked up, Lightburn is processing the paths. If you wait long enough, it will complete.

[@darren0468]

Yeah hello mate I got a fox 20 laser do you have to buy their brands for the latest or can you buy any brand thanks for that mate you're worth your weight in gold for me shuffle dyslexic and reading and writing but you managed to do it thank you

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

For the latest what Darren?

[@darren0468]

Sorry mate yeah it's called a fox alien 20w can I use any other lasers do I have to buy fox alien lasers

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I believe the Fox Alien 20W is only 5W optical output, so you can use any of those Darren.

[@ricdeezyify]

This would have saved me so much time but glad I know now. Thank you!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Thanks for watching Ricardo!

[@mikeguidry49]

Great info as usual, but I don’t see the minimum only the maximum. ?? Im on the Monport 40 watt just like yours with lightburn 1.3.01

[@mikeguidry49]

Speed (mm/sec) 125.00 Max Power (%) 30.00 On Constant Power Mode Mode Offset Fill

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

The Monport 40W uses a Grbl control board, so you won't that feature. It's only on DSP control boards Mike.

[@reubentuwei1932]

I've always wanted to ask the question on how to engrave a boarder without scanning to and fro; but finally got the answer from this video. Thank you very much. On minimum power, I've been using zero; is there a problem with that?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I use about 30-35% less power on minimum and it works well for me Reuben.

[@Blueyedevil2702]

For the raffle I can't log in with FB... Great video BTW. Had no idea about this 👍

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I don't know why. 3700 entries so far have been via Facebook login.

[@lpaltageek]

Of course, I have a question. Do I have to know what to set the minimum speed at when engraving a photo, not just the frame/offset fill?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I can't tell you your settings... sorry. Search the channel for photo.

[@lpaltageek]

I guess what I am trying to say is the Offset fill mainly for frames and graphics, not photo engraving?@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy

[@PhilippinesDarrellCheeks]

Looking forward for the review.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Coming soon!

[@cocuyona1]

Great Video!!! Did not know that..thank you!!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Thanks for the comment Manny!

[@richarddemarchena9950]

Thank you so much!!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Glad it helped Richard!

[@JJ-vj9ly]

Now that's a timesaver. What does it do on areas of more fill like the inside of a balloon rather than the out line. Should outline fill areas be on a separate level to optimize?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

It can create some interesting patterns on filled shapes like a balloon JJ.

[@briandisarro4290]

I'm going flood fill circle on ⅛ inch birch. 160mm/s, 14%pwr on 60w OM. I'm just barely blowing through on the top where the stop/start is. Can you alternate start stop to bottom of the circle? Min power is low as I can go.

[@hefalump56]

Brian, upping your speed should solve your issue here.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Kiwi got it right Brian!

[@andirachman4024]

Thank you master..!!!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

You're welcome Grasshopper! 😂

[@BruceWayne-fj7qj]

this is what I'm looking for! thanks!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Glad I could help!

[@ericeinsmann5559]

Rich, I have a lightburn question. Is it possible to swap the X and Y axis on the screen? I am upgrading my Comgrow Z1 and I have to rotate the machine 90 degrees clockwise to fit it on my bench. I think it would be easier if the machine and screen are in the same orientation. Thanks!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

No Eric, the X & Y are calibrated to the laser. At least not that I know of. You would have to rewire it.

[@ericeinsmann5559]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy oh well.. I guess I'll get used to it eventually..

[@tommyfgilmore]

Thank you again. I am not even a hobbyist yet. Do I need to adjust max/min power on a 5W atomstack laser or does max/min only useful with CO-2 lasers ?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

You won't have max and min power on a diode Tom.

[@geraldlamothe6091]

Great video Rich 👍.I thought that you have already covered this in one of your other videos. Or maybe I saw it on another channel a while back. I noticed that you did not talk about the flood fill option, I know that it’s a little longer to engrave (about 7 minutes) but, it ‘s still an option for something different in your projects.

[@hefalump56]

Gerald, Rich did have a previous video on this. I guess this was a re-edit and a vehicle for the two announcements he wanted to make.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

I did... I wanted to make a separate video because so many people skip around and miss the little things. This replaced flood fill in V9.24, but they never removed it from the software.

[@mikeguidry4311]

Thank you Rich.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

My pleasure Mike!

[@BlueLightSpecial2023]

Just a curiosity question: when you are running the preview of offset mode, at about 6:40 in the preview (2:40 in the video), the trace changes from clockwise to counter-clockwise. Why did it do this and is it controllable? Also, I tried this and each engraving is making 2 passes rather that the specified 1 pass. Is this normal? Thanks and keep making these great videos!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Yes, it's normal, and I don't know why Lightburn chooses the paths it takes. Some of them are crazy, like when you choose to fill shapes individually.

[@lailatlais461]

I have Epilog legend EXT and using coreldraw software do you think I’m able to use off set feature? Thanks

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

No idea Laila. I haven't used Corel in over 3 years. Get Lightburn; you'll be glad you did!

[@wizard1963uk]

Thanks rich i found when i did offset fill it burnt darker

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Yes it does! You gotta test you settings!

[@wizard1963uk]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy just what I done my rich

[@Ryan82288]

Is this faster than flood fill?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

This replaced flood fill because it's more efficient Ryan, they just didn't remove it from the software in the update to 9.24 I think it was.

[@merrillalbury8214]

Live streams are great.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Awesome! I didn't think folks would want them, but I've gotten a lot of good feedback so far!

[@macman4529]

helped me a lot!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Awesome! 👍 Thanks for watching!

[@CraftyCrafty]

I find offset fill burns on the corners it's quick but not as good.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

You probably have a Co2 laser and need to set your max an min powers.

[@ericeinsmann5559]

Rich, I got my Comgo z1 all fixed up. Now it's about 400x800. However, still having a lightburn issue. I have modified the device settings, machine settings, but Lightburn still wont let me go past the original 400x400 work area. It homes ok and will frame ok within the original 400x400, but i go past that and I get "ALARM 2 G-code motion target exceeds machine travel. Machine position safely retained. Alarm may be unlocked" Did I miss something? Is there some G-code setting I need to change? Thanks for all your help!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

No, just the machine settings and device settings Eric.

[@ericeinsmann5559]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy any idea on what could cause that? Maybe a limitation in firmware? I saw someone suggest switching from absolute coordinates to current position

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

All of the firmware settings are in the machine settings. Edit --> Machine settings. If you can't get it to work, you may have to contact Comgrow. There are several users in the FB groups with the extension kit.

[@ericeinsmann5559]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy I will have to try the Facebook group. Thanks!

[@ericeinsmann5559]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy I figured it out. In Lightburn I had to change $131 of the G-code. As soon as I entered $131=800 it worked fine. Thanks again! 🙂

[@Desert_Woodworker]

Thank you

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Thanks for watching!

[@Walsfeo]

The facebook logon for the raffle isn't working.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

There have been 84 logins in the last hour Donald.

[@kamilj49]

Thank you 👍👍

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Thank you for watching Kamil!

[@kamilj49]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy This is my new hobby, and thanks to your help, I'm learning how to use Lightburn, thank you very much for that.

[@aquaticadventures5088]

Wow! Thanks so much for the video, Rich! I always see that in that but wonder "when in the world would I use that!?" I'm looking to move from a diode laser(LM3) to a CO2 laser, but was curious what the burn time difference would be between the 10w LM3 and an 80w or maybe even 100w CO2? Are there any CO2 lasers you'd recommend in the 3 to $4k range? Thank you sir!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Oh, the time difference is *dramatic!* My 80W Co2 is about _5x faster_ than my LM3 on almost every job, plus, it can do many materials the diode can't. If you click *Show More* under the video, there's a link to Monport Lasers. These are the Co2s I use, and there's a 10% off coupon if you're interested in buying one.

[@aquaticadventures5088]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy thanks so much! I'll check those out. I am a full time woodworker and I was just using the laser to engrave my logos and personalizations but have done really well doing some original signage, I recently picked up a contract with a professional(minor league) sports team to be the official woodwork merchandise supplier for them to sell at their games so waiting a couple hours for one item isn't going to cut it! Haha. Thanks again for all of your knowledge and content!

[@dexterbaxter4434]

@TheLouisianahobbyguy Is the Atezr 20w really that much different from the xtool 20w?

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

The Atzer works!

[@dexterbaxter4434]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy Ha, ha! I've been lucky as my 10w has been trucking along, fingers crossed. Do you know if the new 35w they're coming out with has risers or legs? It comes with a rotory and it needs height so I'm assuming the legs fold? Don't have much room and looking around at different lasers as my business is growing. Either the 35w or the Gweikecloud RF model in the near future BTW, love your videos and forum! Super informitive and I've learned a ton!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

The new 35W is just the module for an upgrade to an existing unit Dexter.

[@dexterbaxter4434]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy you can get it according to their site as a kit with the whole gantry system, air assist, rotory, etc

[@nathanwilsonreal]

thanks brother

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Any time!

[@KingJesus.316]

I have a question hope someone can help. I was using a Diode laser ( Sculpfun S6 pro ) and when you type any words on fill it would show the words in black or any color you choose . But i just got a new one few months 100w c02 omtech and downloaded the co2 version but for some reason i can't get it to show the fill. And yes if i click on preview and it shows the fill. But i want to have it like my other one where everything that i type on fill shows all letters filled cause it looks like is on line.. how can i change it to show the letters filled on my co2 version??? I seen videos including this one that shows the letters filled.. thanks and God bless

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Click Window --> Filled Smooth or Filled Course Raymond.

[@KingJesus.316]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy WOW thank you sir it worked 🙏🙏🙏 God bless you and your family. THANK YOU🙏🙏🙏

[@rsnsol2490]

I ran into this exact situation a few weeks ago, wrote lightburn and they suggested flood fill in the advanced tab. thats a great feature very similar to offset fill. check it out. thanks Rich

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Can't imagine why they suggested that. This replaced flood fill in V 9.24, but they never removed it.

[@rsnsol2490]

@@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy that's interesting

[@twiztidninjuggalo]

Thanks

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Welcome!

[@cluanardavidson9214]

unless you are experienced stay away from fill and offset, if you happen to select it on anything other than a perfect straight line it will lock up you PC and can overheat and fry your memory. They should remove it.

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Try another computer. These two modes are what you use to accomplish incredible engravings.

[@A3Kr0n]

You're not supposed to give the answer in your title. You gotta click bait us with "this one trick will.."

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Okay, next time! 🤪

[@clintonsmith9931]

Well the new laser is not quite so ready for us newbies Fingered it out anyway!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Awesome!

[@davekolp4552]

I really enjoy your videos! I give a thumbs up every time. I am thinking of making you my first subscription ever!

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@robertbutler795]

Enjoy your videos. BUT sometimes you travel too fast..on your relief fill you made an image then wrote a name . When you inserted the name the name became white I imported a picture wrote a phrase inserted it and both remained black why? I tried it three different ways and stayed the same., 😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

Try this video Robert: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5SspaJ8d7yBa9U