The DANGEROUS Reason To Choose Your Laser Carefully || xTool P2 Pro Laser Cutter

Please choose your laser carefully.
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#woodworking #xtool #laser

[@startmaking1]

If you are tempted please use this link to check out the xTool range www.xtool.com/?ref=MQl4cVgSo0t3m&

[@daihaad]

Again, love the honesty!! Nice one mate👍🏻

[@startmaking1]

Thank you very much. Always appreciated.

[@paulmaryon9088]

It's cool to be square!! Thanks Mark , another interesting video, keep 'em coming and stay lucky!

[@startmaking1]

Hi Paul. thank you for the comment. Apologies for the late reply. I wanted to see if there were any spots left. I do have a spare square or two. If you would like one sent, please email me your address to [e-mail]

[@tiggersal101]

French cleat, I love it 😊. Also your videos are inspirational. Big thanks 👍

[@startmaking1]

You are really kind bud. I have run out of the spots for the free bee on this one but plan to do another in the near future.

[@alporridge5228]

French cleat I love it! Another good honest vid. My new workshop is in the planning phase and you’ve inspired me to French cleat it up!!

[@startmaking1]

Hi Bud. I have decided to cut a few more as the give away has been so popular, pop me an email to [e-mail] with your address and I will post some out, no charge.

[@cdalekeefe]

It’s cool to be square. Love the video! Can’t wait for the next one

[@startmaking1]

H. thank you for the comment. Apologies for the late reply. I wanted to see if there were any spots left. I do have a spare square or two. If you would like one sent, please email me your address to [e-mail]

[@SkullyWoodMetal]

I enjoy your videos. You provide good information. Thanks. I have a full wood shop that includes two CNC machines and a 60 watt CO2 Laser. I still learn new stuff from you. For instance the French Cleat trick.

[@startmaking1]

Thank you very much. I have to go now as I am very jealous of the CNC and the laser combo Very jealous lol.

[@pazmaniaoh6341]

Great video, thanks!

[@startmaking1]

Thank you very much bud. Appreciated.

[@markwalczak3374]

Great video mark mate 👍

[@startmaking1]

Thank you Mark. Very much appreciated.

[@Greyotterstudio]

It's cool to be square! "Check square, pretend its square and carry on" might as well be tattooed on my arm haha, I think we're all guilty of it, much more often then we care to admit! Glad you brought up the safety point too, dust and fumes are so dangerous and I think so many people pay lip service to it.

[@startmaking1]

Cheers bud. I will ensure I deliver yours over a coffee.

[@marklittlejohn1457]

Thakyou for tips and video 👏

[@startmaking1]

Thank you Mark. Very much appreciated

[@therock-wood]

French cleat I love it, thanks for the review, I enjoy watching all your videos 👍

[@startmaking1]

Appreciate the quick comment. Thank you. If you pop me an email at [e-mail] I can grab your info and post the cleats out. Still a work in progress but a lot of fun. Thank you for watching.

[@TheShaker53]

French cleat i love it. Great vid agin.

[@startmaking1]

Thank you for the message. Sadly the 10 spots have filled up but I will offer another chance to get some very soon.

[@billffromnh]

Mark, I don't anticipate getting a laser for my woodworking, but I didn't let that stop me from watching your video. I've seen most of your videos & can't say any of them was a waste of time. Your point of safely extracting the smoke & fumes from a laser is very valid. Who knows what the long-term effects of having them in the air we breath will actually be. It's sort of the same thing as soldering with lead solder & without a fume extractor. I wouldn't be too concerned about being a newbie with the computerized laser. I bet after you've had a couple year's experience with it, you'll surprise yourself with what you know. Designs on jewelry boxes & others can be very useful. So can simple shop, tools like your squares generated on the fly. Those with your name, address, & phone # could be popular hand-outs whenever you are selling your woodworking items. If you made them in a bit thicker plywood, they'd be very useful setup tools. Make various sizes & a 30-60 version in addition to your 45. The laser could be very useful if one wanted to design & manufacturer wooden toys. Its use is probably endless. You've already made a variety of neat signs.

[@startmaking1]

Hi Bill. thank you again for your comment. It is a very niche video for a woodworking channel to be honest. Last one of the contracted ones fortunately. I agree with you on the fumes. Same can be said about just being around MDF with all the glue fumes. I find it makes me quite light headed. Great idea for the unique business cards. It does have endless uses so long as you can master the design packages. It will come to me slowly, which is how I like to learn. I find it stressful and ultimately fruitless to try and learn to fast with these type of things.

[@projectrebuild908]

It's a cool bit of kit. I'm sure you will find more uses for it as you move through your journey

[@startmaking1]

Thank you very much bud. Appreciated.

[@Damon_Barber]

Thanks for posting another video! The laser video may not be for everyone, but I’m sure there are some build videos that are not for everyone as well. Keep on making projects and videos! Haters are gonna hate and trolls are going to troll. Focus on the positive comments and accept helpful advice/ comments when they are actually constructive. As always, looking forward to the next one, just so I can spend some time with my friend across the pond.

[@startmaking1]

Hey bud. Very. much welcome. I knew it would be low views and not at all appealing to a huge chunk of woodworkers but a deal is a deal. You are right about the haters and I consider myself incredibly lucky that I get very few. In fact I was more upset that 7 people un subbed. Bonkers really. You are spot on as well. I pinch myself every time I release a video at the sheer number of supportive comments. Its mind blowing that so many people can offer so much advise and help to someone like me who is learning as he goes. I was terrified when I started this that people would assume I was trying to teach and that is crazy. I am the one learning. You are one of a group of people who support woodworking KZbinrs wholeheartedly. There are maybe 50 of you that I see on so many videos. That is not something that I take lightly. Thank you.

[@charliethebubbles]

Great video,

[@startmaking1]

Thank you very much bud. Appreciated.

[@pilky1alan]

It’s cool to be square Thanks Mark, cool squares specially the baby, very informative video,

[@startmaking1]

Thank you. If you are in the UK and would like one pop me an email to [e-mail] and I will grab your details and send one out.

[@esxdave]

French cleat I love it. Loving your work as always Mark. Laser is likely not for me, but cool video anyway

[@startmaking1]

Thank you for the message. Sadly the 10 spots have filled up but I will offer another chance to get some very soon.

[@ade-rm3co]

It’s cool to be square fantastical video yet again Mark All useful tools have a place in our workshops it’s all about personal choice your reviews are delivered just like a mates advice with pros /cons Long may it continue

[@startmaking1]

You are incredibly kind bud. For that I will add another place for the square give away. Appreciate the comment. Thank you. If you pop me an email at [e-mail] I can grab your info and post the square out. Still a work in progress but a lot of fun.

[@startmaking1]

@ade-rm3co . Dont forget to email me your address bud,

[@jimrosson6702]

Mark it’s cool to be square. Love your channel know matter what you do because as a new woodworker you make me feel like I can make anything I set my mind to so Thanks for sharing.

[@startmaking1]

Hi Jim. thank you for the comment. Apologies for the late reply. I wanted to see if there were any spots left. I do have a spare square or two. If you would like one sent, please email me your address to [e-mail]

[@wonkycutsworkshop]

"French cleat" I love it. I always enjoy your videos. Thanks

[@startmaking1]

Thank you for the message. Sadly the 10 spots have filled up but I will offer another chance to get some very soon.

[@wonkycutsworkshop]

@@startmaking1 no problem mate. If you don't ask, you don't get. Keep up. The good work.

[@startmaking1]

Very true.

[@GrumpysWorkshop4]

French cleat i love it. I still havnt tried to use the file you sent for making the french cleat brackets. You say you're not great on computers but you made those squares look easy. I wouldn't even know how to do half the stuff you did lol. Great video & i definitely wanna use my cheap lasers to make some tool holders etc if i can. Also need to make enclosures to vent outside

[@startmaking1]

Thank you. I have extended the amount of free cleats on offer . Please email me at [e-mail] so I can grab your address and send you some. I struggle through with trial and error. A lot of error. Check out the site makercase.com, sounds daft but making boxes is an easy start,

[@DawidhabdArup_N7]

French Cleat, I Love it, and the Squares too… A very late entry, but just to let you know that, I watched the video as well as that one where you showed all the cool ideas how made all those behind you… So a big thank you! Remember, *_Life_* is *_Short_* so *_Live Long_* and *_Prosper_* …🖖 Cheers matey!!!

[@joeb-jk7gd]

its cool to be square! Good honest video Mark, sill undecided if I could justify a machine such as this. Maybe a bit too complicated for my limited tech skills. Thanks, Andrew

[@startmaking1]

Appreciate the quick comment Andrew. Thank you. If you pop me an email at [e-mail] I can grab your info and post the square out. Still a work in progress but a lot of fun. To be honest, if you are willing to learn then it is super easy to get started but if like me you are a very slow learner and find that frustrating then the curve is a lot steeper. Fun though, between frustration rants lol.

[@Workzwood]

Another well delivered video Mark I have a cheap diode laser which I find suits my needs currently I found I needed to make something to control the toxic fumes and vent them .my question is would you if you had the need based on reviews and such purchase the machine that you have

[@startmaking1]

Thank you bud. If I had the need and just based on reviews and videos, I would definitely buy the xTool. As for price for price, that I cannot comment on as I didnt do any research into competition.

[@stuartansell9461]

French cleat, I love it Great vid bud

[@startmaking1]

Appreciate the comment Stuart. Thank you. If you pop me an email at [e-mail] I can grab your info and post the cleat out. Still a work in progress but a lot of fun.

[@Mk1_Smudgefish]

It's cool to be square! Keep the vids coming, nice to see a 'Normal' making progress!!

[@startmaking1]

Thank you. I have extended the amount of free squares on offer . Please email me at [e-mail] so I can grab your address and send you a square.

[@shaun30-3-mg9zs]

Hi Mark, looks like you got the ultimate tool , they are a good set up for intricate work and projects, Frank Williams uses a laser cutter on his channel. Like you said you got to have good ventilation and to have the laser cutter enclosed is the best and safe way to use, looks like you going to have a lot of fun projects with this laser. As always great to watch and to have your honest opinion, catch you soon Take care

[@startmaking1]

Hi Shaun. It's a good piece of kit. But I definitely hold it back. I better check out Frank Williams see if I can learn something. Thank you.

[@martinthorp7609]

Interesting video Mark. Not sure if I've seen it before somewhere or not, but i wonder what it would be like making corner clamps?

[@startmaking1]

This is a good idea Martin. I dont like cutting thicker than 6mm ply as the charring is quite bad and the edge can become very brittle. So for instance when I wanted to make these squares double thick, I considered gluing 2 together but the accuracy would be lost if they were not perfectly aligned. the same could be said with corner clamps, Though maybe thicker acrylic, although it is pricier. Food for thought though, keep them coming please. very much appreciated.

[@wonkypegworkshop]

It’s cool to be square. I almost got a smaller one last year after watching loads of “it’ll pay for itself” vids. A bit of research and I came to same conclusion as you. Maybe I’ll get one someday to boost rest of the product

[@startmaking1]

Thank you. I have extended the amount of free squares on offer . Please email me at [e-mail] so I can grab your address and send you one. I guess if used enough a smaller one for custom work could pay its way but it depends on your workflow. Mine is a luxury for sure.

[@ianpearse4480]

I feel very blessed, Mark was so kind to send me a few (loads really) of the French Cleat Brackets and they are amazing. Thank you buddy. I cannot recommend this version of the bracket enough. Please also see A Glimpse Inside for some very cool stuff. Following Mark's pattern I was able to copy them onto some batton and make some with just hand tools. Easy job and well worth trying. Mark, I really like the new saw holder in the background. Looks cool. Great share as usual and thanks once again for the cleats.

[@startmaking1]

Thats really kind Ian. Apologies for not replying to your last email. I did read it. I am going to try and cut my own brackets for a French cleat video see if I can manage it. The saw holder was thrown together but it is one I have seen in loads of videos I am planning on a version 2.0 to try and add my own twist on it. fingers crossed.

[@ianpearse4480]

@@startmaking1 I am looking forward to seeing your twist on the saw till and the cleat update. I think your channel is very cool and I am really enjoying the videos. Now worries about not replying mate, I imagine you are amazingly busy with work and videos and family. Glad I'm retired. LOL.

[@startmaking1]

spoiler alert, the saw till went ok, I think it is a small improvement but the chisel holder I am incredibly proud of. I cant wait to show that off as it is one I made from my imagination, rather than an adapted design. Busy is about right. seems the YT thing is somewhere between part and full time but not big enough yet to retire my current full time. An annoying tipping point is approaching . Retirement sounds fun lol.

[@ianpearse4480]

@@startmaking1Can' wait for the chisel holder. Retirement is very cool. Working on hand screw clamp holder and V Block supports to make pencil holders with my nephews this weekend. LOL. Never enough time.

[@markduggan3451]

I'll probably never buy a laser, but some of the stuff you can make is cool.

[@startmaking1]

100% agree and in truth I probably never would have either but seeing what their potential is someone with computer skills and a drive for it could have a fair bit of fun.

[@michaelwillson6847]

Love square. Or to that effect 😂 m8 those squares are wicked. I must say ive seen few more lasers kicking about recently and makes me just want one more. Nice video though m8. Speak soon 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍

[@adrianskelton7399]

It's cool to be square! I agree the laser cutter isn't a beginner woodworker tool but you still make it an interesting video, as you do with all your videos! Thank you! 🙂

[@startmaking1]

Appreciate the comment I try not to put everyone off. Thank you. If you pop me an email at [e-mail] I can grab your info and post the square out. Still a work in progress but a lot of fun.

[@adrianskelton7399]

Thanks, email sent from adzandlucy

[@raydriver7300]

French cleat I love it. The problem is, I want an X tool now. Great video, thanks for sharing and keep up the good work. It’s nice to listen to a Brit for a change 🌞

[@startmaking1]

Appreciate the quick comment Ray. Thank you. If you pop me an email at [e-mail] I can grab your info and post the cleats out. Still a work in progress but a lot of fun. The laser is an amazing bit of kit but it feels a better purchase if you have a job it can do. Make it earn its keep.

[@mattroberts5691]

French cleat i love it!

[@startmaking1]

Appreciate the comment Matt. Thank you. If you pop me an email at [e-mail] I can grab your info and post the cleats out. Still a work in progress but a lot of fun.

[@mattroberts5691]

@@startmaking1 Great. Thank you. Just messaged you now.

[@booyaa1851]

Late to the party so I’m not cool to be square. I agree that crafting /making is saturated with laser projects. Still want that xtool though lol Another great video mate 👍

[@startmaking1]

Thank you very much bud. Appreciated.

[@stuartroberts4544]

It's cool to be square! Great video mate, and thank you for being honest about the safety issues. The surge of these machines reminds me of when microwave ovens first came out. Many people feared that it was going to take over from "real cooking", and didn't view it as just another tool that can be used. I imagine it could be very easy to over-use the laser instead of doing what could be called "real" work, but I agree that it's best use would be to further enhance what you have already made. Great job as always mate 👍

[@startmaking1]

I could not agree more with this statement. Great summary Stuart. Thank you. If you pop me an email at [e-mail] I can grab your info and post the square out. Still a work in progress but a lot of fun.

[@stuartroberts4544]

@startmaking1 thanks Mark, I'll drop you a message now. I've been given the job of building a pallet playhouse for the kids in the garden, it can take pride of place over the gable!

[@startmaking1]

Pallet play house sounds excellent. I have a load of pallets but so far I just stare at them and cant bring myself to strip them down.

[@stuartroberts4544]

@startmaking1 buy one of those pallet buster bar tools. Makes it 10x as fast. A cheap tool well worth the outlay

[@Terrawarrior08]

It's cool to be square. Nice video but while part of me wants a laser realistically don't think I'd get enough use out of one. Keep up the fun videos.

[@startmaking1]

Appreciate the quick comment. Thank you. If you pop me an email at [e-mail] I can grab your info and post the square out. Still a work in progress but a lot of fun. I understand. You really need a way to make the laser earn its keep in my opinion. Not just to justify the money but also the space. Like any tool

[@ajuk6391]

French Cleat I love it

[@startmaking1]

Appreciate the quick comment. Thank you. If you pop me an email at [e-mail] I can grab your info and post the cleats out. Still a work in progress but a lot of fun.

[@DeenHussain-zz3gs]

I love it...

[@startmaking1]

Thank you very much bud. Appreciated.

[@Kreyzer]

French Cleat. I love it! I have searched for someone in the UK selling brackets like Glimpse inside but can’t find any. I would happily pay for brackets if you were still considering a side hussle

[@startmaking1]

Appreciate the quick comment. Thank you. If you pop me an email at [e-mail] I can grab your info and post the cleats out. I will pop quite a few in so you should be set for a little while. If you email me with your feedback I can see what I can do in the future.

[@normanerwin4242]

Q. Will it cut slightly thicker material? Thinking of using an X-Tool to make routing templates

[@startmaking1]

It will cut 12 mm. but it takes more set up to avoid charring. You could always do what I do with the larger cleats and cut 6mm twice and glue together to get a quicker cut and better edge. Though, I am no expert. If you dont mind plashing out for acrylic then you can easily cut thicker.

[@peterjohneggleton2011]

French cleat, I love it but Im in Norway so, I know UK only.But I do they are brill. Lasers……As you say they are not for everyone.😢Depends on which way you wanna go with your hobby,… Me bird boxes and planters do Get a bit boring after a while so….. maybe. Anyway great vid by the most honest man on KZbin. Cheers Mark have a good un.

[@startmaking1]

Hi Peter. I had no idea you were in Norway. I appreciate your kind comment thank you. I will continue to use it for sure but less for mass produced and more for fun experiments I expect.

[@WoodworkJourney]

Can’t remember but I think I may have tested the smoke purifier in my F1 video and think it’s absolutely essential. Even then it’s good to have the exhaust from the purifier out of a window etc

[@startmaking1]

You are spot on Dean. I didnt see that video. I will take a look back. I had the filter on and the hose just lying through the door to the outside and still after a day running the laser last week I felt a little jaded the next day and another thing I didnt mention was the resin and chemicals getting on your hands off the burnt edges and the bars on the bottom of the machine. Gloves are highly recommended. Especially as I suffer from chemical sensitivity too. Not ideal to get it wrong. Hope the move is not taking too large a toll bud.

[@WoodworkJourney]

@@startmaking1 something I didn’t realise until it was pointed out to me, anything with PVC in it is toxic and wrecks the laser on my F1, I know yours is different. It was super annoying finding that out because I’d spent ages dialling it in to cut vinyl lol

[@startmaking1]

Wow, that sounds like a pricey mistake. I honestly haven't looked into mine. Im not a big tech guy so I will just be cutting ply, veneer and acrylic and probably that will be it.

[@WasteNotWood]

French cleat I love it! 😅😅

[@startmaking1]

Hi Greg, as next in line, if you are in the UK, pop me an email to [e-mail] and I can cut you a few cleats.

[@TootEmCarMan]

It's cool to be square. A very good point made about the fumes. Safty must always come first. :)

[@startmaking1]

Always. Appreciate the comment. Thank you. If you pop me an email at [e-mail] I can grab your info and post the square out. Still a work in progress but a lot of fun.

[@TootEmCarMan]

@@startmaking1 have emailed you. Let me know if you received it ok.

[@TootEmCarMan]

Package received. I did email you to let you know. Sent a pic along with the email, go check it out.

[@GizmosShop]

French cleat, I love it, from the USA! No need to send ;)

[@startmaking1]

lol, thank you.

[@raydriver7300]

It’s also cool to be square 🌞

[@startmaking1]

lol cheeky. Didnt see that possibility coming lol.

[@Andi.Mitchell.Designs]

French cleat… I LOVE IT!! Awwww I’m in the U.S. but I just wanted to say it anyways!

[@startmaking1]

Ah, that's a shame. Though luckily a glimpse inside offers the same thing for a reasonable cost in the US. I would not want to step on his toes as he is fab.

[@BFGwoodworking]

It’s cool to be square! Wish I had the spare funds to buy one of these…

[@startmaking1]

Appreciate the comment. Thank you. If you pop me an email at [e-mail] I can grab your info and post the square out. Still a work in progress but a lot of fun. I understand. You do really need a job it will do straight away to justify it.

[@anthonygriffin3147]

I have no interest in layers rkid but you do a good job ov explaining I'm slow on computer one finger harry lol I'm going to try abit of filming tho when I get in shed as always belting vid rkid keep it up 👍👍

[@startmaking1]

Hey bud. I get it and thank you for watching and dropping a comment too. I am very slow to learn on these things but with time and a lot of swearing it will come. Filming, brilliant. I love seeing the shed coming along on Insta. Cant wait. Have fun. Should be a warmish day today. Fingers crossed.

[@chriscollins9717]

French cleat. I love it. I like the tool but think if I have done spare money going (and I did win the national lottery last night but unfortunately it was only £2.50) if probably opt for a 3d printer. Great video as usual

[@startmaking1]

Appreciate the quick comment Chris . Thank you. If you pop me an email at [e-mail] I can grab your info and post the cleats out. Still a work in progress but a lot of fun.

[@chriscollins9717]

Done. Cheers mate

[@zapa1pnt]

Hi, Mark. One could always get a unit of lesser power (for thinner material) and dimensions, to match their need and budget. Also, if you get one without a case, you can build the case yourself. If you do that, be sure to get laser safe, filtered, material, for the window And install a cutoff switch, on the cover. Question: Why would one need a filter box, if venting to the outside? Sure, if you had several lasers, for a production operation, but for one??? 😁✌🖖

[@startmaking1]

You are 100% right bud. There are so many out there now. And building a case with ventilation would be a fun video too. I bet there are plenty of people who could benefit from that. I dont think I will buy another laser too try it out mind you. The filter sucks the fumes from the machines where as the original pipe is much weaker flow . That is one benefit. Though if you attached am extractor fan and sealed the pipe into a window you could achieve the same thing. Not to mention that there are people having these in an office rather than a workshop. I dont fancy that to be honest as they still emit a smell even with the filter. I got the filter for safety but also so I didnt have to ruin a pane of glass or cut a hole in the wall. Just couldn't bring myself to do it so soon after building the workshop lol.

[@zapa1pnt]

@@startmaking1: The window i was referring to, for laser safe material, is the viewing window, on the case.😁✌🖖

[@muppetarms8406]

For us none UK people can you put a link to your French Cleat project file, as I use a basic laser engraver and the LightBurn software I maybe able to convert it and use that, or maybe just the measurements. I am looking to setup a French Cleat wall at the Community Centre I help out at.

[@startmaking1]

The best thing I can do is if you pop me an email to [e-mail]. I can send you the SVG file. You can then adapt it as it is far from perfect.

[@AdrianMcGavock]

French cleat I love it 😁....

[@startmaking1]

Wow, really? Thats bonkers. Appreciate the comment. Thank you. If you pop me an email at [e-mail] I can grab your info and post the cleat out. Still a work in progress but a lot of fun.

[@AdrianMcGavock]

@@startmaking1 no, my mistake... the link takes you thru to the site offering $80 off if you spend over $1k, the actual price in US is $4.5k which would translate to the UK price I quoted 😂

[@timothyroper1897]

im abit late to the game......... its cool to be squaire? any away love the vidios on you workshop build mark. keep the streight honist stuf. love makita tools to.

[@startmaking1]

Hi Timothy. thank you for the comment. Apologies for the late reply. I wanted to see if there were any spots left. I do have a spare square or two. If you would like one sent, please email me your address to [e-mail]

[@stevenrichardson7882]

Did you say how much or do I have to find out myself? I watched till the end as well🤷‍♂️😊

[@startmaking1]

For the laser. It really depends on which one you buy. I think this one is around £4.5k and the accessories generally run to about £600 each. But it depends on what offers if any they are running etc. But there are plenty of smaller models too. I also what to say thank you for watching to the end. That bit means a huge amount to me.

[@zapa1pnt]

OMG! You might actually have to use Google, for YourSelf!!!! OH, the Pain! The Pain!

[@themeat5053]

Cheers, Mark! I watched but had to ask myself would i ever have a need for a laser; I'm thinking not. As far as market, it's my thought that it is saturated with "makers'" products, but very few things made by true craftsmen. Nice giveaway!

[@startmaking1]

Hey bud. I can safely say that other than being an appreciated supporter of this channel, I didn't really expect this video to really appeal to your woodworking style. I thought that even though it could potentially make some router templates for those lovely shooting stars you make at xmas, it really takes away from the maker aspect and puts your into batch making which I know is not really what you are about. And you are right about the market. The one thing that I didnt mention about the side hustle that puts me off more than anything I guess is standing loading ply in and out of the machine. I did a day of it for the give away and while it was really effective and quick, the craft is lost. But I know this is something personal to me that others dont worry about. Take care bud.

[@themeat5053]

@@startmaking1 Well, I definitely, concur that the laser is a tool. And in a production setting, it would be a money maker. I'm lost nowadays in the idea of a "side hustle," as everything I did required so much of my time and energy that there was nothing left for something on the side. Technically, I could use one now that I am old and decrepit, but I think that would be in the realm of consulting on construction projects, or selling them for a builder. All in all, I'm going to watch your stuff to, hopefully, help you out in reaching to more folks by driving up the traffic. Have a great week. Tomorrow, we're installing a new titanium hip.

[@startmaking1]

I currently have 2 full tine jobs and have to agree Im not sure I can add in a side hustle. Not until one of the jobs provides enough to mean the other can be retired. The odd thing was that this YT game started as a hobby, then side hustle and now full time job. I dont think I can add in standing in front of a laser. Though I know that with the right ideas it could be a good earner. But enjoyment has to be taken into account somewhere. Consulting sounds interesting. A good opportunity for you to cash in on your knowledge and experience. And that is priceless. Titanium hip? Installed on you?

[@themeat5053]

@@startmaking1 Yeah buddy, II go the full Monty (?); probably used that wrong. I'm finding out that old goats take a long time to heal. I hear what your saying and only offer this...family matters most. Do what you have to do in order to raise and support a caring family. Pay attention to the youngest and raise them to be good human beings; things fall into place and you will have a life well lived. Sorry, went deep; a lot of free time. All this to say, "Don't let the bastards get you down!"

[@startmaking1]

Thank you bud. You are a wise man.

[@bobmoulton3319]

Thanks for the video at least you're being honest about it but my question to you would you pay £5000 for a laser?. Because that is a lot of top quality tools that you could buy with that money. And if a lot of people all go and buy lasers the markets just gonna be so flooded it's pointless. I think the laser manufacturers should all take more care in making concealed boxes add a small price on for this for the safety it's a very valid point. I'm hoping that I can find someone local that can do some engraving at a reasonable price take care until the next video

[@startmaking1]

Hi bob. That is a very good point. I think the best way I can summarise is that if it comes into the workshop and doesnt take up space from another tool, and can start to earn its keep from day one doing a job either that another tool cannot do, or better than another tool, then I would say yes. For all other eventualities the only way I would say yes is if I had a budget that can easily cover it and more.

[@stevereed5776]

It’s cool to be square. Nice video Mark, I think I could make use of the laser but a little too rich for me.

[@startmaking1]

Appreciate the quick comment Steve. Thank you. If you pop me an email at [e-mail] I can grab your info and post the square out. Still a work in progress but a lot of fun. It is a pricey investment. You really need to have a use for it in your making process that it will slot into straight away. Or a budget large enough to not have to worry.

[@stevereed5776]

@@startmaking1 thanks Mark

[@startmaking1]

@stevereed5776. Dont forget to email me your address bud,

[@stevereed5776]

@@startmaking1 I did Mark

[@stevereed5776]

@@startmaking1 I did it last Saturday

[@commentsonthetube14]

The purifier kind of seems like a waste to me when you can just vent it outside with a much cheaper duct fan. If you absolutely cant vent it outside then I totally get it. Hreat video though, thanks!

[@startmaking1]

Thank you. You are right, but even with the filter I would not vent it inside. It is good but not 100% perfect and you can still smell the char. Whether it is harmful I have no idea. Better safe than sorry. If you can set it up to vent outside with a strong enough duct fan and a sealed system I agree it would work well. The only worry I would have is where you are venting. In the UK, Im not allowed a bonfire in my garden due to neighbours. They would definitely complain if I was pumping unfiltered smoke outside all day. But then again, this also depends on how much you use the machine, mine is occasional.

[@MackemWoodshop]

It's cool to be square but I guess I'm too late lol, I think I'm going in the other direction with a cnc router, I wouldn't like inhaling all the fumes a laser kicks up

[@startmaking1]

Very good point. I will squeeze you in bud . Appreciate the comment. Thank you. If you pop me an email at [e-mail] I can grab your info and post the square out. Still a work in progress but a lot of fun.

[@101projects2]

It's cool to be square, don't be afraid to diversify 👍

[@startmaking1]

Appreciate the quick comment. Thank you. If you pop me an email at [e-mail] I can grab your info and post the square out. Still a work in progress but a lot of fun. In time I may find more things to make on the laser and eventually, who knows, I may even have the design skills on the computer to make more things. Time will tell.

[@101projects2]

@@startmaking1 Many thanks Email has been popped 😅👍

[@101projects2]

Parcel arrived safely a few days ago, I've checked and it's definitely square 😅, Thanks again it's appreciated 👍

[@GeometryBuild]

One day I am gonna get one. 😊

[@startmaking1]

It is a lot of fun. That said, you could always reach out to xTool and see if they are still offering any lasers up. Seems a load of people get offered them. But, I would say that 3 videos is a little too much to do in return. Unless you have some killer ideas for uses .

[@GeometryBuild]

@@startmaking1 I am afraid my channel is too small for them to be interested. Also, I have to censor some stuff... LOL

[@startmaking1]

Thats really annoying as I bet you would come up with far more uses to show case it that I have,.

[@GeometryBuild]

@@startmaking1 nah, I am in a broken condition right now. but, i am adding more lights to the shop. :)

[@GeometryBuild]

@@startmaking1 oh, i just had an idea for you: is it possible to make tiny groove with a laser (like 0.5mm) and control it’s depth with power settings? depth can be less accurate than width.

[@dprentice22]

It's cool to be square

[@startmaking1]

Thank you . The comp has now closed but I will run it again at some stage.

[@expatmoose]

This is not a “tool” for me, I love the idea of using some muscle power to cut wood also the idea of using that grey matter we have, I understand people can make amazing wonderful things with them but if I really wanted too, so could I just slower, to me it’s the love that goes into WW not the earnings unless of course it’s used as a business, of which I don’t have Thx for posting

[@startmaking1]

Thats fair enough bud. You are right off course, I would never give up the feeling of cutting and shaping wood with hand tools, or power for that matter. This is just for some repetitive processes I guess. Appreciate your comment. Thank you.

[@569harm]

"French cleat, I love it". I'd love to get a laser but the price of that one makes my eyes water. I'm in the process of loading my French cleat wall, your videos have been a big help. Keep up the great content 👏👏👏

[@startmaking1]

Appreciate the quick comment. Thank you. If you pop me an email at [e-mail] I can grab your info and post the cleats out. Still a work in progress but a lot of fun. There should be another French cleat video in the works too. More complicated holders.

[@569harm]

Thanks Mark, I've been slowly working through my scraps making holders so they're all a bit "Frankestein" in appearance 🧌🤦😂. I've only been woodworking (I use that term very very loosely) for about 2 years and your videos have been a great source of inspiration and help... I have workshop envy though 😂😂

[@startmaking1]

uh oh, shop envy is where it starts. then you start to grow and suddenly you need to build one. Or at least that was my downfall lol.

[@Bluuuz]

French cleat, I love it. As always, Mark, you appeal to my inner geek: “It’s cool to be square.” Like all tools, they’re only as good as the hands and creative minds that use them but having access to other’s creativity on the web and tweaking it is useful. But does it scratch that ‘I made that myself’ itch? Having said that, making squares, french cleats and the potential for jigs and intricate pieces, is fantastic! Talking of cleats, I like your new saw cleat in the corner. Is that the one with some dowel inside to wedge the blade? Keep making.

[@startmaking1]

Appreciate the comment. Thank you. I knew you would notice the saw cleat. It is an experiment. This one is way too big for what I want but yes it has 22mm dowels for grip. I plan to make my version for a video soon. If you pop me an email at [e-mail] I can grab your info and post the square out. Still a work in progress but a lot of fun.

[@1812cshh]

Has anyone reviewing lasers actually bought one? Seems manufacturer freebie is the standard for all KZbin reviews

[@startmaking1]

Most are free from the manufacturer as they see that this is a win win. They get advertising directly to potential clients and it only costs them one machine.

[@michaelhutin5451]

It's cool to be square. Damn, I'm the eleventh with this comment.

[@startmaking1]

Thank you Michael. I have extended the amount of free squares on offer . Please email me at [e-mail] so I can grab your address and send you one.

[@anthonygriffin3147]

My spelling is shit sorry

[@startmaking1]

lol, mine too.

[@Ant98986]

Not sure why but I really disliked this video

[@startmaking1]

Thats ok bud. I appreciate your honesty. It's not for everyone. Can I ask are you part of the community for the more beginner woodworking videos. Genuinely interested.

[@likeakite]

You kindly sent me some French cleats....they're really handy, thank you so much !!!

[@startmaking1]

you are more than welcome bud. I am glad that they were of use.