Testing the Longer RAY5 20W Laser Engraver/Cutting Machine

So this video is a review and test of a tabletop laser engraver/cutting machine, the Longer RAY5 20W. It is a 20 watt diode laser on the original RAY5. Longer is selling them for $859, however with the coupon code 60SAVE, they'll take $60 off and include a free air assist pump. Technical specs and product link below:
Link: s.zbanx.com/r/Gb0dmWPPGRtE
Model Number: Ray5 20W
Laser Technology: Dioser Technology
Working Area: 375x375 mm (14.76x14.76 inch)
Laser Wavelength: 450 - 460 nm
Focal Length: Fixed Focus-40mm
Laser Spot Size: 0.08x0.10mm
Optical Output Power: 18 - 21 W
Power Max Consumption: 120W
Engraver Output: DC24V5A
Engraver Input: AC110-240V
Z Axis-Height Range: Up to 47mm
Fastest Working Speed: Speed 10000mm/min
Software: LaserGRBL&LightBum
Input Image Format: JPG, PNG, BMP, GIF, SVG, AI, etc.
Connection type: USB/TF Card/Wifi
Limit switches: Yes
Air assist interface: Yes

[@MCsCreations]

Pretty impressive machine indeed, dude! Fantastic work! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@catspawcustoms]

Thanks!

[@mandimusic5109]

I think adding relief cuts as "rays" (think like a kid's drawing of sunshine 🌞) and then removing that glass in arcs around your circle is best practice. Unless the point was an intact square without glass in the middle, haha. Neat idea just as proof of concept, though!

[@catspawcustoms]

I agree. That thought occurred to me about 2 seconds after I broke the glass but I really didn’t feel like attempting anymore and have to clean up those shards as well.

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

Very good video no annoying music just you and that who we came here to listen to. I bought the Longer Ray 10 about two weeks ago and I have really been happy with it the performance coming from an Ortur Laser Master. One question I have what is the diameter of the beam at the focal point the mine is .06 mm. 😁🛫

[@catspawcustoms]

Longer says .08

[@claytonstarwalt9914]

Interesting laser

[@SirRonmit]

I just got my LONGER 20W RAY 5 yesterday, and I enjoy it so far, but the laser Z-axis adjusts are not fun at all! I wish it was like the 10W where there thumbscrews are in front to make it more secure and easier to get to :( and the height adjust isn't a solid object (like a metal plate, etc.), it is also on the rear and swings into position and held in OPEN or CLOSED via magnets. It is not sturdy and flips out on you while you try to hold the laser it one hand and set the thumbs screws in the other :(

[@SirRonmit]

OK, so I cannot for the life of me even etch Stainless or Copper. I was able to melt a rock on accident trying to etch that. Marble worked, but not even those free stainless biz cards .. what gives with this? I did notice that each software is different in that they may use mm/sec or mm/min, so I made sure I mult/div by 60 accordingly. I couldn't even etch or burn plain white paper (with LightBurn), but nearly caught it on fire with default gcodes included with the machine or LaserGRBL. I watched quite a few vids looking at layers in LB and settings there, but it doesn't come native with any preset materials database unlike other software (that is FREE). Thoughts?

[@SeaJay_Oceans]

I think you could have a more successful Circle Glass Cut by putting lead in and exit lines -- O -- then snap the one side off, next snap the circle out of the 1/2 glass plane.

[@catspawcustoms]

I agree, I just haven’t had a chance to go back and try it

[@sirtango1]

Can you control the depth of the cuts to cut mold cavities into aluminum for example?

[@catspawcustoms]

Maybe in wood by trial and error, but never in aluminum. Diodes don’t touch aluminum. You need a fiber laser to do depth mapping in metal.

[@Pitpure]

How can you get the longer ray5 10watt to cut through 1/8 plywood one pass

[@catspawcustoms]

Turn up power and turn down speed. It should do it pretty well, but adding an air assist will make it much cleaner.

[@GGAPDIY]

Is it possible to cut 3mm Aluminium with this version?

[@catspawcustoms]

No, that’s not possible

[@gl7038]

My question is how to I made thins machine cut. It does engrave. And it also says it should have color but I can’t figure it out.

[@catspawcustoms]

Cutting is a function of power and speed, and you’re really only going to have good success with thinner materials like 1/4” plywood or thinner. I don’t have this particular machine anymore, but if I remember, something like 100% at 500mm/minute should do it in one pass. If that’s not working or isn’t close, then I think there is a setting in lightburn that needs to be tweaked. Most problems with diode lasers come down to settings. As far as color goes, I know that can be done on stainless steel, but I’m not sure if this machine can do it or if you need an infrared laser.

[@stirlingfromla]

A 20-Watt LaserTree is less than $500!