The AlgoLaser Delta Is Loads of Fun

[@tymesho]

UPDATE: If you remember, I asked you for suggestions with a Petosky stone, and your recommendations for sanding. The sanding came out WAY better than expected! Nothing like your work, but it's really nice. I just wanted to thank you for helping me, so appreciated. ~Michigan Mister

[@MichiganRocks]

I'm glad to help you out. Thanks for letting me know it worked out.

[@leslyeschoenhuth1107]

Wish I could set up one of these. That Laser would be fantastic for Crafters.. Thanks for your demonstration.. Especially your comments on ways to set up a project..

[@MichiganRocks]

It's surprisingly versatile. I can't wait to try more materials with it.

[@staceymcmahan5016]

Wow this is amazing! Enjoyed your experiment on different rocks . Great tutorial! You are popular ! Quite an honor to be chosen to try out equipment . Looks like fun and all the cool projects you can make with this. Hmmm maybe on my Christmas list ! 😊 Thank you !

[@MichiganRocks]

I'm still playing around with this machine. I hope to have another video out about it soon.

[@firechicken455adventures]

I bet you'll make lots of unique and fun projects with that.

[@MichiganRocks]

I sure plan to. This thing is lots of fun.

[@Parry635]

looking forward to a new aspect of the rock world. Great video, Chris & Lisa

[@pattypaine]

Thank you for this thoughtful review. I look forward to seeing what you create!

[@woodgemdave]

Thanks for the lesson on this potential new toy! Awesome!

[@MichiganRocks]

You're welcome!

[@Indyanas_ocean_view]

Very cool! I can't wait to see what you make next.😍🥰😇👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@MichiganRocks]

My grandson loves to pretend he's a priest. He has a little Mass play set that is his favorite toy. He has a chalice, three Eucharistic hosts, and a little ciborium. If you're not Catholic, you might not know what I'm talking about, but today I made Joe a little Monstrance with my laser engraver. It turned out really well. Unfortunately, it doesn't quite fit the theme of this channel, so I won't show that project here. I do have some more rock related ideas for it though. I might start one of them tomorrow.

[@DurpVonFronz]

That was awesome when the first thing you asked them "can it engrave rocks" lol was hilarious and perfect! Oh man, it does really well. Extremely kewl!!

[@MichiganRocks]

You can't be surprised that that was my first question.

[@DurpVonFronz]

@@MichiganRocks wasnt at all, would of been mine as well, thats why I found it so perfect and fitting :)

[@gingermackeen5741]

Love the bicycle "gadget"!😊 Interesting video.

[@MichiganRocks]

That came in a set of four coasters. I haven't made the other ones yet, but I plan to.

[@cinciao5692]

Congratulations! I'm glad you made this video, I just got my own laser engraver as well! I haven't unpacked it yet because we will be moving to the U.P. in about 4 weeks! I can't wait to open my engraver up and use it on my rocks 😍 Plus, I will be living in the Yoop, so I will have plenty of rocks to engrave!

[@MichiganRocks]

I don't know if I'm more excited about your new toy or your move. No, I think I'm more excited about you moving to the U.P. Maybe a little jealous too

[@cinciao5692]

On my 5th vacation trip to the U.P., I told my kids that I need to live near Superior 😊. We’ve vacationed from Duluth and through Keweenaw, Marquette, Munising, Paradise then Sault Ste. Marie, and we couldn’t think of living anywhere else! We’re from SE Wisconsin, but since my first trip, my heart has been in the U.P. 😊

[@MichiganRocks]

@@cinciao5692 Where did you move to (if that isn't too personal)?

[@cinciao5692]

@MichiganRocks We are moving to L'anse, and our backyard is Falls River! It's not Lake Superior, but I can literally walk to L'Anse Bay in 40min, or drive in 4 minutes! We are so excited! My children knows how much I love Lake Superior and rockhounding, so we are all going to live here and enjoy Michigan life! 🥰

[@MichiganRocks]

@@cinciao5692 That's a nice area. I think you're going to love it there.

[@nonsequitor]

6:17 : looks like the Lazer has melted the rock long enough to liquify and puddle. The lazer will be pulsed which may explain or contribute to the pattern of melted drops. Fascinating 😁

[@MichiganRocks]

I thought those close ups were really interesting too. I couldn't see that without blowing up the pictures.

[@davidhile5363]

The reason the Alpena part of Michigan came out white on the first green rock is because that where most of the limestone is located. Ha Ha ! Seriously that machine has so many possibilities for hobbyists ! That was a fantastic review !

[@MichiganRocks]

I almost said something about snow but then I realized that we are definitely not in a snow belt. Your explanation is much better.

[@LilliSkog]

This was such a great video - and oddly satisfying to watch! I've been following your rock hounding for a while but never commented, but this had me heading straight for the comments - thank you so much

[@MichiganRocks]

I'm glad you liked it. I wasn't sure it would go over well with my regular viewers. I am having so much fun with this.

[@LilliSkog]

@@MichiganRocks A variety of content is a good thing in my opinion 😊 I especially love how it blesched a pattern into a tee shirt, did not see that coming 🥳😎

[@MARRRRC0P0L0]

Very cool, thanks for sharing that.

[@E.o.t.4637]

How cool is that for them to reach out... I'm assuming someone there watches your channel and thinks "outside the box" and a whole new group of people was just introduced to a really cool laser!

[@MichiganRocks]

I get offers to advertise things a lot. Most of them have nothing to do with my channel, so I ignore them. This was just too cool to pass up. Plus, there were ways I could use it with my lapidary hobby, so I jumped on the opportunity.

[@laurieowen8696]

Fun toy for you! Congrats and cool!

[@MichiganRocks]

I keep thinking of new things to make with it. I need more time!

[@margaretlynch1494]

🙋‍♀️❤️. Wow! That thing looks addicting!

[@MichiganRocks]

It kind of is. I keep thinking of new things to make.

[@patriciamckean4186]

Cool new toy!

[@SisterShirley]

Rob, with me knowing next to nothing about laser engraving, except what I just learned from you, have you tried passing over multiple times to get a better engraved result on the rocks? I'm thinking of the 2 similar rocks at the 5:12 timestamp that had different outcomes. Another thought came to mind about not being able engrave on polished rocks because they are shiny so I thought what about dipping the rock into something that would easily wash off but would block out the shiny surface. Like a thick paint. Just my little, and I mean little, curious mind working overtime. Enough thinking for now so it's time to let that mouse off it's wheel. I've got my Saturday chores to accomplish and I can do those in my sleep!

[@MichiganRocks]

Yes, I have considered both things. I found that covering the rock in masking tape before engraving works pretty well. I have also tried using chalkboard paint that was suggested on another KZbin channel and someone just recommended covering the rock in toothpaste, of all things. I have done multiple passes on wood, but haven't tried that on rocks yet.

[@johncloar1692]

Looks like a lot of fun. I know when I have watch other engrave metal the some time coat it with paint. This stop the laser from being reflected then they remove the paint and the engraving is dark in color. Just a though. Thanks for the video Rob.

[@MichiganRocks]

Yes, that's something I will try. I'm not sure if painting will be much different than coating with paint, but I'll give it a try.

[@pamelasplace7429]

That's such a fun new toy!

[@MichiganRocks]

It sure is!

[@bobmcbob4399]

That shirt engraving was unexpected. Great result for sure!

[@MichiganRocks]

After filming that, Nancy washed the shirt for me and it faded a lot. By “faded” I mean the print got darker. I have no idea what’s going on there.

[@bobmcbob4399]

@@MichiganRocks That's pretty interesting. Never heard of designs lasered onto cloth.

[@MichiganRocks]

@@bobmcbob4399 I saw it on a KZbin video, of course.

[@bobmcbob4399]

@@MichiganRocks Well naturally I guess

[@1LightWarriorPrincess]

Yep! I’m in love!…

[@anitamitchell3452]

Oh my!! That looks like a lot of fun. Do you get to keep it? I think I'd feel like a kid in a candy store with this machine. I love tools. Congratulations!!

[@MichiganRocks]

I sure hope I get to keep it. I'm having a ton of fun with it.

[@markattardo]

Looks like a fun and very useful tool! Do you have to focus the laser for projects that use materials of different thicknesses?

[@MichiganRocks]

Yes, I showed that with the rock that I engraved. From what I've seen, this laser has the quickest, easiest focusing system. It's really simple to do.

[@virginiarocks]

Very interesting-thanks!

[@Charl-Viljoen]

Awesome tool 😉

[@troylarsen2454]

Try running the laser at 20% power with a faster speed. This works well on granite.

[@MichiganRocks]

I'll give that a try. Thanks, Troy.

[@scottmorris4914]

good video, just bought one, looking forward to having fun with it. What were the sttings for the shirt?

[@MichiganRocks]

The shirt actually faded quite a bit when it was washed. I really don't understand how that happened. That being said, the settings were as follows: 100% cotton shirt. 30,000 mm/min, 50% Power, .2 Interval. Here's the video I got the idea from: kzbin.info/www/bejne/poWoqGBtYp2baaM

[@cherylsnead727]

I want to trick or treat at your place 😊

[@MichiganRocks]

I'm not giving rocks to any kids over five feet tall, so don't bother.

[@cherylsnead727]

@@MichiganRocks Rats! Guess I won't be taking a road trip 🙃

[@Rocktwister]

Great video! Love the shirt!

[@MichiganRocks]

The shirt faded pretty badly after washing. It was fun while it lasted though.

[@tonyfoster6852]

Nice Video, How does the noise level (combined noise of module fan & air assist) of this machine compare to other lasers you have used/reviewed Regards

[@MichiganRocks]

This is the only laser I have ever seen, so I can't compare. It makes some noise, but I wouldn't call it loud at all.

[@tonyfoster6852]

@@MichiganRocks Thank you for your reply

[@jonathonlafave3698]

I miss the good ole CnC machine. I still have the nick nacks that I made from it. My moms got one of them. That's what this reminds me of lol I. The one thing I remember I made was a dice inside of a dice. No lie.

[@MichiganRocks]

That's a good trick. This machine only works in two dimensions, but that's good enough for me.

[@penelopefp]

So cool!!

[@cvx2dog549]

That is so cool!

[@darkwood777]

That was a really good review. Seeing you do a T-shirt was cool. Does the image go away after washing? I had access to a laser cutter/engraver where I worked before retiring, and it had to be enclosed and vented to the outdoors to be OSHA compliant. I would suggest that you engrave a picture on a slice of cheese or lunchmeat. If it works on that, you can then try it on a steak.

[@MichiganRocks]

The image on the shirt faded quite a bit after washing. I don't understand that. The only thing I can think of is that there was ash that washed off.

[@darkwood777]

Maybe the fibers got fluffed up when it was washed and that obliterates the cut ends of the fiber that are there before the wash. Just a guess.@@MichiganRocks

[@MichiganRocks]

@@darkwood777 I thought maybe the light color was ash that got washed off.

[@susietincknellsmith653]

❤ kinetic anything!

[@skapur]

I think CO2 lasers work much better on transparent rock like quartz (and even clear glass). Diode lasers use a different wavelength of light.

[@MichiganRocks]

I've been doing a lot of reading and watching videos about different sorts of lasers. They seem to each have different strengths and weaknesses is. I think you might be right about CO2 lasers being better for transparent materials.

[@skapur]

@@MichiganRocks I just watched this video made by Trotec. Trotec makes top of the line laser equipment that I wish I could afford 😀. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iabUhnuQiMmdia8si=8p1MXGdreVynk7_d

[@RyuRaeArashi]

Their website mentions being able to do colors, now I'm curious if those colors would actually show on fabric or if you're stuck with just the one shade essentially. It mentions stainless steel so I'm guessing it only works on that, but I'm not familiar enough with it. I never knew laser engravers could do clothing.

[@MichiganRocks]

The shirt engraving ended up fading quite a bit after washing. I don't really understand how that happened. I haven't tried stainless steel yet, but there were some stainless steel business cards included, so I'll try those eventually. I haven't researched the color engraving yet and I don't understand how that's possible. I'll look into it more eventually.

[@RyuRaeArashi]

@@MichiganRocks Ah yea that's a shame, but maybe with more messing around. From a quick glance it looks like some fabrics take laser engraving much better than others too. With the colors I guess it sounds like it's something to do with how it oxidizes on the steel, maybe something with the laser intensity/speed/focus can change how the oxidation colors. I hadn't even known that was a thing either until I was looking at their page, wasn't sure at the time if it was limited to steel or not but looks like probably.

[@greatnorthernviews3052]

I worked in a place that had one of those. I made walnut plaques and cribbage boards and little liars dice boxes. In those days you had to use a black and white picture and the laser would fire every time it saw black. Old tech. But we never tried rocks. But they also cut steel and stainless steel sheet metal. It was pretty cool 😎

[@MichiganRocks]

I just spent ten minutes looking up "liar's dice". I saw some boxes, but the rules I saw were for dice in cups, which seems to be a slightly different game. I'll have to research this a little more. Nancy and I like games.

[@greatnorthernviews3052]

@@MichiganRocks Yes that liars box was a big seller our was a hinged walnut box with a velvet interior. We would customize it a lot of them. Most just had liars dice laser engraved. But some had scenes and names. The cribbage boards were nice the board slid out of them. It was a cool design.

[@greatnorthernviews3052]

@@MichiganRocks The idea behind the game was to shake the box with five dice inside and the shaker would try to sell how many dice matched up hence liars dice. There’s other games you can play.

[@MichiganRocks]

@@greatnorthernviews3052 Thanks, I might have to make one of those.

[@MichiganRocks]

@@greatnorthernviews3052 Nancy and I used to play cribbage a lot and still do occasionally. I was looking at laser cut boards and am considering making one. I have so many projects in mind for this machine!

[@BlueSteelRabbit]

:O 2 videos in a week. YAY!

[@josephpotterf9459]

Thanks

[@BongwaterJones]

Hey Rob, I will be going to the Michigan mineralogical society gem mineral and fossil show this weekend, and I plan on attending your friend Paul Brandes’ presentation. (Yes, I also purchased his book) will you be attending the show as well?

[@MichiganRocks]

No, I went last year, but I'm not planning to go this year. Say hi to Paul and Nat for me.

[@nwmi493]

how's it holding up. Mine is junk. It worked well for a bit but had it has always had its bad days. Hoping they can send me a replacement module as it doesn't cool anymore and the laser emitter will quit often. Now the air pump is acting up, the module's fans dont come on anymore, the framing doesnt work like it did..

[@MichiganRocks]

Honestly, I got mine in the fall and haven't used it a ton this winter. I just got an enclosure for it so I can use it in the basement and vent it out the window. So far it's working well. In fact, I'm sitting next to it right now engraving rocks. I hope they take care of you.

[@1LightWarriorPrincess]

I do want the pro version! I still am trying to see the difference between 22W and the upper ones , I think there was a 40W!… Not sure, still researching the difference … This is an amazing machine!… OMG! May I WANT ITTTTTTTT!… lol

[@MichiganRocks]

They're sending me a 40 watt laser to put on this machine. I'm not sure when it will arrive, but I'll make a video when it does.

[@JeanStAubin-nl9uo]

That is cool!

[@MichiganRocks]

I thought so too, Jean.

[@mikemorgan8859]

What if you put a dark piece of tape on the backside of the clear rock would that have any effect on how the laser prints on the rock? Just a thought!🤔

[@MichiganRocks]

I did that with the little piece of Montana agate that I successfully engraved three circles on. I had blue tape on both the front and the back. I don't know if it mattered it it was on the back or if just the front was enough. I'll keep experimenting.

[@dasfreakster]

What font was the word "TRICK" that you used? Great video.

[@MichiganRocks]

Creepsville

[@doranmaynard7677]

If you put some paint on it, usually white, you should be able to do glass and shiny rocks

[@MichiganRocks]

Would that work better than the blue tape I used? If so, it's an easy fix for my problem.

[@I_wish_I_knew_something]

I totally missed this! I’m sorry.

[@MichiganRocks]

No need to apologize. I've been enjoying my new toy.

[@I_wish_I_knew_something]

@@MichiganRocks I would make laser sounds with my mouth every time I used the cutter.

[@MichiganRocks]

@@I_wish_I_knew_something That's funny.

[@miraclo3]

I can't stress the importance enough of wearing proper laser safety glasses around these kinds of machines. The radiant light energy bouncing off the cut objects or light leakage is seriously bad for your eyes and can cause permanent damage. Not even talking a direct impact from laser just the extra light. Make sure to wear safety glasses or have this in an enclosure.

[@MichiganRocks]

I have been diligent about wearing glasses and I plan to either buy or build an enclosure. I’d like to be able to use it from my basement this winter. Thank you for the warning. I appreciate it.

[@RU3YJB]

If one could cut out the actual shapes in rock, or use this to drill a hole thru rock, I would be very interested! Neat tool.

[@MichiganRocks]

It's not quite powerful enough for cutting rock, but it did engrave some of them pretty well.

[@notinmanitou]

Cool!

[@cybersushireviews]

Can i ask your tshirt settings looked great!

[@MichiganRocks]

It did look great until I washed it. The color (or lack of black) faded drastically after washing it. I got the idea from another video and comments on that video said similar things. I wish I had read the comments before doing it myself. Here are the notes I took in case you decide to try it: Use 100% cotton in a dark color. 30,000 mm/min, 50% Power, .2 Interval.

[@80sunshine21]

Amazingly cool! S

[@MichiganRocks]

I think so too!

[@raystevens687]

Wow I thought the Laser would burn 🔥 the fabric. That is nice job though.

[@raystevens687]

I wonder if you jack up the power from 30 up 60 and see what happens.

[@MichiganRocks]

I'll be doing a lot of experimenting.

[@powerlinekid4296]

Can it engrave on curved surfaces? Maybe you could engrave your logo on your homemade rock scoop.

[@MichiganRocks]

It can to some extent. The black rocks that I successfully engraved had slightly curved surfaces. The problem with doing more drastically curved surfaces is that the laser wouldn't be focused for the whole surface.

[@sheila3845]

that is cool

[@MichiganRocks]

I think so too.

[@teeteepalooza]

groovy!

[@Robino2010]

Can you please provide a link to that kinetic bike model?

[@MichiganRocks]

Sure, here you go: www.etsy.com/listing/1391155670/kinetic-coasters-set-1-hand-spinner?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=kinetic+coaster&ref=sr_gallery-1-3&sts=1&dd=1&organic_search_click=1

[@Robino2010]

Great, thank you, I already found it in the meantime.. :-) Have a nice day..@@MichiganRocks

[@artmakersworlds]

Hey rock master, interesting as this gizmo is, I'm still happy with just making shinny rocks. BUT I have motor issues. My harbor Fright dual barrel tumbler ran for a few years, started getting loud, youtube search later needs bearings. I SHOULD have shut it off until they came but noooo. It was turning so let it turn. Then it locked up and melted the plastic motor mounts. Parts all came, got it all fixed up, turns real smooth now but as soon as I give it power, it's just plain SIEZED!!!!!!!!!!!!! I posted a short video on a few DIY forum boards but I'm thinking I need a new one regardless. I probably just fried this motor. Now.... your thoughts oh mighty master of rock. Is it really worth it to invest in the Lortone tumbler, pretty sure that's the one you use. OR should I just go ahead and grab another harbor freight one? Mine worked fine for a few years. (And now I have a bag of extra bearings for it.) Not trying to spam your comments here, but if ANYONE can figure this out, much appreciated. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5iVn2umnZt3edk It's only a min long.

[@MichiganRocks]

Personally, I think Lortone tumblers are worth the extra money. Some people only get a month or two out of the Harbor Freight tumblers, from what I've read. Other people get a couple years out of them. I think I ran my Lortone for about 7 or 8 years before I replaced it with my homemade tumbler. I did do some maintenance on it over those years, but that's to be expected. That tumbler still runs.

[@artmakersworlds]

@@MichiganRocks Thanks so much, good to know and get reputable advice. Still I got a few years out of the cheapo and now... stocked up on belts and now motor bearings. Maybe this time I can maintain it better. But the NEXT one, improvement needed. Cheers.

[@t2gunner]

Just bought a Diamond Pacific and a Lortone 40lb Tumbler. Needed something for larger rocks than my 15 lb tumblers can handle. Both are good, but unquestionably, the Lortone is better made. The biggest reason is the DP has a huge polyethylene barrel, and Lortone's is metal like the Model B and the Rebel 17's. It's very heavy, though. If you can find a Lortone, I believe they are the best made. The bases are very sturdy. I bought a Lortone C20-2 base two years ago to run 2 15lb barrels and you could walk around on that base it's so substantial.

[@outdoorstudios2022]

Hello Rob

[@MichiganRocks]

Hi!

[@johnnynephrite6147]

I was just surprised that you even have a computer.

[@MichiganRocks]

How did you think I made KZbin videos?

[@johnnynephrite6147]

@@MichiganRocks Doh!

[@robertbradford3461]

Nice gadget, but not really worth the price for me, not really a use for it. I guess someone could make small things that they could maybe sell. Would you have bought one?

[@MichiganRocks]

I have plenty to do with rocks and this is more suited to other materials, so it wasn't really on my radar. However, I wasn't kidding when I said that I was having a ball with this. I've been looking at a lot of videos of people who make good money doing custom engravings with lasers. I hardly sell my rocks, so selling engraved things isn't something that I plan to do either. If I was interested in making money, I think it would be much easier and cheaper to do with this machine than by doing lapidary work.

[@robertbradford3461]

@MichiganRocks nah, sorry, meant that someone could maybe make their money back making smaller things that they could sell. It's over $1000, so a very expensive toy otherwise. Not many people I know will drop that much unless they have a specific use for it, commercial or personal. It's a tough sell for sure

[@MichiganRocks]

@@robertbradford3461 I think it would be fairly easy to pay for this by doing custom work for people. There are a ton of videos of people making money with these. I agree, it's an expensive toy otherwise. Sure is a fun expensive toy, though.

[@littlestacy]

This looks great but I hate that the device is called a Delta when it uses a cartesian geometry to control the business end. A delta bot uses a triangular armature geometry with parallel rails.

[@MichiganRocks]

This is the second laser engraver that they've produced. The first one was the alpha. So far so good. Shouldn't the second one be the beta model?

[@charlesbordner9240]

Poor man's engraving machine ...put stickers on a rock and soak them in meratic acid for 30 to 60 seconds.......maybe try making stickers 😉