Top 10 Things You Need To Know Before Buying A Laser Cutter! | Brett's Laser Garage

Step into the top 10 laser tips I wish I knew before purchasing. From understanding focus and air assistance to recognizing maintenance's importance, these insights will guide you through your laser buying and using journey.
This video offers valuable advice on choosing a CO2 or diode laser. Please like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!
Start your next project with the best tools in hand! Shop now and Get 10% off Monport lasers & accessories using CODE Brett10 at bit.ly/3VUoFXt.
Shop our ETSY page:
www.etsy.com/shop/AmericanRev...
🔶 Subscribe now! www.youtube.com/@americanrevi...
⌚Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
0:11 - #10 Lightburn Camera
1:13 - #Upgrade9 Air Assist
1:50 - #8 Focus
2:54 - #7 Pre-Apply Transfer Tape
3:33 - #6 Spray Adhesive
4:27 - #5 Plywood Varies
6:36 - #4 Double Check Before You Move
7:27 - #3 Preview
8:06 - #2 Maintenance
9:29 - #1 Mistakes Will Happen
🔗Affiliate Links for tools
FastCap 02896 Track Rack Systems - amzn.to/3DyD841
Track Holder For Makita/Festool - amzn.to/3Qhetsf
Festool CT MIDI - amzn.to/3O97tuM
Festool CT 26 - amzn.to/3Kors7I
Fein Turbo I Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner- amzn.to/3qfm003
Powertec bags for CT 26 - amzn.to/3OjLt0t
__________________________________
20 Inch High Velocity 3 Speed, Wall-Mount Fan - amzn.to/459Amhf
8.9" PC Tablet - amzn.to/445DKK7
Husky Extra Deep 46 in. 9-Drawer Mobile Workbench - amzn.to/46woR4Y
Rii 2.4GHz Mini Wireless Keyboard with Touchpad - amzn.to/3XHHgrx
Amana Tool 46202-K 1/4" end mill down cut - amzn.to/46AKelB
Amana Tool - 46102-K 1/4" end mill up cut - amzn.to/3Nt5QYw
Amana Tool - 46125-K 1/8" end mill - amzn.to/3r9ArTA
Amana Tool - RC-45711 90 degree V bit - amzn.to/3pxpk6h
BINSTAK 60 Degree V Groove Router Bit 1/4 Inch Shank - amzn.to/3CYwFz4
3M WorkTunes Connect Hearing Protector with Bluetooth Wireless Technology - amzn.to/3CYwILg
This video is about Top 10 Things You Need To Know Before Buying A Laser Cutter. But It also covers the following topics:
Beginner Laser Cutter Tips
CO2 Laser Buying Guide
Diode Laser Insights
Video Title: Top 10 Things You Need To Know Before Buying A Laser Cutter! | Brett's Laser Garage
🔔Ignite Your Creativity! Subscribe now and get all the insider knowledge on laser engraving and CNC routing. From tutorials to reviews to business insights, I've got it all!
/ @lasergarage
🔗 Stay Connected With Me.
👉Instagram: / bretts_laser_garage
✅ For Business Inquiries: [e-mail]
=============================
✅ Recommended Playlists
👉 Monport 80w CO2 Laser Series
• Top 10 Things You Need...
👉 CNCs
• Shapeoko 5 Pro Upgrade...
✅ Other Videos You Might Be Interested In Watching:
👉 Secrets to Gluing Raised Laser Letters Quickly
• Easy Gluing Tips For Y...
👉 Shapeoko 5 Pro 2x4 Waste Board Announcement + Pricing Advice + FREE GIVEAWAY
• Shapeoko 5 Pro Upgrade...
👉 Can this CNC's Waste Board Be Improved?
• Can this CNC's Waste B...
=============================
✅ About Brett's Laser Garage - Lasers, CNCs, and More!.
Hey there! Welcome to Brett's Laser Garage - your go-to place for everything lasers, CNCs, and creative projects. Get into my garage, where my wife and I turn ideas into reality using laser engraving and CNC routing. I've covered you, from cool DIY guides to detailed reviews of the latest tools. Join me as I explore the ins and outs of running a home-based business with these amazing tools. Whether you're here to learn or just for fun, there's something for everyone. Remember to subscribe and be part of my journey!
For Collaboration and Business inquiries, please use the contact information below:
📩 Email: [e-mail]
🔔 Ready to Master Your DIY Game! Subscribe now and never miss out on expert laser engraving and CNC routing tips, inspiring projects, and reviews.
/ @lasergarage
=================================
#lasertips #laserbuyingguide #co2laser #diodelaser #laserengraving #lasercutting
⚠️Disclaimer: I do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. Do your research. This video and description contain affiliate links to help support the channel and allow us to continue making videos like this. That means if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission.
© Brett's Laser Garage - Lasers, CNCs, and More!

[@SanjayKandekar-qh8st]

Thank you for your efforts and useful info.

[@LaserGarage]

My pleasure!

[@montanatempel9788]

This was so helpful!!!

[@LaserGarage]

Thanks a lot! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@sharksys]

Now that I just took delivery of my 80w Monport as well, I’m looking forward to the first cut and I’ll start first with he alignment as you said. Thanks for all of the concise advise and for the replies. Your channel will take of now! Keep up the great work!

[@LaserGarage]

Thank you very much! Good luck with the new laser.

[@jamessepulveda5202]

you are so far the better representation of this Monport laser cutters. I appreciate your videos and looking forward to more of your content. I ended up ordering the 100 watt version of this machine because of the laser life is more hours I can squeeze out of it for $300 more over the 80 watt also the bed size since i do alor of work for retail shops. works great for what I use it for. Thank you

[@LaserGarage]

Thanks a lot James. They’re great affordable machines, I wouldn’t have been able to start my business without it that’s for sure.

[@shainashack]

This was an awesome video - you communicate well and are thorough in your explanation - I am looking forward to watching the camera video - would love to see a video on upgrading the air assist - look forward to more videos!!

[@LaserGarage]

Thank you very much!

[@curtisstiggins2767]

Great video. Where do get your hold down clips? Thanks

[@LaserGarage]

Thanks a lot! I bought the file on Etsy for the hold down clips. Search and you’ll see lots of options.

[@brianblather]

Thanks for the video. I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on getting a CO2.

[@LaserGarage]

Excellent!!! You’re welcome. I recommend you look at Monport units. They offer a lot of bang for your buck.

[@airplayz8568]

Great videos! My Monport 100W just arrived and would like to upgrade the air assist. Do you have a video on the install by chance?

[@LaserGarage]

Thanks a lot. I’m sure you’re going to really like that laser, have fun with it. I don’t have a video on the air assist but it was really easy. I followed a great video by Bearded Builds. Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2Gbc2SsbZKkY8Usi=qBmA7DGnzWl9jTgi.

[@tankmerc7632]

Hey Brett great video. I am looking to get one of these possibly and don’t know where to start. I want to do acrylic cutouts any idea where to start?

[@LaserGarage]

Thank you very much. That’s a big question, lots to consider. But if you’re looking to work with acrylic you’re going to want a CO2 laser. Diodes will cut certain colors of acrylic but not clear. The Monport lasers (or other similar companies like OMtech) are a good value but the trade off is the support is not that great. It depends on what kind of person you are to know if the savings is right for you. You’re not going to be able to pick up the phone and call someone if there’s an issue. You’re going to have to troubleshoot on your own while waiting on back and forth emails from the company due to time zone differences. I’ve had my 80w for 1 1/2 years and use it everyday. Had a few small things go out on it (proximity sensor and auto focus probe) but those were easy fixes. I keep spare parts on hand like a power supply and laser tube to avoid down time if something were to happen.

[@tankmerc7632]

@@LaserGarage thank you for the response I really appreciate it. I was leaning that way, I have been doing 3d printing for a while so I am not a stranger to troubleshooting machines😂 I will definately look into monport

[@willowtreewoodworking]

Hey Brett, I just bought the same laser which is being delivered tomorrow. Do you have any recommended material settings for engraving/cutting? I've got 2 diodes so running material test cuts and engraves is simple but with an 80w CO2, wondering what a good base setting would be to start.

[@LaserGarage]

That’s awesome, I think you’ll be really happy with the laser. Settings depend on material and desired look obviously but for 1/4” plywood I cut at 20mm/s at 45% power and engrave at about 300mm/s at 25% power. You’ll need to upgrade the air assist to go this fast at cutting though. It’s not an expensive upgrade, especially if you already have a compressor. Lots of videos on this but Bearded Builds has the best one IMO. Material test cards are the way to go though so you can know for sure how the laser will react to specific materials. There’s a good free one you can download on thunder laser’s website.

[@willowtreewoodworking]

@@LaserGarage I'm beside myself excited. I had the 40w but just was to small. Thanks for the settings. I plan to upgrade the Air Assist (already have a compressor which I can use and get a bigger one for my woodworking) once I get going. I watched your vid on the camera which I just got so I'll be adding that as well.

[@LaserGarage]

You’re off to a great start. Thanks a lot for checking out my videos.

[@user-np6tb9up3w]

Brett-We just got our Monport 80w and the laser bed will not lower. We used the Z/U and both button move it up! We cannot get it down. Have tried factory reset code 8888 and that does not work either. Sent a chat to support, but that seems to take a while to get a response. Any help is appreciated!

[@LaserGarage]

Odd. Have you tried lowering the Z height using lightburn? If you go to the move window in LB it gives you the option to jog the machine on the x,y, and z axis. Give that a try. On the controller after you press the “z/u” button the left arrow should move the z up and the right arrow should move the z down. You’re saying both the left and right arrow move the z up?

[@LaserGarage]

Also double check that the auto focus plunger is not stuck.

[@user-np6tb9up3w]

Yes both on the machine go up! I didn’t try it on lightburn because I could find it. I will try and look again. Also it hits the plunger stops briefly and goes up and not down. In the control panel on the side two sets of lights are both red and green but the panel in the middle is just green. Is that right? Can you send a picture of you side panel

[@LaserGarage]

Shoot me an email, it will be easier to correspond. I think you have something funny going on with your auto focus probe. Again, make sure it’s not stuck by pressing it in/out by hand. Also make sure it’s screws together properly. Sometimes it can unscrew a little bit and the contacts don’t work properly.

[@user-np6tb9up3w]

Email sent