Your First Box with LightBurn (for Beginners)

In this video I will cover using an online box joint generator. What Burn rate setting you need to establish BEFORE you generate your box. How to import the box in LightBurn. Some things you want to pay attention to in order to produce the perfect Box. Follow the steps and you will be well on your way to creating great boxes of all kinds.
Box Generator I used located here
www.festi.info/boxes.py/
This video is intended for people that are new to there laser and want to start creating Boxes using finger joints.

[@42Pursuit]

Great walkthrough on figuring out burn rate and making a box! Thanks for the info!

[@computercreationz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@the4brightones]

You are such a great teacher! Thank you again, for doing what you do! I'd be lost without you!!

[@computercreationz]

You are so welcome!

[@toddltomlinson]

Thank you Robert for another brilliant video! Perfect level of detail and explanation. I appreciate you and your efforts to teach all of us who are learning the process.

[@computercreationz]

Thanks for the nice comments Todd. its people like you that appreciate the content is why I generate this type of KZbin video.

[@fredwienbarg5051]

There you go again with ANOTHER GREAT INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO! Thank you!!!

[@computercreationz]

You are very welcome, thanks for the comments

[@johnprouty6583]

Great tutorial. Just what I was looking for to do boxes. Thank you.

[@computercreationz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@PourMeAnother]

Wonderful explanation!! Thank you so much for this video. New to lasers, so glad that I watched this video. New supporter for sure!!

[@allenyarberry7502]

Great video, sir! I just received my Aeon Mira 9 laser and your explanations were extremely helpful. I appreciate your step by step approach. Well stated and excellent video. Keep them coming! Nice job!

[@computercreationz]

Thanks Allen, I appreciate the input and congrats on your new Laser. Im sure you will be making some really good items very soon!

[@humbertomedina4231]

Thank you! I just love the pace and the quality of your teaching. You really make it easy to follow and understand.

[@computercreationz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@timbo4973]

Great video. No unnecessary blabla, straight to the point. Thanks 👍🏻

[@computercreationz]

thanks for the input and comment. appreciate it

very helpful and thx for your work!

[@computercreationz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@embtroop]

Awesome! Not sure how you popped up but this is exactly what I needed and there you were. Thanks for what you do!

[@computercreationz]

Glad I could help!

[@clelljoseph]

Most helpful video in quite a while! Thank you

[@computercreationz]

thank you!

[@sabrinabradley5010]

Thank you for the video, very, very helpful. Clear and concise. Wonderful delivery and teaching pace.

[@computercreationz]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@wademe5931]

I really appreciate you "dumbing" it down for us newbs. Great video!!!

[@computercreationz]

I appreciate that

[@Snagglepuss1952]

Brilliant I have been trying to do boxes like this with great difficulty, never thought about there being a program for it. Thank you and stay safe. Cheers from NZ

[@computercreationz]

Glad I could help!

[@martinedwards929]

Great video and great information within it. Thanks Robert, keep up the good work!

[@computercreationz]

Thanks, will do!

[@inesenwillem]

Perfect pace for a tutorial. Thanks!

[@computercreationz]

I appreciate your input, Thank you!

[@hardeephundal9950]

Hardeep H. I have decided to get a Thunder 24 laser cutter. Your videos explaining everything played a big part in my decision. Thank you. Keep up the good work.

[@computercreationz]

Congratulations on ordering the 24. You will love that laser. Thanks for watching and i appreciate your comments

[@freddiep82]

i ahvne't watched this yet, but I just wanted to let you know that your videos alone have walked me through how to use my laser! you amazing at teaching lightburn! Thankyou! I have had my OMT for a week and have been able to create my own files already!! Thank you!

[@computercreationz]

It’s comments like this that make my heart smile. I appreciate your input so much. Thank you for watching and congrats on your new laser.

[@thatonegamer2709]

Man im glad i found your vids..alot of people out there skip alot or just speed right through..you were very clear on what to do. 👍 subbed😀

[@computercreationz]

I appreciate that!

[@andreasrothmann2634]

Thank you for showing this to us. One additional information: Light Burn has to option to cut out the inner parts first so you don't need different layers but can put the whole model on one layer. Lightburn will care for the correct order.

[@computercreationz]

Thanks for the info!

[@grandela80]

Thank you, Perfect level of detail and explanation

[@computercreationz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@richardmerks1344]

What a great video, I have been using my laser engraver for a few weeks now, small projects for work and personal use and was wanting to learn how to make boxes of various types, I had no idea there was an online site to generate what you want until I watched your tutorial, I thought I'd have to make the boxes one step at a time in lightburn or buy files but this is a real game changer. 11/10 stars, even though it's been a few years and the generator has gone through several changed, it's still worth the time to watch every second. Thank you

[@computercreationz]

glad you enjoyed it!

[@jarroddavis4025]

You produced a very informative video. I learned a lot.

[@computercreationz]

Great to hear that. I appreciate the comments

[@davidtaylor62]

Definitely learnt something watching this. Thanks very much 👍

[@computercreationz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@LSEngraving]

it has taken me forever, but i am finally getting around to making a box. thank you for the video!

[@computercreationz]

I use this all the time, it’s a great program. thanks for the comment

[@bulletproofpepper2]

Great info, very useful!!! Thanks for sharing!

[@computercreationz]

My pleasure! Thank you for watching

[@jasongibson1823]

Just built mine. Thanks so much for your tutorials!

[@computercreationz]

I appreciate you watching and comment

[@jasongibson1823]

@@computercreationz using this box generator and then modifying the pieces to add handles or decoration or design has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for my laser. Currently building bottle holders for rootbeer and various trays, so cool.

[@pevlabs]

Nice for the online box generator. Thanks for sharing!

[@computercreationz]

thanks for watching

[@aot9339]

Simple and to the point. Thank you!

[@computercreationz]

You're welcome! thanks for the comment

[@aot9339]

@@computercreationz By the way, I just noticed the little "tabs" you have placed on your mdf board. Are those to keep the board level? If yes, then would you please share a link to where I can get a sample to make those. I have issues with boards that are not level. Thanks!

[@StephenBoyd21]

I’ll be making plenty of boxes. Thanks for that.

[@computercreationz]

once you get your burn rate these are allot of fun!

[@donaldtimmons7675]

Thank you for your time, and knowledge, well done..

[@computercreationz]

Thank you, I appreciate your comment!

[@samemmanuel5268]

You are soo educative and I enjoyed every bit of it

[@computercreationz]

thank you for watching

[@josephjohnsen4750]

Love your videos. I think people way over think and don't know where to look for help.

[@computercreationz]

thank you for the comment and watching my videos!

[@angieangie21]

Great video - going to try and make some boxes now! Thanks

[@computercreationz]

Hi Angie, Thank you for the input. once you get your setting you will be amazed how easy it is to generate allot of different products. Not just boxes

[@AntonioCesareMatteo]

Thank you! Very helpful video. I appreciate you!

[@computercreationz]

Glad it was helpful! thank you for watching and your comments

[@richardwaingold8514]

Thank you for this excellent and much needed, at least in my case, video.

[@computercreationz]

You're very welcome! Thankmyou for the comment

[@josesedagamer7059]

Thank you for you video. It was very helpful to me

[@computercreationz]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching and your comment

[@jurgenbergman6887]

I have a lot of boxes to make.... GREAT! Thx

[@walonguy111]

Nice videos and instruction. Thank you

[@computercreationz]

Glad you liked it

[@Brian-mp2mv]

Great video, Great Teacher Thanks for the upload!

[@computercreationz]

Thank you Brian, I appreciate the comment

[@Wauk9390]

Great explanation! Thank you!

[@computercreationz]

You're welcome!

[@Papa-sm1wk]

Great video. Very helpful

[@computercreationz]

Glad it was helpful! thanks for watching and the comment

[@tessieburrow5270]

Wow, this is the easiest way to find the kerf I've seen! I wish I would of watched this video so many files ago.

[@computercreationz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pethoviejo]

Nice tutorial. Thanks so much . 😃

[@computercreationz]

You're welcome 😊

[@Paul___L]

Thank you, very helpful.

[@espaspascal]

Thanks a lot, you saved the day !!

[@computercreationz]

Glad it helped!

[@fredwienbarg5051]

Big help! Thank you!!

[@computercreationz]

glad it was helpful

[@DavidALovingMPF102]

WOW. Lots of info here.. Good video. Thanks!

[@computercreationz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@orlandomosquera4784]

Great job sir. Thank you much.

[@computercreationz]

You are welcome

[@larrykent196]

Thanks for the information. Cheers!

[@computercreationz]

Any time!

[@BC5391]

Thank you, very informative

[@computercreationz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@vcap7886]

Newbie here! subscribed. Thank you!

[@computercreationz]

Thanks for subbing!

[@na5y]

Very helpful thank you

[@hardeephundal9950]

Since you have a great way of explaining things, you should make a video on how to start using the light burn software.

[@computercreationz]

Thanks for the suggestion, I will consider that.

[@JimmyLee0757]

That's pretty cool. I just bought a Longer Ray5 10watt, so I know nothing yet. I'd like to make a box like this to hold sanding discs for my wood lathe but i would need 9 compartments. Thanks for sharing.

[@computercreationz]

my pleasure!

[@fishit3279]

Huge help thank you

[@computercreationz]

Thanks for the input, I appreciate it!

[@haroldmorick2965]

Thank you so much!

[@computercreationz]

You're welcome!

[@stephenwaller7461]

An excellent video many thanks. As of January 2023 the website interface has changed a bit with xtra options other than those shown in burn test.

[@computercreationz]

thanks for the comment and info, I want to the site and didn’t see the new additions? where are they at if you don’t mind

[@LowVisionUKTerrysView]

Hi there. New subscriber to your channel. I am new to light burn and also to laser, so have found your channel to be extremely informative, and boxes will be on my list now. I should be getting my laser v soon :-) thanks so much and have a great day...Terry

[@computercreationz]

Hey Terry, thanks for taking the time for the message. Congrats on your new laser. you will have a blast, there are so many things you can make. I appreciate you subscribing!

[@user-fi5nb3pu5e]

Thank you Robert. I liked and sub'd

[@computercreationz]

I appreciate it!

[@garrygosnell9628]

Thank you!

[@computercreationz]

You're welcome! thanks for watching my videos.

[@jjf1058]

Thank You, Thank you, Thank you...

[@computercreationz]

You are very welcome

[@hernandobolanos798]

Thanks for sharing.

[@computercreationz]

Thanks for watching!

[@lasermodeler]

This is an excellent video. I think you grossly underestimate your audience however. I know of dozens of people currently running or trying to run cottage industries who should make this video essential viewing. I'll recommend it to the groups I'm involved with. I could only find one minor thing in the Lightburne section. Instead of Shift selecting each block of text, you can run a marquee over all the text to select it. It's probably four times faster and four times more accurate.

[@MrKeithw124]

Please do more box videos some advanced one Your easy to follow along with for us old folks .lol

[@computercreationz]

will do! thank you for your comments

[@KellyNieto]

WOW! great video...I'll never buy another etsy box file again! THX Robert!

[@computercreationz]

Thank you Kelly, I appreciate it!

[@martinduffy3835]

OK was thinking about the kerf test pieces. I made them and tested the kerf by making a test box from the PY site. seems to me that once you have got your kerf figured out for one thickness of wood and you change the bed height it throws you completely off. You pretty much have to set it for a wood height then make test squares then use them ONLY with the height that that wood is set for on the auto focus (or manual) great video BTW

[@computercreationz]

thanks for the comments, I appreciate it!

[@ruphastevens3245]

Thanks for the video. Very well put together. I am trying to use the same concept to make a cutlery draw organizer but I can't figure it out. Can you please give me some directions? Thanks

[@rowenastein7999]

Thank you for explaining this so well. I have been looking for something to help me make some boxes and this was perfect.

[@computercreationz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@anthonyclark1738]

Make sure your kerf setting is set to zero (off) before you start. To get to kerf settings click on the layer C001 C002 etc. When you cut a box for real, go back to kerf settings and input your value. In my case 0.06 mm. Worked fine, nice tight joints. Hope this helps.

[@computercreationz]

great input thank you!

[@percyarmstrong9185]

Hi Robert I have only been on Lightburn for a short while. You have taught me a lot in the last few days!! I have made the box after getting the right size fingers!!! The box is on my desk, no glue just knocked together, lovely! Now her is my question, you mentioned it would take you about six minutes to cut the box out. Well it took me about an hour! I have a 30w Neje laser . I am using 3mm Plywood. The settings I used was 40% and speed 150mm and I ran over it 3 times. Where am I going wrong?? Cheers Percy

[@computercreationz]

Thank you for you comments I appreciate it. as for the time it takes to cut out the big difference is you are using a diode laser and those typically aren’t made to cut much of anything. I use a 60 watt co2 laser that is much faster when cutting materials. I started on a diode laser and it’s what got me into the laser world. thanks again for watching.

[@woodworksszm2680]

thanks

[@computercreationz]

You're welcome!

[@bcer960interurban]

Firstly, thank-you for doing this video. I understand that it is not your program, but maybe you can help. I followed your instruction for the program exactly. And changed my settings in lightburn from inches to mm. However, when I imported the DXF, each piece was 2205mm, not 75mm. I scaled each one down to 75mm, but am thinking this may also change the curf and I am not getting a true # any help would be appreciated. Ray

[@RobSandstromDesigns]

Good information. Thank you for sharing. I have several boxes I need to make. I have seen people made sliding lids on some boxes, where the top slides into a grove cut by the laser. Do you have any insights on designing that type of lid?

[@computercreationz]

they have boxes with lids in that tool

[@markgearing]

Armchair expert here, since I’m still waiting for my Chinese 80W machine to be delivered. Take anything I suggest with a grain of salt, and please correct me if you think I’m mistaken. I love the website tool for working out kerf (the width of the cut line), but I’d caution against using that value when generating files. The kerf of your machine can change, with new optics, replacement tube or even mirror realignment, and you don’t want to regenerate your entire library of parts when that happens. A better option, I suggest, would be to generate your files with a kerf of zero and use Lightburn’s “kerf offset” parameters to adjust the actual cut. On the box you generated, the blue layer was negative (inside) kerf and the black layer was positive (outside) kerf. Values of -0.07 and +0.07 sound about right for your machine. Excuse me if I’m preaching to the choir, I know this is a beginner video and you sound like you know what you’re talking about. However, I’m guessing you wouldn’t want your subscribers put in the position of having to regenerate their entire library of files when their machine parameters change. And thanks for the channel. I’ve just found it and I love it.

[@computercreationz]

I appreciate your perspective. My goal for this video was to get beginners just to think about kerf. And at some point generate there own patterns without the aid of a tool. Welcome to my channel! And have a great day!

[@blacklabelminiatures]

Hey I've watched a couple of your videos and thank you.. Small suggestion, invest in a Lapel Mic; it will improve your videos 100 fold.

[@computercreationz]

Thanks for the tip, I have added a lapel mic and it sounds way better. I appreciate your input. Have a great day!

[@lpaltageek]

OMG, awesome video. Eighty one and off to Makerspace with my little sister to try out our first box. What are those little clips holding down your board? We have been using magets and they are sooooo strong we are about to lose our finger!

[@computercreationz]

Thank you for your comments and watching, I found those clips on Etsy, just search honeycomb hold down pins.

[@sharzanco]

I like from Saudi Arabia

[@kawarthaleather6659]

Great video! Question, were did you learn all the shortcuts on LightBurn ? Example hold down the period to rotate the image. Steve

[@computercreationz]

Under the help section is most of the shortcuts. Although the rotate with period key is not published. Picked it up on another KZbin.

[@jbouza09]

Thanks for sharing, good info. Question since I'm a lightburn rookie, how did you get the cut colors on the left side of the screen ??

[@computercreationz]

right next to the black color there are a vertical row of dots grab that with your mouse and drag it where it works for you. very handy

[@anthonywyatt3188]

Enjoyed the video. Two questions. Your little hold downs are those just T shaped pieces cut out? Second. That little hammer looks sweet. Is that just plywood glued together?

[@computercreationz]

The t type pins are tpins I cut out of 1/8” ply same for the hammer bought the pattern off of Etsy and glued them together.

[@deonholt]

Thank you for an excellent tutorial. For me as a newbie, this is excellent. I only have one question. Before this tutorial, I also watched one on how to determine the kerf offset for my machine. My machine is 0.07mm. When doing the boxes, I can leave the kerk at 0 because I have already set it in the cuts' settings? Thanks again.

[@computercreationz]

Yes, correct

[@SmokeScript]

Hi Robert. Great easy video to follow. I have really not done too much cutting with my laser (Nova 51/100) yet, but I may well try some boxes to try get settings dialled in. I do note however, that your cut lines seem extremely clean compared to how mine come out. Are you using the generic Thunder air pump in this video or did you use an assisted air compressor when you created this video? I get soo much charring on all wood when cutting. I really don't know where to start changing this tbh.. :(

[@computercreationz]

I have external air delivering 35 psi to the nozzle. this provided mush cleaner cuts!

[@SmokeScript]

@@computercreationz I know this was a very old video Bob, so thank you for taking the time to reply. 😁 I intend on getting a compressor very soon.

[@GradivusAres]

Great video! I was using a different box generator, this one seems much better. I do however NEED TO KNOW where you got the design for that hammer haha

[@computercreationz]

I got that file off of Etsy, just search wooden hammer!

[@GradivusAres]

@@computercreationz awesome thank you. Definitely checking it out!

[@vaughanza]

Thanks, Robert for a great video, appreciate it. Robert do you know where I can get the file for the pegs that hold down the plywood. Thanks again

[@computercreationz]

I would google. Honeycomb pins file

[@robertbrol]

Question, what kind of air compresor do you have for your machine?. I am curious because your cuts are clean. Thanks for the video👍.

[@computercreationz]

I have my 60 galllon shop air plumbed into my Thunder laser. run 35-50 psi when cutting. I know allot of people use a 20 gallon and it work fine. external air will make a HUGE difference!

[@axeldejesus2060]

Hello there. I just got an Ortur Master 3 this week, and I am loving it. One of the things I wanted to make is boxes for different things. I played with the box generator you recommended in here before I found this video and to be honest it was Chinese to me. All the numbers and values were very confusing, so I want to thank you for this video although is from 2 years ago it helped me today 2 years later. Another thing that I want to make with my laser is puzzles. I cut one but it is a little bit lose so I do not know if there is any way to cut it in a way that the pieces are a little bit tighter like a commercial puzzle. I cut the puzzle out of a 2mm cardboard, and it took 2 passes at 10000 mm and 100% power. Any suggestions? Thanks

[@computercreationz]

thank you for your comments.

[@samanthacalder6962]

Great tutorial and easily understood. I have coppied your box yet all my fingers have a curved shape to them....any idea what am i doing wrong? Thanks

[@computercreationz]

I haven’t seen the curved shape? I’m sure it’s a setting somewhere. go through that interface with a fine tooth come and see if you can find that option.

[@madr8b]

Very cool video. This helps me a lot. I see you made a hammer as well. Do you be chance have the file available for that? i would love to create one for my new shop. On a side note; I am getting a Nova 35/100W at end of February, I can't wait. Thanks for all the videos, love them all. Dan . :0)

[@computercreationz]

The hammer pattern I boulght off Etsy for a couple bucks. Just search for wood hammer and there are several to choose from. Congrats on the 35-100 that’s what I have and love it!

[@burtgraham3689]

Hello Robert I really like your training videos. Especially this one. I have one question for you, can this box generator be downloaded to my pc or do I have to subscribe, generate the box and then export it to my pc. Any info you can give is greatly appreciated, as Im new to lightburn and lasers Burt

[@computercreationz]

No subscription needed, I use it for different boxes all the time. I don’t believe you can down load it to your computer. thank you for you comments and questions

[@jessicabolesta7330]

You are awesome! Also, tell me about that hammer! I want to cut one!

[@computercreationz]

Thank you for your comments, I bought that hammer file off of Etsy. search for wooden hammer.

[@dillonksanders7166]

This is a great video thank you for doing it. My only challenge now is where on earth do you find sheets of 3mm wood that big?

[@computercreationz]

I buy the 5’x5’ Baltic birch at a local hardwood store and cut it down my self.

[@DavidALovingMPF102]

If Lowe's or Home Depot are out, or the panels are terribly warped, Hobby Lobby has small pieces 12" X 24" for $5.00 1/8th

[@NavahoTrail]

Thank you for your videos! I would like to cut plywood (Poplar) 3mm thickness with my laser 7W. Could you please tell me, what is the speed in mm/mn et the power that I need to use? Thank you for your answer.

[@computercreationz]

When I had my 10 watt diode I couldn’t cut much of anything and it was painfully slow. Sorry can’t be more help

[@vynylkiller]

Hi I am using Atomstack 20 w diode I followed your instructions in burn settings downloaded & imported into lightburn, however when I try to alter Asian make writing smaller and change layers when I change the outer boxes to red in preview it does not cut out the box in one go it seems to do a side first then the next side I have tried alsorts but cannot rectify what am I doing wrong help

[@elvisontour2005]

I really enjoyed this video as it has explained a number of things to me. I just got a 60 watt laser last weekend but I don't have a RIUDA controller so I am using Inkscape and K40 Whisperer, however, when I cut the file all of the different sizes fit together and felt like they had more or less the same tolerance, so I created a new file starting at .040 with .005 increments figuring I might find something closer. Still all of them felt like they were all the same size, so no difference in the tightness or lack of. If I line up .07 with .045 they look the same, so I'm thinking something is just not scaling, also when I check sizes with calipers all of the tabs are pretty close to 5.7 to 5.8 mm. I know I'm using Inkscape so you may not be able to help with this but if you have any ideas, I'm all ears. Cheers Phil

[@bonniebrock9636]

I just had the same problem. All tabs came out the same. :(

[@magic1nds]

@@bonniebrock9636 I just had same probelm was gutted lol

[@GDZJEEPTV]

it sucks

[@anthonyclark1738]

Hi Folks, I had the same problem. Figured it out. Make sure your kerf setting is set to zero (off) before you start. To get to kerf settings click on the layer C001 C002 etc. When you cut a box for real, go back to kerf settings and input your value. In my case 0.06 mm. Worked fine, nice tight joints. Hope this helps.

[@24anaheim]

Thanks for the video, I had to go to .19 to get my joints to fit. What am I doing wrong? I cut a box and it was good but not sure why I went to. 19. I am using 1/4" plywood, would that make a difference? Thanks again for this and your other videos.

[@computercreationz]

Yes different thicknesses can have different settings. It seems that the thicker you go the bigger your setting

[@LarryBerg]

Thank you for the video. My only criticism is audio was clipping.

[@computercreationz]

Yes this was one of my very first videos on my channel. I’ve learned allot since them. Thanks for your input.

[@josephoaks8161]

Your wood T holders for holding the materials in place on the honeycomb, can you tell me where you got them from, more than likely made them, I new to this and find the materials especially 3mm or less tend to warp easily causing inconsistant cut/burns... maybe show a video how to make those? Thanks!

[@computercreationz]

I have since moved to 3 d printed hold downs off of Etsy. just search honeycomb hold down pins. lots to choose from. thanks for your comment

[@iandorney8320]

Great video thanks can I just ask the Wattage of your Laser please ?

[@computercreationz]

this is a Thunder Nova 24- 60 watt co2 laser. thunderlaserusa.com