Your first Tumbler with LightBurn and Thunder Laser

[@LowVisionUKTerrysView]

Robert - I really do have to congratulate you on the immense time and effort you put into these amazingly helpful tutorials. I learn from every single one of your videos, and the way you explain each step, takes away so much of the worry. I think the format of your videos are absolutely spot on and thank you so much for all you do for us to enable us to learn, and enjoy our layering efforts, and achieve great results. I have watched quite a few tumbler videos, and have got quite confused with many of them. However, I found myself totally in tune with your methods and feel much more confident about trying this I hope things are getting back on track for you and your wife, re covid take care, and I very much look forward to your next tutorial.

[@computercreationz]

Hey Terry, thanks for the comments. I really appreciate it. Comments like these keep me motivated to generate additional content. If I can demystify the process for just one person I feel all the time and effort is worth it. We are both slowly getting on the mend. Thank you my friend!

[@rdavis0521]

Thank you for another really good video. One comment. Some might be scared off due to the math needed to place the two opposing graphics. Because both were exactly the same size and because you placed one at the bottom edge of the reference, there is a much easier way to place the second graphic. Simply make a line or rectangle at the 1/2 point of the template rectangle. Place the 2nd copy of the engraving graphic bottom aligned to the 1/2 way point. If you happen to have two graphics that are not the same size, then the procedure is slightly different. Put an alignment line/rectange at the 1/4 and 3/4 level of the template rectangle. Then align each graphic to those two lines, CENTERING the graphics on the two alignment lines at 1/4 and 3/4. These techniques are both based upon setting up the template rectangle as you did in your video.

[@computercreationz]

good point, I like it!

[@randysinclair8757]

thank you ! I already do a few tumblers but I did learn a new trick on how to get consistent margin spacing from the powdercoat line. Nice job!

[@computercreationz]

I appreciate the comments. Thanks for watching

[@srcmedic]

Brand new to the laser community with my Laguna EX150, I’ve watched so many of your videos. You do a fantastic job with everything, I feel like I could take on any project after watching. Keep it up

[@computercreationz]

Thank you very much, for your comments. I appreciate it.

[@humbertoperez7032]

Thank you robert i'm new in laser engrave you video tutorials help me alot thank you for your time

[@computercreationz]

My Pleasure, thanks for watching

[@bginn3448]

NIcely done Sir. Thanks. Getting ready to purchase the Nova 24 and found your site. I will be back!!

[@computercreationz]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@marcisnee2150]

Found your channel this evening while researching hobby sized laser cutters/engravers. I had to stop mid point of this video to tell you how great your content is. Originally, I wanted a Glowforge, having no idea that others existed. Through researching, I’ve discovered there are a plethora of units from which to choose. Now my thoughts are spinning. Your video makes me want to purchase this one and I feel like I’d want your number on speed dial. Thank you!!

[@computercreationz]

Thank you for checking out my content, check out Thunderlaserusa.com for top quality co2 lasers. You won’t be disappointed.

[@campisij]

another great video. i was a litle afraid of my rotary, now i know how to. gracias amigo!

[@computercreationz]

Glad I could help

[@transparentpeace2082]

Nice work as always!! LOVED this video...can’t wait the get my Nova 24 and do tumblers! (got final payment notification, so hopefully delivery notification will come soon!)

[@computercreationz]

Oh man, your going to love it!

[@the4brightones]

Fantastic video! TY! I need one of these detailed videos for every type of cut/material :) lol! TY for doing what you do! Can't wait for my machine to arrive!

[@computercreationz]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching

[@michaelmayo3624]

Great video. Thanks!! Have you done one for beginners with just one logo? I cannot figure out how to center it. Thanks!

[@computercreationz]

Use exactly the same process except you will have one graphic centered in the same black rectangle.

[@seagnatprepper9613]

you're the man !!!

[@computercreationz]

Thank you!

[@familymcwethy1729]

Such a helpful video!! Thanks so much!

[@computercreationz]

You're so welcome!

[@CD_DESIGNS]

Hey Rob Have you done a tutoriall on a full wrap step down tumbler like that one

[@computercreationz]

I don’t, if you head over let’s spin it Facebook page that’s all there is and I thing Robin has some videos on her Facebook page

[@IAmYakYakTV]

Great video quality....

[@computercreationz]

Thanks!

[@ariellamissick4205]

THANKKK YOU SOOO MUCHHH!!! was very helpful!!

[@computercreationz]

Glad it helped!

[@michaelbischoff1977]

How many lines a inch were you at? The tumble looks great.

[@computercreationz]

Hey Michael, i run all My tumblers at 317 or .08 lpi. 11mm on my 1.5” Lens

[@hhallman7380]

Thanks for another great video. I just did my first tumbler the other day (prior to the video) and was thinking about contacting you to see if you had a video on how to do tumblers from start to finish.

[@computercreationz]

I hope it turned out great, thank you for the comments. There are lots of different ways to approach this subject this is just one of them. Thanks for watching and congrats on getting your first tumbler completed.

[@cliffart7398]

@@computercreationz I think we need to see videos of laser power and speed settings for tumblers. There are a lot about how to set the tumbler up on the rotary, and I think yours are the best, but no real discussions about speeds and power settings. I did a test engrave on a 13 dollar tumbler, was way too slow and powerful and actually bent the cup to hell. I didn't think this would be a problem because i watched a video that said "you can't cut through the metal so too much power isn't important". Buy was he wrong.

[@computercreationz]

@@cliffart7398 I appreciate the suggestion, I use 400 mm/s and 40-60% power seems to work well I need the higher power for tumblers like Yeti that have a thicker powder coating. I agree you can have too much power when engraving. You can scorch the stainles. Thanks for watching!

[@tehshzz]

@@computercreationz what do you use to clean up?

[@lnman64]

Great video I learned a lot. One question is your air pressure set to low? Thank you

[@computercreationz]

Yes I have the air switch off in lightburn. So low volume air. Thanks for the comment and watching my videos

[@stephanywilson4331]

Your work is amazing and has helped me in learning my thunder laser 24! I was wondering if you have ever tried the 40oz tumblers with the handles you take off? If you have do you have any tricks or tips on them?

[@computercreationz]

yes do them in my 35-100 all the time. I don’t have a 24 any more. most people doing these are using a 4” lens for additional focus depth

[@stephanywilson4331]

@@computercreationz Thank you!

[@hectorflores6666]

Thanks for your advice for me to search additional videos setting up the tumbles! Question what if the 2 graphics are not the same width? Do you make them to match width( as close as possible)?

[@computercreationz]

I split me rectangle in to two equal rectangles and drop each design in the middle of those rectangles that way they can be different and it looks fine.

[@hectorflores6666]

@@computercreationz thank you!

[@scottroe7862]

Great video as always! Still have a problem centering when a tumbler has a logo already on it like a Yeti. Too expensive to mess up!

[@computercreationz]

ya there is no easy way to do a template when you want to center you artwork on a tumbler logo. I use center left for my origin and center tumbler logo with the red dot on the laser

[@stevenmarston8923]

If you had more marks at the fence edges of his/your alignment tool, seems like you could use a small carpenter's square and put a pencil mark on the lip of the item at each side of the logo. Then place the cup/tumbler on the tool, set the two marks at the same location/distance out from the corner and that would give you perfect center point of the logo. Use that to align the red dot on. Hopefully, that makes some sense.

[@cjplmon]

What would you recommend for a beginner that’s wanting to start on tumblers? Any & all help appreciated. Great video!

[@computercreationz]

don’t go with a cheap rotary, I would use Rotoboss or Pi burn rotary. it will make a big difference in your product

[@patdennis4576]

hey great videos and your a good teacher , im starting to dabble with powder coated tumbles etc. I have a thunder 100 watt laser and , well first test came out good then when I did the proper one , mmmm thought id buggered it up id already remove it when I notice looks like it only took a layer off . I cleaned it with isicol alcohol and a magic eraser with a lot of cleaning I saved it . ????? all this after the test worked good?? im doing 500 mm sec and 40% power..... my question to you is what do I look for when altering my speed or power accordingly . is that air as I have no air with is fairly light? does this need more power is this a symptom of to much power or not enough air ???? can sort others but this is tricky. any help muchly appreciated , Robert isn't it pat.....ps checked lease and mirrors . im using a thunder chuck rotary

[@computercreationz]

I run 500/35 on my 35-100 watt for almost all of the tumblers I do. focused at 11mm with a 1.5” lens. enduramark Blu works fantastic for,the clean up. a little pricey but saves allot of time. very little air too

[@patdennis4576]

@@computercreationz thanks for your very prompt reply ,impressed!!! is the 1.5 inch lens the standard lens , thought it was 2" ????

[@computercreationz]

@@patdennis4576 the 1.5” lens is from American photonics and can be purchased for about 80 dollars. It’s my goto lens for engraving. It has a smaller beam spot

[@dawnbreaker84]

Nice Video, great work. But, when you change from a tumbler to a glass, you have to change the steps per rotation or only the diameter from the object ?

[@computercreationz]

thank you, the only time you will need to change steps is if the diameter of what your putting on the drive wheels of the rotary is different that n your engraving area regardless of material.

[@tombarberio9125]

Great video as always! I have a Boss Laser and I do not like their rotary. Any suggestions on an after market rotary? Thank you Sir.

[@computercreationz]

the top two in my opinion are Rotoboss and Piburn

[@TMeredithN33]

Robert, another great video. thanks for taking the time to share this. Question: How do you keep your honeycomb bed so clean?

[@computercreationz]

Hi Tamara, I wash it down with La Awesome you find at the dollar store once a month. Use a soft bristle brush the. Rinse it off and blow dry with my air compressor. I find that if I don’t let it build up a bunch it’s much easier to clean.

[@stevenmarston8923]

@@computercreationz LA's Totally Awesome works great!

[@CD_DESIGNS]

thanks for the awesome video. what would you recommend as starting speed and power for a nova 35

[@computercreationz]

I use 400mm/s at 35% power on my 35-100 for most tumblers

[@CD_DESIGNS]

@@computercreationz do you have a video explaining lines per inch and how to set it

[@computercreationz]

@@CD_DESIGNS I use 317.5 for most everything. The Lower the less resolution witch can save allot of engraving time but you will see your quality suffer if you go too low. Stay above 200 for sure

[@thomasandkimberlyjowers456]

Robert - This was very helpful for a new Thunder User...I do have a question however. I am losing some of the definition on my tumbler engraves. IE: Some of the smaller stuff is getting engraved out. Why is this? Is the laser too close? Too Far? What could be causing?

[@computercreationz]

With Tumblers I use vectors only and keep the design elements on the larger side. Fine elements don’t engrave well normally. Be sure you not trying to engrave images that should be converted to vectors. I see this allot. Not everything can be engraved on a tumbler. Thanks for watching, I appreciate it.

[@RickSwartwood]

Thank you for this video - where are you getting your focus gauge?

[@computercreationz]

I made it with my 24

[@KellyVaughnDocumentGeek]

My rotary does not spin when I frame the job. I have followed all the instructions, as far as connecting the rotary and making sure it reads "Ready". What am I missing?

[@computercreationz]

You can only use frame on the controller and not in lightburn when using the rotary

[@mudshark1971]

Sorry to bombard this post. So if I had two graphics that were different then would I add both heights on those graphics and divide it by 2 to get my number, and then subtract the circumstance? Also could I just line up the second graphic to the edge center node point on the template? Or would than not line up correct depending on the sizes of the graphics?

[@JJ-up5be]

Where did you get the measurement tool for the laser head?

[@computercreationz]

I made it. the file is on the global thunder Facebook page under files

[@bginn3448]

Is the rotary you are using the one offered by ThunderLaser?

[@computercreationz]

in this video yes, I’ve since switched to piBurn from Lens digital, more innovations, more options

[@barn42yard]

Great video! I have watched it over and over and I am ready to engrave on a tumbler. I have a question. I have a 51/100 what settings would you recommend. Thank you!

[@computercreationz]

400/35 is what I use for my 35/100 watt

[@barn42yard]

@@computercreationz thank you!

[@mudshark1971]

I have three graphics all different heights. Do you know how I would do the math for those three graphics to line up right? I’m stuck

[@computercreationz]

the key in doing this is to generate your rectangle at the outline for the engraving area then equally space your graphics accordingly

[@sktyby]

Does it work just to put one graphic at the bottom and the other graphic at the mid point of the rectangle? That would be your dead center half way around the circumference. At least if the graphics are identical like these are.

[@computercreationz]

Yes if your doing 2 of the same graphic and your steps per rotations are accurate.

[@CandyKemp]

Do tumblers need sealed like ammo cans do?

[@computercreationz]

No they are stainless steel where ammo cans are steel that is not coated once you engrave

[@CandyKemp]

@@computercreationz thank you so much for the fast response!

[@craigcater5783]

Where do you get the orange pins

[@computercreationz]

Etsy, look up honeycomb hold down pins

[@bonklavy5652]

Thanks!

[@computercreationz]

I really appreciate the donation. Thank you!

[@barn42yard]

I have one more question. No air assist, correct?

[@computercreationz]

Air assist off. Which means low air assist as far as lightburn is concerned

[@wilmercb]

can you disengage the laser arm to move it manually? Thanks.

[@computercreationz]

when the power is off to the machine the gantry moves with a small amount of effort, although it’s not recommended you pull on the gantry.

[@bonklavy5652]

I have tried engraving these in focus and out of focus like you recommended, I seem to get some duplication of thin lines, almost as if the laser head has some slop or lag. Any recommendations on getting cleaner lines especially on smaller text? Using the same model laser as this video. Thanks and great video!

[@computercreationz]

Your scann offset adjustments need to be input or enabled. Goto thunderlaserusa.com and goto support and search scann offset adjustment. There should be a business card in your tool box that has numbers that are specific to your machine those numbers need to be input into the scan offset area in lightburn. This will fix that issue!

[@bonklavy5652]

Ok, I will ensure they are enabled, I did enter them initially. Thanks for the quick reply, and thanks so much for the informative content!

[@computercreationz]

@@bonklavy5652 Be sure lightburn is in mm when you enter those numbers or it actually Makes it worse

[@bonklavy5652]

@@computercreationz I saw this too late, I thought I really messed something up haha. WOW that was way off. I re entered in mm and it is crisp! Man, cannot thank you enough for your help.

[@bricomama16]

Hi, i looove all your videos! Would it be accurate to multiply your speed setting mm/sec by 60, to find out the settings on mm/min?

[@computercreationz]

if you need mm/minute that usually for a diode lasers. this is a co2 laser and there setting are not relatable.

[@superhappygeorge3761]

What did you use to clean it up afterwards? Im in the UK if that makes a difference?

[@computercreationz]

I use Blu from enduramark company or La totally awesome from the dollar store with a magic eraser. I’m not sure what you have in the Uk! thanks for watching

[@jdboys1478]

Do you have any tips on engraving a powder coated wine tumbler.

[@computercreationz]

have a good quality rotary that had vertical stops on both ends of the rotary. make sure your rollers on the bottom on the wine tumbler are past the large radius on the bottom. they can be a bit tricky!

[@ThankYou-of6gu]

What machine would you recommend on making tumblr nicely

[@computercreationz]

many 60 -130 watt co2 lasers work well for tumbler engraving. I have a Thunder Nova 35-100 watt that works fantastic

[@tracisusong6991]

How do you learn laser speed settings ? I want one of these lasers but not knowing about speed n power is where i struggle

[@computercreationz]

Thunder provides you a LightBurn library with speed and power settings. this will get you started so you are not guessing. another great reason I love this laser company!

[@tehshzz]

What do you do/use to clean up?

[@computercreationz]

I use LA totally awesome from the dollar store that with a magic eraser works great!

[@vikkipowers7284]

Where do you get the Acrylic Focus Gauge?

[@computercreationz]

I cut it out with me laser, 1/8” green glass acrylic any acrylic or wood will do. file is in global Thunder Facebook page under files. the flat spots on this gauge work great!

[@KieranMullen]

Where is a good source for glasses and tumblers? The dollar store?

[@computercreationz]

the Dollar store is a great source for glass to practice on. As for tumblers don’t buy cheap tumblers once you get you stuff dialed in you will get inconsistent results. stay with quality drinkware and you will get predictable results! thank you for watching

[@mazzugara]

Where did you get those orange clamps from?

[@computercreationz]

Etsy.com. I put a link in the description.

[@cliffart7398]

where did to get your rotary? I love the clip and backstop that is not on my rotary.

[@computercreationz]

this rotary is made by Rotoboss.

[@TinaThimlarRealtor]

where did you get the orange pins?

[@computercreationz]

Etsy, search for Thunder honeycomb pins.

[@TXRED2000]

did you add the black dots yourself ?

[@computercreationz]

yes I did. Thanks for watching

[@petehaidinyak9084]

Where do you get your tumblers?

[@computercreationz]

Jds, Rtic, yeti, makerflow are all company’s I order from.

[@xenon2008]

is this rotary 3d Printed?

[@computercreationz]

Some of it yes!

[@ricardoespinoza5363]

@@computercreationz WERE DO YOU GET THE FOCUS GAUGE

[@BrianWerner]

If I get a laser like that, will chicks message me all the time too?

[@computercreationz]

lol, maybe

[@boomertees]

so hard to read.

[@computercreationz]

what’s hard to read may I ask?

[@drasus233]

Do you have an email @computer creations??

[@Ejwoodwork]

Thanks!

[@computercreationz]

Thank you so much for your donation! I really appreciate it