Author Archive: Teaching Tech

K40/Chinese CO2 laser cutter/engraver buyer’s guide

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I just got myself a CO2 laser cutter and it was daunting knowing which one to buy. After many hours of research, I present to you this buyer’s guide with a breakdown of what features and specifications to look for when shopping. In this video I am definitely standing on the shoulders of giants, so please check out the links to these wonderful sites below.

One thing I didn’t mention is it makes no difference what colour the outside of the laser is! This ispletely arbitrary and tells you nothing about whether a particular machine is good or not.

These machines are definitely for tinkerers and the risks to safety are quite high, so please only consider one of these machines if you are suitably knowledgeable, confident and experienced.

Ray from Cohesion3D was another great resource in preparing this video. He was honest and patient in answering my beginner questions right at the beginning. The Cohesion3D laser board is already fitted and working very well with Lightburn. I look forward to showcasing it with a guide in a future video.

Three of the best sites I found for resources:
K40laser.se: k40laser.se
Laser Gods: lasergods
Don’s Things: http://donsthings.blogspot/

Specific pages referred to in this video:
Control board identification: https://lasergods/controller-dsp-identification/
Laser tube size guide: http://laserwd/article_how-to-choose-correct-co2-glass-laser-tube-for-your-machine_606.html
My 80W 1040 machine I ended up with: https://china-cncrouter/products/XB-1040-80W-CO2-Laser-Engraving-Cutting-Machine.html
RECI W2 laser tube in my machine: http://recilaser/en/index.php?m=&c=Index&a=show&catid=7&id=66
Digital vs analogue panels: https://lasergods/k40-control-panels-analog-vs-digital/
Laser power supply identification: https://donsthings.blogspot/2017/01/k40-lps-configuration-and-wiring.html
Adding Z table to K40: https://lasergods/how-to-mount-your-lightobject-motorized-z-axis-table/
Water cooling recipe: https://lasergods/laser-water-coolants-additives/
CW-3000 info: https://k40laser.se/watercooling/cw3000-cooler-for-lasers-warning/
Counterfeit chiller guide: https://lasergods/identifying-counterfeit-sa-chillers/
K40 Whisperer: https://scorchworks/K40whisperer/k40whisperer.html
Air assist before and after: https://youtube/watch?v=mdERI7WaKa4
PVC safety warning: https://lasergods/can-i-cut-vinyl-pvc-in-a-laser/
Ammeter wiring guide: https://donsthings.blogspot/2017/04/adding-analog-milliamp-meter-to-k40.html
LPSU identification: https://donsthings.blogspot/2017/01/k40-lps-configuration-and-wiring.html
Precision potentiometer guide: https://k40laser.se/diy-how-to/upgrade-analog-power-knob/
Mirror alignment written guide: https://k40laser.se/lens-mirrors/mirror-alignment-the-ultimate-guide/
Mirror alignment video: https://youtube/watch?v=rYX0zfWFnIM

Buy quality and affordable filament from X3D. Buy 3, get 1 free and a free sample pack with every order: x3d.au

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#K40Chinese #CO2 #laser #cutterengraver #buyers #guide

3D printer to laser engraver for under $60,Teaching Tech

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Want to etch images with your 3D printer? This inexpensive laser add on module will do the job. This video will take you step by step through wiring, calibration and gcode creation. This will leave you will a 3D printer that you can convert to a laser engraver in seconds.

This method of buck converter PWM control is suitable for fans as well.

Please heed my safety warnings by using the safety glasses at all times, having the laser unplugged when powering on the printer, and using a well ventilated room to dissipate any smoke. Watch out for kids and pets walking in too.

This is a low power laser which is why it is so cheap. If you want to spend more for a more powerful unit, engraving time will be reduced and with enough power you could cut more materials.

This unit was tested on the Creality Ender 5, but the plug should work for any Creality printer like the Ender 3 and CR-10, and most other printers as well.

Shopping:
Laser add on module:
Buck converter:

Img2gco Thingiverse page:
Img2gco Github:
Img2gco Wiki:
Img2gco actual software:

Images I engraved from the internet:
3Dbenchy:
Chuck Norris:
Takumi’s Hachiroku:

Buy quality and affordable filament from X3D. Buy 3, get 1 free and a free sample pack with every order: www.x3d.com.au

Take a look around and if you like what you see, please subscribe.

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#3dprinting #laserengraver #upgrade

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#printer #laser #engraver

TwoTrees TS3 laser engraver test: Perfect for desktop or lacking power?,Teaching Tech

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Laser cutters are a handy tool for a maker. I have a powerful Chinese Co2 laser that would be too big and expensive for most people, so how does this desktop diode laser compare? That depends on what you intend to use it for. If you want to engrave, you’ll be happy. If you want to cut, not so much. Hopefully some improvements will be made for the production version.

When testing the cutting, I started with the settings from the manual and altered as necessary. This included changing feedrate, laser power and quantity of passes. I also experimented with changing the focal length and found a little closer than recommended gave best performance. At the request of TwoTrees I also cleaned the laser with a lens cleaning kit which made no difference.

This machine was provided free of charge for testing by TwoTrees so seek feedback. All opinions expressed are my own.

TwoTrees TS3:

0:00 Introduction

0:52 Specs
Specs page I was sent:
Kickstarter page:
Pre-order page:
My review policy:
Previous Endurance Laser review:

1:44 Unboxing, SD card and early troubleshooting

4:11 Control and software options
LaserGRBL:
Lightburn:
MKSLaser (Android app):

6:38 Setting laser focus height

8:15 Engraving tests
The Real Sam Prentice YouTube channel:
Loctite Moly Dry film lube (Amazon):
Loctite Moly Dry film lube (CBC in Aus):

10:28 Cutting tests
Slicer for Fusion:
Previous video on Slicer for Fusion:

13:52 Rotary axis

15:35 My verdict

Images/models from this video:
Potato:
“Texture-Rrific Tree Bark” by Odalaigh:
Celtic Cross:

Buy quality and affordable filament from X3D. Buy 3, get 1 free and a free sample pack with every order: www.x3d.com.au

Get Quality Resins from 3D Printers Online. 5% off storewide for Teaching Tech subscribers [Code: tech5]

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#TwoTrees #TS3 #laser #engraver #test #Perfect #desktop #lacking #power