If you're interested in a discount on the OMTech machines discussed in this video, click on this link omtechlaser.com?sca_ref=3052260.jSLSP0ZUVT and enter code "VOELTNER5".
@mistydavenport1042 Good morning, Misty! My contact at OMTech has updated the code and "VOELTNER5" is ready to go. I really appreciate you bringing that up because I had thought it was working, but there must have been a glitch. Which one are you looking at? Let me know if I can be of any help. Have a great day!
First off, I’m very sorry to hear of your prognosis. That has to be tough. Laser engraving can be lucrative but more than anything it’s fun and would be a great hobby or business, depending on how far you want to take it. There is an endless supply of fantastic sites where you can download files to use and create projects to cut/engrave and sell. You could always start out with a 40-55watt laser to get you started. I have a couple of other videos out on the XTool diode laser which may also interest you at a lower price point.
@@VoeltnerWoodworking have you upgraded to an air compressor air assist from the one that comes with it ? I did and it’s sooo much better. I’m running about 20-30psi
The only thing that is holding me back from getting this machine, I want something that will laser engrave stainless steel cups. I'm considering the new Xtool P2, but I'm going back n forth.
I now own both machines and can say if size isn’t a factor and you can do with a smaller machine the P2 is very nice. Check out my latest video on the P2 if you’d like. This Co2 laser can do so much! The xTool P2 Co2 Laser th-cam.com/video/yR17uB5HiiM/w-d-xo.html
I researched for months and almost bought a Omtech but after looking at every aspect I went with a Thunder Laser. I have never regretted the decision. It paid for itself within three months. The only problem I have is finding time to clean it.
I ended up with the OMTech because I have several friends who have this machine and spoke highly of it. It lived up to their recommendation. I also have a couple of friends who have the Thunder and like it so they each have their advantages. I’ve been happy with OMTech including the couple of times I’ve needed to contact support. 👊🏼
Stumbled on this looking for videos since my dad apparently decided to pick up an AF3555. Looking forward to seeing it in action when I swing up for Easter.
@@VoeltnerWoodworking Sounds like he already is! He's still wanting to make sure he really knows how to setup the machine before he starts selling product though
The cutting speed isn't as fast as I'd hoped, and the overall reliability feels lacking compared to other brands I've used in the past. It's not a complete write-off, but I've had to spend more time troubleshooting and adjusting than I'd like.
One of the best things I remember from being your roommate, is your laugh when you did something silly do you have like a two minute blooper reel of just yourself giggling I think it might be something you want to consider lol great video I need a house or I can have a garage and join the fun and buy a CNC machine, laser cutter, and bring my dreams to life lol
How is it with engraving glass? Which machine do u recommend? Im wantin to do beer mugs wine glasses shot glasses ect. I also want to do metal tumblers. Im not interested in doing wood right now.
Hey there. You can etch glass with this or a diode machine, but it will depend mostly on your budget and how fast you want to get the job done. The higher wattage CO2 lasers will do incredibly well for this type of thing, but you can also get away with using a diode laser. There are a few tricks for etching glass that others on YT have tried with varying results, so it's hard to tell you specifically which method works best without knowing which type of machine you're looking to get. If you ever want to venture into doing acrylic, I would recommend a CO2 laser, but if you're wanting to start low budget then a diode would be the way to go; something like the xTool D1 Pro. I'll have an xTool video coming out soon. Thanks for watching.
From this video, I understand why you went with the size machine that you did and why you went with a CO2 laser. I don't understand why you went with OMTech. Suppose you were discussing cordless drill/driver. Why did you pick brand X over brand Y? That kind of information about choosing a laser would be very valuable.
That’s fair. After publishing it I realized I did leave out some very valuable information. I did mention in the video that I had several friends who had this brand and highly recommended it over the others, but I ended up editing some stuff out because I really wanted to talk about some of the important factors for choosing the right machine, no matter the brand. I’m happy if someone uses my link if they think OMTech is the right choice for them, but it’s not necessary. I appreciate the feedback and will consider providing a more comprehensive look at why I chose this brand in future videos. I appreciate you watching.
Nice vid! I'm setting up a af-2440 100w today. I owned a small diode laser and that for itself it 3 weeks so I saw the light and bought the bigger one. Should go good with my CNC machine as well. Good luck man! :)
@@VoeltnerWoodworking Whats funny is I had originally bought the same machine you have but didn't realize the size and had to change the order because it was a bit to big which sucked but like you said def change over the diode lol
Thanks so much, John! It's definitely a great tool for so many things, even if you got something like a 60 watt CO2 laser to personalize some projects and make a few jigs and templates. It really opens up a lot of opportunities. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Nothing that will be in the same budget as the xTool d1 Pro. I just put out a video on the xTool 20w. It's a good machine and there is a discount code for xTool on there. To go into the CO2 category you'll be spending between $3k-$5k, depending on the brand and options you choose. OMTech carries the Polar machine with a 12x20 work area for around $3k (plus chiller), and xTool has their P2 machine which is really good starting around $5k. Honestly, depending on the projects that you're running the 20w may do exactly what you need if you're not looking to cut thick materials or clear acrylic.
@VoeltnerWoodworking perfect thank you so much, that's what i needed to know! I'll check out your other video and use your code when i purchase. Not needing it for any heavy duty projects and if things take off than further investment is always an option. Time isn't so much of an issue for me so more passes/cutting time wouldn't warrant the 3k+ range for me so sounds like im headed in the right direction with the xtool 20w. Awesome. Thanks again!
Hi! I have not enough knowledge about laser engraving and see this is an opportunities in my area. I need to know where can i start and which type of machine you prefer for beginners.
If you want to cut from the full sheet a CNC is the way to go. It’s going to be more efficient but you’ll be limited on tight inside corners with your bit selection.
Thanks for the reply. Ive seen videos of laser cut 3/4" but very little information. best ive seen advertised is 15mm for a Trotec machine with a large enough bed for full sheets@@VoeltnerWoodworking
I just made a video about the xTool D1 pro. I engraved a rolling pin with that machine. The unit comes with the rotary and is a good machine. It’s the latest video on my channel.
Good day sir, im a man who needs help about lasers , do omtech engrave photographic portraits on granites / marble tombstones? Can a omtech 60w do the job? Thank u for this video u really boosted my confidence that i can do it, that i can make my own shop.
Thanks for watching. You can engrave monochromatic portraits on granite and marble, yes. Some of the other materials you can engrave are tile, phenolic, brick, cork, and rubber. You'll just want to make sure you have proper ventilation. A 60w machine should be able to handle those, but keep in mind the power principle. The deeper you want to engrave the higher wattage you're going to want. The AF2028-60 is a 60w machine with a 20"x28" capacity. omtechlaser.com/products/60w-co2-laser-engraver-cutter-usb-6r57-us?sca_ref=3052260.jSLSP0ZUVT Let me know if you have any more questions or topics you want me to cover in future videos. Thanks again!
@@VoeltnerWoodworking somebody said to me try diode first due to unexperienced on lasers as i am still new to the laser technology , will diode do the same as omtech ? Thank u very much for your warm reply! I subbed and liked !
I personally don’t like diode lasers as they are pretty weak and for the same price you could get an entry level CO2 laser. The small 8”x12” CO2 laser is less than $500 and will do much more than a diode laser. If you’re really set on a diode I can make a recommendation or two but I think you’ll quickly want to upgrade. The learning curve is very easy for these machines. Thanks for the sub and comments. Let me know if you’d still like recommendations for diode.
Hello, I am looking at getting this machine. What is the thickest material you can put in machine to engrave? For example, If I have a guitar or a piece of wood that is 5 inches thick.
It’s a great machine. It has an 8” Max Z-depth (Workspace height with honeycomb bed removed, knife bed in use, and laser head fully retracted upwards) or 7” with the honeycomb bed installed.
@@VoeltnerWoodworking sweet! thank you, I couldn't decide between this one and the thunder nova 35. I was liking how the nova 35 has a 9 inch max, but 100 watt and smaller bed. Im gonna go with omnitech. Thanks again. Is the water chiller a must have?
@@VoeltnerWoodworking What are your thoughts on the 130 watt dual laser they have? This is the one I really wanted, they were sold out when I went to purchase and just got more in stock I guess.
The water chiller is definitely a must have IMO. As far as dual laser head goes, if you’re not doing high run production stuff I wouldn’t worry about it. It’s more that needs dialing in, honestly. Most people don’t need that machine. Hope that helps. If you go with OMTech, use the discount code and it basically pays for the chiller.
Thabks for a great video. I'm in the market for a laser cnc. I know these things are great for ply and mdf, but how would it go cutting parts for bee hives (sides) and bee frames?
I have plan to work with 8mm acrylic engraving and cutting, I have two options 90W(100W max) and 100W(130W max), what would you recommend? considering that engraving details are important
Either of those machines should do well with acrylic. I’m not sure on the bean spot size of the machines you are referencing, but the finer the spot size the finer the engraving.
@@VoeltnerWoodworking is that possible by adjusting settings in the software? or is it necessary to change the laser lens? the machine (in my country) I plan to acquire comes with lens for CO2 20mm focal 63.5mm
It depends on what material it’s made from. You’ll have to know what makes up the Velcro and whether that material is safe. There’s lots of different types of Velcro I imagine, so I would recommend researching that and seeing if it can be engraved. I’d be worried about the type of material and it’s melting point, make sure it’s enough power to cut quick enough and not melt.
Hi there, thinking about getting one myself but just wondering if it is noisy when in use. Trying to figure out if it would be too noisy to have in an office type space connected to my shop or if i would have to organise another place for it
The loudest thing is probably the water chiller. It’s probably not great if you’re going to be on the phone while it’s running but it’s nothing compared to a CNC router.
Thaks for all your tips. I own an omtech 100W laser and i love it. But i think that one with less power can giveme better resolution (for tiny acrilyc jewelry for example), it is correct? Less power, will give me cleans cut on acrilyc? What do you think about That?. To get better quality/resolution I´m thinking on a Omtech Polar, or a Xtool P2, but this last one do you tink that is worth de extra money? (so this unit will be a back up one too)thanks in advanced.. I will apreciate your coments.
You should consider trying a different lens with a shorter focal distance. 1.5" to 2" is good for fine engraving and will have a smaller dot size than something like a 2.5"-4", usually used for cutting thicker materials. That's a much cheaper option than replacing the unit alltogether, but both the Polar and the P2 are good options if you are doing smaller projects and just want a second machine.
You can use code "VOELTNER5" for 5% off on OMTech using the link omtechlaser.com?sca_ref=3052260.jSLSP0ZUVT. I recommend looking at the rotary and water chiller for the Co2 machines. I also have a few accessories listed in my Amazon storefront: www.amazon.com/shop/voeltnerwoodworking/list/U5DNYHY560ZH?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfvoeltnerwoodworking_TM8CDC31CBVQBTG712E8
Awesome. Glad it worked out for you. It’s good for batching out projects. Gives you the ability to cut or engrave two projects simultaneously. Probably overkill for most people unless you’re doing a ton of repeated and batched out projects.
I used your code on my purchase on the 130 watt, thanks! Can any chiller be used on the with the machine do you know? I live in Hawaii and the chiller won't be shipped to me from OMtech. I found one on Amazon that will ship to me, its a Cloudray CW 5200.
Nice looking shop and equipment! how does the 130W perform on 1/2" plywood? what is the thickest plywood you have cut with good quality keeping the power within the recommended range? I'm looking at a 100W 2440 or the same machine you have. Thanks
Thank you! It cuts 1/2” really well. I’m thinking of doing a video when I replace my air assist because that should make it even easier to cut thicker material. I haven’t tried over 1/2” yet.
I'm thinking about getting a 80-100 W. never used one before. We would laser leather patches, tumblers and wood work. What do you think we should consider for starting out? I se some videos of folks having the air rover on the vapor hose and some do not. Why is that & what is recommended? Any info that you can give me will be much appreciated.
Either of those machines will work great as is without doing any air upgrades. I recommend getting getting familiar with the machine as is before doing any of those upgrades if it’s your first one. The machine will be plug and play once you get it up and running. You’ll have to align the laser but that process is fairly easy. If you’re planning on cutting deeper then you’ll want to upgrade the air assist to cut deeper. Hope that makes sense. Happy to answer any questions you have as you get started. You can email me at matt@voeltnerwoodworking.com
I'm fortunate to have the laser right next to the breaker panel so I ran a dedicated one for the laser. I have a friend that is running them both on one circuit without issues, but I'm not sure if it's a 30 amp or 20 amp breaker. If you have the option, it's prob best to run separately so you don't trip it mid job when the chiller kicks on.
Thanks for all the little tips and answering my questions! It really helped out. One more though😁, Did you have to do the ceramic resistor test? Im really struggling this, not sure if I can do it.
No problem. I did not have to do that test. I assume the only reason you would do that is if there was a problem. Is the machine not functional or something wrong?
No, brand new. There was a paper in my bag with instructions for the test. It says cut off low voltage and remove insulating tape then connect high voltage and low voltage wires to both ends of the ceramic. The pics on paper is nothing like my laser
If the machine is working well you shouldn’t have to do that. The tech support is also very good. May be worth calling and asking why they included that with your machine. Remind me which machine you have again?
I'm looking at the 2440 because of it's size, I don't have room for anything bigger, I have a diode laser and a cnc now, will the 100w cut 1/2 mdf in one pass?
I run my 130w at about 10mms and 35% power on plywood so the 100w should handle it with no problem at a higher power setting. I would suggest replacing the air assist for something like that to give it more powerful cut, especially if you’ll be cutting stuff like that regularly. Replacing the air assist is a fairly simple upgrade I’m looking to do soon.
Hello I have an OMtech 50w laser machine. Never used it and need help on how or where to start? Are you available to do a one on one? Willing to pay for your time
I purchased the AF 2440 and just got it uncrated. I need to order my Lightburn camera, but cannot seem to figure out whether to get the 85 or the 120 degree..it will be the 8 MP version....any thoughts??
That's great! The only difference between the two should be the mounting height required for a full view. Mounting of the 120 degree would be just over 11" whereas the smaller degree camera would need to be mounted higher. I'm not familiar with the 85 degree camera, but I would think the wider degrees would provide you with the best option if the prices are comparable. I have not added one yet because I have a few more other shop upgrades to make first, but let me know how it works out for you. Very excited for you.
I want to engrave names on carpet tiles for my Business. I own a retreat center where people/groups come to stay, sew, quilt and craft. I want to put group names on the carpet tiles. Is this possible?
You can cut carpet tiles and inlay other patterns inside, but as far as it making an engraving type look you’ll run the risk of just burning the carpet. Are you familiar with inlays (cutting a similar shape in a contrasting color and inlaying it in the other piece)?
@@VoeltnerWoodworking Thanks for your reply :) I am familiar with inlays, but what I want to do is kinda' like they "engrave" or whatever on car mats or a welcome mat. It appears that the laser melts it? Sorry, newbie here ;) Any help is greatly appreciated!
Hello! Great video! Can I ask what machine you would recommend for cutting thin acrylic for earrings and jewellery. I'm getting a bit overwhelmed. It's for my small business so want it to last and be able to upload my own designs for cutting :)
Thanks for the comment. It will depend on a few factors. If you're wanting to load a larger sheet to batch things out you will want to consider one of the larger machines like the 2440, 3555, or 4063 which are 24"x40", 35"x55", etc. With the larger footprint also comes a higher wattage laser. However, these machine can be a bit more expensive, especially for starting a small business. I would take a look at your business model and determine how much margin you plan on having, calculate how many units you're planning on selling in X time, and use that to determine your budget for the machine, then get one size bigger. ;) You could get by with a 60watt machine like the MF1624 with a 16"24" capacity, but you'll be batching out in smaller batches so the time will add up. It's nice to be able to fit a lot of parts into the machine, hit start, and then work on other things like getting the packaging ready to mail out your final product. I hope this helps! Hit me with any more questions, and I'm happy to help. Don't forget to calculate 5% off the total if you end up ordering an OMTech, because of the discount code.
@@VoeltnerWoodworking absolutely!!! I'm recently looking to get into laser engraving. Can you get into the software that your machine uses??? Can you incorporate AI?
I use a couple of different programs depending on the laser I’m using. Lightburn is an industry standard but doesn’t currently offer AI, but many of the other brands have their own proprietary software which do. I recommend xTool if that’s something you’re interested in. I have a video coming out next week on the P2 which is a fantastic machine.
What is the maximum wattage output of the Omtech to the material? I know certain manufacturers advertise higher wattage than can actually be used. What kinds of speeds are you talking about when you say you can do in minutes use to take hours? Are you comparing the co2 to diodes or co2 to other co2?
The rated power is 130 watts and the peak is 160 watts for this tube. I haven't run this tube higher than 50% yet because I haven't needed to, but here are some general expected life spans running at higher wattage. Low Power 10-40% = 11,000-12,000 Hours Moderate Power 40-70% = 9,000-10,000 Hours High Power 70-100% = 6,000-7,000 Hours My 40watt Full Spectrum Muse CO2 laser took hours to engrave and cut an intricate design because it required multiple passes. Often when I would take 2 passes it still struggled with getting through the material, even with a new tube and proper beam alignment. The added time of multiple passes (and sometimes having to redo the cut), compared to the one pass on a higher wattage machine really is unreal. Even a 60 watt would have been a game changer for me. Thanks for watching. I hope this helps.
Definitely. In my area I have good relationships with realtors, interior designers, and a loyal following for personalized goods. If you can establish credibility with those people and be their "go-to" person for this type of thing, the laser will print money. However, you just have to out hustle the competition. Valid point.
You said the price and I laughed because for me that was pretty low. I've been considering a laser to cut 304 stainless steel #8 finish so it needs to a bit beefy and be able to cut 4x8 sheets, hundreds of products a month. I have two manufacturers and the quality at times gets wonky and burred edges and burnt finish. Makes products look bad. I want to do in house and control quality.
If you're interested in a discount on the OMTech machines discussed in this video, click on this link omtechlaser.com?sca_ref=3052260.jSLSP0ZUVT and enter code "VOELTNER5".
Is the code still active? Could not get it to work.
Let me check with them in the morning and I'll leave a comment with an update. My apologies for that!
@mistydavenport1042 Good morning, Misty! My contact at OMTech has updated the code and "VOELTNER5" is ready to go. I really appreciate you bringing that up because I had thought it was working, but there must have been a glitch. Which one are you looking at? Let me know if I can be of any help. Have a great day!
A pitty you are in usa. I will be buying from germany so can't support you there :(
That is a bummer.
I really really want to get into this. I'm a stay at home mom battling Stage 4 Cancer & I need something to do lol. THIS is what I want to do.
First off, I’m very sorry to hear of your prognosis. That has to be tough. Laser engraving can be lucrative but more than anything it’s fun and would be a great hobby or business, depending on how far you want to take it. There is an endless supply of fantastic sites where you can download files to use and create projects to cut/engrave and sell. You could always start out with a 40-55watt laser to get you started. I have a couple of other videos out on the XTool diode laser which may also interest you at a lower price point.
You are the most underrated channel in the scope of laser engraving.
Wow. Thank you so much! Yeah, YT hates me. LOL
Just got that same laser. It’s been great so far.
I’ve been very impressed with OMTech! Glad I upgraded. Was yours an upgrade or first one?
Good breakdown. I know you’re loving that thing in your shop!
Thanks Bruce! It’s been such an amazing shop upgrade. Wish I would have done it sooner.
Good information. Was thinking of using one of these for cutting out 3/16-inch pine whirligig wing blades.
Thank you. That sounds like an interesting project!
I have an 80w Omtech and love it
They are fantastic machines! Wish I would have gotten this one sooner.
@@VoeltnerWoodworking have you upgraded to an air compressor air assist from the one that comes with it ?
I did and it’s sooo much better. I’m running about 20-30psi
I haven’t done that upgrade yet but it’s on my list.
The only thing that is holding me back from getting this machine, I want something that will laser engrave stainless steel cups. I'm considering the new Xtool P2, but I'm going back n forth.
I now own both machines and can say if size isn’t a factor and you can do with a smaller machine the P2 is very nice. Check out my latest video on the P2 if you’d like.
This Co2 laser can do so much! The xTool P2 Co2 Laser
th-cam.com/video/yR17uB5HiiM/w-d-xo.html
Have you also considered the S1? It can do stainless and you can get the IR module for it for more metals.
I researched for months and almost bought a Omtech but after looking at every aspect I went with a Thunder Laser. I have never regretted the decision. It paid for itself within three months. The only problem I have is finding time to clean it.
Both a great machines and will definitely net back quickly. Yeah, I suck at tool maintenance sometimes too. I just want to keep running it. Lol.
What sold you on the thunder?
I ended up with the OMTech because I have several friends who have this machine and spoke highly of it. It lived up to their recommendation. I also have a couple of friends who have the Thunder and like it so they each have their advantages. I’ve been happy with OMTech including the couple of times I’ve needed to contact support. 👊🏼
Stumbled on this looking for videos since my dad apparently decided to pick up an AF3555. Looking forward to seeing it in action when I swing up for Easter.
Awesome. He’s going to love it.
@@VoeltnerWoodworking Sounds like he already is! He's still wanting to make sure he really knows how to setup the machine before he starts selling product though
HAHA! He'll be selling in no time.
Well spoken, very informative, thank you
Thank you for the feedback! Welcome to the channel!
Thank you for sharing the details.
Glad it was helpful!
The cutting speed isn't as fast as I'd hoped, and the overall reliability feels lacking compared to other brands I've used in the past. It's not a complete write-off, but I've had to spend more time troubleshooting and adjusting than I'd like.
You have the 3555?
I would love to own one of those myself.
It’s such a versatile tool for the shop.
Notes are very important
Yes they are
One of the best things I remember from being your roommate, is your laugh when you did something silly do you have like a two minute blooper reel of just yourself giggling I think it might be something you want to consider lol great video I need a house or I can have a garage and join the fun and buy a CNC machine, laser cutter, and bring my dreams to life lol
I used to do bloopers but now I just sprinkle them in sometimes. Lol.
How is it with engraving glass? Which machine do u recommend? Im wantin to do beer mugs wine glasses shot glasses ect. I also want to do metal tumblers. Im not interested in doing wood right now.
Hey there. You can etch glass with this or a diode machine, but it will depend mostly on your budget and how fast you want to get the job done. The higher wattage CO2 lasers will do incredibly well for this type of thing, but you can also get away with using a diode laser. There are a few tricks for etching glass that others on YT have tried with varying results, so it's hard to tell you specifically which method works best without knowing which type of machine you're looking to get. If you ever want to venture into doing acrylic, I would recommend a CO2 laser, but if you're wanting to start low budget then a diode would be the way to go; something like the xTool D1 Pro. I'll have an xTool video coming out soon. Thanks for watching.
Great video….I really want to jump up from my Ortur to something bigger and this has been helpful.
Glad it was helpful! Happy to answer any further questions. Thanks for watching.
Great info. Thanks Matt!
Thanks so much dude!
any tips on getting the bed in by yourself?
Are you referring to the honeycomb bed? If so, lower the bed down and it should go in at an angle fairly easy.
Thanks for the great video sir!…just starting out and trying to figure out how much I want to be into this in the beginning. This was very helpful!
You’re very welcome. There’s lots of good options out there including some new ones I’ve reviewed since posting this. Happy to help.
Great video….
What’s the lifetime of the co2 laser tube? (Generally speaking, your usage)
Thank you! They are usually advertised around 1,000 hours. I never did any logs but that sounds about right on my usage.
Outstanding video!
Thank you!
From this video, I understand why you went with the size machine that you did and why you went with a CO2 laser. I don't understand why you went with OMTech. Suppose you were discussing cordless drill/driver. Why did you pick brand X over brand Y? That kind of information about choosing a laser would be very valuable.
That’s fair. After publishing it I realized I did leave out some very valuable information. I did mention in the video that I had several friends who had this brand and highly recommended it over the others, but I ended up editing some stuff out because I really wanted to talk about some of the important factors for choosing the right machine, no matter the brand. I’m happy if someone uses my link if they think OMTech is the right choice for them, but it’s not necessary. I appreciate the feedback and will consider providing a more comprehensive look at why I chose this brand in future videos. I appreciate you watching.
Nice vid! I'm setting up a af-2440 100w today. I owned a small diode laser and that for itself it 3 weeks so I saw the light and bought the bigger one. Should go good with my CNC machine as well. Good luck man! :)
Awesome! The machines are build really well. That 100w is gonna be a game changer from the diode! Congrats!
@@VoeltnerWoodworking Whats funny is I had originally bought the same machine you have but didn't realize the size and had to change the order because it was a bit to big which sucked but like you said def change over the diode lol
Oh dang! Yeah, it’s a huge footprint for sure.
I have the same model....have you ordered a Lightburn camera for your? If so, which one did you go with?
@@Staycemc I just ordered a $15 camera 1080p hd off amazon. Works great. :)
Great video. Im definitely tempted to add a laser to the arsenal.
Thanks so much, John! It's definitely a great tool for so many things, even if you got something like a 60 watt CO2 laser to personalize some projects and make a few jigs and templates. It really opens up a lot of opportunities. Thanks for watching and commenting!
I was looking at the xtool pro d1 10/20w for the same price range is there a co2 you'd recommend? Thank you for your videos they have been so helpful
Nothing that will be in the same budget as the xTool d1 Pro. I just put out a video on the xTool 20w. It's a good machine and there is a discount code for xTool on there. To go into the CO2 category you'll be spending between $3k-$5k, depending on the brand and options you choose. OMTech carries the Polar machine with a 12x20 work area for around $3k (plus chiller), and xTool has their P2 machine which is really good starting around $5k. Honestly, depending on the projects that you're running the 20w may do exactly what you need if you're not looking to cut thick materials or clear acrylic.
@VoeltnerWoodworking perfect thank you so much, that's what i needed to know! I'll check out your other video and use your code when i purchase. Not needing it for any heavy duty projects and if things take off than further investment is always an option. Time isn't so much of an issue for me so more passes/cutting time wouldn't warrant the 3k+ range for me so sounds like im headed in the right direction with the xtool 20w. Awesome. Thanks again!
Awesome! You’ll love the machine.
Hi! I have not enough knowledge about laser engraving and see this is an opportunities in my area. I need to know where can i start and which type of machine you prefer for beginners.
what i really want to know is what machine can laser cut 8x4 3/4" baltic birch? is one available? or is cnc router the only way to go
If you want to cut from the full sheet a CNC is the way to go. It’s going to be more efficient but you’ll be limited on tight inside corners with your bit selection.
Thanks for the reply. Ive seen videos of laser cut 3/4" but very little information. best ive seen advertised is 15mm for a Trotec machine with a large enough bed for full sheets@@VoeltnerWoodworking
which one you recommend for engraving on a rolling pin?
I just made a video about the xTool D1 pro. I engraved a rolling pin with that machine. The unit comes with the rotary and is a good machine. It’s the latest video on my channel.
@@VoeltnerWoodworking . Thank you for responding.
Good day sir, im a man who needs help about lasers , do omtech engrave photographic portraits on granites / marble tombstones? Can a omtech 60w do the job? Thank u for this video u really boosted my confidence that i can do it, that i can make my own shop.
Thanks for watching. You can engrave monochromatic portraits on granite and marble, yes. Some of the other materials you can engrave are tile, phenolic, brick, cork, and rubber. You'll just want to make sure you have proper ventilation. A 60w machine should be able to handle those, but keep in mind the power principle. The deeper you want to engrave the higher wattage you're going to want. The AF2028-60 is a 60w machine with a 20"x28" capacity.
omtechlaser.com/products/60w-co2-laser-engraver-cutter-usb-6r57-us?sca_ref=3052260.jSLSP0ZUVT
Let me know if you have any more questions or topics you want me to cover in future videos. Thanks again!
@@VoeltnerWoodworking somebody said to me try diode first due to unexperienced on lasers as i am still new to the laser technology , will diode do the same as omtech ? Thank u very much for your warm reply! I subbed and liked !
@@VoeltnerWoodworking and also is there a lesser price omtech that can engrave granite ?
I personally don’t like diode lasers as they are pretty weak and for the same price you could get an entry level CO2 laser. The small 8”x12” CO2 laser is less than $500 and will do much more than a diode laser. If you’re really set on a diode I can make a recommendation or two but I think you’ll quickly want to upgrade. The learning curve is very easy for these machines. Thanks for the sub and comments. Let me know if you’d still like recommendations for diode.
Hello, I am looking at getting this machine. What is the thickest material you can put in machine to engrave? For example, If I have a guitar or a piece of wood that is 5 inches thick.
It’s a great machine. It has an 8” Max Z-depth (Workspace height with honeycomb bed removed, knife bed in use, and laser head fully retracted upwards) or 7” with the honeycomb bed installed.
@@VoeltnerWoodworking sweet! thank you, I couldn't decide between this one and the thunder nova 35. I was liking how the nova 35 has a 9 inch max, but 100 watt and smaller bed. Im gonna go with omnitech. Thanks again.
Is the water chiller a must have?
@@VoeltnerWoodworking What are your thoughts on the 130 watt dual laser they have? This is the one I really wanted, they were sold out when I went to purchase and just got more in stock I guess.
The water chiller is definitely a must have IMO. As far as dual laser head goes, if you’re not doing high run production stuff I wouldn’t worry about it. It’s more that needs dialing in, honestly. Most people don’t need that machine. Hope that helps. If you go with OMTech, use the discount code and it basically pays for the chiller.
Thabks for a great video. I'm in the market for a laser cnc. I know these things are great for ply and mdf, but how would it go cutting parts for bee hives (sides) and bee frames?
Thank you! What are the bee hive frames usually made from?
I have plan to work with 8mm acrylic engraving and cutting, I have two options 90W(100W max) and 100W(130W max), what would you recommend? considering that engraving details are important
Either of those machines should do well with acrylic. I’m not sure on the bean spot size of the machines you are referencing, but the finer the spot size the finer the engraving.
@@VoeltnerWoodworking is that possible by adjusting settings in the software? or is it necessary to change the laser lens? the machine (in my country) I plan to acquire comes with lens for CO2 20mm focal 63.5mm
Can this cut Velcro (hook & loop) if so which one would you suggest
It depends on what material it’s made from. You’ll have to know what makes up the Velcro and whether that material is safe. There’s lots of different types of Velcro I imagine, so I would recommend researching that and seeing if it can be engraved. I’d be worried about the type of material and it’s melting point, make sure it’s enough power to cut quick enough and not melt.
Damn, what a monster 😅
Awesome presentation, Matt!
Thank you so much!! I really appreciate that. Loving this monster.
Is this a laser made in the US? And are you happy with the customer service? Thanks
This (and most) laser is not made in the US, but it’s been a great machine. I’ve only needed tech support one time and it was fairly easy.
Approximately how much does using the machine add to your power bill monthly?
It will not add much to your bill, but it largely depends on how often you use it.
I’m loving my fiber but I could see a CO2 in my future!
Yeah buddy. I see a fiber laser in mine. 😂
Hi there, thinking about getting one myself but just wondering if it is noisy when in use. Trying to figure out if it would be too noisy to have in an office type space connected to my shop or if i would have to organise another place for it
The loudest thing is probably the water chiller. It’s probably not great if you’re going to be on the phone while it’s running but it’s nothing compared to a CNC router.
Thaks for all your tips. I own an omtech 100W laser and i love it. But i think that one with less power can giveme better resolution (for tiny acrilyc jewelry for example), it is correct? Less power, will give me cleans cut on acrilyc? What do you think about That?. To get better quality/resolution I´m thinking on a Omtech Polar, or a Xtool P2, but this last one do you tink that is worth de extra money? (so this unit will be a back up one too)thanks in advanced.. I will apreciate your coments.
You should consider trying a different lens with a shorter focal distance. 1.5" to 2" is good for fine engraving and will have a smaller dot size than something like a 2.5"-4", usually used for cutting thicker materials. That's a much cheaper option than replacing the unit alltogether, but both the Polar and the P2 are good options if you are doing smaller projects and just want a second machine.
Any link to buy the must have accessories ?
You can use code "VOELTNER5" for 5% off on OMTech using the link omtechlaser.com?sca_ref=3052260.jSLSP0ZUVT. I recommend looking at the rotary and water chiller for the Co2 machines.
I also have a few accessories listed in my Amazon storefront: www.amazon.com/shop/voeltnerwoodworking/list/U5DNYHY560ZH?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfvoeltnerwoodworking_TM8CDC31CBVQBTG712E8
@@VoeltnerWoodworking I just bought a 2028' 100w with ur coupon. Thank u! What is it the 'DUAL WORKBEDS' ? what is it?
Awesome. Glad it worked out for you.
It’s good for batching out projects. Gives you the ability to cut or engrave two projects simultaneously. Probably overkill for most people unless you’re doing a ton of repeated and batched out projects.
@@VoeltnerWoodworking Thank you my friend your videos and the Omtech website convinced me to purchase. Looking forward to keep learning here...
Glad to help. Let me know if any video ideas you have.
I used your code on my purchase on the 130 watt, thanks!
Can any chiller be used on the with the machine do you know? I live in Hawaii and the chiller won't be shipped to me from OMtech. I found one on Amazon that will ship to me, its a Cloudray CW 5200.
The Cloudray should work perfectly for this. Thanks for watching and supporting the channel.
Can you tell me what the maximum size work piece that this machine can handle? (mostly concerned with the depth and how low the work table goes)
The best way to look at the depths of the different machines is by clicking on the links in the description. Each machine will be slightly different.
Thank you sir for the information
Thanks for watching!
Nice looking shop and equipment! how does the 130W perform on 1/2" plywood? what is the thickest plywood you have cut with good quality keeping the power within the recommended range? I'm looking at a 100W 2440 or the same machine you have. Thanks
Thank you! It cuts 1/2” really well. I’m thinking of doing a video when I replace my air assist because that should make it even easier to cut thicker material. I haven’t tried over 1/2” yet.
I'm thinking about getting a 80-100 W. never used one before. We would laser leather patches, tumblers and wood work.
What do you think we should consider for starting out?
I se some videos of folks having the air rover on the vapor hose and some do not. Why is that & what is recommended?
Any info that you can give me will be much appreciated.
Either of those machines will work great as is without doing any air upgrades. I recommend getting getting familiar with the machine as is before doing any of those upgrades if it’s your first one. The machine will be plug and play once you get it up and running. You’ll have to align the laser but that process is fairly easy. If you’re planning on cutting deeper then you’ll want to upgrade the air assist to cut deeper. Hope that makes sense. Happy to answer any questions you have as you get started. You can email me at matt@voeltnerwoodworking.com
Question... are you running the laser and the chiller on one circuit (one 20 amp breaker) or two separate circuits?
I'm fortunate to have the laser right next to the breaker panel so I ran a dedicated one for the laser. I have a friend that is running them both on one circuit without issues, but I'm not sure if it's a 30 amp or 20 amp breaker. If you have the option, it's prob best to run separately so you don't trip it mid job when the chiller kicks on.
@@VoeltnerWoodworking Sounds good! That's what I was thinking. I purchased the 130w also. Thanks for the reply!!
@@chucklongie7145 Awesome! Such a great machine. I always try to reply. Happy to help if you have any questions. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for all the little tips and answering my questions!
It really helped out.
One more though😁,
Did you have to do the ceramic resistor test?
Im really struggling this, not sure if I can do it.
No problem. I did not have to do that test. I assume the only reason you would do that is if there was a problem. Is the machine not functional or something wrong?
No, brand new. There was a paper in my bag with instructions for the test.
It says cut off low voltage and remove insulating tape then connect high voltage and low voltage wires to both ends of the ceramic.
The pics on paper is nothing like my laser
If the machine is working well you shouldn’t have to do that. The tech support is also very good. May be worth calling and asking why they included that with your machine. Remind me which machine you have again?
I'm looking at the 2440 because of it's size, I don't have room for anything bigger, I have a diode laser and a cnc now, will the 100w cut 1/2 mdf in one pass?
I run my 130w at about 10mms and 35% power on plywood so the 100w should handle it with no problem at a higher power setting. I would suggest replacing the air assist for something like that to give it more powerful cut, especially if you’ll be cutting stuff like that regularly. Replacing the air assist is a fairly simple upgrade I’m looking to do soon.
Why replace the air assist? What is the issue with the original? Thanks
The original works fine, but you can increase cutting capacity with a more powerful air assist.
Excellent video
Thanks so much, Aaron!
how do I know what machines will work with lighburn, I have a Diode falcon 2, but want to upgrade, but cant seem to find this info
From my research lightburn works on all three kinds of lasers
Bought the xtool co2 laser. Deep regrets because out of the box it doesn’t work. Customer service sucks
You have the P2? What about it doesn’t work out of the box?
Hello I have an OMtech 50w laser machine. Never used it and need help on how or where to start? Are you available to do a one on one? Willing to pay for your time
Where are you located?
I’ve been looking for one to fit to my sharks. I think this one might be a little too big. 🤔
You obviously need bigger sharks! LOL
I purchased the AF 2440 and just got it uncrated. I need to order my Lightburn camera, but cannot seem to figure out whether to get the 85 or the 120 degree..it will be the 8 MP version....any thoughts??
That's great! The only difference between the two should be the mounting height required for a full view. Mounting of the 120 degree would be just over 11" whereas the smaller degree camera would need to be mounted higher. I'm not familiar with the 85 degree camera, but I would think the wider degrees would provide you with the best option if the prices are comparable. I have not added one yet because I have a few more other shop upgrades to make first, but let me know how it works out for you. Very excited for you.
Do you think it would be worth getting a small bench top one ?
It would be great for displays and stuff for your booths, definitely! I would go 50w for something like that.
@@VoeltnerWoodworking nice I was looking at Amazon cheapies but these look pretty sweet
@@skylarfaria2457 you’re gonna get much better customer service and support for something like this. Happy to help you anytime brother.
I want to engrave names on carpet tiles for my
Business. I own a retreat center where people/groups come to stay, sew, quilt and craft. I want to put group names on the carpet tiles. Is this possible?
You can cut carpet tiles and inlay other patterns inside, but as far as it making an engraving type look you’ll run the risk of just burning the carpet. Are you familiar with inlays (cutting a similar shape in a contrasting color and inlaying it in the other piece)?
@@VoeltnerWoodworking Thanks for your reply :) I am familiar with inlays, but what I want to do is kinda' like they "engrave" or whatever on car mats or a welcome mat. It appears that the laser melts it? Sorry, newbie here ;) Any help is greatly appreciated!
You could cut out stencils and paint on the tiles using the stencils as an option.
Hello! Great video! Can I ask what machine you would recommend for cutting thin acrylic for earrings and jewellery. I'm getting a bit overwhelmed. It's for my small business so want it to last and be able to upload my own designs for cutting :)
Thanks for the comment. It will depend on a few factors. If you're wanting to load a larger sheet to batch things out you will want to consider one of the larger machines like the 2440, 3555, or 4063 which are 24"x40", 35"x55", etc. With the larger footprint also comes a higher wattage laser. However, these machine can be a bit more expensive, especially for starting a small business.
I would take a look at your business model and determine how much margin you plan on having, calculate how many units you're planning on selling in X time, and use that to determine your budget for the machine, then get one size bigger. ;)
You could get by with a 60watt machine like the MF1624 with a 16"24" capacity, but you'll be batching out in smaller batches so the time will add up. It's nice to be able to fit a lot of parts into the machine, hit start, and then work on other things like getting the packaging ready to mail out your final product. I hope this helps!
Hit me with any more questions, and I'm happy to help. Don't forget to calculate 5% off the total if you end up ordering an OMTech, because of the discount code.
I will one day get a laser
Gonna have some room in that new shop! 🙌🏻
Just subscribed!
Awesome. Thank you. Hope you enjoy the channel.
@@VoeltnerWoodworking absolutely!!! I'm recently looking to get into laser engraving. Can you get into the software that your machine uses??? Can you incorporate AI?
I use a couple of different programs depending on the laser I’m using. Lightburn is an industry standard but doesn’t currently offer AI, but many of the other brands have their own proprietary software which do. I recommend xTool if that’s something you’re interested in. I have a video coming out next week on the P2 which is a fantastic machine.
@@VoeltnerWoodworking Awesome!!! Tha k you and I'll keep a look out in that video!
I just published the video this morning.
This is the CO2 laser to beat! My xTool P2 laser review
th-cam.com/video/yR17uB5HiiM/w-d-xo.html
Will a 4gb laptop run light burn
What is the maximum wattage output of the Omtech to the material? I know certain manufacturers advertise higher wattage than can actually be used.
What kinds of speeds are you talking about when you say you can do in minutes use to take hours? Are you comparing the co2 to diodes or co2 to other co2?
The rated power is 130 watts and the peak is 160 watts for this tube. I haven't run this tube higher than 50% yet because I haven't needed to, but here are some general expected life spans running at higher wattage.
Low Power 10-40% = 11,000-12,000 Hours
Moderate Power 40-70% = 9,000-10,000 Hours
High Power 70-100% = 6,000-7,000 Hours
My 40watt Full Spectrum Muse CO2 laser took hours to engrave and cut an intricate design because it required multiple passes. Often when I would take 2 passes it still struggled with getting through the material, even with a new tube and proper beam alignment. The added time of multiple passes (and sometimes having to redo the cut), compared to the one pass on a higher wattage machine really is unreal. Even a 60 watt would have been a game changer for me. Thanks for watching. I hope this helps.
Great one
Thank you.
The discount code doesnt Work 😢
It worked yesterday for someone. Send me an email to matt@voeltnerwoodworking.com
I definitely want a laser. But I have a lot of learning to do…..
Happy to help you out Buzz! Thanks for watching.
Brah, dont forget everyone else that owns lasers, you gotta compete with them.
Definitely. In my area I have good relationships with realtors, interior designers, and a loyal following for personalized goods. If you can establish credibility with those people and be their "go-to" person for this type of thing, the laser will print money. However, you just have to out hustle the competition. Valid point.
And then after two different 100 w machines you realize you can make same or more money and less labor with a galvo laser
What do you mean two 100w lasers? You went through 2? That’s crazy.
Blue Sky Painter
🧐
Congrats on the MASSIVE machine, dude! Hit me up and I'll tell you a story...
Sending you a message right now. 👊🏼
You said the price and I laughed because for me that was pretty low. I've been considering a laser to cut 304 stainless steel #8 finish so it needs to a bit beefy and be able to cut 4x8 sheets, hundreds of products a month. I have two manufacturers and the quality at times gets wonky and burred edges and burnt finish. Makes products look bad. I want to do in house and control quality.
Hahaha. Theres definitely bigger machines that will do exactly what you need. It’s nice to be able to control the quality yourself.
go Pro, much less maintenance, faster cuts and engraves.
Very excited to see those come to the market after this video was done. Those machines look fantastic.
Why do I need a new tool? It is a new tool.
🧐
Can I borrow the $50,000?
What’s the $50,000 for? How many lasers do you need? 😂