ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 เม.ย. 2020
- What is the bare minimum you need to get started with the K40 Laser and get it functional in your shop? I haven't upgraded very many things, but I'll show you what I did. My current setup works really well and can do most things I need it to do. With a few alterations, you can do a lot of really cool projects. Eventually, you may outgrow it. But for now, here's how to get started. :)
-== UPDATE ==-
Been getting a question a lot about how big the cutting area is after removing the bed. It's about 12"x8". Perhaps a tish less. I've never cut to max size.
I've also started another channel that is focused on the k40 Laser. If you liked this video, you'll like my other ones: / @laserpop
I had a few people ask about my settings, so here is a link to my OneNote notes: www.laser-pop.com/laser-setti...
-== What I Used ==- (amazon affiliate)
Lab Jack - amzn.to/34VMhkX
Double Stick Tape - amzn.to/2Kkwhj1
Laser Head - amzn.to/3brMEX1
USB Cable - amzn.to/2KtiS85
5 Gallon Bucket - Lowes or Home Depot
Distilled Water - Walgreens or CVS
Replacment Lens - amzn.to/2x1mfQO
Replacement Mirror - amzn.to/34UmQQB
Aquarium Pump - amzn.to/34Un3TT
Aquarium Hose - amzn.to/2KkwxhZ
Inline Blower - amzn.to/2yzKaac
-== 3d Printing Files ==-
Air Assist - www.thingiverse.com/thing:242...
Drag Chain - www.thingiverse.com/thing:127...
-== Software ==-
K40 Whisperer - www.scorchworks.com/K40whispe...
LightBurn (works, but need to upgrade stock k40 controller board to get all the cool features)- lightburnsoftware.com/
Inkscape - inkscape.org/
One Note - www.onenote.com/
///// CONNECT WITH ME \\\\\
Website: www.bytravis.com
Facebook: / thingsbytravis
Instagram: / bytravis
Pinterest: / bytravis - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
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Been getting a question a lot about how big the cutting area is after removing the bed. It's about 12"x8". Perhaps a tish less. I've never cut to max size.
Hi, It looks like your working area suit your needs, but just in case if somebody is interested, I completely removed the exhaust box, the working area is now 12 x 9 inches and it the smoke extraction works as well as before.
I use the system that came with the laser, as Whisperer was still in development at that time, and I didn't change out of laziness as I'm used to do it that way, and the explanation I read about Whisperer seemed, to me, like a different kind of complicated.
And to people that are new to laser engraving : Do not underestimate the distilled water, I used tap water with a t-spoon of bleach to avoid mold it worked for a while then the laser was starting to engrave then the power was dissipating quickly, I though my tube or power supply was shot and luckily it was only the water, it went back to normal (actually better) after correction (distilled water, no bleach). Thank you for the video, Travis.
Hai
Travis- would you be willing to print and sell me the drag chain and nozzle for the air hose? I just ordered this and it looks like they would be great additions!
@@Yves95128 thanks man
@@Yves95128 ءظ محمد ح
گ. د من كقدضء
After months and months of owning a K40, we finally set it up last night. This video has been IMMENSELY helpful. Now we gotta buy a 3D printer to make the drag chain lol
I like that lab jack. never knew they existed but now I can't live without them
Thank you for this excellent video, very informative without any clutter and straight to the point and no annoying music. Liked and Subscribed 🙂
Thanks for making it simple enough for some of us nervous folks. You explain in a way that isn’t overwhelming
Thanks for the tips, giving me a lot more confidence in making the decision to get one of these. I also like the simplicity of protecting the shop KB with the box it came in.
FINALLY!!! Someone who just flat out says yes, yes it will work right out of the box. No "I would really do this 1st" or "don't even start without spending $2000 more immediately."
I'll take my chances because I have stuff I want made NOW! Thank you again good sir!!
has the machine served you well?
@@michaelrael3278 I ended up not getting one. Multiple factors drove that decision, safe working space being the biggest.
I understand this is 2 years ago so much may have changed but giving a brief breakdown of the cost of each thing visually would greatly help the video at the end.
Man I just wanna let you know how helpful this video is. Has every piece of information you could ever require. Other TH-camrs should look to this when making a video on a product. Appreciate you man.
Thanks! I’m glad you found it useful.
I'm so into seeing these videos. I'm an industrial laser service technician that specializes in Mitsubishi lasers and its so fun to see these little miniature units using the same basic process that we use to cut steel for the manufacturing sector. fun thing that would improve your cut quality is to change the air assist "which we refer to as assist gas" would be to use nitrogen for your engraving processes instead of the atmosphere.
Thank you. I unboxed it yesterday. I plan to set it up today.
Thanks for such an imformative video. It answered a lot of my questions.
I loved this, incredibly helpful and friendly perspective!
Glad it was helpful!
This was a great video. I have had my K40 for about two years and only tried to use it a couple of times. The other day I said it was time for me to get this thing working. I hope you do more on this.
Glad it was helpful! I started another channel about the K40 laser that you might find interesting: th-cam.com/channels/t-bWfn-g1ELeE-7aJcsDFA.html
Great video, lots of details and links to find the stuff- very handy. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Very informative! Easy to follow.
Thanks you have me the most information to date on laser engravers.
I'm glad it helped!
Thank you, to the point. As we say in Scotland "Ronseal, does what it says on the tin".
I'm about to buy one of these. This video was very helpful.
Thank you, Travis, for all of your useful information!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the informative video, you told me everything I needed to know 👍🏻
Great video. The adjustments are beyond me.
Cheap lasers like this require a lot of tinkering to get it to work nicely. I try to minimize the tinkering so I can just use it as I want it. But there will be some work involved for sure.
Great video! You can supercharge that pump by getting rid of the manifold and use the larger hose all the way to the tip. I did a video on my channel about this very thing and was amazed at how well this works. Good luck and thanks again for the great video
Thank you so much Travis. God bless you!
Thank you so much sir. I have a small leather business and i do have a laser but it's not a co2 laser and i want an upgrade so I'm definitely getting this one as soon as possible.
Thanks for the advice.
Thanks for the tips been wanting to get a laser but not sure what type
k40 whisperer was a game changer for the k40...i now have built my own 600x400 co2 laser using the k40 control board, 45w spt laser.....have had for 3+ years.....spt makes great tubes.....they are actually tested with info like peak power......made motorized bed out of 1x1 steel tube and 3d printed parts....total cost was $900....well worth it as its paid for itself many times over
Great video, easy going sensible style and practical solutions.
Thank you!
Got me a blue one for $275 today in a storage unit clean out. Great vid! Thanks!
That is awesome!
I just grabbed one of these, thanks for the info, excited to get cutting!
Hope you enjoy it!
From where I can buy it in india
Right on man I really enjoyed your video and I thank you for the info. I’m thinking pretty hard about getting one. Again thank you
Glad I could help
Thank you so much from Turkey, You are so nice.
My pleasure!
Awesome video, The lab jack is the greatest!
Yup....super handy and such an easy solution.
Well presented and informative. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you so much for this. You're awesome Travis!
My pleasure!
VERY USEFUL VIDEO! Thank you so much. I'm in the market for a small laser cutter and this is one of the better videos with real world experiences I've watched so far. I have a TH-cam channel myself, I also wanted to complement you on how you carry yourself and present information. You do a good job with that and that is tougher than most people realize. I subscribed and turned on notifications, thanks again!
Awesome, thank you!
@@byTravis I wanted to ask you a question. Have you used your machine to do any cutting? I'd like to be able to cut thin plywood. 1/8" - 1/4" thickness would be the maximum I'd need to cut. I've seen others do that, just wondering if you had any personal experience cutting wood/wood products with it.
Gracias
I upgraded my lens housing to handle the bigger lenses to, and I added the drag chain. I feel like the most important upgrade for me was adding the LED lights inside. My old eyeballs just don't work well, so the lights helped me to see when to stop and start over.
Some good info here. Thank you
Some great ideas...thanks!
Glad you like them!
Thanks so much for the info and upgrades. Just didn't say which size of acrylic should we start with? So guess I will wing it! TIA
Super informative thank you for this video.
Glad it was helpful!
Great video man! #teamK40! :D
Great video man. Thanks for the info
Travis, thanks for the video. I skipped this level and picked up the 5030 50 watt Chinese model.
Lightburn is more than a great product, however I don't think it supports the controller on the K40 types 'out of the box'. The K40 controller is a different animal than most controllers. If you wish to run Lightburn I believe you will need to upgrade the controller one that is supported by Lightburn. Grbl or DSP are both functional and available for the K40. Once you use Lightburn, you will never go elsewhere. There is a 30 day free trial...
Go to the site and you can read how others upgraded their K40s.
The other point is that of the alignment, it would be nice to advise your followers how you fixed the 'hitting the nozzle' issue. I have completely replaced the whole head assembly and removed the drag chain along with a few other items. With that machine it's difficult to check exactly what happens once the beam goes into the head. Mine is open, so that can be checked.
If you beam does not hit the center of the lens, it will come out at an angle. This can be seen when the cut it not 90 degrees from the surface.
Lastly, I run air assist. The basic reason is to keep 'junk' off the lens. That is a drawback with your design. I always run a few pounds pressure to ensure my lens is clean. I vary the pressure depending on what I'm doing. Generally high pressure for cutting and low for engraving. Hi/lo pressure is selected via the layers software.
Thank you for taking the time...like the X-carve... Take care
love the info. subscribed
Awesome, thank you!
Just to let you know I clicked specifically because of your thumb nail. It reminded me of Dr evil. The plus is that I learned alot
Yes I too believe everyone deserves a warm meal.
Thank You
Great informative Video, Just got one of these and was wondering if you have upgraded anything else since this video?
Thanks Travis for your video. Very easy to follow and very informative. Any chance you can 3D print some more air Assist’s and sell them over eBay etc.? Cheers Helen from Australia
Thanks
if you laser hits the rim, you really must adjust the mirrors
I had a similar issue after moving the laser , the air assist is something I never want to miss.
Thank you for your helpfull videos - is this machine can cut acrylic ?? White , black & mirror one ???
Thanks great video
Glad you enjoyed it
The reason your laser is hitting the rim of your air assist is because the laser is not aligned properly, it could be the laser head is slightly twisted, or it could be some other issue.
To find out for sure, Cover the hole in the blue laser head with a piece of masking tape (two pieces thick this is usually good), turn the power down to just a couple mA, move the laser head assembly to the top left and test fire the laser, then move the head the bottom right and press the test fire again.
If the beam remains in the same spot on the tape, then your mirrors are aligned, but your blue laser head is rotated, if there are two separate burn spots on the tape, then the mirrors are out of alignment.
What I can promise you is that Its not the fault of the air assist head. Cheers and good luck!
I agree...I'm a little better at focusing my laser nowadays. However, I still prefer my 3d printed air assist. It focuses the air on the cut, which I really like.
@@byTravis Good to hear! I had a noticeable improvement in cutting power and accuracy after I got the alignment dialed in. I hope you saw the same improvement.
I found the problem I had with the 3D printed air assist was that since the air came in at an angle, for really light materials like paper it would either blow the paper itself out of position, causing irregularities in the cut, or it would cause small paper appendages to occasionally get blown into the path of the laser which were then cut off by the laser when making a secondary cut nearby.
Using the one that directed the air straight down reduced the problem for me, but if you don't do much delicate work on light materials, its probably not that important.
Cheers!
I have a boss 1630 and i was able to pump O2 through the air assist and cut a hole in the bottom metal plate of a car amp for a fan. the 1630 does have a 100w tube but O2 might expand the usability of a 40w as well.
Interesting idea. O2 would certainly make it burn hotter for sure. I'd have safety concerns, though. Fire and 02 can be a dangerous combo if not done right.
Nice workplace
Thanks
I’ve been using my k40 for about 18 months, off and in. I’ve used Corel to make all my DXFs, then bounce into k40 whisperer.
One thing I haven’t been able to figure out yet-is there a way to make it ‘solid fill’? Like in your Bigfoot example, what if you wanted all of the black lasered onto the surface, not just the outlines?
The work around I’ve figured is hatching patterns, but Corel’s auto hatch isn’t recognized in k40. I’ve had mild success with manually drawing in the hatching, but that’s kind of time consuming and a pain in the ass.
Great idea with the notes!
Good evening,do you know one could find parts for these Chinese co2 laser engraving machines? I am looking for a water flow sensor for my 60 k machine.
Excelente video. Thanks a lot.
Could you share the notes files whit the information that collected from "trial and error" times pls ? Would be very useful for us. Thanks
I loved the video thank you.
I finally got mine working after two days of stress 😂 it engraved beautifully but my gauge doesn’t move from zero and if I try to Cut with it the laser just moves to the other end and try’s to keep going. Have no idea why???
It sounds like the limiter switches is bad. There's a tiny toggle button type switch at the end of each of the axis. When the gantry bumps into that, that's when the computer knows when it reaches the end. That would be my guess, anyway.
I used toworkforce theKirk Stieff silver company. The computer engraving dept. got one of these lazer engraving machines. With in 2 weeks every thing in the computer engraving dept. had a film of static charged metal dust. It got so bad that it shorted out the computer. You should probably get a de-ionizing system and a heavy ventilation system. We only used pewter and silver, mostly pewter . Good luck, safe work.
You are breathing that?
thanks for this. Bit concerned that I'm about to get my first one and don't know if I actually need the mods, particularly removing the bed to get the full 8"x12". My research continues...
The mods I mentioned in the video are what I'd suggest. Specifically the bed, and the air assist. The bed, you'll figure out you'll want to remove right away. It's easy. Nothing to it other than unscrewing a few bolts. Air assist is will help with flareups as well as clean engraving/cutting. Good luck!
Mate this is just great, I 3D print but im getting this machine from a friend to play with (coughs *keep until he builds a new house). The info for some one as like me is appreciated.
Thanks! I’m glad you found it helpful.
hi sir in my lazer k 40 the temperature +29 plus it is a problem to cut a piece of wood ?
Thank you for sharing your information. It seems the K40 lasers with the analog panel is 2 to 3 time the LCD model currently....
Huh. I haven't been paying attention to prices, but that seems very strange. You can always add a analog meter, to it too. They're pretty cheap. I haven't installed one, but I'd imagine they'd be easy. Lots of TH-cam videos on the process.
@@byTravis yup that's the plan for now
Nice job 👍 Now I’m going to be in trouble with the wife again 😆😂🤣😆
😁
I have a digital reading type, and it's pretty accurate, the utility for the amp.meter, to my point of view, is to diagnose problems.
Thanks. Some folks really like it. I personally don't really like measuring percentage. I'd rather know the actual output in mA. I think there are some readouts that will do that. I would like something like that.
Helo! Great video! I was in doubt about the ice in the water bucket, couldn't this cause a thermal shock to the laser tube and make it crack?
You should be circulating the water before the tube gets hot. Otherwise you’ll have problems. If you start with cold water, the tube will be cool when you start lasering.
How many sizes of cuttings the smallest machine we could start as we are small company.
Hi Travis,
Would you be willing to share your one note - notes with cutting data?
Thanks for your video, i have one question, what distance ist the correct from the Laser to the surface of the object you want to grave?
And when you put out the original bed, what ist the size of the workspace and how high could a object be whit your adjustable bed?
I split my laser stuff off to a new channel. Here's a video that should help with setting focal length. th-cam.com/video/u4YHbDBBofg/w-d-xo.html
With the original bed removed, it's about 12"x8" and a little less than 4" deep. You could cut out the bottom of the laser to get more depth if you need it. There isn't anything vital on the bottom, just sheet metal that could be cut with snips or a grinder. Hope this helps!
I just purchased a use k40+ compatible with lightburn when I try to make cuts it burns a straight line to the next cut laser stays on the whole time how do I fix that
Thanks for all your videos
Please am new i bought the 40w co2 laser the update one my question is can i set the power and speed on 40w whisperer software instead of those buttons on the panel because i don't understand those buttons
Not without upgrading the controller. You can use MeerK40t, which does something similar. It doesn't really control the power per se, but it does pulse the laser to mimic a change in power.
I am looking for a laser engraver to do cylinders only, simple wording, no graphics, is something like the k40 overkill for my needs and if so what would you recommend, also I am a complete moron when it comes to tech, basically I'm old! How difficult is the software learning curve. Thanks
Hey, I was trying to align the laser but when I tried to do it the laser tube doesn’t shoot the laser. What should I do?
can k40 laser cut through thin 1/8in glass?
I got one , put the key card in my computer does nothing but blink never downloads the machine into my computer , not sure why . Any help would be appreciated.
Hey there !
I am having issues with the key "USB" , every time I plug it into my pc it states USB malfunctioned, therefore I haven't been able to use it. I have been looking around for information but honestly I can't find a resolution to this issue.
The USB is marked it says lihuiyu studio labs - 2019.08.15 .If you are familiar with this issue what would you recommend me to do?.
nice videos I have the exact same laser engraver but the brand is preenex.
I'll appreciate it if your can help me out with this one !,
Thank you!.
Travis, thank you video, i have a question. will the K40 etch natural stone?
It won't etch per se where it would it would be engraved deep enough to have texture. What it will do is discolor the surface. It will depend on the the stone, too. You can check out my video on etching slate tile on my other channel: th-cam.com/video/u6sWDCqp-5U/w-d-xo.html
Hi Travis liked the vid 👍 is it possible to engrave pictures on marble with the k40? Or what power laser would be needed? Thanks.
I guess it depends on the size of the marble and how detailed you'd want. The curved surface might pose a challenge. I have engraved on glass, which seems to work OK. The trick is to make a gray graphic instead of a black and white graphic. The pulsing/dithering created by the gray seems to work better on the glass.
@@byTravis Thanks for the info, but what about flat marble, can it do pictures on marble or granite? Do you think it might be able to do stuff like this? www.ebay.co.uk/itm/133043856455?_trkparms=aid%3D777008%26algo%3DPERSONAL.TOPIC%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D232216%26meid%3D70df2e840d1044e4a2d7d4992433d50b%26pid%3D101286%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26mehot%3Dpp%26itm%3D133043856455%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2380057%26algv%3DWatchlistVariantWithMLR&_trksid=p2380057.c101286.m47999&_trkparms=pageci%3A3c016d3d-ab28-11eb-812f-22fd91241e30%7Cparentrq%3A2c64fa8b1790a77dcceff997fffac30d%7Ciid%3A1
Will you be able install a rotary tool with this? Just found your videos great content
Yah. I have one that I built one using Geeksmithing's plans. When you connect it, you basically unplug the Y axis from the control board and plug in the rotary. You can see his video here: th-cam.com/video/GOF0u9qsFOI/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=Geeksmithing
Hi there found this very useful I'm just wondering if it would cut 3mm Acrylic ? Thank you !
Yes it will. I've cut up to 1/4"
Thanks you are amazing ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️you are the best ever
You're welcome 😊
Hey, could you please make a video on how to setup the machine right from box? And how long would you think it take to engrave a photo on 150mm*200mm acrylic? Just an estimate. Thank you
It would depend on the picture, material, settings, and software. But on my K40, I'm guessing it would take about an hour using K40 Whisperer. That should give you a rough idea.
Can this cut 5mm thick acrylic?
03:30 this is verry verry true. unless you live in a place where they have the cleanest tap water in the world.
where you can't even measure any conductivity in the tap water what so ever. (and even then. use distilled water)
I have this engraver , does somebody has the software and drivers or know how to get them
hi Travis, before i had to reinstall everything on my laptop i had a copy of your one note settings somehow. do you have a link to reinstall it please? its really helpful.
Sure: www.laser-pop.com/laser-settings/
Sure wish you would sell your air assist and drag chain 3D's...not the file...but the actual pieces. Let us know if you start doing that.
Sir where I can get it in india
Hi, wpuld the K40 whisperer program work with one of those larger china lasers? I think it's a 40W.
I would think maybe it would. All i think K40 Whisperer is is a gcode sender (with a nice interface). If not, I know folks use LightBurn. It costs money, but in the grand scheme of things, spending $40-80 for software isn't much of an investment. Plus, LightBurn is supposed to be pretty amazing. They have a free trial too, to make sure it works the way you want it. Good luck!
Do you by any chance sell the 3d air assist?
do you cut any acrylic?
Thanks for the info, very helpful!! Can this machine engrave thin metal tags?
I haven't tried it. But you should be able to do anodized tags, bottles, and stuff. It won't etch into the metal, but it will burn through the anodized "paint" creating the effect you're probably looking for.
There's quite a lot of good info at these metal engraving groups:
facebook.com/groups/4105345129538639/
facebook.com/groups/440091022989424/
Im interested in engraving on a bullet shell/casing. Would this be a good engraver for that application? Or any ideas for me to look at?
You can mark it if you use a marking agent like cermark. It won’t dig into the metal, though. You’ll probably need a rotary attachment too.
So what can you engrave with this besides wood?
Pretty much anything you can burn. Wood, acrylic, paper, cardboard, foam. Some harder surfaces you can engrave such as tile, glass, metal if it's treated. Tons of stuff.
You and I got one from the same company, cool! Mine was good to go right out of the box, how was yours?
Mine worked right out of the box too. Not much fiddling. Plug in and start going to town.
What company did you get it from?
How important is the analog meter I noticed that the latest eBay and Amazon blue k40's are wow digital meter???
A lot of those meters measure percentage instead of milliamps. As long as the digital meter measures your milliamps, I think that is the one you're looking for. You can also add a analog meter, too. They're pretty cheap. I haven't installed one, but I'd imagine they'd be easy. Lots of TH-cam videos on the process.
Once you remove the bed, what is the maximum size of the workpiece you can put in the K40?
Maybe 12"x8". Perhaps a tish less. I've never cut to max size.