ive never seen your page or do woodworking, but i do have a laser. trying to align the beam myself for the first time, the manufactures instructions are written in riddles, this saved my life so well articulated and simple to understand. THANK YOU!
John, thanks for the video, there is nothing more comprehensive yet easy to understand out there compared to what you have provided. I know you did this in 2019...can't wait to view your other content. Dr. P
thanks for your videos! I noticed that when I repeatedly cut the same design, the cut tends to gradually move a few millimeters down the Y axis and therefore the cut does not always reposition itself in the same point. What could be the problem? Thank you for your answer!
I am nearing the end of building a 1200x900mm - 100w co2 laser. I've aligned all the mirrors except the last one. Thanks for your video. I didn't know the scotch tape trick. I'm heading to the shop to finish up and make my first cuts this evening.
Nice using the acrylic. Seemed to be a one turn wonder with the correction. Takes me a lot more goes to correct. Plus what do you do if your dots dont quite align? Keep adjusting.?
My new laser is cutting double lines or more specifically cutting a line and “etching” a line parallel to the cut. I think the laser beam may be hitting inside the nozzle. Any thoughts or suggestions would be much appreciated.
Man I’ve only just got around to getting myself a nice set of Japanese dovetail saws and now you’re telling me I need lasers!?! This woodworking hobby is gonna get expensive!
Marc and I were talking about how freaking cool it was that we were using freaking lasers to cut stuff. 10 years ago this machine would've been 1/2 a million dollars.
Great video! What if your laser isn't cutting square on the z-axis? When I am cutting 1/2" acrylic looking at my cuts from the side view I have noticed that my beam is not cutting through 90 degrees perpendicular to the material surface. for half inch material the beam is tilted about 1/64" from top to bottom. cuts along the y-axis are square but cuts along the x axis have a noticeable bevel. How can I go about fixing this? Thanks.
Need to adjust your z focus. Lasers do not cut square period because of focal refraction but you can minimize by adjusting the height of you focal point. Think of a camera lens or burning something with a 🔎glass. It is only in focus at a a very specific point. The further you get away from that point the wider the focus gets.
@@katzmosestools Thanks for the response, I resolved the issue. It turns out that the beam was no longer entering the focal lens at the center but rather towards the peripheral edge closest to the gantry so it was skewing the beam at an angle and putting an unacceptable bevel along x-axis cuts.
Thanks a lot. Can you please give us some tips on how to Square Up the material, in other words, to have the laser cut in the centre of the material. thanks
Sorry to be a butt but, your jig isn't flat. 2:39 you push down on the jig and it moved down about the amount you adjusted your laser head. Great video and Yes, I did use this video to align my laser. Best video I've seen yet on this subject.
Why is no one mentioning x y software calibration? An incredibly important step if you are doing large prints/cuts. If software isn't calibrated right, your work slowly goes more and more off center. The Louisiana Hobby Guy has the only video I know of on this topic.
They're cheaper than you think and honestly they lay for themselves if you're running a business with them. You can even just rent time on them for $4 a minute of run time.
And actually, what started me watching your vid, is an odd issue. At home pos my 1st, 2nd, and head mirrors all hit dead center. After going through the lens, with the nozzle removed, it appears to be dead center. But when I put on the nozzle, nothing gets through. The nozzle isn't blocked. It's just not aligned, but I can't find the issue.
I just built a CO2 laser from scratch using 2020 extrusions. Mine is dead center at home pos, but when I move the x axis to the far end it's off. If I align there, them home is off. How do I fix that? I'm running dual track everywheres so it's not shifting. But it maybe slightly out of square, however with such long pieces it's virtually impossible to get them at all perfect 90s to each other. Btw, mine is built large enough to cut a 4x5ft sheet of plywood.
@@katzmosestools it could be, but at this point I can't find any point that is. I've measured with regular tape measures, tried marking a stick then moving it to the other side and checking the mark was still the same, used a large alum right angle from lowes, made sure all my tie and cross members were exactly the same length, and triple checked that none of my extrusions are bent or warped. I even doubled up on the x axis just to be sure the weight of the carriage doesn't flex it at all. I've seen other videos where people have a similar problem, And their solution was to basically center the laser at an average point between the two max points if that makes sense. And I tried that and it does hit all three bounce mirrors and make it down the nozzle (partially). Where I run into a problem at the very end is getting it to come out the dead center of the nozzle from the lens. With the nozzle unscrewed I take black marker and mark the outer casing where the lens sits. Then hold cardboard up against it to gain the mark and test fire the laser. The laser hits dead center of My black ring. However when I screw the nozzle tip back on, The laser never makes it out of the hole. This is really the only thing holding me up at this point from being able to use this machine. I'm at the point where I'm thinking about running it without the tip on. So I guess two questions now.. Hey would it be safe to run it without that tip, And be any other ideas what I can do to check to make sure my laser frame is square?
Today I was stress-free and rewatched this video. Man I followed all your steps and was able to cut like butter. Thanks for putting out this helpful content. Blessings!
Hello young man. It is a coincidence you have given us an insight into setting up a laser. My friend just got one and after a few beers we decided on trying a tattoo, (the kind of thing we do over here). When I woke up in accident and emergency I had a tattoo of a teddy bear right through to the bone in the middle of my forehead. Take care BIG GUY.
Great Video! On your Jig alignment when you went to the vertical line to check that (about 11:02) you said something about turning down the speed to get the laser right on the line. What did you do to turn down the speed?
You can change the travel speed/distance per click in the controller and in lightburn so you have more control over how far the laser head moves each click.
I thought us being jealous of your surgeon-level-stable hand skills was enough for you... But oh no! No we have to be jealous of your laser too. I'm going to cry in the corner now. Excuse me.
Out of 87k subs, how many do you think are willing to drop $20 K on a fickin laser?? Half of the woodworking videos I watch now are look at my new expensive piece of equipment. 😐
One, it wasn't anywhere near 20k. Two, I teach people things and I love my job. If I get the chance to educate just a few people on a subject then I'm going to enjoy doing it. This video applies to lasers from $1500-$250,000 so it helps everyone in this genre. I operate this channel at a loss and I'm going to put out the content I love and enjoy without exception. Don't watch it if you don't enjoy it. Three, I run a business that produces products. I've been renting time on a laser for 2 years and buying one greatly improved our work flow, profits and my quality of life. Four, your comment reminds me of a quote I heard once, "You shouldn't look into your neighbors bowl unless it's to make sure they have enough food." You just sound like you're jealous and whining. Don't worry about what others have and certainly don't waste your time watching videos that don't give you pleasure. Life is short and we're all just trying to live our best life. You worry about yours and let other people do theirs.
@@katzmosestools Thank you for not apologizing to the world for being fortunate enough to afford quality tools. I guess some folks just don't realize that you (as Donna Summer would put it) work hard for the money, and are entitled to spend said money on tools to make your life a little easier. And for the record, I am one of those 87K subs who would ABSOLUTELY drop $20K on a laser (well, a fiber laser, anyway), if I had it. I have a $400 40 watt CO2 laser, and the same principles you outlined in this video apply to my setup, and I appreciate it. I've had mine about six months now and it's already making me money in my spare time. Thanks again for taking time out of your busy day to make quality FREE content that helps the rest of us make our lives easier. And please continue "showing off" your new, expensive equipment. Not all of us are haters.
@@matchstickdesignco my sentiment exactly and it means so much to me to hear you enjoy the content. Cheers my friend! I can't wait to see what you create! I wish I could double heart this one.
Bescutter Laser’s Website: bit.ly/bescutter
ive never seen your page or do woodworking, but i do have a laser. trying to align the beam myself for the first time, the manufactures instructions are written in riddles, this saved my life so well articulated and simple to understand. THANK YOU!
Wow Thanks this s the best alignment video I have found so far.
The BEST laser alignment video I’ve ever watched. Thank you!!!
Great! Very clear and exceptionally useful. Far, far better than the translated manual...
Great video I’ll give these a go!
Must watch! This is literally a game changer!!! I have been looking for best ways to align, this is perfect!!!
John, thanks for the video, there is nothing more comprehensive yet easy to understand out there compared to what you have provided. I know you did this in 2019...can't wait to view your other content. Dr. P
Brother, can you do a video on how to zero your head for perfect placement on your material each time
thanks for your videos! I noticed that when I repeatedly cut the same design, the cut tends to gradually move a few millimeters down the Y axis and therefore the cut does not always reposition itself in the same point. What could be the problem? Thank you for your answer!
I am nearing the end of building a 1200x900mm - 100w co2 laser.
I've aligned all the mirrors except the last one. Thanks for your video. I didn't know the scotch tape trick. I'm heading to the shop to finish up and make my first cuts this evening.
Nice using the acrylic. Seemed to be a one turn wonder with the correction. Takes me a lot more goes to correct.
Plus what do you do if your dots dont quite align? Keep adjusting.?
My new laser is cutting double lines or more specifically cutting a line and “etching” a line parallel to the cut. I think the laser beam may be hitting inside the nozzle. Any thoughts or suggestions would be much appreciated.
I didn’t want it to end. I purchased a small, 55w co2 laser and can’t find anything remotely as informative as this. Please make more. 😎
Man I’ve only just got around to getting myself a nice set of Japanese dovetail saws and now you’re telling me I need lasers!?! This woodworking hobby is gonna get expensive!
Bahahahaha
Jonathan Katz-Moses btw...I am definitely not jealous. Not at all. Nothing. Nope, not jealous of your lightsaber machine at all...
Marc and I were talking about how freaking cool it was that we were using freaking lasers to cut stuff. 10 years ago this machine would've been 1/2 a million dollars.
I’m dying 😂
I don’t have a laser cutter, but really enjoyed a look at a machine like this. Very practical tips that made sense once you showed them. Thanks!
Thanks bud. Very very soon they'll be in everyone's shops like cnc. The quality is really improving in the DIY market
Great video! What if your laser isn't cutting square on the z-axis? When I am cutting 1/2" acrylic looking at my cuts from the side view I have noticed that my beam is not cutting through 90 degrees perpendicular to the material surface. for half inch material the beam is tilted about 1/64" from top to bottom. cuts along the y-axis are square but cuts along the x axis have a noticeable bevel. How can I go about fixing this? Thanks.
Need to adjust your z focus. Lasers do not cut square period because of focal refraction but you can minimize by adjusting the height of you focal point. Think of a camera lens or burning something with a 🔎glass. It is only in focus at a a very specific point. The further you get away from that point the wider the focus gets.
@@katzmosestools Thanks for the response, I resolved the issue. It turns out that the beam was no longer entering the focal lens at the center but rather towards the peripheral edge closest to the gantry so it was skewing the beam at an angle and putting an unacceptable bevel along x-axis cuts.
Great video, only took 12 other ones to find the right one. Thanks 😊
Thank you for this info, my 100w laser is cutting so much better now !!
Couldn't thank you enough !!!
Nice boss👍👍👍
Thanks a lot. Can you please give us some tips on how to Square Up the material, in other words, to have the laser cut in the centre of the material. thanks
Use the red dot to trace a known straight/right angle to your work, line.
Sorry to be a butt but, your jig isn't flat.
2:39 you push down on the jig and it moved down about the amount you adjusted your laser head.
Great video and Yes, I did use this video to align my laser. Best video I've seen yet on this subject.
Why is no one mentioning x y software calibration? An incredibly important step if you are doing large prints/cuts. If software isn't calibrated right, your work slowly goes more and more off center. The Louisiana Hobby Guy has the only video I know of on this topic.
Great job explaining this. Definitely a task I never looked forward to.
That machine is awsome man. I will have to wait a few years and save some money to get one of these LOL
They're cheaper than you think and honestly they lay for themselves if you're running a business with them. You can even just rent time on them for $4 a minute of run time.
And actually, what started me watching your vid, is an odd issue. At home pos my 1st, 2nd, and head mirrors all hit dead center. After going through the lens, with the nozzle removed, it appears to be dead center. But when I put on the nozzle, nothing gets through. The nozzle isn't blocked. It's just not aligned, but I can't find the issue.
I just built a CO2 laser from scratch using 2020 extrusions. Mine is dead center at home pos, but when I move the x axis to the far end it's off. If I align there, them home is off. How do I fix that? I'm running dual track everywheres so it's not shifting. But it maybe slightly out of square, however with such long pieces it's virtually impossible to get them at all perfect 90s to each other. Btw, mine is built large enough to cut a 4x5ft sheet of plywood.
Sounds like your machine is out of square
@@katzmosestools it could be, but at this point I can't find any point that is. I've measured with regular tape measures, tried marking a stick then moving it to the other side and checking the mark was still the same, used a large alum right angle from lowes, made sure all my tie and cross members were exactly the same length, and triple checked that none of my extrusions are bent or warped. I even doubled up on the x axis just to be sure the weight of the carriage doesn't flex it at all. I've seen other videos where people have a similar problem, And their solution was to basically center the laser at an average point between the two max points if that makes sense. And I tried that and it does hit all three bounce mirrors and make it down the nozzle (partially). Where I run into a problem at the very end is getting it to come out the dead center of the nozzle from the lens. With the nozzle unscrewed I take black marker and mark the outer casing where the lens sits. Then hold cardboard up against it to gain the mark and test fire the laser. The laser hits dead center of My black ring. However when I screw the nozzle tip back on, The laser never makes it out of the hole. This is really the only thing holding me up at this point from being able to use this machine. I'm at the point where I'm thinking about running it without the tip on. So I guess two questions now..
Hey would it be safe to run it without that tip, And be any other ideas what I can do to check to make sure my laser frame is square?
Hello. Do you still have this machine? I purchased used two weeks ago and haven’t been able to cut anything
I have 3 of them now. Write their customer service. They’re great
Will call tomorrow. I followed this video instructions but I will run all your tests again tomorrow before I call. Thanks for the response
Today I was stress-free and rewatched this video. Man I followed all your steps and was able to cut like butter. Thanks for putting out this helpful content. Blessings!
How do you replace the lens?
Hello young man. It is a coincidence you have given us an insight into setting up a laser. My friend just got one and after a few beers we decided on trying a tattoo, (the kind of thing we do over here). When I woke up in accident and emergency I had a tattoo of a teddy bear right through to the bone in the middle of my forehead. Take care BIG GUY.
Just for the record. It was an interesting video Mr Moses although I will probably never have one like that.
Great Video! On your Jig alignment when you went to the vertical line to check that (about 11:02) you said something about turning down the speed to get the laser right on the line.
What did you do to turn down the speed?
You can change the travel speed/distance per click in the controller and in lightburn so you have more control over how far the laser head moves each click.
This s clutch!
Why did I just watch that? Don’t think that tool will fit in my small Workshop.
My laser machine 1 problm.. My laser machine lens burn .. How ?
And alignment so hot my laser machine
Versa 100 right?
Hahah yep
bed leveling was wrong, the belt moves 2 points, you showed it setting one side corner
I thought us being jealous of your surgeon-level-stable hand skills was enough for you...
But oh no! No we have to be jealous of your laser too.
I'm going to cry in the corner now. Excuse me.
After owning one for awhile now. You make it seem wayyyy harder than it actually is lol! But good video
I bought a china laser. Amazing customer service. Just don't be a typical hillbilly and work with them
"You know, I have one simple request. And that is to have sharks with frickin' laser beams attached to their heads!
Bahahahaha deal
😃👍🏻👊🏻
Out of 87k subs, how many do you think are willing to drop $20 K on a fickin laser?? Half of the woodworking videos I watch now are look at my new expensive piece of equipment. 😐
One, it wasn't anywhere near 20k. Two, I teach people things and I love my job. If I get the chance to educate just a few people on a subject then I'm going to enjoy doing it. This video applies to lasers from $1500-$250,000 so it helps everyone in this genre. I operate this channel at a loss and I'm going to put out the content I love and enjoy without exception. Don't watch it if you don't enjoy it. Three, I run a business that produces products. I've been renting time on a laser for 2 years and buying one greatly improved our work flow, profits and my quality of life. Four, your comment reminds me of a quote I heard once, "You shouldn't look into your neighbors bowl unless it's to make sure they have enough food." You just sound like you're jealous and whining. Don't worry about what others have and certainly don't waste your time watching videos that don't give you pleasure. Life is short and we're all just trying to live our best life. You worry about yours and let other people do theirs.
@@katzmosestools Thank you for not apologizing to the world for being fortunate enough to afford quality tools. I guess some folks just don't realize that you (as Donna Summer would put it) work hard for the money, and are entitled to spend said money on tools to make your life a little easier. And for the record, I am one of those 87K subs who would ABSOLUTELY drop $20K on a laser (well, a fiber laser, anyway), if I had it. I have a $400 40 watt CO2 laser, and the same principles you outlined in this video apply to my setup, and I appreciate it. I've had mine about six months now and it's already making me money in my spare time.
Thanks again for taking time out of your busy day to make quality FREE content that helps the rest of us make our lives easier. And please continue "showing off" your new, expensive equipment. Not all of us are haters.
@@matchstickdesignco my sentiment exactly and it means so much to me to hear you enjoy the content. Cheers my friend! I can't wait to see what you create! I wish I could double heart this one.