The Best Source for Laser Material? MakerStock Test: Baltic Birch Plywood

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  • Опубліковано 26 сер 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 91

  • @QuiltersHandyman
    @QuiltersHandyman 3 місяці тому +1

    I guess I am lucky....I have a hardwood lumber yard near by that sells 5' X 5' sheets of 1/8" baltic birch ply for $25 per sheet. They also have 1/4" sheets of BB ply for $35 per sheet plus tax of course. I haven't checked on 3/8" or 3/4" yet since I already had some of that. Keep up the good work young man....I certainly enjoy your channel.

  • @brandonturner7481
    @brandonturner7481 Рік тому +7

    Do a ramp test on your C02. The beam is similar to an hour glass, you have to find the sweet spot between the material and the focal point that is the thinnest. From there you will have better lines, etc.

  • @johnnymullins9237
    @johnnymullins9237 7 місяців тому

    I bought 5 sheets of 1/8" Baltic Birch, 18x24, and am VERY happy with it. Even with having to pay shipping, it was still MUCH MUCH cheaper that what I have been buying. Each piece was also exactly 18x24.
    I WILL be buying more BB from them. Thanks for the review.

  • @bearsstuff
    @bearsstuff Рік тому

    MakerStock says "right materials, right sizes, at the right time". Guess they need to get rid of that "right size" part. This was great. Appreciate the insight. I've been looking for a means to get bulk material cut more appropriately sized.

  • @norm5785
    @norm5785 Рік тому

    Thank you for sharing. Everyone stay warm, safe, happy and healthy. From Henrico County Virginia

  • @deannaoverstreet4146
    @deannaoverstreet4146 Рік тому

    Thank you Sam, I enjoy you and your family! Your numbers are climbing ! So happy for you!

  • @axelSixtySix
    @axelSixtySix Рік тому +1

    Hi Sam, I'm not sure diodes Can overtake CO2 because of the following reasons. First, your CO2 could carry a better lens and get very sharp cuts with minimum bien marks. When you can not get the best results with settings, it's an hardware issue. Second, CO2 lasers because they are full spectrum, allows a wider range of materials while diodes will definitely fail on some materials, whatever the power. Third, lifespan. Diodes are more fragile than CO2: some dust or fumes deposit can kill a diode module in no time while the CO2 properly water cooled is a workhorse. You're most likely to kill a mirror than to kill the tube itself. Last, diode lasers are built on the cheap with a light frame, cheap electronics and short lasting guides, while CO2 lasers require a cabinet, better PSU and controller, better guides and transmission, since middle rande lasers.
    May I suggest there's probably some improvements to install on your CO2, like a fumes collection on the nozzle and a better fan duct/much powerful fan for under bed fumes collection. Regards

  • @ronnie100393
    @ronnie100393 Рік тому +2

    Sam, I go to Home Depot an buy 1/8 & 1/4 ply wood, bring it home and cut to my needs.

    • @Samcraftcom
      @Samcraftcom  Рік тому +1

      That's not Baltic birch plywood though. There's a big difference between them. :)

    • @bobsyouruncle8052
      @bobsyouruncle8052 Рік тому +1

      lowes has a sheet of tropical hardwood 1/4 plywood for $30 after tax works perfect been using it for all my signs and wood crafts

  • @AlwaysCensored-xp1be
    @AlwaysCensored-xp1be Рік тому

    Nice to see someone providing stock for us begineers. They probably use a table saw to cut the 4x8 sheets down, so the saw kerf is lost. Now if diode lasers get big n good enough to cut 4x8 sheets then the kerf will be much smaller. Quality matters for model kits, diode for the win. Thanks for testing.

  • @juanperezvalladares
    @juanperezvalladares Рік тому +1

    Diode lasers may not be as fast as co2, but if you buy budget alternatives as the Sculpfun machines you can buy multiple machines for the price of a co2 laser

  • @blondefoxcreations
    @blondefoxcreations Рік тому +2

    I believe a non-desktop CO2 laser that has better/external air assist (Aeon/Thunder/Boss/Epilog/etc.), the cuts would be extremely crisp and clean with a very small kerf.

  • @georgewilmore7599
    @georgewilmore7599 Рік тому

    Awesome comparison. I’ll have to run some test on my xtool pro 10w after I order some Baltic Birch.

  • @scottmorris4914
    @scottmorris4914 11 місяців тому

    I just ordered a Algolaser Delta 22w laser. They claim it works like a 33watt based on the contentrated beam. So this should actually cut even cleaner than the xTool. At least I hope. Due out next month is their 40watt laser. Great video, thanks.

  • @GrandOldDwarf
    @GrandOldDwarf Рік тому

    Glad to see you're getting back into the CNC

    • @Samcraftcom
      @Samcraftcom  Рік тому +1

      I'm both excited and apprehensive. It's been so long since I've used it I feel like I'm starting all over again! LOL

    • @GrandOldDwarf
      @GrandOldDwarf Рік тому

      @@Samcraftcom test pieces, soft wood, slow speed and fresh bits. Then tweak the knobs from there.

  • @terryh5677
    @terryh5677 Рік тому

    Hi Sam! I really enjoy all your videos. Thanks for sharing all you share.

    • @Samcraftcom
      @Samcraftcom  Рік тому

      Thanks! I appreciate you letting me know, it's super encouraging and helps me to know I'm on the right track with what my viewers like to see. :)

  • @AlwaysCensored-xp1be
    @AlwaysCensored-xp1be Рік тому

    James on Wood by Wright just did vid on organic curves on saw handles. I thought perfect for CNC router especially when he said plywood would be the best wood for strongest handles. Two layers of 3/4" ply? Grab some clay, squeeze it, 3D scan it, CNC it, perfect fit. Hmm target pistols?

  • @angelacross2216
    @angelacross2216 Рік тому

    I’ve no idea what you’re talking about but I don’t mind love watching your videography.

  • @mikepetitt9624
    @mikepetitt9624 Рік тому

    Thanks Sam these are always so helpful! I’m really looking forward to the Shapoko video. I have been using mine a lot to make my product line but really need to spend more time learning to make more use of the machine.

    • @Samcraftcom
      @Samcraftcom  Рік тому

      I'm not overly excited about the first CNC project / video again... I'm going to be SUPER RUSTY! Not quite sure what to make..

  • @mtz3843
    @mtz3843 6 місяців тому

    going to get a wecreat, look forward to it. might take a few passes to cut quater inch but thats ok.

    • @Samcraftcom
      @Samcraftcom  6 місяців тому +1

      Be careful… I had that machine for review and refused to continue with the test. One of the most problematic machines and software combos I have ever used.

    • @mtz3843
      @mtz3843 6 місяців тому

      @@Samcraftcom then should i get a xtool then?

  • @sigh_of_the_times
    @sigh_of_the_times 9 місяців тому

    Thank you very much for the video it was very informative.

  • @I-LOVE-EARTH
    @I-LOVE-EARTH Рік тому

    Excellent review...makes my wood purchasing decision a lot easier!
    Looking forward to the ComMarker review! 🙂

    • @Samcraftcom
      @Samcraftcom  Рік тому +1

      Happy to help! It can be so frustrating to try and find good laserable material. I'm watching for it to arrive. I think it's today...

    • @I-LOVE-EARTH
      @I-LOVE-EARTH Рік тому

      @@Samcraftcom when you're done reviewing the ComMarker, I'll shoot you my home address. LOL!

  • @makeorbreakshop
    @makeorbreakshop Рік тому

    Oh never heard of these guys, this is awesome!

    • @Samcraftcom
      @Samcraftcom  Рік тому

      Happy to help then! I've used them a bit, shopped around, then came back to them. They're based in PA so shipping is very fast for me in TN and cheaper than others further up in the mid-West. :)

  • @servicecentrelist8342
    @servicecentrelist8342 13 днів тому

    how to avoid burn marks on the sheet ?
    What type of sheet is the best for laser cut toy or board games ?

  • @davedayton
    @davedayton Рік тому

    Nice video! Thank you for the material source. And I can't wait to see you back on the cnc. Seems like years ago now

    • @Samcraftcom
      @Samcraftcom  Рік тому

      It's probably close to a year and a half now! Yikes! Any requests? I'm going to be SUPER RUSTY!

  • @heffe2001
    @heffe2001 Рік тому +1

    Material consistancy is defintley a HUGE struggle with material sellers, glad to see that Makerstock apparently doesn't have fillers, etc. The sizes not being consistant between the thicknesses is definitely concerning (and that'd be easy enough for them to address anyway), but it won't be a complete show-stopper for me either. I'm also going to say a combination of better air assist, and using something other than a honeycomb bed would definitey cut down on the amount of charing you're seeing on the back side of your cuts. A knife blade bed would likely help reduce the amount of charring you're seeing (it's likely coming from where the metal parts of the honeycomb are blocking the airflow & laser coming from above). I do see a slight bit from my 100w (I'm still using a honeycomb bed, I just keep uptting off buying a knife blade one for it, lol), but nowhere near as much as you're getting on the Gwieki (I'm assuming due to my higher output air assist). I'll be putting in an order from Makerstock tomorrow, getting some larger pieces of 3 & 6mm, and some smaller sized 'samples' like you bought in 12mm (1/2), and (now anyway), 3/8 (or 9.5-10mm) as well as some of their KoskiPly for an outdoor project I'm working on.. And for the record, I'm insanely jealous of your Shapeoko, I'm wanting something larger than my little Millright M3 (10.25x10.25x2" max movement)...

    • @heffe2001
      @heffe2001 Рік тому

      For other vendors (with varying products as well), you might also look at Wai Supplies (out of TX), they do some really nice MDF material (all that I've personally used from them) that cuts beautifully on both my Co2 and diode, and there's also Smokey Hill Designs (located in Burlington NC) who's Patternply stuff is amazing...

  • @DavZell
    @DavZell Рік тому

    Sam, you should see if XTool will let you test their 40W diode laser. It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on your results.

  • @MichaelKondrashin
    @MichaelKondrashin Місяць тому

    how to make such hexagonal cut test? My machine is different (RDWorksV8 is used).

  • @MijoMontego
    @MijoMontego Рік тому +3

    Did you say you were running your CO2 at 90% power? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I know that amount of power for a diode laser is fine, but you really only want to run a CO2 laser at 60-70% power at the most, as running it higher will drastically shorten the life of that tube.

    • @mattsara2802
      @mattsara2802 Рік тому +4

      I run my co2 at 100% because they are very cheap to replace and you save so so so much time.

  • @bonniehollingsworth1996
    @bonniehollingsworth1996 Рік тому

    Great video, Sam!

  • @robertbankhead8661
    @robertbankhead8661 Рік тому +1

    Well done, that BB plywood is pricey for pieces. Understand hauling 4X8 sheets isn't practical, (or 5x5). thanks, about to pull the trigger on an xtool, need a coupon code!!!!

    • @Samcraftcom
      @Samcraftcom  Рік тому

      Here's a referral link to xTool if you're buying through them directly. www.xtool.com/?ref=samcraftcom& As for coupon code, maybe one of these will work: SPR20OFF, SPR50OFF, SPR100OFF, SPR200OFF.
      Where we live there are no places to buy Baltic birch within an hour or two drive from what I can find. So for me, it's affordable. :)

  • @rcarroll05
    @rcarroll05 Рік тому +1

    Do you think the CO2 cut quality is the machine and maybe others might be better? I do like my xTool 20w Pro and what it looks like after it comes off the laser. But you are right need something faster.

    • @Samcraftcom
      @Samcraftcom  Рік тому

      I've only had experience with this Gweike Cloud Pro II, so cannot say for sure. I have seen the xTool P2 results and they look sharp in comparison!

    • @rcarroll05
      @rcarroll05 Рік тому

      @@Samcraftcom what are the speeds on the gweike cloud vs your xTool?

  • @crashgtr
    @crashgtr 6 місяців тому

    Hey Sam, aren’t pallet wood coasters supposed to be made from pallet wood? ;)

  • @TheLouisianaHobbyGuy
    @TheLouisianaHobbyGuy Рік тому

    *Glad to see you made it to the Co2 world Sam!* I do have to disagree on the cuts of the Gweike Cloud though. I don't have any of the anomalies you have and my Gweike cuts like a dream with no cleanup or hot spots. Were you uploading the files to the cloud or using Lightburn? I actually have no issues with either.

    • @Samcraftcom
      @Samcraftcom  Рік тому

      Well dang then! I only use lightburn with the machine. Hmm... I've wondered about my machine being "off".. now I am very suspect!

  • @sigh_of_the_times
    @sigh_of_the_times 9 місяців тому

    Looking to get a 30watt sculpfun ultra 30.
    And I was wondering what would you recommend been the first task to do learning how to use lightburn
    I have a long list of rc planes I want to build and looking to use the Lazer to make all my parts. But on the same token as I learn to use it I would like to make a lot of the great things a lot of you make.

  • @gregoberfield
    @gregoberfield Рік тому +2

    I think you're premature about "CO2s are done for". CO2 has so many more materials it can cut/engrave than a diode. For wood, diode has a smaller beam which makes it desirable if you can handle the slower speeds, but being able to cut acrylics, thicker materials in general (compare a 40W diode to a roughly equivalent CO2 and the CO2 will cut thicker materials). Each tool has its place depending on need.
    Diode also needs to put a lot more effort into safety. That's one of the big advantages of CO2.

  • @longshotin05
    @longshotin05 10 місяців тому

    Great video!

  • @cyberhikerdd
    @cyberhikerdd Рік тому

    You can get much better results on the CO2. Clean the mirrors, adjust the focus, raise the wood and run some speed/power tests and you'll see comparable results to the diode. I'm getting my BB grade for $1.40 a square foot so Makerstock isn't for me, at least for baltic birch.

  • @vickyrupe8999
    @vickyrupe8999 Рік тому

    Awesome!!!!

  • @ozganozgan8878
    @ozganozgan8878 Рік тому

    Hi sam

  • @gretchenthom4976
    @gretchenthom4976 Рік тому

    Please forgive if you've already done this, but could you make a video of your top 5 videos on YOUR channel for beginners?

    • @DavZell
      @DavZell Рік тому +1

      It could just be a Playlist. It would be easier to create and maintain.

  • @JCombe
    @JCombe Рік тому

    Do you sell the pallet coaster file?

  • @killazftw
    @killazftw Рік тому

    Are all lasers out there capable of cutting through at least quarter inch material? I see some that are listed as engravers and I wasn’t sure.

    • @Samcraftcom
      @Samcraftcom  Рік тому

      In theory yes, but reality, no. I would not expect anything less than 20w with air assist and honeycomb bed to be a realistic tool used to cut 1/4" material.

  • @allenwoods790
    @allenwoods790 Рік тому

    I am looking to upgrade to a CO2 laser, which ones should I be looking at?

    • @Samcraftcom
      @Samcraftcom  Рік тому

      If you're in the desktop market, xTool P2 is a great looking machine with tons of features.

  • @robbrown6667
    @robbrown6667 2 місяці тому

    I just looked at Maker Stock and found that if I order 10 each of 12 x 12 x 1/8" Baltic birch shipping is more than the product. Sorry, I don't think this is a good deal at all.

  • @intelligentgluteus-maximus4720

    Did you adjust the depth of the laser head between the passes on the diode on the 1/4”?

    • @Samcraftcom
      @Samcraftcom  Рік тому +1

      Nope, left it at the default focus height. :)

  • @billfuller317
    @billfuller317 Рік тому

    where can I get that cut test

    • @Samcraftcom
      @Samcraftcom  Рік тому

      I sell them on my website at sam-craft.com Thanks!

  • @Ricks2Cents
    @Ricks2Cents Рік тому

    Are you Running Air Assist on Both?

  • @huddyskiba1
    @huddyskiba1 Рік тому

    What’s your diode laser wattage?

  • @jonwoodworker
    @jonwoodworker Рік тому

    Makers Stock 1/8" Birch is $1.75, Amazon is $1.38, Lowes RevolutionPly is $.80 (rip your own 12x12)

    • @Samcraftcom
      @Samcraftcom  Рік тому

      Yes, but a few things to note... MakerStock is a US-based company, so that extra $0.33 goes to them and their employees vs. an Amazon importer/reseller. And the revolution ply at lowe's is no where the same quality. :)

    • @DavZell
      @DavZell Рік тому

      You have to consider the quality and consistency of the products, especially when selling the end result. Poor surface finish, glue irregularities that affect cutting, voids visible on cut edges, and damage from storage and handling are considerations. That's pretty much the point of these material/vendor reviews. Price isn't the only, or even most important factor.

  • @TheFalconJetDriver
    @TheFalconJetDriver Рік тому

    This video shows me the truth, It is sad that they can not comply with what they advertise.

  • @addohm
    @addohm Рік тому

    This video doesnt really answer the wuestion poseeld in the title. It essentially just shows how you inpect wood from a new vendor. Id like to know what the top 5 in the us are.

  • @foundrylabz
    @foundrylabz Рік тому

    I am going to be honest here, but my laser i get fine lines and clean clear cuts... I do have a OmTech laser though.. Not one of those cloud types.

    • @Samcraftcom
      @Samcraftcom  Рік тому +1

      I had some wonderings about the Gweike Cloud and its performance prior to this video. Now I think it's time to really dig into it to find out what's going on!

  • @pjaromin
    @pjaromin Рік тому

    The CO2 cuts look bad because there's something off with your laser, not something inherent with CO2 vs diode. I have a cheap Chinese cabinet laser that gets very fine, clean kerf cuts - as nice or nicer than your diode. When I start getting lines like yours I know that something's out of alignment.

    • @Samcraftcom
      @Samcraftcom  Рік тому

      Hmmmm... time to start digging into things then!

  • @BaronvonBavert
    @BaronvonBavert 5 місяців тому

    You have a SUBSCRIPTION from me... , greetings from Solingen/Germany 👍🤟

  • @SinisterReality
    @SinisterReality Рік тому

    All these lasers on the market, all the wood prices are going up.
    Buy a sheet of plywood from Home Depot, cut it down?
    Those cut boards at maker are $$$

    • @Samcraftcom
      @Samcraftcom  Рік тому +1

      You're not going to find the same quality wood at Home Depot, at least I've never seen it. This is true Baltic birch plywood, not birch veneer.

  • @BelieveInTheLordJesus777
    @BelieveInTheLordJesus777 Рік тому

    If they can't even cut them properly, it is not worth my money.

  • @mannybencomo5740
    @mannybencomo5740 Рік тому

    Their materials are ok, but there shipping cost are ridiculous.