I just completed this upgrade on my 20-28 100W Red/Black. I was able to mount the solenoid where the factory compressor was and keeps it a little cleaner. Thanks to guys like you, it makes the process that much simplified. Kudos to you!
Your video saved my bacon and sanity... I just got my OMTech 55W laser. I watched numerous videos and installed the upgraded air assist. It didn’t work! I checked and rechecked my wiring and connections, took voltage readings of the +24V and Wind terminals (no voltage), I was pulling out what little hair I had. I watched your video and, eureka, you solve my problem. NO other videos addressed the “enable air assist” machine setting for the Ruida controller! I made the change and air assist works as it should. Thanks
You sure are a legend. I purchased an air compressor and most of the parts months ago but never got around to fitting them and seeing that if I got a solenoid I could get it to automatically turn on was pure brilliance as I never saw anyone else do that. I had to try so my solenoid turned up today and I can't believe how much better it cuts. I've just lowered my setting from 40- 32 for cutting 3mm ply and that's before cleaning the mirrors. I will have to get a new compressor as this one is way too noisy but it's given me more joy to play with knowing there's going to be less of a clean up afterwards. You got a sub from me.
Just ordered my 80w Omtech and used your code! Thanks so much saved over $200. And just ordered the parts for the air assist to install when the laser arrives
Just wanted to say thank you so much for this video. Got my air assist hooked up this afternoon and I could not have made it without your help. Thanks, Roger
Keep in mind, that is not a "continuous duty" compressor. The air to my laser is supplied through my shop compressor. I installed a 20 gal. auxiliary air tank dedicated to the laser. World of difference. The electric, "normally closed", solenoid is a must. Plugged into the power supply for the OEM pump, will improve longevity of compressor. Great video!
So I'm watching this video and wondering: what about his OEM pump? Does his disconnect it? I have an OMT 60W, too, though mine is a little different in that my air assist pump is installed inside the cabinet. There is no external air assist port. Would I wire my solenoid leads to the OEM pump blocks?
You will want to disconnect the pump and wire the solenoid to the controller as outlined in the video. On my 100watt I had to drill a hole for the air hose and wires.
Cool video. I use a couple of California air compressors at work. They are oil free which is perfect for this kind of application, but the seals only last 1500 hours before they need a rebuild. i would suggest purchasing an inexpensive vibration sensing hour meter. They are not too expensive and will keep you from being blind sided by an unexpected performance loss. The good thing is that they do sell rebuild kits…
Two more upgrades would be an auto drain for your compressor. it will reduce the strain on your air-water separator/filter and will greatly extend the life of your compressor. The husky brand auto drain from home depot is decent. The other thing is Nitra solenoid valves like the dvp-2cc1c-24a and /or DIN LED indicating leads from Automation direct. They are not too expensive (~ $26)will last you a good long time, are stackable (with an inexpensive kit) if you have more than one thing you are trying to supply with air and the LED on the DIN connector helps with troubleshooting when they do go. Again, great video!
Already wrote to say great info. well my Green 6 pin conector block just arrived in the mail and wired up, already had the solenioid, wiring and pipework run, my main sticking points where your info was invaluable was the correct wiring (I thought 24v Grd WRONG) and the vendor settings to activated the air assist in Lightburn. Set to 20psi and test cut, worked first time and lovely cut with zero residue. Saved me some head scratching. Thanks again.
Outstanding video and I ordered parts to upgrade mine. Only one suggestion is to use jacketed 18ga two wire. There is nothing wrong with what you did at all. Electrically it is great, just in my opinion it's easier to monkey around one cable through the wiring troughs and the extra layer of insulation doesn't hurt either. Many thanks............John
As a future addition you can add an additional 2 way solenoid so you can have low pressure for engraving and use the aux output to trigger air assist for higher pressure cutting pressure.
I just watched a video where MW Laser does almost what this video shows , but goes that extra step and wires an extra solenoid to turn the compressor on and off. However this video seems a lot easier to follow. Looking at the other video comparisons with wood and plastic it was a huge difference to have less air on the plastic.
Adding to last comment. My system has duel air assist. One is to be used with regular compressed for everything but steel. The second system is for oxygen (or possibly nitrogen) for the steel cutting.
Man this is such a legit upgrade. I already have a compressor so this might not cost me too much to do. Can you do a video of before and after cuts to see how it has improved? Thanks for the parts list, gonna check this out. 🤙🏾
I really don't think it would improve performance at all. The air is only there to blow smoke and debris away from the laser and lens. Increasing PSI output would just cause work pieces to possibly blow around, especially when cutting. This is a noise improvement, and possibly maintenance, but I assume he has to keep PSI set very low or it just would blow loudly and possibly move your work piece while in progress.
Love the video (already commented prior) ... doing the upgrade now. My stock air pump was on bottom (in back) and was not even attached. I want to take it all the way out, not sure where the wire leads to. I don't want to cut the power wire to this and just leave it plugged in somewhere. Appreciate your videos.
AWESOME VIDEO! Let me say pay ATTENTION to the list he has listed below the video. My mistakes 1) missed seeing this and not ordering 1/4 connectors. 2) Ordering the 110v and not the 24v solenoid. Attention to detail! I am running a Model 350 50w laser engraver with an AC Infinity CLOUDLINE T6 and California 8010 8 gal air compressor. Love the instructions! Keep up the great work on the videos!!!!
How did you completely diss able or disconnect the stock pump? I have the Gray/blue OMTech 60watt and it had the same stock air pump as yours, is there a way to cut power to it or something now that the new air compressor is hooked up?
Yes it should turn off the air when the job ends. Make sure you have a 24v solenoid, the wiring is as instructed in the video, and you have made the instructed changes to the machine settings in lightburn.
Have you considered running a low pressure switch that is in series with your lid switch? This way if the air compressor is off (for whatever reason) or not connected as you expected, the laser won't fire. That's what I did with mine.
Good video. I actually upgraded my air assist to a harbour freight air compressor. Its super quiet but the air capacity isn't there so it continuesly runs if I run high air.
Bigger tank will put more stress to motor, so it is better to have more tank than factory one, but it will make motor work more. In short yes and no, better is to bought bigger output and forget. This solution will die faster as you think. I know because i gone trough this allready :)
Thank you very much! This video has helped me tremendously to make my MDF cuts clean. One question: Is it normal for the air compressor to run continuously during the whole cutting process? Does this happen to you too? I have a 13 Gallon capacity compressor.
Excellent upgrade, simple to install and use. 2 Questions though. I watched a similar video adding the air assist upgrade almost exactly as you did except they added a diode across the contacts of the relay valve. Reasoning was to prevent backfeeding current back to the controller. This makes no sense to me. The 24V is the only voltage on this circuit so I don't see how it would be even possible for that to happen. It's not like a typical relay that has a low voltage control turning on/off a higher voltage circuit. Don't want to smoke a controller for lack of a 50 cent diode. You have been running this setup for a while, what is your opinion/thoughts. Second I see where you upgraded from the California Air compressor to the 26 gallon Kobalt. I thought the California Air would have been ample. I was planning on using a 4.0 -4.5 scfm with a 10 to 17 gallon tank range compressor. Would be running mostly cutting with run times 4-5 minutes per cut at most. Only supplying a single laser. Will this size compressor be adequate. Thanks for the help
I have also seen commentary about adding the diode. After years of running this setup I have not had any issues but I have heard of others that had a controller go bad but I could not confirm that a lack of diode was the cause. Seems like a cheap insurance policy though. As far as the compressor it’s really a matter of run time. The Cali air will run more often and the larger tank kobalt will turn on less both will “get the job done”. The Cali air is more quiet.
I have also seen commentary about adding the diode. After years of running this setup I have not had any issues but I have heard of others that had a controller go bad but I could not confirm that a lack of diode was the cause. Seems like a cheap insurance policy though.
@@BeardedBuildsCo Thanks!! FWIW, I noticed the screw from removing the factory air assist fits the solenoid you recommend. Made for a nice (and quick) place to mount it:)
This was AWESOME. Thank you for listing ALL the parts with Amazon links. I haven't bought my OMTech yet, but when I do, I plan on doing the air assist upgrade. I will also use your 5%OFF coupon for the laser (I think that is what that is for) THANKS
I recently bought a co2 laser that came with one of those cheap water bubblers and I wanted to upgrade to a compressor and I was wondering if it was possible to make the air assist turn on only when used, thank you for this video
Your videos are awesome. Thanks for sharing your expertise! I have a newer machine that yours (I think - OMTECH Blue 60W). Mine came with a small pump in the enclosure. Should I try to work that one into the system with compressor when low pressure is all I need, or just yard the old one out and run only on compressor?
I was wondering also but I ended up using mine when I mounted the regulator to the front of the machine. The elbows run the line out of and back into the machine
I have the red and black 100watt. I have not set up lightburn yet. just did all the steps. just trying to figure out the settings on the machine to make it kick in. thanks for your time!!
In the video it shows you all the steps to change the machine settings using lightburn. The same setting can be accessed with RDWorks, you just have to look for the vendor settings.
How can I determine where to connect the output from the solenoid air valve to my laser controller? In which channel of the laser controller should I place it for automatic recognition? Alternatively, is there a specific channel on top of my laser controller where the output from the solenoid air valve should be inserted? Keep up the good work. 🔥🔥🔥
How’s that compressor working for you on longer, higher psi cut jobs now that you’ve had it a while? I’ll be moving my laser to a new location and plan on doing the air assist upgrade at the same time and want to make sure I don’t get an under powered compressor that has to run continuously to keep the tank pressurized.
Great Video! A few questions for you as Im looking to do the same thing. Does that compressor have enough capacity and CFM to complete all of your jobs? I was looking at the CAT 10 GAL 2HP but if I can get away with the compressor you’re using, I’d save $400 CAD. Which controller does your Laser have? Do all OMTech lasers only require a checkbox in light burn to activate or do some need firmware reconfiguration? Finally, is there a forum or channel or something where people mod OMTech lasers? I’d like a place to go to find info on these lasers. One more thing, did you upgrade your laser head or is that the one that your machine came with? If it’s the former, which laser head? Thank you!!
Just ordered my OMtech 100W black and red and all the gear on your list! Loving your videos and going to be a lot of tweaking and setup later this month :)
@beardedbuildsco thanks for the instructional video. I have the same co2 laser as you. Curious to know if you’ve ever encountered this issue before. Sometimes, my laser freezes mid cut. Machine is still on and laser freezes at a random spot and stops cutting. Has this happen to you before? It’s happening more often after installing your setup, but it could be other factors.
Adding a solenoid was a great idea so the compressor doesn't deplete and is re-starting constantly. I have to check my RUIDA settings and see if I can find the air assist to do this. Thanks 👍
Great video, just purchased everything from you links. A quick question though. Am I able to keep the current compressor in place and tie into the line? I would think this would be able to keep the stock airflow going for engraves without having to always manually change the regulator. If not an option, how do you change everything in time? Do you setup some sort of pausing mechanism or do you just do 2 separate projects, one for engrave other for cut? Thanks again!
Great video. I ordered, installed works great. EXCEPT.. how do you power off the built in air? It’s makes way too much noise and now that the air hose is pulled out, its even louder.
great video, and thanks for the helpful info. I am wondering though if I'm doing a project that has engraving and cutting in it all in the same job how is the pressure changed from say using cutting pressure to lowering it to engraving pressure? Will the controller regulate the pressure automatically and if not how is that done? If not would I need to pause the job and adjust it manually?
Moving forward with my project. Building a CO2 laser and updating my diode laser.. and here comes one question. I like your solution with the solenoid, but what if I use 2 lasers? I guess I need to build a manual control for starting the compressor and switching between the machines.
Ok, took a while after watching the video and already forgot for the solenoids actually work :) so forget my question. Looking at the parts to buy now in Germany. Guess I will figure out how the diode laser and the solenoid should be hooked up. Again thanks for super clear video.
You rock, bud! I did this, and it works great! Thanks for all the videos! My question is, would it be possible in lightburn to run 2 different air assists? One for cutting and one for ingraving. The only way I have come up with is having one compressor run constant for ingraving and put in a T with the solenoid switch on the compressor for cutting. My concern would be the back pressure on the ingraving compressor. Was wondering if it is possible to put 2 solenoid switches on to switch back and forth and control them in lightburn so the one compressor is not always on if it would even work with the back pressure from the cutting compressor. Or is there a better way to do this? Have a great weekend!
Great video. Just curious, why didn't you use the original air assist nozzle and put the solenoid inside the machine? Seems like that would have given a cleaner look.
hello can you please share the settings for the air assist for engraving, cutting and scoring and how to set when a design has all 3 components? This would be extremely helpful. Have it all set up and ready to go but uncertain of the settings
My kit came with a relay and a manual switch, but I can't find any good quality videos other than MW laser that includes these parts in the install video. Are they necessary?
I am trying to get this upgrade accomplished. I have a brand new 60 watt red and black. It has the factory air assist mounted in the back, underneath the bed. And in the "board" of the laser I only see "24 W and aux air" for places to accept new red and black electrical wires. Is this where I should wire to? Do I cut the power to the stock air assist?
Great video, I also have a 100W Omtech Blue machine. do you have any issues with Pin (5) Wind not working. i cannot enable it through Lightburn or RDworks. Any suggestions or if you got it working on your Blue machine would be great. Good videos keep it up.
Thanks again for the great video. I set this up last night and got everything from your Amazon links :) But I noticed the solenoid clicks on and off whenever the laser fires, chattering with filled shapes throughout a scan line. Reading online it seems RDWorks has a Blow Type setting you can change from LaserOn to Processing, but Lightworks doesn’t have this setting. I guess an alternative would be to hook the solenoid up to Status rather than Wind so the air is on for every job, basically giving up software control and instead using the regulator to switch between 10psi for engraving and 30psi for cutting for example? Curious if you’ve had this issue?
Yes, there is a specific controller that has this setting. That is the same solution that I have worked through with other users. Use RDWorks and change the blow type to processing.
Great video. I just got an OmTech 60W that came with the small internal pump, but I’m assuming I’ll get better cuts connecting it to my air compressor instead. And also replacing the exhaust fan as you do in another video. I’m curious why you needed the regulator - doesn’t the air compressor already have one that will let you set the PSI? Thanks
So the regular gives you adjustability closer to the machine and it also had a moisture trap to keep anything from getting on the lens and ruining any of the laser components.
Great video and easy to understand - thank you :) Your air assist has been connected to a Ruida controlled machine. Do you know whether the same system be hooked up to a Top Wisdom controller ?
Excellent video! Just did my upgrade. Is there a way that I can make it so the air assist is on while doing a project vs when the laser fires? The relay just keeps clicking when the laser fires. Is there a setting in lightburn somewhere?
You most likely have a specific controller that has a setting that I hidden from Lightburn called “blow type”. If you use RDWorks you can access it and change the setting to processing and that will fix your problem.
You need to make a adjustable bypass for the walve, so a tiny amount of air is floating even when the walve is off! Otherwise you wil have smoke and dirt on your lens when not using air assist, fx by engraving!
Great video just ordered my parts from your links so just waiting now for them to arrive.. I am in the UK so cannot get the compressor you have any recommendations for us in the UK I have been ready 50 ltr min???
Sure thing! I saw that in the omtech Facebook group! Congrats! Yes you can do this on that machine as well. I just recently did it on my new 100w 40x24 as well.
I appreciate the video and went through all steps. I still can not get the air assist to connect. I don’t know if maybe the black hose that connects to the laser nozzle has a blockage but at a loss here.
My air assist seems to have died. Haven't really used the laser like a work horse, just kind of. I want to do this, but this is a lot of work and I'm already weary of being in the guts of this thing, the laser scares me period. Can I just hook some air compressor up to the hole in the back for now and deal with everything else later? I am not really engraving much and if I am I can just output engrave layer separate to cut and manually turn my air assist on or off?
Cool. I have the exact same laser, and tried cutting a puzzle, but it came out tinged from the smoke. Been suggested to add more air, so this is perfect for what I need to do. How loud is the compressor compared to the air pump and blower? I have my whole set up down to 64DB, and since it looks like you are using the same extractor I am, it should be a good comparison.
I just completed this upgrade on my 20-28 100W Red/Black. I was able to mount the solenoid where the factory compressor was and keeps it a little cleaner. Thanks to guys like you, it makes the process that much simplified. Kudos to you!
Your video saved my bacon and sanity... I just got my OMTech 55W laser. I watched numerous videos and installed the upgraded air assist. It didn’t work! I checked and rechecked my wiring and connections, took voltage readings of the +24V and Wind terminals (no voltage), I was pulling out what little hair I had. I watched your video and, eureka, you solve my problem. NO other videos addressed the “enable air assist” machine setting for the Ruida controller! I made the change and air assist works as it should. Thanks
Glad I could help!
Wow man 24hrs after following your video instruction and WOW I have a new Laser, the difference is INCREDIBLE!! Thank you so much!
You’re welcome! 🤜🏻💥🤛🏻
You are my my number 1 go to guy for any of my Omtech 60 watt laser issues, upgrades and/or information. Thank you for this tutorial :)
💪🏼you’re welcome!
You sure are a legend. I purchased an air compressor and most of the parts months ago but never got around to fitting them and seeing that if I got a solenoid I could get it to automatically turn on was pure brilliance as I never saw anyone else do that. I had to try so my solenoid turned up today and I can't believe how much better it cuts. I've just lowered my setting from 40- 32 for cutting 3mm ply and that's before cleaning the mirrors. I will have to get a new compressor as this one is way too noisy but it's given me more joy to play with knowing there's going to be less of a clean up afterwards. You got a sub from me.
Glad to heard that you are loving it! 🤜🏻💥🤛🏻
Just ordered my 80w Omtech and used your code! Thanks so much saved over $200.
And just ordered the parts for the air assist to install when the laser arrives
Awesome! Thank you for the support!
Just wanted to say thank you so much for this video. Got my air assist hooked up this afternoon and I could not have made it without your help. Thanks, Roger
You’re welcome!
Thanks Brant - my husband set this up for me today and I just ran the test - I'm ready to play!!
Awesome! Glad I could help!
Keep in mind, that is not a "continuous duty" compressor. The air to my laser is supplied through my shop compressor. I installed a 20 gal. auxiliary air tank dedicated to the laser. World of difference. The electric, "normally closed", solenoid is a must. Plugged into the power supply for the OEM pump, will improve longevity of compressor. Great video!
So I'm watching this video and wondering: what about his OEM pump? Does his disconnect it? I have an OMT 60W, too, though mine is a little different in that my air assist pump is installed inside the cabinet. There is no external air assist port. Would I wire my solenoid leads to the OEM pump blocks?
You will want to disconnect the pump and wire the solenoid to the controller as outlined in the video. On my 100watt I had to drill a hole for the air hose and wires.
Cool video. I use a couple of California air compressors at work. They are oil free which is perfect for this kind of application, but the seals only last 1500 hours before they need a rebuild. i would suggest purchasing an inexpensive vibration sensing hour meter. They are not too expensive and will keep you from being blind sided by an unexpected performance loss. The good thing is that they do sell rebuild kits…
Two more upgrades would be an auto drain for your compressor. it will reduce the strain on your air-water separator/filter and will greatly extend the life of your compressor. The husky brand auto drain from home depot is decent. The other thing is Nitra solenoid valves like the dvp-2cc1c-24a and /or DIN LED indicating leads from Automation direct. They are not too expensive (~ $26)will last you a good long time, are stackable (with an inexpensive kit) if you have more than one thing you are trying to supply with air and the LED on the DIN connector helps with troubleshooting when they do go. Again, great video!
I have a 2020 OMtech 60W and I cut the power from the air compressor and hooked it up to the solenoid with no issue. Thank you for making this easy.
You’re welcome!
You’re welcome!
Already wrote to say great info. well my Green 6 pin conector block just arrived in the mail and wired up, already had the solenioid, wiring and pipework run, my main sticking points where your info was invaluable was the correct wiring (I thought 24v Grd WRONG) and the vendor settings to activated the air assist in Lightburn. Set to 20psi and test cut, worked first time and lovely cut with zero residue. Saved me some head scratching. Thanks again.
You’re welcome!
I have been sharing the video when I see people ask about the upgrade. I have used this on all 3 of my machines. Thanks!
Thanks! Glad it helps! 🤜🏻💥🤛🏻
Outstanding video and I ordered parts to upgrade mine. Only one suggestion is to use jacketed 18ga two wire. There is nothing wrong with what you did at all. Electrically it is great, just in my opinion it's easier to monkey around one cable through the wiring troughs and the extra layer of insulation doesn't hurt either. Many thanks............John
Thanks for the suggestion!
As a future addition you can add an additional 2 way solenoid so you can have low pressure for engraving and use the aux output to trigger air assist for higher pressure cutting pressure.
I just watched a video where MW Laser does almost what this video shows , but goes that extra step and wires an extra solenoid to turn the compressor on and off. However this video seems a lot easier to follow. Looking at the other video comparisons with wood and plastic it was a huge difference to have less air on the plastic.
Or you could adjust the regulator 🤷♂️
Adding to last comment. My system has duel air assist. One is to be used with regular compressed for everything but steel. The second system is for oxygen (or possibly nitrogen) for the steel cutting.
Thanks for posting this video. Installing the upgraded air assist today.
You’re welcome!
I hung the little tiny compressor off the stand I built. Just suspended it with a clothes hanger. It makes it 50% quieter for sure.
Man this is such a legit upgrade. I already have a compressor so this might not cost me too much to do. Can you do a video of before and after cuts to see how it has improved? Thanks for the parts list, gonna check this out. 🤙🏾
I really don't think it would improve performance at all. The air is only there to blow smoke and debris away from the laser and lens. Increasing PSI output would just cause work pieces to possibly blow around, especially when cutting. This is a noise improvement, and possibly maintenance, but I assume he has to keep PSI set very low or it just would blow loudly and possibly move your work piece while in progress.
@@naRevolution use magnets and more air the better cut without charring of any type. Also cut thicker product.
Love the video (already commented prior) ... doing the upgrade now. My stock air pump was on bottom (in back) and was not even attached. I want to take it all the way out, not sure where the wire leads to. I don't want to cut the power wire to this and just leave it plugged in somewhere. Appreciate your videos.
Just follow the wires and you can disconnect them. It will be connected to the power supple or one of the power terminals.
AWESOME VIDEO! Let me say pay ATTENTION to the list he has listed below the video. My mistakes 1) missed seeing this and not ordering 1/4 connectors. 2) Ordering the 110v and not the 24v solenoid. Attention to detail! I am running a Model 350 50w laser engraver with an AC Infinity CLOUDLINE T6 and California 8010 8 gal air compressor. Love the instructions! Keep up the great work on the videos!!!!
Thank you for the support and kind words!
🤜🏻💥🤛🏻
How did you completely diss able or disconnect the stock pump? I have the Gray/blue OMTech 60watt and it had the same stock air pump as yours, is there a way to cut power to it or something now that the new air compressor is hooked up?
As a new owner of an OMTech laser cutter, (like 2 days ago),
this is a great improvement to add at the start. Thanks.
You’re welcome!
So shouldn't it turn off after the project is completed? Mine just keeps going.
Yes it should turn off the air when the job ends. Make sure you have a 24v solenoid, the wiring is as instructed in the video, and you have made the instructed changes to the machine settings in lightburn.
Have you considered running a low pressure switch that is in series with your lid switch? This way if the air compressor is off (for whatever reason) or not connected as you expected, the laser won't fire. That's what I did with mine.
Make sure that you purchase a 24v solenoid not a 12v. The seller that was linked was out of the 24v. I have linked a different one for the time being.
I DID IT! Thank you so much! The air pump that came on my 60W was USELESS!
🤜🏻💥🤛🏻
Just getting my machine on Friday. This will be very informative.
Good video. I actually upgraded my air assist to a harbour freight air compressor. Its super quiet but the air capacity isn't there so it continuesly runs if I run high air.
I have the same thing happen.
Compressor will die fast, those silenced units must be at least 420 l/min to work 1/3 for laser
@@bartela I'm sure the life expectancy will be shortened. I can possibly add a supplemental tank to offset the cycle times.
Bigger tank will put more stress to motor, so it is better to have more tank than factory one, but it will make motor work more. In short yes and no, better is to bought bigger output and forget. This solution will die faster as you think. I know because i gone trough this allready :)
@@bartela I hear you. I will just wait for it to eventually give me issues then upgrade from there. Thanks for the guidance!
Thank you very much! This video has helped me tremendously to make my MDF cuts clean.
One question: Is it normal for the air compressor to run continuously during the whole cutting process? Does this happen to you too? I have a 13 Gallon capacity compressor.
Excellent upgrade, simple to install and use. 2 Questions though. I watched a similar video adding the air assist upgrade almost exactly as you did except they added a diode across the contacts of the relay valve. Reasoning was to prevent backfeeding current back to the controller. This makes no sense to me. The 24V is the only voltage on this circuit so I don't see how it would be even possible for that to happen. It's not like a typical relay that has a low voltage control turning on/off a higher voltage circuit. Don't want to smoke a controller for lack of a 50 cent diode. You have been running this setup for a while, what is your opinion/thoughts. Second I see where you upgraded from the California Air compressor to the 26 gallon Kobalt. I thought the California Air would have been ample. I was planning on using a 4.0 -4.5 scfm with a 10 to 17 gallon tank range compressor. Would be running mostly cutting with run times 4-5 minutes per cut at most. Only supplying a single laser. Will this size compressor be adequate. Thanks for the help
I have the same question on the diode.
I have also seen commentary about adding the diode. After years of running this setup I have not had any issues but I have heard of others that had a controller go bad but I could not confirm that a lack of diode was the cause. Seems like a cheap insurance policy though.
As far as the compressor it’s really a matter of run time. The Cali air will run more often and the larger tank kobalt will turn on less both will “get the job done”. The Cali air is more quiet.
I have also seen commentary about adding the diode. After years of running this setup I have not had any issues but I have heard of others that had a controller go bad but I could not confirm that a lack of diode was the cause. Seems like a cheap insurance policy though.
@@BeardedBuildsCo Thanks!! FWIW, I noticed the screw from removing the factory air assist fits the solenoid you recommend. Made for a nice (and quick) place to mount it:)
This was AWESOME. Thank you for listing ALL the parts with Amazon links. I haven't bought my OMTech yet, but when I do, I plan on doing the air assist upgrade. I will also use your 5%OFF coupon for the laser (I think that is what that is for)
THANKS
Yep! LASERGUYS5OFF with get you 5% off your purchase.
I recently bought a co2 laser that came with one of those cheap water bubblers and I wanted to upgrade to a compressor and I was wondering if it was possible to make the air assist turn on only when used, thank you for this video
You’re welcome!
Your videos are awesome. Thanks for sharing your expertise! I have a newer machine that yours (I think - OMTECH Blue 60W). Mine came with a small pump in the enclosure. Should I try to work that one into the system with compressor when low pressure is all I need, or just yard the old one out and run only on compressor?
Where do the 1/4 Elbow Connectors come into play? Just ordered everything using your links...thank you!
I was wondering also but I ended up using mine when I mounted the regulator to the front of the machine. The elbows run the line out of and back into the machine
Some of the extra pieces in the tubing kit aren't used, like the 4 of the other colors of wire, extra post connectors etc
Great video man! Thank you for taking the time to put it together!
You’re welcome!
Thank you for the video. I have bought all my parts and hooking it up today.
I have the red and black 100watt. I have not set up lightburn yet. just did all the steps. just trying to figure out the settings on the machine to make it kick in. thanks for your time!!
In the video it shows you all the steps to change the machine settings using lightburn. The same setting can be accessed with RDWorks, you just have to look for the vendor settings.
Thank you so much! Your videos are awesome!! Lots of diode experience here and I just purchased my Omtech 80w today!
Awesome! Did you use the LASERGUYS affiliate code?
No, I didn't know about it. I bought it from Amazon. Hoping that wasn't a mistake but too late now lol
Thank you so much for sharing these detailed videos. They help me immensely.
How can I determine where to connect the output from the solenoid air valve to my laser controller?
In which channel of the laser controller should I place it for automatic recognition?
Alternatively, is there a specific channel on top of my laser controller where the output from the solenoid air valve should be inserted?
Keep up the good work. 🔥🔥🔥
Just an FYI, the solenoid in the link looks different until you change the direction of the cabling outlet
If I get the connector kit from your link, do I still need the additional connectors you’ve listed from Amazon? Great vid as usual!
How’s that compressor working for you on longer, higher psi cut jobs now that you’ve had it a while? I’ll be moving my laser to a new location and plan on doing the air assist upgrade at the same time and want to make sure I don’t get an under powered compressor that has to run continuously to keep the tank pressurized.
Hats off for sharing your hard work, thank you for parts list and great video.
Awesome video brother. I ordered everything in you list except the air compressor. Already had that. Thanks again.
You’re welcome!
Great Video! A few questions for you as Im looking to do the same thing.
Does that compressor have enough capacity and CFM to complete all of your jobs? I was looking at the CAT 10 GAL 2HP but if I can get away with the compressor you’re using, I’d save $400 CAD.
Which controller does your Laser have? Do all OMTech lasers only require a checkbox in light burn to activate or do some need firmware reconfiguration?
Finally, is there a forum or channel or something where people mod OMTech lasers? I’d like a place to go to find info on these lasers.
One more thing, did you upgrade your laser head or is that the one that your machine came with? If it’s the former, which laser head?
Thank you!!
Just ordered my OMtech 100W black and red and all the gear on your list! Loving your videos and going to be a lot of tweaking and setup later this month :)
Awesome congrats!
Thank you for the knowledge shared. We all appreciate it big time!
You’re welcome!
Excellent Video. I really appreciate it, and thanks for the links to buy the parts.
I just found your channel, you have some great content. I have a laser on order so I can't get enough. Thank you!
@beardedbuildsco thanks for the instructional video. I have the same co2 laser as you. Curious to know if you’ve ever encountered this issue before. Sometimes, my laser freezes mid cut. Machine is still on and laser freezes at a random spot and stops cutting. Has this happen to you before? It’s happening more often after installing your setup, but it could be other factors.
Adding a solenoid was a great idea so the compressor doesn't deplete and is re-starting constantly. I have to check my RUIDA settings and see if I can find the air assist to do this. Thanks 👍
Great video.
Do You have a sample how it cuts before/after upgrade to see difference?
Dear Sir, 5 star video, thank you very much, will do as you showed.
Great video, just purchased everything from you links. A quick question though. Am I able to keep the current compressor in place and tie into the line? I would think this would be able to keep the stock airflow going for engraves without having to always manually change the regulator. If not an option, how do you change everything in time? Do you setup some sort of pausing mechanism or do you just do 2 separate projects, one for engrave other for cut? Thanks again!
Your videos are the BESTEST!!! Thank you so much!
Thank you and You’re welcome!
🤜🏻💥🤛🏻
After doing this upgrade it works great, but I have NO EXHAUST Turning on. Checked all wire. All where they should be . Any HELP. TIA
Great video - exactly what I needed to set up my compressor for my laser properly !
Great video. I ordered, installed works great. EXCEPT.. how do you power off the built in air? It’s makes way too much noise and now that the air hose is pulled out, its even louder.
You need to disconnect the power to it. You either trace the wires back to where they are connected or cut and cap.
Just purchased through your links. Thank you for these very helpful videos!
Thanks for the support! 🤜🏻💥🤛🏻
great video, and thanks for the helpful info. I am wondering though if I'm doing a project that has engraving and cutting in it all in the same job how is the pressure changed from say using cutting pressure to lowering it to engraving pressure? Will the controller regulate the pressure automatically and if not how is that done? If not would I need to pause the job and adjust it manually?
Very informative video, thanks. I have an omtech red and black, 100w machine. Should I follow the same process to upgrade my air assist. Thanks
Thanks for the video! Will follow these steps later when I build up my laser!
Moving forward with my project. Building a CO2 laser and updating my diode laser.. and here comes one question. I like your solution with the solenoid, but what if I use 2 lasers? I guess I need to build a manual control for starting the compressor and switching between the machines.
Ok, took a while after watching the video and already forgot for the solenoids actually work :) so forget my question. Looking at the parts to buy now in Germany. Guess I will figure out how the diode laser and the solenoid should be hooked up. Again thanks for super clear video.
You rock, bud! I did this, and it works great!
Thanks for all the videos!
My question is, would it be possible in lightburn to run 2 different air assists? One for cutting and one for ingraving. The only way I have come up with is having one compressor run constant for ingraving and put in a T with the solenoid switch on the compressor for cutting. My concern would be the back pressure on the ingraving compressor.
Was wondering if it is possible to put 2 solenoid switches on to switch back and forth and control them in lightburn so the one compressor is not always on if it would even work with the back pressure from the cutting compressor.
Or is there a better way to do this?
Have a great weekend!
Great video. Just curious, why didn't you use the original air assist nozzle and put the solenoid inside the machine? Seems like that would have given a cleaner look.
Correct me if I’m wrong please but I can’t find where he changed the nozzle. It’s looks like the original nozzle and only changed the tubes
hello can you please share the settings for the air assist for engraving, cutting and scoring and how to set when a design has all 3 components? This would be extremely helpful. Have it all set up and ready to go but uncertain of the settings
Hi thanks for good video. I am beginner for laser stuff and I want to ask that is air pressure important for cutting or is just airflow enough?
I had a doubt
How long can it cut at 15 psi pressure before the system looses air pressure
This is an excellent video. Thanks for putting this together.
Thank you! Glad I could help!
I passed it on to the RDWorks group as well.
Cool! Thanks!
My kit came with a relay and a manual switch, but I can't find any good quality videos other than MW laser that includes these parts in the install video. Are they necessary?
I haven’t got my laser yet. I ordered the 100 watt. Question if I go this route with a air compressor will I still need to upgrade my inline fan?
I am trying to get this upgrade accomplished. I have a brand new 60 watt red and black. It has the factory air assist mounted in the back, underneath the bed. And in the "board" of the laser I only see "24 W and aux air" for places to accept new red and black electrical wires. Is this where I should wire to? Do I cut the power to the stock air assist?
Saving this for later! Do you have a video on how to install a laser pointer?
I don’t. The laser pointer on mine was already part of the assembly when I purchased the laser.
Can you please make a video how to level the bed.
Great video, I also have a 100W Omtech Blue machine. do you have any issues with Pin (5) Wind not working. i cannot enable it through Lightburn or RDworks. Any suggestions or if you got it working on your Blue machine would be great. Good videos keep it up.
Thanks again for the great video. I set this up last night and got everything from your Amazon links :)
But I noticed the solenoid clicks on and off whenever the laser fires, chattering with filled shapes throughout a scan line. Reading online it seems RDWorks has a Blow Type setting you can change from LaserOn to Processing, but Lightworks doesn’t have this setting. I guess an alternative would be to hook the solenoid up to Status rather than Wind so the air is on for every job, basically giving up software control and instead using the regulator to switch between 10psi for engraving and 30psi for cutting for example? Curious if you’ve had this issue?
Yes, there is a specific controller that has this setting. That is the same solution that I have worked through with other users. Use RDWorks and change the blow type to processing.
Great video. I just got an OmTech 60W that came with the small internal pump, but I’m assuming I’ll get better cuts connecting it to my air compressor instead. And also replacing the exhaust fan as you do in another video. I’m curious why you needed the regulator - doesn’t the air compressor already have one that will let you set the PSI? Thanks
So the regular gives you adjustability closer to the machine and it also had a moisture trap to keep anything from getting on the lens and ruining any of the laser components.
Works perfectly exactly how u said thank u
Thanks for the video. How do you use lightburn in that machine? I work the image on CorelDRAW and then send it to Rdworks
Great and detailed guide. Thank you for this video!
Only 25 psi can operate the valve, i see this on every selinoid i look at, so this selinoid will only alow 25 psi and up? Just making sure
Great video and easy to understand - thank you :) Your air assist has been connected to a Ruida controlled machine. Do you know whether the same system be hooked up to a Top Wisdom controller ?
Excellent video! Just did my upgrade. Is there a way that I can make it so the air assist is on while doing a project vs when the laser fires? The relay just keeps clicking when the laser fires. Is there a setting in lightburn somewhere?
You most likely have a specific controller that has a setting that I hidden from Lightburn called “blow type”. If you use RDWorks you can access it and change the setting to processing and that will fix your problem.
Awesome video, Thanks! You got a new subscriber. Appreciate the step by step and well laid out.
Thanks! Glad it helped! 🤜🏻💥🤛🏻
Love how helpful you and your videos are!
Thanks! Glad I could help!
You need to make a adjustable bypass for the walve, so a tiny amount of air is floating even when the walve is off!
Otherwise you wil have smoke and dirt on your lens when not using air assist, fx by engraving!
That is what I use the regulator for. I turn it down so there is just a small amount of air flow to keep the junk off the lens.
@@BeardedBuildsCo what do you turn the regulator down to for engraving?
5psi
Great video just ordered my parts from your links so just waiting now for them to arrive.. I am in the UK so cannot get the compressor you have any recommendations for us in the UK I have been ready 50 ltr min???
Thanks for this video. I just bought OMTech 130 watt. Can I use this set up for that bigger machine?
Sure thing! I saw that in the omtech Facebook group! Congrats! Yes you can do this on that machine as well. I just recently did it on my new 100w 40x24 as well.
Awesome video! I bought all of the stuff you linked to, but noticed I don't have "wind" on my machine. I only see 24V and Out4?
Do you see Aux air?
I just got everything I need to upgrade my air. What do I do if my machine doesn’t have an open 24v spot on my electrical panel?
Awesome detail man. Thank you.
I appreciate the video and went through all steps. I still can not get the air assist to connect. I don’t know if maybe the black hose that connects to the laser nozzle has a blockage but at a loss here.
Have you set the pressure at the regulator and on the compressor? Are you sure you have a 24v solenoid?
@@BeardedBuildsCo yes I have set the pressure at the regulator and the solenoid says 26.4 v
I keep getting an error of “communication with controller failed” when I try and go to machine settings. Do you know what would cause this?
My air assist seems to have died. Haven't really used the laser like a work horse, just kind of. I want to do this, but this is a lot of work and I'm already weary of being in the guts of this thing, the laser scares me period. Can I just hook some air compressor up to the hole in the back for now and deal with everything else later? I am not really engraving much and if I am I can just output engrave layer separate to cut and manually turn my air assist on or off?
Why add an in line regulator when the air compressor has a regulator for outgoing air?
Cool. I have the exact same laser, and tried cutting a puzzle, but it came out tinged from the smoke. Been suggested to add more air, so this is perfect for what I need to do. How loud is the compressor compared to the air pump and blower? I have my whole set up down to 64DB, and since it looks like you are using the same extractor I am, it should be a good comparison.
Awesome tutorial Brandt. 💪
Thanks brother!
The only thing I’d change is to have a bulkhead fitting into the machine.
When you order the parts listed here make sure that you select the correct voltage for the solenoid from the four listed 24V AC
This same instruction is in the video description.
I have to replace my air compressor the one I have started leaking. How do I know which one to buy? How many psi should I d I get? I have 80w omtech