Title

For those who use CAD,
Jsketcher is a parametric 2D and 3D CAD modeler written in pure javascript. Runs in a browser. Example link on site.

https://github.com/xibyte/jsketcher

M2nano specs

M2nano specs

Searching for some information on the M2nano, I came across these specs;
MAX:600mm/S Carving:7mm/S Cutting:0.5mm/S X-Axis Motor:0.33A/Phase Y-Axis Motor: 0.44A/Phase

These numbers give a good reference for what is possible and better with a third party controller and software.

Info was found here;
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/CO2-Laser-Rubber-Stamp-Engraving-Machine-K40-LIHUIYU-M-Mother-Main-Board-Control-System-M2-Nano/1518161_32648480580.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/CO2-Laser-Rubber-Stamp-Engraving-Machine-K40-LIHUIYU-M-Mother-Main-Board-Control-System-M2-Nano/1518161_32648480580.html

Setting up M2nano board instructions

Setting up M2nano board instructions

Here is step by step instructions on how to setup the M2nano board in LaserDRW to work with the K40.

http://www.china-cncrouter.com//downfile/2016110218203903401.pdf

Melting Sand With A Laser!

Melting Sand With A Laser!

Very interesting.

http://www.williamosman.com/2016/11/melting-sand-with-laser.html

LaserWeb Patreon

LaserWeb Patreon

I know Bonne Wilce brought this up in passing but as the software improves and more people are using it, I am sure the users would be willing to donate a monthly amount for the use of the software. A single dollar/euro/(more than a few) rands/pounds a month would be a great start for most. A lot of the sites I frequent put it this way, "...a few dollars/euros/(more than a few) rands/pounds a month is the same as a single beer, so why not buy your coder a cold beer once a month!" Most people would be happy to have an automated payment taken out monthly or even yearly.

Lots Of Cool Stuff to Make!

Lots Of Cool Stuff to Make!

Just look at this bowl!
https://www.zenziwerken.de/Uebersicht

Lightobject Air Assist install video

Lightobject Air Assist install video

I found this video that explains how to install the LO air assist. It explains how it comes apart and how to install the lens. Great info for people wanting to upgrade.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpgcQg_Y8co
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpgcQg_Y8co

90+ VIDEOS TAKE YOU FROM LASER CHUMP TO LASER CHAMP Article from Hackaday. Link below

90+ VIDEOS TAKE YOU FROM LASER CHUMP TO LASER CHAMP Article from Hackaday. Link below

Few of us document the progression of our side projects. For those who do, those docs have the chance at becoming a tome of insight, a spaceman’s “mission log” found on a faraway planet that can tell us how to tame an otherwise cruel and hostile world. With the arrival of the RDWorks Learning Lab Series, Chinese laser cutters have finally received the treatment of a thorough in-depth guide to bringing them into professional working order.

In two series, totaling just over 90 videos (and counting!) retired sheet-metal machinist [Russ] takes us on a grand tour of retrofitting, characterizing, and getting the most out of your recent Chinese laser cutter purchase.

Curious about laser physics? Look no further than part 2. Wonder how lens size affects power output? Have a go at part 39. Need a supplemental video for beam alignment? Check out part 31. For every undocumented quirk about these machines, [Russ] approaches each problem with the analytic discipline of a data-driven scientist, measuring and characterizing each quirk with his suite of tools and then engineering a solution to that quirk. In some cases, these are just minor screw adjustments. In other cases, [Russ] shows us his mechanical wizardry with a custom hardware solution (also usually laser cut). [Russ] also brings us the technical insight of a seasoned machinist, implementing classic machinist solutions like a pin table to produce parts that have a clean edge that doesn’t suffer from scatter laser marks from cutting parts on a conventional honeycomb bed.

Solid build logs are gems that are hard to come by, and [Russ’s] Chinese laser cutter introduction shines out as a reference that will stand the test of time.

YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqCyShJXqnElPTUnxX0mD5A

Information from Hackaday
http://hackaday.com/2016/11/24/90-videos-take-you-from-laser-chump-to-laser-champ/
http://hackaday.com/2016/11/24/90-videos-take-you-from-laser-chump-to-laser-champ/

We will see how this works out!

We will see how this works out!

HFS (R) Plate 8x8"; Overall Height 10"; Lab Jack Scissor Stand Platform LAB $26.99 USD with free shipping.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HFS-R-Plate-8x8-Overall-Height-10-Lab-Jack-Scissor-Stand-Platform-LAB/272299082598?_trksid=p2054502.c100227.m3827&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908103841%26meid%3D09dcfacf893242688ede5f9a75aee064%26pid%3D100227%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D272299082598

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HFS-R-Plate-8x8-Overall-Height-10-Lab-Jack-Scissor-Stand-Platform-LAB/272299082598?_trksid=p2054502.c100227.m3827&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908103841%26meid%3D09dcfacf893242688ede5f9a75aee064%26pid%3D100227%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D272299082598

DIY Laser Bed

DIY Laser Bed

I have been fooling around trying to make an inexpensive adjustable table for the K40. It is not too easy to keep it cheap and usable! I have been basing it on a lift table design but this only gives about 2 inches of usable travel. An adjustable head would be a better option with that amount of limited travel. So the table is still a work in progress but the bed has been made. It is not any cheaper than the LightObject bed but was fun making. It consists of some c-channel aluminum, expanded metal and range filters.

More K40 Powersupply information

More K40 Powersupply information

Here is Scott Marshall's very detailed information about the K40 powersupply's operation and wiring hook up from his All-Tek Systems forum.

http://www.everythinglasers.com/?page_id=18/power-supply-information/power-supply-info
http://www.everythinglasers.com/?page_id=18/hardware-1/power-supplies-which-kind-how-to-use-one-for-another#p116

Cool Animal Puzzle

Cool Animal Puzzle

If you search for Puzzle Sedici Animali, you will find plenty of templates for it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpWB5Ax_9Lk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpWB5Ax_9Lk

Use Camera to Find and Cut Outline

Use Camera to Find and Cut Outline

I have done a quick search but have not found an answer. Does LaserWeb support finding then cutting the outline of an object?
Some of the expensive laser hardware/software combos support this feature. I know Glowforge (check is in the mail) touts this feature and so does Epilog.

Bradley Blodgett Unfortunately you have replies turned off on your post.

Bradley Blodgett Unfortunately you have replies turned off on your post.
I just wanted to say that the warranty is only as good as the word of the vendor. I too have a "2 year warranty" but have never been able to collect on it.
Lots of luck getting your unit running again.

Art made with laser cut wool.

Art made with laser cut wool.
http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2016/10/new-anatomical-specimens-made-from-hand-dyed-wool-and-silk-by-lana-crooks/
http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2016/10/new-anatomical-specimens-made-from-hand-dyed-wool-and-silk-by-lana-crooks/

This Incredible Wooden Book Is a Series of Puzzles That Have to Be Solved to Continue Reading

This Incredible Wooden Book Is a Series of Puzzles That Have to Be Solved to Continue Reading
http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2016/08/wooden-puzzle-book/
http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2016/08/wooden-puzzle-book/

Smoothie Laserweb Question

Smoothie Laserweb Question

Certain brands of lasers have software that have the ability to change the pulse frequency of the beam. (How frequently the beam is turned on and off ) this allows for less charing especially on thin paper. Is this a feature that is possible or being considered?

Thanks Vince Lee!

Thanks Vince Lee!

A big THANK YOU to Vince Lee for sending his spare middleman and Dual Adaptor boards. He even included the documentation. What a great community we have here.

Been updating www.everythinglasers.com website with more funtionality. Trying update the layout and forum information. Hopefully this will lead to making the wiki available with updated information.

Been updating www.everythinglasers.com website with more funtionality. Trying update the layout and forum information. Hopefully this will lead to making the wiki available with updated information.
http://www.everythinglasers.com

New Smoothie Board by New Company Cohesion3D

New Smoothie Board by New Company Cohesion3D

The Mini: a smaller board with with 4 stepper drivers that is a drop in upgrade for a the K40 Laser Cutter but can also drive a 3D Printer or CNC. This will be available at a new low price for a 32 bit controller made by an American company.

Company Website not much info http://cohesion3d.com/

Light article on the boards

http://hackaday.com/2016/10/05/tiny-smoothies-at-maker-faire/#more-225898


http://cohesion3d.com/

MoshiDraw Manual and Software

MoshiDraw Manual and Software

David Pasick You do not have comments enabled on your post so here is the information you are looking for.

Manual can be found here
Manual Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sHOAcbXneLrBOZVRUsUdrzp36M0himbGvIeqiyRdWM4/edit?usp=sharing

And software here:
http://www.moshidraw.com/English/html/0942733722.html

As for CorelDraw, all the versions included with the lasers are pirated so you will need to purchase or use a trial version.
http://www.moshidraw.com/English/html/0942733722.html

CO2 Laser Reflective Study

CO2 Laser Reflective Study

Here is a great video of how much IR light is scattered from different materials. This is the reason to be wearing safety glasses at all times!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0CdAIvHaPU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0CdAIvHaPU

Modifying the power supply to change frequency.

Modifying the power supply to change frequency.

So in looking around the web to see how to minimize charring or burning of paper, Epilog suggests a frequency between 1000 and 1200 Hz. Has anyone here seen a power supply that has variable frequency or come across a how to modify the power supply for frequency control for our lasers? Enquiring minds want to know!

Don’t Follow Your Passion! A video from Mike Rowe, star of "Dirty Jobs"

Don’t Follow Your Passion! A video from Mike Rowe, star of "Dirty Jobs"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVEuPmVAb8o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVEuPmVAb8o

Gear Light Switch

Gear Light Switch

Looks like a fun project!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNutmTOFNR4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNutmTOFNR4

More Power to Me!

More Power to Me!

I had 2, 20 amp, dedicated outlets installed today. I can now run my compressor and two lasers without worrying about tripping breakers. I also had a 220, 30 amp circuit installed for future updates.

My name is Larry and I am a Laser Horder!

My name is Larry and I am a Laser Horder!

Well today I finally received another K40 laser. It is a used unit purchased from a member of this forum. It has some issues so I was able to get it at a very good price. I have some ideas on what I want to do with it. I will share them as I get them done. So my tally is 2 K40 lasers and two 3 watt solid state lasers.

Could a 40W keep up?

Could a 40W keep up?

Odrive! Project page here; https://hackaday.io/project/11583-odrive-high-performance-motor-control

Demonstration here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WT4E5nb3KtY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WT4E5nb3KtY

Great New Image Feature of Chrome Browser!

Great New Image Feature of Chrome Browser!

If you are searching for images, art ect and you use the Chrome browser, when you click the image you will now be able to save that image online. So no more downloading and comparing, you just save what you like and then go back and choose what you want. It also makes it easy to see what you have looked at before and have it available for a later project. Enjoy!

And the price keeps falling!

And the price keeps falling!

Not sure if it is a price wars or not but ebay has the basic unit for $318 USD delivered!

Food for Thought

Food for Thought

We are told to use the least amount of milli-amperage as possible to do our work to save the tube. I was just doing some cutting experiments on 3mm birch ply. I cut a 1 inch/24.4 mm circle at different speeds and current settings. So the results are minimum setting on my setup is 4ma @ 3mm/sec = 8.1 seconds of cutting time
9ma @ 12mm/sec = 2.2 seconds of cutting time
So twice the amps at a 1/4 of the time. I wonder which one will lower the life of the tube more and quicker?

New Laser Wiki

New Laser Wiki

I have set up a laser Wiki to help the new and experienced users find information quickly. This is a neutral gathering spot to help find information that is being posted here and other places. It is not linked to one site nor does it encourage you not to continue to support this wonderful gathering of individuals. Being a Wiki, it is only as good as the users input. We can link back to all the conversations that answer newbies questions and then entertain them here. If you are not comfortable editing a Wiki, ask here to have your information added. I hope this encourages a lot more discussions on specific ideas and issues in the future. Thanks!
http://everythinglasers.com/laserwiki/index.php?title=Main_Page

A cool quick project idea.

A cool quick project idea.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Popsicle-Stick-Playing-Cards/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Popsicle-Stick-Playing-Cards/

Panel and Pot upgrade

Panel and Pot upgrade

Installed a 10 turn 1k ohm Bourns pot I had laying around. It has a nice digital readout. I did test at each 50 mark setting after 100 and posted it under the acrylic. Not sure if I will do anything else due to possibly updating the Nano board. Might add an illuminated switch for the laser on/off button. Was thinking of using a LED but the power logic is reversed and would have to build a circuit just to light it.

Metal Marking

Metal Marking

My name on my Leatherman Raptor Scissors using CRC molybdenum dry spray. 12 ma @ 3 mm/sec. I am finding that uniformity of the spray affects the quality of the etch. It looks better in person than the pic.

Original software downloads

Original software downloads

Here is the link to download laserDRW and WinsealXP from the board vendor; http://www.3wcad.com/download.asp. As other have pointed out when trying to access the website, your browser will tell you it is not safe. I have browsed their site many times and have not gotten any cooties so far. There is a manual on how to use the software but it is in Chinese. As far as I can tell, it is the same software on the CDs and is not an update.

Scrap leather to play with thanks to Yuusuf Sallahuddin!

Scrap leather to play with thanks to Yuusuf Sallahuddin!

To all the USA yanks here, I purchased a 5 lb box of leather scraps from http://www.brettunsvillage.com/leather/scrap/scraps.htm for $35.00 delivered.
They sent a great variety of pieces in various colors and weight. Will be able to make a few bracelets and key fobs. Here is a pic of what I received.

Some Great Ideas to Reverse Engineer!

Some Great Ideas to Reverse Engineer!

https://ugearsmodels.com/
https://ugearsmodels.com/

New Tool to Use With the Laser

New Tool to Use With the Laser

I have been looking at this mini table saw for a long time. It has finally come down in price and the store had a 20% off coupon and a free DVM with any purchase so....
I bought one and also bought the carbide tip blade for it.
Total price was $37.00 USD. It works fine for what it is. Cut 6mm plexiglass without chipping. Leaves a smooth edge on 3 mm ply. It does not have a lot of torque but if you take your time it does a great job. A lot less hassle than my battery circular saw and can cut small items quickly.
It looks like plastic in the picture but the whole thing is made from cast metal.
http://www.harborfreight.com/4-in-mighty-mite-table-saw-with-blade-61608.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/4-in-mighty-mite-table-saw-with-blade-61608.html

USA $78.00 10" Windows 10 tablet at Walmart

USA $78.00 10" Windows 10 tablet at Walmart
(Sorry everyone else!)

I found a RCA Cambio 10.1" 2-in-1 Tablet 32GB Intel Atom Z3735F Quad-Core Processor Windows 10 at Walmart for $78. It includes a keyboard with touchpad. It was on the website but not on display in the store. I asked for them to check under the tablet display and they found it. Not all stores have it in stock. The Walmart website will tell you if it is in stock. Make sure you search for the $78.00 price. For some reason it will show up for $99.00 on their site. I have found it very snappy and the display is very good at all angles. The best part is that it sports a full size USB connection.

Great and Cheap gift idea!

Great and Cheap gift idea!

Down the rabbit hole I am going to take you!
Take a wooden spoon and add some graphics!
Do a search for wood burning spoon patterns and be prepared to spend days seeing all the creativity. Here is a site that just specializes in the item.
https://www.etsy.com/market/wood_burned_spoons

Sticky mat to hold objects

Sticky mat to hold objects

I came across this mat in a CNC forum. The manufacture claims it can be used with a laser. Anyone use something like this before? The 12 inch x 12 inch is about $60.00 USD

https://www.rowmark.com/seklema/seklema.asp


https://www.rowmark.com/seklema/seklemaonengraver.jpg

A couple of great laser lens references. First simple, second in depth.

A couple of great laser lens references. First simple, second in depth.
Scott Thorne The Basic Laser Optics has your beam pattern in it. It is totally normal!

http://www.lasercomponents.com/de/?embedded=1&file=fileadmin/user_upload/home/Datasheets/lc/applikationsreport/lens-theory.pdf&no_cache=1

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=9&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjNnc3Y1MDMAhUU-GMKHdF_BgQQFghBMAg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springer.com%2Fcda%2Fcontent%2Fdocument%2Fcda_downloaddocument%2F9781849960618-c1.pdf%3FSGWID%3D0-0-45-993418-p173947146&usg=AFQjCNFuMEqMO-Tm5z57qdKq4hU-t_2KqA&sig2=D1e7bJFnzyJOH5TYwylRgQ&bvm=bv.121099550,d.cGc

My new motto!

My new motto!

Hex Connector Toy

Hex Connector Toy

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:247
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:247

A nice quick tutorial on CO2 laser function

A nice quick tutorial on CO2 laser function

http://hackaday.com/2016/04/28/up-close-and-personal-with-laser-cuts/
http://hackaday.com/2016/04/28/up-close-and-personal-with-laser-cuts/

Interesting electrical issues

Interesting electrical issues

So today I was working on the slate garden markers for my friend. After 4 hours running, and before a marker was finished, the GFI breaker blew. Swapped outlets on a different circut and it blew too after a few minutes. Ran an extension cord to a non GFI breaker and no issues. The most interesting part is the power supply squealing almost went away. Things that make you go mmmm!

Control your laser with your phone

Control your laser with your phone

While cruising the interwebs, came across this app in the Google Play Store. It is in Vietnamese but Google translate made it possible to figure out what was going on. It is called kLaserCutterController.
What do you think?
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=7&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj-h7WL7IDMAhVI0GMKHQIgCHUQFggwMAY&url=https%3A%2F%2Fplay.google.com%2Fstore%2Fapps%2Fdetails%3Fid%3Dcom.ionicframework.k574783%26hl%3Den&usg=AFQjCNG97wTENbpyYDkUxPRA1Dzd3Un0TA&sig2=1GpnO7KaiOdi4QxjvZ-Xbw
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=7&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj-h7WL7IDMAhVI0GMKHQIgCHUQFggwMAY&url=https%3A%2F%2Fplay.google.com%2Fstore%2Fapps%2Fdetails%3Fid%3Dcom.ionicframework.k574783%26hl%3Den&usg=AFQjCNG97wTENbpyYDkUxPRA1Dzd3Un0TA&sig2=1GpnO7KaiOdi4QxjvZ-Xbw

sign on slate

sign on slate

A friend at work lost her son last week. The community is chipping in on a garden in his memory. He was 2 years old and had some favorite sayings. Hi Five was one and his nickname was Panda Bear. This is done on 1/4 inch slate tile. When it got to marking the panda, I notice it was not all there! When I had been adjusting the mirrors, I did not tighten one down. Had to redo the panda. As you can see, it all came out great.

Lesson Learned

Lesson Learned

I hit the jackpot on some name brand extruded acrylic. I live next to a large university that has a surplus shop available to the public. I found 12 sheets, 3 mm thick, 18 x 24 inches for a total of $20! Anyway I started to cut them and was surprised that the settings I was using on thicker acrylic was not working. I need to mention that I had left the protective paper on the acrylic as not to scorch it. Increasing the power and slowing the speed did not do much good. Multiple cuts no go. I removed said protective paper and it cut like butter! I am not sure what the paper is made of but it sure messes with the process. Took a few cut to figure it out.

Crystal Ball, is my power supply failing?

Crystal Ball, is my power supply failing?

So I ran my laser all afternoon making up for lost time. My power supply is starting to make a "squealing" noise when it first starts. Not all the time but about 50% of the time. It lasts about 2 or 3 seconds sometimes. If you have ever heard a car's fan belt when it is loose, this is what it sounds like. I know the power supply is a switching type so there are high frequencies involved but something tells me this is not normal. Anyone else have this issue and was it a tell tale sign of impending doom?

Well, duh!

Well, duh!

Been having fun setting up the K40 after a new Nano board installation. I finally was able to get the board recognized by the software. I went back to a project I have been working on and of course it does not work the way it is suppose to. Cleaned mirrors, checked distance but still would not cut. Increased current but no dice. I did notice that even though I have air assist, the head was warm...mmm, checked mirror alignment and what do you know, out of alignment! 30 min later and all was better. Moral of story, mirror alignment is critical and should be checked first!

Problems installing new M2Nano board

Problems installing new M2Nano board

I received my new M2Nano board and have been trying to get the software to recognize it. I keep getting this message "engraving device information invalid device-id cannot use it!" after trying to initialize the laser. A message that says "engraving machine connected." is shown when starting the software. The web is of no use. Totally removed all software with removal software to get every bit, swapped USB inputs and watched it reload drivers, searched the registry for any sign of old ID, removed old ID from INI files in file directories and still no luck. If I put the old card in, the software says it is initialized. This means that the ID is hidden somewhere I cannot find it. Maybe the USB key? It does not seem to read the new cards' ID. Any ideas?

Helpful drawing/cad software

Helpful drawing/cad software

While checking on what LaserWorks software was, I came across RDWorks—V8.01.16. I found a website that has it available for a free download (manufacture site). Out of curiosity I downloaded it and it installed just fine. It is made for a specific laser but the drawing abilities are all intact and it will import almost any format of drawing. Most important, it will export the file in .ai format. (adobe illustrator).
http://en.rd-acs.com/down.aspx?TypeId=50075&FId=t14:50075:14

http://en.rd-acs.com/down.aspx?TypeId=50075&FId=t14:50075:14

Camera for watching engraving

Camera for watching engraving

Yuusuf Sallahuddin This style of camera is being used on CNC machines and would be great on our K40 style laser. Borescope Endoscope Inspection Tube Camera

http://www.amazon.com/DBPOWER-Waterproof-Borescope-Endoscope-Inspection/dp/B01DIQ6K2O/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1459611134&sr=8-3&keywords=usb+borescope

They have styles for use on PC and Cell Phones. There is also a wealth of attachments like different angle mirrors to get optimum picture alignment.
http://www.amazon.com/DBPOWER-Waterproof-Borescope-Endoscope-Inspection/dp/B01DIQ6K2O/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1459611134&sr=8-3&keywords=usb+borescope

Free sites for graphics

Free sites for graphics

To add to Scott Thorne's discussion, here is a list of great vector sites;

http://vector4free.com
http://www.freevectors.net
http://www.crazyleafdesign.com/blog/free-vector-downloads-the-largest-collection-of-free-vectors-ever-assembled
http://www.vecteezy.com

And if you cannot find anything with the above sites, here is a vector search engine;
http://all-free-download.com/free-vector

http://all-free-download.com/free-vector

Cheap Rotary attachment

Cheap Rotary attachment

I saw this on a CNC forum. Looks like it can be modified and used in the K40 fairly easily. $90 USD

http://www.ebay.com/itm/191714031261?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
http://www.ebay.com/itm/191714031261?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

CorelLASER output file

CorelLASER output file

My M2nano controller board failed and I updated it to an arduino and gshield which I will be documenting soon.
Looking over the CorelLaser software, I noticed that you can save the project as a file instead of running the laser program. The extension is .egv. I looked around to see if I could find other programs that use this extension but had no luck. A peek into the file shows lhymicro-gl and lihuiyusoft corp.
I tried opening it as a hpgl file without any luck. Funny thing is that none of their software works on it either.
Has anyone looked into this?

Starting a laser forum

Starting a laser forum

Hi everyone. I am in the beginning of getting a forum up and running that will compliment this group. I plan to incorporate all types of lasers and supporting software. I am looking for help moderating. I have a full time job and this is a hobby. Also looking for ideas on what would make a great forum. All ideas are welcome. Post here or email me @ larrygon gmail. Thanks!

Actually received reply from the vendor!

Actually received reply from the vendor!

I mentioned in another post that my laser has developed issues. I received a reply from the vendor verifying that it does have a two year warranty and please send as much info including pictures and/or video of the issue so that it can be resolved. WOW! Not bad for a $366 gamble!

M2NANO controller board gone bad.

M2NANO controller board gone bad.

So after 4 months of use, looks like my controller board has bit the dust. It will start to fire the laser then nothing. If I press the test button, the laser fires and will vary from 0% to 100% laser power with the power pot as long as the test button is pressed. This leads me to believe that the Power Supply and laser tube is just fine and it is not receiving the correct signal from the controller board. I emailed the the seller who claims to answer emails within 8 hours. They are in Hong Kong and it is the start of their day so I hope to receive a reply by morning.
Good news is that I ordered all the parts to convert it to the Ramps option when I ordered the laser so maybe it is time to start the process.
Will update when if/when I hear a reply.

New Web Based 3D slicer

New Web Based 3D slicer

This software is multi machine use. It can be used with 3D printers, CNC and yes lasers!
Nice part is that the output for the laser is DXF or SVG
Link here; https://grid.space/kiri
Video here;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEgwf28nKag
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEgwf28nKag

Laser Podcast

Laser Podcast

Came across this site this morning.
Looks interesting.
http://www.laserlowdown.com/
http://www.laserlowdown.com/

Swapping out single turn pot

Swapping out single turn pot

I want to swap out the single turn 1K pot with a 10 turn pot. I have a 2K 10 turn pot with digital readout in my junk drawer. Does anyone know if the replacement pot being 2K will affect anything?

Idea for Z Axis Mod

Idea for Z Axis Mod

I have been thinking of making a simple scissor lift for an adjustable bed. A motor or hand crank can be used for adjustment. I will test with wood and then make a metal/aluminum one that would be more permanent.
What do you think?
http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Scissor-lift/
http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Scissor-lift/