I decided to add this to my shop

[adbuch]

Tom - assuming you are using LightBurn or similar to control the laser, could you just adjust the power output via the LightBurn settings?
I have no personal experience with laser engravers.

Thanks,
David

[acourtjester]

You are correct in the programing for the power settings. but Lightburn does not have a DIY post processor. When I had the other last hoked up I had to use laserGRBL which does not power adjustments just on or off
So you know the wiring to the laser is its power either 12 of 24 volts DC and another for the signal control a TTL signal similar to what a VFD does.
I'm not sure if its not a 5 volt or 12 volt variable that works the laser etching power. I don't want to the module and blow it up with the wrong voltage.
It is about $1000.

[adbuch]

Tom - thanks for that! I went to the LightBurn forum and they that a generic post processor is on their "to do" list. Too bad the laser you are looking at doesn't just have a control knob on it to set the output level. This would probably be easy to accomplish if the schematic diagram is available for the unit your are looking at. But as you say, at 1000 bucks per pop, not something you would want to take a chance with.

David

[acourtjester]

I can understand the struggle Lightburn has look at the list of post processors SheetCam has.
The problem is the different G-code command companies use for the same action.

[Joe Jones]

He Joe,
What's the advantage to having a D1 as a rotary machine and not using your Galvo??
Galvos are quite a bit faster aren't they??

My galvo laser is a 30 watt fiber laser. It doesn't work well on wood, plastic, etc.

Joe

[adbuch]

I can understand the struggle Lightburn has look at the list of post processors SheetCam has.
The problem is the different G-code command companies use for the same action.

Tom - I very much agree! I run into the same problem with some of my cnc machines where a certain G or M codes might mean different things between the turning center and the machining center.

David

[Joe Jones]

The P2 laser arrived yesterday. Now I have to set it up in on the second floor of the FrankenBarn and see what it can do. I think this is going to be a lot of fun! 55 Watt CO2, with 108" pass through rolling rack, and contoured engraving ...

Joe

[acourtjester]

You can now add other projects as the CO2 can do more then the Blue laser on your Xtool. Looks like you can cover most bases with the different lasers you have. Have fun

[Joe Jones]

All I need is to be 25 again.

Joe

[plasmanewbie]

All I need is to be 25 again.

Joe

Me too...

Looking forward to seeing what you do with your new laser Joe!

[Joe Jones]

I got as far as raising it to the second floor of the FrankenBarn with my forklift and dragging the large box through an open window. That is a start ... I mean ... right?

Joe

[Joe Jones]

Today, I ordered the new P2 honeycomb frame for the laser, and while I was at it, I decided to get the portable P1 laser deluxe kit at the same time. It comes with the shifting base and the rotary tool too. I know ... ANOTHER tool that might sit in the shipping box until AFTER the warranty runs out! Well, things are cooling down now in the FrankenBarn, so I may get out there now to work with ALL of these toys.

I still have ZERO faith in the future of the American economy, but I hope that this will give me something to do over the cooler Fall weather and into the COLD winter weather until I need to begin shooting zombies from the upper windows . Who knows ...

Joe

[djreiswig]

I feel bad for you Joe. You seem to be spending lots of time not doing much because you believe the economy is going to crash, but if the economy never actually crashes as you believe it will, then you've spent lots of time not doing much.
I try and live each day not worrying about the economy. It's lots more fun, and I get things done. Hopefully you can redirect your focus and experience some enjoyment.

[Joe Jones]

I feel bad for you Joe. You seem to be spending lots of time not doing much because you believe the economy is going to crash, but if the economy never actually crashes as you believe it will, then you've spent lots of time not doing much.
I try and live each day not worrying about the economy. It's lots more fun, and I get things done. Hopefully you can redirect your focus and experience some enjoyment.

That is the goal!

Joe