Watch This BEFORE you Buy a Desktop Diode Laser!
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- Опубликовано: 21 мар 2023
- When you are brand new to a hobby like Laser Engraving it can be super daunting knowing which diode laser to invest in when you know very little about them and what they are capable of outputting. You look at various groups in social media platforms, but it can be scary place sometimes asking basic questions when there are sooo many "old hands" ridiculing you for asking such a simple question. Well...Good News!!!!
I went through the same process only a few short months ago, and it got me thinking, now I know the basics I should put together a guide to help brand new buyers with what they need to look out for when getting started in this awesome hobby.
I run through the basic questions you first need to ask yourself about how much you need to budget, what type of materials are you going to use, and a whole bunch more.
Then I run through all of the popular manufacturers models like Ortur, xTool, Sculpfun, Atomstack and many more in each power category 5W, 10W and +20W so you can compare them all in the one place.
To top it off, I have compiled all of the data into a spreadsheet that I'm happy to share so you don't have to go scouring the internet to find out all of the info...pretty cool huh? Just pop your request in the comments and I'll shoot you the link.
Some of the product links in the spreadsheet are Affiliate links and I have labelled them in the adjoining column - whereby I receive a small commission if you buy any products using that link - it does not cost you anything extra as the buyer, it's a small way you can support this channel if you find the content helpful.
The software I mention in the video - LaserGRBL - a free program for PC users (please consider donating if you find it valuable, I'm not affiliated in any way with that program, I just think it's good to support those willing to support the user base) - lasergrbl.com/
The paid software I mention is Lightburn, and is the program I use for all my diode laser work - they do offer a 30 day free trial so you have nothing to lose - lightburnsoftware.com/
Happy Lasering :) 
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Very well done and thought out video with all the specs for each model included. Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to research and compile all this information and for sharing it like this. I am so happy to have found your video and would greatly appreciate the link you spoke of in the video. Thanks again!
Thank you for taking the time to offer your feedback - - thank you for watching - here is the spreadsheet - sorry for the delay getting it to you tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
Thanks so much for all the time and caring you put into this video! What a contribution for someone like me who is just starting out.
Glad it was helpful! Keep at it - I'm having a bunch of fun learning as I go
Nice video Darren! This is what brought me to your channel. I start with my laser about 8 months ago. I got a Comgrow Z1 10watt and have since upgraded their 20watt laser module. I have since expanded it to 465x785mm and built an enclosure for it. If I had to do it over, I would still go with the Comgrow. I've seen several of your other videos and will probably watch more soon!
Thanks for watching Eric
Thanks for the insightful video. I purchased the Fox Alien Reizer 5W for my wife 18 months ago. She had no patience’s so I inherited the laser back in Dec. New to lasers, Lightburn and all the nuances, I got the laser bug. Slate, tile, and wood engraving produces really good results, IMHO and intricate cutting is a nightmare. My Roly Lasermatic 10 is shipping on the 24 of March and I am excited to put it to work. Cheers!
Thanks for watching Mike - do you think the issues with intricate cutting are related to dot size?
I just purchased the Sculpfun s30 pro max 20w and can't wait to get started with it 🤩
Excellent Marla - having the 20w module would be cool for the additional cutting power - have fun😀
I will say I enjoy your videos, you have a lot to offer to the community!😁🛫
I appreciate that! Thank you
I'd love a copy of your spreadsheet. I have been overwhelmed with trying to figure the right laser to be my first. This video is VERY helpful! Thank you!
Hi there Christine - thanks for watching - it certainly can be overwhelming, here is the link to the spreadsheet tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
Great review. I would sure like your spreadsheet. Thanx
Hi there Brett - thanks for watching - here is the link to the spreadsheet tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
Great video. I have been looking for a vid like this for a long time. I'm interested in your spreadsheet and have subscribed. Thanks in advance!
Glad it was helpful for you - here is the spreadsheet - tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
Very comprehensive information. I thank you for spending your time to compile all that info. As such, I would like a link to your spreadsheet
thanks for watching Darrell - here ya go - tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
Got a Sculpfun S30 Pro (10 watt) with the 900x900mm extension. I love upgrade options they have and it's easy to customize- eventually I'm going to replace the Y rails so I can have a full 4x8ft burn area. My expectations are not often met, much less exceeded but this thing is incredible! The precision is even better than what I expected watching who knows how many videos about all the options. I don't have experience with any other laser so I can't really recommend one or the other but, part of why I chose this is due to Sculpfun having decent customer service, which I utilized, they helped me trouble shoot a voltage problem with the y axis, but mainly because they've got one of the best 10 watt lasers with a very fine dot size- I'm focused on cuts rather than engraves so that's what I was looking for, side by side comparisons to equivilant lasers does show that these lasers do show slightly better burn quality. Good Day folks. Great Video!
I did get my S30 Pro 10 watt for $250 with the extension at $120 all new- got a pretty sweet deal price wise! I don't recommend or not recommend ebay, but that's where I got it so cheap, there is a bit of risk- no problems at all for me though, just be sure to buy from a reputable seller who has been around for a while!
Thanks for the detailed response - I also now have a Sculpfun s30 pro 10w - wow 4x8 foot that is huge - what sort of jobs would you be doing on something that big?
@@mrcraftsmith I'm aiming at doing large Layered Mandalas/Maps mainly, but a lot of other large stuff as well- an example might be a center piece over a fireplace with up to maybe a dozen layers or so- big projects. Then also for small mass produced stuff I'll have a much larger work area so that I can make larger jigs/produce more products with a single file/burn. I don't plan on doing much large stuff to sale until I either upgrade to the 20-30 watt Laser or skip to a CO2 laser since 10 watts is a bit slow, but I can learn with it and I can have the art side of the files mostly ready to go for when I get a higher powered laser- I'll just have to adapt power/speed/general settings, which is no time at all compared to preparing the art! The reason for 4x8 is because that's the size of standard plywood so I'll be able to load full sheets- my largest work is going to be that full size and I'm planning ahead a bit.
Excellent detailed and presented information. Definitely a big help. I've subscribed-Thanks. And, yes, please send along the spreadsheet too.
Thanks Rick - I am away from my computer at the moment but if you look back through the comments you can get the link from one of my previous replies
In case you weren't able to find the link - here it is tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
Wow Mr, I'm planning on getting my 1st Diode Laser and this video is just what I needed. I've seen many videos n other channels, but this one is by far the best of all. Congratulations to you! ... Thank you for your time and input. It would be greatly appreciated if you can share the sheet please. Kind regards and God bless you!
Hi Sandra - thank you for tuning in - here is the spreadsheet - sorry for the delay getting it to you tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
Great video. Very informative. 👍
Thanks Brenden 🙂
[subscribed!] Great video! I am compiling information to buy a laser engraver for my daughter, mainly to burn patterns into leather covers of her handmade books. Your info is helping me a lot, and I would appreciate a link to the spreadsheet you mentioned. Thanks!
thank you for watching - I wish you both well on your laser journey - I have a sneaky suspicion Dad might be asking daughter for a little laser time ;) - here is the spreadsheet - tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
I'm seriously considering buying a laser in the 20 watt range and your reviews have been very thorough and very helpful. I would love to get a copy of your spreadsheet with the info and links.
G’day Bruce - I reckon a 20w would be a great option - here is the spreadsheet - sorry for the delay getting it to you tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
@@mrcraftsmith Oh my God, you wonderful man! I have ADD and doing these comparisons as notes and memory is just murder. You have become my hero towards organizing my head towards making the right purchase! Thank You!
Good video Darren. Subscribed. Can you share how many watts your current laser is to get a relative # to what we may have to use for power and speed settings? Thanks!
Thanks for watching Colt4570 - my Ortur LM3 is a 10W machine and my cutting speed is 2 passes at 85% power 500mm/min
hey Darren another great vid would love a copy of the spreadsheet if possible!!
I appreciate the feedback and thank you for watching - here is the spreadsheet - tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
Yes id love a copy of the spreadsheet please, subbed andcalways like your videos 😊
Hey there Hedley - as you wish - here is a link to the spreadsheet tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith - you should notice that I have a bunch more lasers in the spreadsheet now and about to release a new video - a 2024 update on what's new in diode lasers - keep an eye out for it - and thanks for watching I appreciate your support :)
Very well done. Good information. I'm interested in your document info. Thanks in advance!
Hey Mario - thank you for tuning in - here is the spreadsheet - sorry for the delay getting it to you tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
I bought a vevor 3040, upgraded the main board with a 32bit board and upgraded the laser with a lasertree 40w diode laser.
Still under the price of one of these brand lasers (£225 total spend to be exact).
Can not knock the laser head or mainboard at all, does everything I throw at it.
Save money and get a cheap setup and upgrade!!!!
You could go with the new lasertree 80w ones, its just what you need from your laser engraver.
You can upgrade it for a bigger size engraveable easily just new belts and bigger rails then add the size in lightburn and update it in the firmware for the mainboard so easy and cheap to do.
Sounds like you're pretty handyy with mods and the like - a good way to save a few bucks if you have the skills - well done
Hey there, I have a 90w co2 laser and thats great for cutting but not so good for engraving. I think when you go up in power, many times you loose resolution. I'm thinking about getting a mid range diode laser. I'd sure appreciate your spread sheet. Thanks so much
Hi Mark - I'd love a CO2 laser to muck around with - but my free time to engage with my hobby has been pretty much non-existent the last couple of months - here is the spreadsheet - I'm so sorry for the delay getting it to you tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
hey love the spreadsheet link thanks
thank you for watching - here is the spreadsheet - tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
Hello. Thank you for the content. Could I get the link to the spreadsheet?
thank you for watching - here is the spreadsheet - tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
I have the Neje 2s Max (same footprint as the 3 Max), and it easily fits on a normal sized workbench, including the enclosure. You didn't mention the other Neje offerings, including the extension kit for the 3 Max (810x1450 I think), nor the Max 4 which is similarly sized, 20w, and has a similar extension kit, plus software controlled Z axis, a pen tool, and a plotter(cutter) tool.
I'm sure there are plenty of machines that I've not included, I based it around the popular models that were being covered across multiple social media platforms, so new people had one spot they could see all of them and then do their own research from there :)
Are you going to look at the Roly Lasermatic 10? It is an all-in one laser with a camera also.
my time is consumed with my normal work at the present - very little time for my hobby - so when I get. moment - I'll take a look - thanks for the suggestion
I have the Atomstack X30 Pro. It had bee a bit of a struggle with their support. I just received the new cable for the extension kit (850 x400mm). The original was not compatible witht he laser module. Really nice product testing, eh? The new cable took 3 months to arrive.
The dot size is NOT 0.06 as claimed. The best I ca acheive is nearer to 0.1 and that is what I have to work with as a kerf offset to get reliably tight joints in connecting pieces. It does appear to be a square dot at least so it gives consistent results.
The Air assist supplied is decent and fairly quiet which is more than ca be said for the laser module. The fan is incredibly loud and runs all of the time.
Maybe I should do a video review of life with the laser after 3 months
I’d be keen to see your review 🙂 - thanks for watching
I enjoyed your video. Please send me the spreadsheet you mentioned. I will appreciate your input very much. This is a very difficult decision to make, but you have presented a great deal of information. Also loved the accent. LOL.
Hi Brenda - thanks for tuning in - here is the spreadsheet - tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith - always good to hear from around the world :)
Hi Darren, Great video. If you don't mind, I would like a copy of the spreadsheet that you mentioned.
thank you for watching - here is the spreadsheet - sorry for the delay getting it to you tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
Darren you missed the boat on the Longer Ray 5 10 watt laser I bough it for $479.00 USD including air assist shipped from the US and I do live in Texas, it arrived in 4 days from ordering. The air assist kit did ship from China 10 days delivery.
06 mm laser.. I am really happy with it this laser coming from a Ortur Laser master.
I routinely cut 1/4 Baltic birch at 380 mm cleanly with. 20 passes at 100 percent. I have had this laser for 3 weeks.😁🛫
It would have been difficult and seriosuly time consuming to cover all of the offerings out there - however I have added Longer series of lasers to the spreadsheet for everyone's research benefit - glad you're enjoying the new laser :)
Thankyou for the detailed information - How do I get access to the excel sheet?
thank you for watching - here is the spreadsheet - sorry for the delay getting it to you tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
Great info! I would like a copy please. Thanks!
Thanks John, glad you found it helpful - thank you for watching - here is the spreadsheet - tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
What's your opinion on the upcoming Elegoo Phecda 20w laser? Considering on backing that. Not in a hurry getting one, been considering for a long time and there's some in my opinion good packages available in kickstarter. Am ready to take the risk of backing, might find later that it was a bad idea.
I had a quick look - there’s nothing that stands out as groundbreaking with the laser - but at that price point I wouldn’t expect it either - not a fan of the smoke filter - in my opinion laser engravers require proper vented extraction, those filters just appear as an additional consumable that brings you into their ecosystem and doesn’t really add much value - if you weren’t in a hurry I don’t think it’s a bad idea to back it if you feel you are getting a good deal 🙂
Thank you! Excellent information. Have you seen the Lasermatic10 from Roly Automation? Full ventilated enclosure with camera, air assist, and roller for $1000! Highly recommended.
I'll be honest - lasering has taken a back seat lately - have had a super busy photo season in our day to day business, but things are starting to slow so looking forward to jumping back in - thanks for watching :)
I just purchased the Sculpfun S30 ultra 22W. The Acmer 33W is getting a lot of attention as the top cutter for 2023 but… I did not pick it because although it excels in many areas, one that it doesn’t is cutting thick matls. - they (Acmer) seems to be tuned for thin matl. Cutting. We’ll see…
Hi Mark - I'd love to have a laser in the 20W plus category - and I quite enjoy the Sculpfun S30 Pro that I do have - I'm keen to see the performance in the real world of their new SF-A9 40W - enjoy your new machine
I'd love a copy of your spreadsheet... thank you
G'day Paul - I have another updated video - you will see in the description the link to access the spreadsheet with all the updated models and specifications ruclips.net/video/LrK9lIY1sow/видео.html
Hi Darren. Excellent video.. I would love to take a look at your spreadsheet.
Thanks Adam - I’ll get that link to you shortly - just making a couple of alterations to the sheet so I can keep it updated with extra models and manufacturers as I come across them
Finally got there - sorry for the delay getting the link to you - tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
Hi Darren great video I have K40 laser I would like to upgrade could you please send me the spreadsheet
G’day Trevor - just for reference the spreadsheet only covers diode lasers not CO2 - here is the spreadsheet - sorry for the delay getting it to you tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
Hello Darren. I have been considering testing the water to make some income from this type of thing. I would appreciate it if I could benefit from your work and get the comparison you did. I have also been considering if I should get a diode laser first or a CO2 laser with a bigger workspace and more powerful.
thank you for watching - here is the spreadsheet - tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith - when it comes to making income - I am of the school if you want to make it happen you just have to start - as a family we are heading to Europe for a long planned trip and I decided to start making some money from the laser engraving to top up the travel account and with a few thoughtful posts to FB - the orders started to come in - if you understand the process of how platforms can work you can be up and running pretty quick - as for the type of laser to get - if the budget extends to the CO2 market, then it makes sense if you want to make money - the potential ROI is in my opinion better with the bigger and quicker machines
I would love a copy of the spreadsheet
Hi Rick - here is the spreadsheet - sorry for the delay getting it to you tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
I already have an 80W OMTech CO2 laser, but it seems to me like a diode laser might be better for engraving on tile and metal. So, I don't need a diode laser to cut wood. Do I just need a 5W diode?
A diode laser isn't going to engrave metal, so depending on what you want to achieve there will define the type of machine you need - for tile and I assume the NWT (Norton White Tile Method) and slate - a 5w will work, however a 10w may be a better option potentially from a speed point of view as dot size will be negligible, and if you are wanting to do finer cuts on 3/8 inch material the 10w would be a better all round performer
Like a copy grate info.
Hey ther Don - thanks for watching - here is the link - I hope you find it helpful tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
Darren, I’d like the spreadsheet,thanks
Hey Patrick - sure thing - here is the link - tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
I too would like a copy of your spreadsheet.
Absolutely not a problem - - thank you for tuning in - here is the spreadsheet - sorry for the delay getting it to you tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
HI Darren Thanks for taking the time to share this info. Kindly send me your spreadsheet.
thank you for watching - here is the spreadsheet - sorry for the delay getting it to you tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
thank you! @@mrcraftsmith
Good video thank you. Could you please send me the excel spreadsheet. Many thanks
thank you for tuning in - glad you found it helpful - here is the spreadsheet - tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
Would like the spread sheet for the laser engravers, please
link is in your first comment Michael
I would like to get a copy of the spreadsheet as well. Thanks
had a busy couple of days Bill - I don't always get to the comments the same day - I sent the link in your other comment :)
@@mrcraftsmith well, things have gone downhill for me. Lost the printer, now trashed. Computer’s hard drive started making noises, did an immediate backup, powered down, waited a few seconds & powered back up. Still had nosies coming from hard drive. Found my spare hard drive and in the process of changing the laptop’s hard drive out, knocked it off the table and destroyed it as well.
So now down to iPhone & Amazon Fire tablet. Looks like it will be a long time before getting an engraver of any kind. But thanks for you kindly sending the file. At least I can look at the engravers and wish.
Again thanks
Hang in there Bill - it will happen one day :)
Anyone know a cheap IR laserhead? The ones I have seen are crazy expensive for a hobbyist.
I haven't looked into the IR modules as yet
Thanks for sharing. I would be interested in the link if you don't mind. Thanks again
Hey Brad - thanks for tuning in - Here is the link to the spreadsheet, I hope you find it helpful - tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
@@mrcraftsmith Thank you. That is an AMAZING amount of work you put into that. Thank you for sharing it with everybody!
would love a copy of the link thank you
Thanks for tuning in William - thanks for watching - here is the link to the spreadsheet tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
Hello I would be interested in a copy of your spreadsheet. In the market for something.
Thanks for watching - I hope you found it helpful - here is the spreadsheet - tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
May I have a copy of your spreadsheet? Thanks!
Thanks Chris - here is the link to the spreadsheet tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
Darren, great video & you got me subscribe. Would you please send seen me the link for your spreadsheet?
thank you for watching - here is the spreadsheet - tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
Good job
Ortur told me they have a 20w module on the way, release mid april.
Maybe you should digg' in
Subscibed, thumbed up.
Thanks for watching Yehoshua - I’ll be keen to see what Ortur bring out next month
For the price and performance of a 40w or higher, would it be better to jump to a CO2 In your opinion?
G’day Jake - if my budget extended to the 40w range for diode - I would be inclined to spend a bit extra and get a CO2 - while I’ve not tried a CO2 - I believe it would be a better long term investment - particularly if the intention for use was beyond being just a hobby.
I would like a copy of your laser comparison laser chart please.
No problems Michael - here it is - tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
I wish to get the spread sheet brother....
no problem - here it is - tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
Do you update this from time to time?
I haven't updated the list as yet, I plan to do this in the new year and do another video updating the latest models
Could I receive laser spread sheet please.Thanks Randy.
Hi Randy - thanks for tuning in, I hope you found the information useful - here is the spreadsheet - tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
I would like a copy of your spreadsheet
Hi Mark - if you check out this video you will find the link in the description ruclips.net/video/LrK9lIY1sow/видео.html
Darren... I'd like a copy. I Subscribed for all notifications and gave it a thumbs up. KV4ATV in Florida.
Hey there KV4ATV - unusual name ;) - (maybe it's Wolfgang??) - thanks for the subscribe and appreciate your support - here is the spreadsheet - tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
I'd like a copy
ok - here is the link to get access pages.mrcraftsmith.com/2024lasers
Please send me the link for the spreadsheet!
Thanks Lenny - will get the link through to you tomorrow- just making a couple of small changes to tidy it up
Hey Lenny - here is the link - tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
I would like the link please. Thanks
I’ll hopefully get that link to you tomorrow- just making a couple of smalls mods to clean it up
Here ya go Kelly - here is the link to the spreadsheet - I will periodically update with new models as I become aware of them - tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
Can you send the spreadsheet to me?
No worries Bill - thanks for watching - here is the spreadsheet - tinyurl.com/mrcraftsmith
Very good idea as a whole but your data and models are now outdated. You would need to make a new Video with the latest offers and models.
For sure Gilbert - it is in the planning pipeline :)
Please send me a copy of your laser comparison ahead sheet - thank you
Hi Mark - I am away from my computer but if you check previous requests you can find the link in my reply