Should you buy a laser engraver? Or is it just a waste of money
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- Опубликовано: 11 июн 2024
- ►Why I upgraded my laser • I regretted my laser p...
Have you ever thought about buying a laser engraver or laser cutter? Don’t fall into the same trap that I did! Here are 6 things you should know before buying a laser engraver. An honest review from an xTool D1 pro 20w diode laser owner. If you think lasers are a waste of money, well... maybe not, but there are definitely things to consider before diving right in. Learn the truth about laser cutters in this video.
►TOOLS USED (affiliate links):
· xTool D1 Pro
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· Honeycomb bed amzn.to/3NcNE5i
· Air assist amzn.to/3JqzLj0
· In-line duct fan amzn.to/3P2r0z6
· Exhaust ducting amzn.to/461pOlu
· Exhaust flanges amzn.to/3J86p8E
· Surge protector amzn.to/3Xhp5cd
· Dewalt shop stool amzn.to/3pfeEci
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#notsponsored #xtoolD1pro #lasercutter #diodelaser #laserengraver #xtool
►Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:25 The smell / fumes
1:40 My laser enclosure and setup
3:00 Costs - laser and accessory costs in detail
7:12 Diode laser limitations
8:29 Time consuming
9:18 Safety concerns
10:15 Should I ditch the laser?
11:10 Learning curve - Test project 3D logo 
Хобби
►I since upgraded my laser. Watch the update video ruclips.net/video/I02gwraTU7A/видео.html
►Shop the xTool SALE bit.ly/xTool-Sale
Hi
I need to engrave on a steel tumbler I have like 80 piecies
Can u pls guide me or if j can order that's fine too
Pls let me know .. thankq
One of the things you may want to consider is proper eyewear. Your laser is operating around 445 nm, and you need an ORANGE lens to filter that out. The goofy green or red ones they provide with these devices will not adequately protect you. I suggest you get a pair from a reputable company - they are about $100.00 a pair - and make sure it is written on the lens (normally above the left eye) OD7 190-540 NM. These should also block the light from entering the side as well. A sign posted outside the area stating ‘laser in use’ would be a good next project for you.
I agree wholeheartedly Michael. I'm not a home laser user but I had experience of them during my time as a physicist. I'm getting a little concerned about the slightly cavalier use of these tools in the home workshop and especially the possibility of stray laser reflection. I had assumed that the goggles were of decent quality and appropriate wavelength filtration but now that you mention it I doesn't surprise me that there not the greatest! Thanks for highlighting these possible risks.
I ran a 3000 watt co2 laser cutting steel and other metals for a short while and have three "floaters" from reflections. They happen so fast you don't even see them til later.
You absolutely can cut clear acrylic on a diode laser, you just need to temporarily paint the surface of the acrylic. There's plenty of tutorials available on RUclips
@@Tommy.461what is a floater?
@Tommy.461 dude more likely you already have yours floaters.....
I'm a Montrealer living in Hong Kong for more than 20 years. Watching your videos brings back memories of suburbia, garages and everyday DIY. I love what you do....so clear, honest, informative. Thank you
OMG FINALLY someone that breaks everything down cost wise and equipment wise. Thank you for giving us all the
extras with manufacturer and fails with said equipment. I am trying to set up a resin 3D printer with the exhaust fan like you have.
I have now ordered 4 fans that have not done what I need to vent the smell. I think I have finally figured it out but just from
your video I see your system works. So thank you for this video.
Well, you made me think twice about getting a laser. I really don't have room for one anyhow, and I'm 71 and not Daddy War Bucks. Love watching your videos and other DIY folks out there. Much better than wasting what's left of my brain on mainstream media stations. Keep up the good work kid!
Thank you for this very honest, detailed and helpful video. We have been thinking about a laser cutter or a CNC recently, and your video answers many of our questions. It also helps since you answer questions we wouldn't have known enough to ask before. We appreciate people like you who offer straightforward, practical information regarding your personal experiences. Well done!
i subscribed the second you are not sponsored. more people should start doing that
What a fabulous service you provide! A truly insightful look at what needs to be considered in a laser engraver tool. Thank you! Definitely subscribed!
Just wanted to say I watch pretty much every woodworking channel I can find and you’ve been consistently the most helpful. Love your build videos, and this one was extremely helpful for someone who’d been half considering a laser cutter without really thinking about it seriously. Appreciate the review!
ditto that. Clear, real, reviews, honest useful information and not a whole bunch of swag and over-priced "must have" tools like a lot of the other channels. Marie, you're far more real and practical. Thank you!
Maria is the best out of all... explains everything
Thank you kindly, truly appreciate that!
Thanks so much, I watched your video the very day after placing my order for the X-TOOL D1. You bring out a lot of information that no one before you has even hinted at. Thank you. Please keep doing what you do.😊 ❤
I really appreciate all the thought you put into pointing out things that are easy to take for granted. Thanks for taking the time and thanks for sharing.
A lot of RUclipsrs don't necessarily talk about the learning curve and the number of failures before the piece finally comes out the way they want. Thanks for sharing some of that. I think it's probably a good idea to have more time on the software and a few designs ready to go before even buying the laser. If I ever decide to purchase one, I might go that route if possible. Thanks for your incite on lasers. I hope you stick with it and share the rest of your journey with all of us.
Agreed! Worth learning software and having some designs before even getting one. And definitely doing a lot of research!
Hell, i am even getting 3d prints (fiber) failures after 2 years. I am looking at getting a laser engraver and see what 'fun' i can have. Lol.
you mean insight...lol
Xtool laser engraver is coool ,just it seems high price for his honeycom laser bed, we saw HogarDecor only half price compare than Xtool laser bed.
this makes sense; it'll be less disappointing to have the designs ready as soon as setup is complete, plus, if you can start using the laser right away, itll provide return time, if necessary
I sure enjoy seeing a woman who enjoys wood working as a hobby. You and Tamar are two of my favorites. No hype or unnecessary drama seen on too many of the other wood channels, just good projects delivered with a smile and some good, well thought out and upbeat speaking. I hope you can make some good income from it and keep your videos up for a long time. We love Canada too. It’s been a favorite vacation spot for us for many years. You folks have your priorities right. I hope we can see Montreal before either of us cash in our chips.
same
Finding honest people like you that review products in youtube is close to imposible. Thank you very much.
so true
One of the best and honest videos on lasers I've seen... Thanks so much...
What an awesome video Marie. I loved your sign it looked great. Thank you for your detailed description of what a laser owner will have to go through as we used to say "Forewarned is forearmed"
I appreciate you taking the time to bring honesty forward. I am about to purchase my first laser and was not thinking about “Smell”. Now I will reevaluate my decision and start learning about ventilation. Thank You!
This was really helpful. I see a lot of videos talking about the potential and side hustle opportunities these provide, but not much about the reality of using them. I defenitely see what they can add to a workshop, a lot of creative possiblities there, but now I see it's not printing money. Thanks for the video!
Exactly! Potential is there, but may take some time to unlock it. I hope I get there eventually :)
I have one and I think it's great and really useful, I would defend the laser engraver but, this said, I totally agree that it's important to also understand the downside and do some research before spending the money.
The potential for side jobs is 99% down to being in the right place at the right time and knowing the right people who want laser engraving for their business.
Thanks Marie for the video. What has been holding me back mostly is the software learning curve. I have enough problems working with Sketch-Up. You see all the things the engravers can do but there is a HUGE time commitment to achieve the end result. Your videos are always "spot on"! !! !!!
The software is easy to use, if you can use sketch up I’d think you’d get the hang of light burn etc. But if you getting a laser to make money, then think hard about it. But for a hobby, why not.
What an excellent video. Your presentation and no nonsense matter of fact demeanor is a breath of fresh air. I own a Xtool D1 pro and I am setting it up. Your explanation of items needed and how and why they are needed is spot on. Thank You
I like your video style and the way you convey the information. Very down to earth and easy to relate to. Nicely done!
Thanks for sharing all the different views on owning a laser engraving machine.. I have one that sits here and I've bought it because if tye trend a the time but also I thought I'd try something different. However , ince it's been sitting here staring back at me. Lol , 've decided to learn about it and give it a try. But I am happy you've given me all the ins and outs to why I haven't builtmy machine yet. And yes , aving that burnt smell of plastics and metals throughout my house would just give me a headache. So I will either build a box with a acuum hose and fan or try and buy one pre made for the model I have. All thanks to you sharing about your experiences with one. Thank you again for all the informative information. . .
Finally, a real review that goes in-depth on a laser cutter. I want to get one but realistically, I don't have the time to invest. Thanks for the info.
Thanks for this information. Prevented me from getting myself into something that would take too much time and effort away from woodworking.
Wow thank you for such an honest review- Haven’t been able to find anybody honest as you!
A honest reviewer with a clear perception on lasers. Thank you.
Great info! I've been seriously thinking about buying the same unit, but was hesitant because of the very same things you mentioned. Thanks for answering several of my questions.
I wish I'd come across this video BEFORE I purchased my laser. This is a real review folks! Heed Marie's warnings. Hardly anyone mentions the smoke smell. I don't mind the learning curve on any of my tools but the smoke, I just can't get past. I immediately purchased the enclosure the grid followed by the inline fan. I still get a lot of smoke in my shop which is unfortunately a two car attached garage so it leaks into the house. I also noticed that the items that come out of the laser(I have the same one you do in Iron man red, because, why not) and those things smell like smoke too. I've heard many a influencer say the smell fades. I have several xmas ornaments that still smell like fire and it's dang near July. Also, it's worth mentioning, I'm not that sensitive to smoke and if it didn't cause cancer I'd be just fine with saw dust flying in my face all day. I'm sure I'll get back to it at some point, but so far it has not been the accessory tool for my woodshop I thought it would be. Expensive lesson learned. Now my $300 dollar 3d printer has been awesome. Yes, that's a hint, Marie.
I was considering a 3D printer. what 3d printer do you have
@@angelw4113 I have the Ender 3 S1 Pro. Great starter unit.
Great informative and honest review. Thank you for not just trying to tell us all the great things about owning a laser engraver. I'll be watching more of your videos just based on your honesty!
I notice most youtube give wrong information about the products or they dont mention cons side of the products. Thanks for being independent and honest.
Very helpful video. I was looking for a laser station for leather engraving and cutting, but I didn't think about additional accessories at all. Thank you for the right direction.
I love that you had the same experiences as I did, and it was very helpful that you hung in there. I’ve been able to engrave several of my shop projects, but the learning curve cuts my hourly rate down to less than a dollar an hour. I sure hope that I (we) get better and faster at this soon. I guess that’s why they call these “hobby lasers”.
So make a "How i make $24 dollar a day with a laser" video and enjoy the fame.
I'm so grateful for your insights! Really made me think twice about buying a laser engraver. Thanks for keeping it real! 💡
Thank-you. I've been wanting to add a laser engraver/cutter and your "6 things to know " definitely helps. I got distracted while I evaluated the desktop/hobbyist CNC with laser option versus dedicated laser. I've now decided on dedicated laser with honeycomb, air assist and a custom enclosure. Thanks again!
Awesome, glad this was helpful in your decision!
Thanks for a comprehensive coverage of the plus/minus regarding your laser setup. You have covered everything one should be aware of.
I agree there is a big learning curve, but its been fun. I first bought a 10 watt diode laser, but quickly got a 60 watt CO2 laser and am really enjoying it. The focal point is the most critical part to get right, to get good clean cuts. Lightburn is definitely worth the time learning. Thanks for the review. Love your channel.
Thanks, that's encouraging! Will definitely look into lightburn
What machine(s) did you use. The same one with different laser, or 2 different machines?
Watching this helped me know that this laser life will not work for me or for my house, neighbours and family. This was such an informative video. Thank you!!! 😊
Thank you for your candid review and price list!
Super thanks for the video. It was enlightening.
I have to say your very well organized work space is perfect btw.
Best honest opinion about diode laser congratulations.
Really helpful, am actually looking at the xtool 20w same as you have. Your sign looked great if that's your first attempt you really have achieved a lot. I originally built my own laser with 5w optical power but have been wanting to upgrade.
Thanks for your honest point of view.
I really enjoyed this video and your sign turned out great! Thanks!
So glad I ran across your video… I was on the fence considering one of these. Too many negatives to dabble with the thing.
First I really enjoy your teaching methods. You are descriptive and concise something missing in a number of u-tube videos.
Very informative video. Thank you
Wow this video is sooooo useful. Thank you
Very useful video, you presented the issue in great way. Thank you 🙏🏼
Wow thank you for all the info. This video is great for someone that is considering to start a business. I was but is afraid to go into a trap. Appreciated
Always a great Video, Thank you
Outstanding! Thank you!
Great video, thanks for sharing your experience. Greetings from Holland.
Your sign turned out great!! I loved this helpful/thoughtful video.
Thanks!
I've been wanting to invest in a laser for some time now and this vid was super helpful! Thank you for the open honesty, it's much appreciated!
Great video. Love your honesty. Please do one on the trial and tribulation of learning the software.
I enjoy watching your videos....down to earth....to the point and informative. its nice to see your success. I'm envious. I remember commenting on one of your first videos with the router table dust collection. That was a good study. I've been thinking about a laser or CNC as it is a great addition to a final project. Thanks and keep up the great work.
For sure cool your logo. Thanks for your advise!
I have been thinking about getting a laser engraver here lately. Thought it would be a really nice addition to my shop. Thank you so much for passing along the information that was very helpful. And that sign turned out nice. 👍. Thanks again.
Thanks! Hope this helps you in your thought process.
Excellent helpful video as I look to consider a similar purchase and/or setup. Thank you
thank you for this video!!!! so helpful
well done very nice enclosure and setup
Great information, thanks.
Great video and very informative. I backed the Elegoo Phecda 20w Laser without really knowing what I was doing.. fortunately I bought all the extras with the Kickstarter promotion. First thing I had to do was get an enclosure and exhaust system. Thank you for making this video, everyone buying a Laser or new to Lasers should watch!
Great review!
Thank you so much for this valuable information, this is extremely useful for me as someone who is planning on getting into laser engraving.
Thx for this very informativ video! One of the view I found on my researche, that really brings up the con's, the additional costs, the requirements. Would wish more creators would include these topics. Thx again!
Thanks for the reality check👍
Thank you 🙏 for all information . Nice video. 🎉🎉🎉🎉
Superb video. Honest and straight to the point without as you said in other words, feeling obliged to positively review a product that is free, when you did not get yours for free. Well done!!! Much love from Scotland, ❤ X ...
Super useful! Thanks for sharing the points to consider, your actual setup and even the demo at the end :) (p.s. the logo came out very nice)
Awesome tips as I am about to buy my XTool. Thanks and don’t give up on your Dreams.
Your one of the few that I look forward to seeing a video as a beginner . I've looked at lasers and working out of a 12x31 shed I've decided from your video this isnt for me. At 59 I have other things I need to learn or brush up on . Lol I took wood shop at school late 70s and worked in a Pattern and Model shop in the late 80s . So thanks for all you do ! Your Awesome!
Yes, thank you very much for saying something others seem to forget. My laser was a much cheaper one - I paid $300 for it. But then I had to pay as much for the cheapest fan, bed and enclosure solution I could find.
Great video, very informative and lots of good information to consider before buying a laser.
Thank you so much for your video, I've been thinking of starting my own business, I have several options and one was this, but now I'll cross this one off my list, it's too much trouble, great honest video, thank you
Thank you for your honesty ❤
Nice work on the sign Marie! it turned out real nice :) Thanks for always sharing with us!💖👍😎JP
Many thanks for a very well thought out and useful video.
wow. Thanks for sharing this info. Very informative
I absolutely LOVE the lid holder opener thingy. KISS right? You make me smile!
Nice to see your perspective, thank you very much indeed!
Excellent summary of the pro's and cons of lasers. Subscribed.
Awesome, thank you!
I like the breakdown.
I’ve been researching lasers for the last month. I love your video and your approach. Your video gives a clear picture of the investment needed to be competent.
Lady Your a genius.
That's a nice box you have there that's got to suck out a lot of the smoke and fumes.
What a great informative video. Have subscribed as I would love to see all your videos.
Great overview of the reality of laser cutters, and appreciate your honesty. I always found it amusing that other YT channels are cutting all sorts of materials wide open in a shop without any venting. As you mentioned, burning plastic, wood and other materials makes a very nasty smell and not good for your health. I'd rather spend the money on tools that I would actually use.
Really appreciate your honest and candid appraisal of the laser. Jury is still out for me!
Thank you for being so honest. I too almost went for the laser engraver but decided not to get one. There is quite a learning curve as far as the software is concerned. I will continue with my woodworking projects and making sawdust........... Love the smell of freshly sawed cedar. You're the best.
Very helpful information.
So helpful! I was really considering this for leather, however I don’t want to have to learn software right now!
Great video..I learned on a 5 watt Ortur that I bought on Aliexpress 3 years ago for $400 and I just upgraded to the Xtool 20 watt. I use it in my garage and as I am also in Canada I will set up a ventilation system for when winter hits. I love using the laser to engrave my logo and with the 20 watt it’s opened up the possibilities of making more signs. Lightburn is very user friendly and there are lots of RUclips tutorials on it. But if you already have a CNC then the design principles are very similar. I agree with all your points and I think that some planning and forethought should go into it before making a purchase. This applies to any tool you’re thinking about purchasing.
Thank you for the great advices! I'm thinking just now about to buy a laser or a cnc. Very useful information!
Thank you!
Thank you for the review of a Laser engraver, I learned a lot. Thank you!
I like your video and your sensible approach to using and handling a laser engraver. Some very important and valid points which I will now be considering before setting up my laser engraver to make nameplates from etched anodized aluminum.
Thanks again for the awesome video ! - Best wishes from the UK 👍👍👍
This is very informative. Just what I was looking for and very timely. I appreciate you taking the time to do this video. Thank you! PS: You just gained a new subscriber and am looking forward to more videos.
That was really helpful.
Thank you!
Merci! We have been considering getting a laser cutter for our makerspace and this was really eye opening.
Very informative!! Thanks!
Best review so far!