J Tech Laser Installation On Shapeoko 3 XXL and Inventables X-Carve
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- Опубликовано: 14 июл 2024
- *UPDATE*
Since I created this video J Tech has now included a push pin connector to the motherboard that no longer requires soldering. I've removed the soldering part of this video and you can see how to install the push pin connector here : • J Tech Photonics Shape...
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Already have a Shapeoko or X-Carve and want to add a laser to it? This J Tech 4.2w laser is the perfect answer! Its easy to install and affordable. This video will walk you through how to install your new J Tech Photronics Laser to your Carbide 3d Shapeoko 3 XXL. This also features the new magnetic mount for quick removal of the laser!
USE CODE "MYERS" FOR 10% OFF YOUR ORDER FROM JTECH!
jtechphotonics.com/
Buy The Shapeoko 3 Here : www.matterhackers.com/store/l...
Helpful Links:
Shapeoko 3 Install Instructions: bit.ly/ShapeokoLaser
XCarve Install Instructions: bit.ly/XcarveLaser
Vetric Post Processor: bit.ly/vetricpostp
Software:
Lightburn (recommended): lightburnsoftware.com/
Vetric: www.vectric.com/products/aspir...
Inkspace: inkscape.org/en/
Tips For Lightburn And Shapeko:
Console Commands For Laser
$32=1 (laser mode on, this can be left on all the time) Default is $32=0 (laser mode off)
$10=0 (for lightburn) Default $10-=225
Laser On To Zero: G1 F4000 M03 S25
Laser Off: M05
Laser Mode Macro : G10 L2 P0 X-812 Y-812
CNC Mode Macro: G10 L2 P0 X0 Y0
Notes:
-Shapeoko XXL Normal Cutting Area = 812mm x 812mm
-Shapeoko XXL Laser Area (jtech Magnetic mount) = 828x709
-Enable Overscan for pictures (prevents buring on left and right edges)
-Picture Settings to start out at: For grayscale you need to set min and max different. Otherwise you only need to set max.
-For images on a diode (J Tech), try 60mm/sec at 50% power as a starting point.
-Grayscale works well, but it takes time to dial in the settings, though much easier on a diode system.
-Try the default dither settings and burn a few small images until you get a feel for the power and speed you want (slower speeds tend to burn more and give better contrast, so don’t try cranking it too high). 60mm/sec and 50 to 80 power is probably a good starting ballpark.
TOOLS / MATERIALS
■ 4.2w Jtech Laser: bit.ly/jtechlaser (use code "myers" for 10% off)
■ Shapeoko 3 Mount: bit.ly/ShapeokoMount
■ Zip Ties: amzn.to/2JZpadj
■ Safety Glasses: amzn.to/2NL1fAo
FILMING GEAR
■ Panasonic Lumix (main camera) : amzn.to/2BVA9nH
■ Rode Microphone : amzn.to/2HQxdcv
■ GoPro Hero 5 Black : amzn.to/2CMWi43
■ Neewer 62"/158cm Camera Tripod : amzn.to/2COtEQo
■ Neewer 31.5"/80cm Camera Track Dolly Slider Rail System : amzn.to/2BTKJv7
Find Me On The Internet:
■ Website : www.myerswoodshop.com
■ Instagram : / myerswoodshop
■ Facebook : / myerswoodshop
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Хобби
I really like your videos! You do a great job of explaining what you are doing while the video is moving along quickly. I usually have trouble with fast video IE assembling a shapeoko 3 XL in 5 minutes! Thank You!
thanks ron, i'm glad it helped!
I can’t wait til the final version comes out ! Thank you for the video , and great job !
I think they finished the final version now!
Did not see it on their website yet. Have you heard any other updates? Thanks
Jeff Helget a couple weeks ago he emailed me back and said as materials come in he makes them .. so the final version should be ready
He just sent me the final versions, so yes!
Myers Woodshop are you going to do a video on the final version. Is there any reason for the 7w laser? He’s out of stock still and I’m not even sure if it’s worth it.
I was waiting for this vedio since past 3months and finally I got it
Ben this video was extremely helpful for assembling my jtech laser. I bought the Shapeoko and the laser around the same time hoping I could avoid the undoing the chain to route the laser wire but Shapeoko being super helpful had already routed the wires to the CNC prior to shipping. Don’t get me wrong I’m grateful but Shapeoko and jtech should work together to sell a packaged unit so that those wires are also ran through the chain just my opinion. Anyways thanks again Ben and you helped this guy a lot.
I asked both companies the same. I think carbide is the hold out party. Your gonna love both machines! I still find myself just standing and watching them work.
thanks for helping me install mine.
I have a question, how thick wood can you cut and how fast? say poplar for instance. TY
Thanks for the 10 % off brotha! Just ordered the 7 w kit for my Shapeoko XXL and I heard it goes great with vcarve pro
Glad it helped!
@@MyersWoodshop Just tried the code and says its no longer valid :(
Thanks for the video Ben👊
I watched it twice. I should be able to put this together in my sleep. Just kidding.. I'll still find a way to mess it up😅
I'm putting mine together this weekend.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hi Ben, since the bracket for the Suckit sticks out, how do I home the machine on the x axis. it prevents me from reaching the limit switch on the right side x axis?? I'm too far in to turn back now.
Very cool. Never knew this was an option. Is it strong enough to cut through 1/4” plywood or only for etching on the surface?
1/8 balsa, 99% for etching
Ben,
Great video. Could you please do a video on the software you used with your laser. Thanks!
Rich
vetric and lightburn. they both have alot of videos and j tech has docs on his site to help you out.
This is a long shot but do you know if the Jtech 7w laser mount is compatible with the Shapeoko Pro?
During the un-boxing, I was so afraid that small parts might fall down the dog holes.
Thank you very much
I am planning to buy CNC router and definitely upgrade with laser module
If acrylic to be cut, what power is needed?
Also when using such laser, what kind of protection we need for support board below
Did you ever get your CNC?
Hi Ben, can you please make a video how to switch from Lightburn laser back to use the router CNC ? How to change the settins back to normal. Thanks
its in my plans.
Hi Ben! Thanks for all you do! You're a major "go to" for newbies, and well, been around folks as well--it seems. I'm a newbie and totally hooked on my Shapeoko. I'm getting ready to use your link and buy the 7 watt (I think now, Super 7W+). When I saw you install on the control panel--I thought "oh no--that's gonna be a day job for me"! I'm a little old lady, with weak hands . But then you mention you moved the laser control to the front of the Shapeoko. Do you have photos or videos that show the new move to location and/or how-to? I'm thinking it sounds like a time saver. Also--I need a Suck-It dust boot, badly! I'm, gonna hunt your videos in search of review of install tips. I'm hoping to find a "myerswoodshop" link for Suck-It too! I'll totally use it, even if there is no discount offered on your link!! I know how that gig works, and will click through every link you post if it's something I'm in the market for! Again--thank you!!
no discount or link for the suck it. I'd go for the pro version if you can afford it. Glad it helped!
I don't have a video for installing it on the front. I took the control board apart. Put that base on the side of the left rail near the front. marked the 4 holes. drilled. tapped. then screwed on the board.
Great video, it was very helpful. You wouldn't have a materials library for the 4.2 would you?
i dont, just the 7w
Hey awesome video. I plan on purchasing the 7W kit for the Shapeoko 3 XXL and using Lightburn software. Is the laser PWM? Id like to use the gray scale feature for image engraving, is that an additional upgrade or is it standard? Thanks!
yes, pwm
Nice video thanks, how did you determine the distance of the laser to the work surface?
I was told by jtech that the shroud should be 1/8 off of the work surface.
Hey, I want to get into to cnc , would you still recommend the shapeoko or wait for the one infinity. I want to make wooden signs, plaques, and bas relief sculptures.
onefinity all day.
Are there store front dealers for Shapeoko? I’d like to go see, touch and buy? I’m in Dallas Fort Worth area. Thanks much
would have liked to see close up what you just lasered , why not was it not very good???
The URL you have for Jtech is no good. Any updates?
fixed. thanks for the heads up!
jtechphotonics.com/
You state in the video if you don't have the probe option in the software that the latest software has not been installed. Which video explains the update to the software. I have everything but the probe.
Thank you.
Robyn
Would it be possible to use an Ortur Laser on the Shapeoko? I have the Ortur Lasermaster 2 20W and it'd be nice to combine the 2 machines.
the trick would be adding the controller to the pwm signal.
on the part where you remove the board from the backing plate then reinstall the board on the backing is there a step I am missing? are you removing something from the board? from about 5:00-5:20 minute mark in video. Thanks
i just took off the back part of the board to get hole alightnment
Thanks for the educative video! Can we cut pcb with this 4.2 jtech laser?
i would guess so but have no reason to every try it. it would be similar to cutting plastic, which would just take time since its not very powerful.
PCBs are made from a fiberglass resin composite, and because the fiberglass and resin have massively different cutting temperatures you will end up burning the surrounding resin before the fiberglass cuts. Any fiber reinforced resins will be better cut using a mechanical cutter (router/waterjet) rather than a laser.
Great video. I've noticed my shapeoko pausing for long periods when turning on the laser. This is causing deeper cuts at the entry point. I'm using the jtech plugin for inkscape but haven't seen any pause in the gcode. Is this something I can avoid or is it part of my Shapeoko firmware?
You have to change the settings in the grbl firmware. Change $32=1 to enable laser mode. I find this easiest using universal gcode sender. On changed, you won’t have to do it again
@@MyersWoodshop THANKS SO MUCH. Been killing myself trying to debug this one. Thought i was going to have to fork the dang firmware
No problem! Glad I can help!
Will that laser cut through 1/4 inch plexiglass??? For your CNC, I would like to recommend Rockler's Bench Cookies. They have a version that is threaded on one side for you to be able to attach them as feet for your CNC. They will give a much larger, more stable, footprint than your current "stock" feet, and might also help to lower the noise level from vibration a bit.
Easily
Hi Ben, another terrific video. Have you attempted cutting 1/8" ply? How many passes, speed, focus etc?
thanks barry. I haven't tried cutting ply yet. I'll make a short video when I do.
I have the new 7W and it takes about 3-4 passes at 10 inches/min and 100% power.
I just purchased the J tech laser after watching this video. Had some trouble getting started but now that it's working I love it. The instruction left out $10=0. I was smashing into the sides until I learned that.
Quick question, in the use CNC Macro button I would like to add my Shapoeko setting back, $10=255, $30=1000, $31=0, $32=0 after G10 L2 P1 X0 Y0. Do I do it like that with a comma between or do I hit the "enter key between them like this:
G10 L2 P1 X0 Y0
$10=255
$30=1000
$31=0
$32=0
Luckily Carbide Motion has a complete reset in the setting window or I would have lost the original settings.
Lightburn is tricky. I set up another macro to get "cnc normal" settings. If i'm only working with vectors I typically use vectric.
Hi, I have a J Tech laser mounted on my Shapeoko 3 and there is no life, no light and no fan working! My question is, I also have a Lightburn Software, is it necessary to install the software before the laser is working? I mean, cant I check the laser at all without the Software? Thanks for some answers!
Yes, there’s a switch in the control box that you can flip to manually fire the laser at full power....put down some wood before you do it
The fan should be running. Did you hit the reset button to the right of the power button?
where do you plug the laser into the breakout board??
pwm slots
Just picked up a shapeoko to learn CNC and hopefully do simpler parts that would be a waste of time for my badass CNC guy. The best part for a logo is is going to be powdercoated aluminum... I'd assume this laser is good enough to do that? that would help me feel I made a good investment on the shapeoko.
get the 7w. it'll do it, just slowly.
Have you lasered any other materials? Aluminum or plastics?
Yeah, aluminum with laser spray, and plastics always.
What song is that at the beginning? Lol.
do you think there is a laser that can be attached that will cut 1/4" ply? I am trying to avoid having to buy a whole separate machine to cut intricate things that my Shapeoko can not cut
probably, but your beard will grow gray before it made its final pass.
Hi Samantha. Wondering if you found a solution to this? I just got my Shapeoko and I’m looking to cut some intricate pieces on 1/4” plywood as well.
Watching this makes me think, the Shapeoko is the Fender Stratocaster of CNC.
I think that's a fair assessment.
can i cut through wood 1/16" thick with this laser?
yes, but it will take several passes
Will this laser be able to move over to your new Onefinity CNC?
It should!
I see they have a 7W version, too. Would you go for that if it’s a possibility?
Yep. Faster engraving time
Myers Woodshop Thanks for the info. Got permission last night from the better half and ordered the kit/software this morning. Your code helped nicely.
Awesome! Looking forward to seeing what you make!
Can this be used on an x carve
absolutely!
You mention soldering, but show no soldering during the installation. You also say that you attached “the laser?” to the front left support of the CNC?
they have since included a push pin so it's now solderless. I cut that part out of the video.
How precise is the laser?
better than a human hair.
What turns the lazer on and off?
pwm gcode commands.
Do you have any video where i can see what is real speed of engraving????
No, because it’s so slow it would be 8 hours long
@@MyersWoodshop so for picture 8"×10" will need few hours to finish????
I did a 11x13 and it took about 13 hours for a picture
@@MyersWoodshop oh that is too long :(
Thank you for answer
No problem
So sad
Coupon code is expired 😕 😪
@05:30 Now for the big question... Should we trust anyone satisfied enough with a soldering demonstration like *that* for him to show it to his audience with a How-To on L.A.S.E.R.s? Should we really put a BLIND eye on that? ;)
Yeah, the rest of the video was quite informative, but I cringed at that cold joint. (Myers Woodshop, you need to heat the pad and the wire with your iron, and then the solder will flow nicely into all the nooks like the other solder points you see on the board. Your joint is just a ball of solder that clung to the hot wire but didn't cling to the pad sufficiently. Worth finding a tutorial on soldering technique.)
@@ed_halley your both not wrong. I have VERY little experience soldering. I had to go back and fix my work after a little help from youtube :P I think next time I have to solder and show it, you'll be happier with my work.
Thanks for the video. I was searching for a laser module for the Shapeoko and went straight to the Jtech website. Their website says the Shapeoko XL and XXL come with the mounts already? Mine is ordered and not here yet so guess we’ll see in a couple weeks
It doesn’t. It’s a separate item
Lot of shakin but it's not movin? Sure sounded and looked like it was movin
Is there a more powerful laser that will work for this cnc?
Some will advertise 10w but the fudge the numbers. 7 is about where a diode will max out
What software do you use to generate your laser gcode? Carbide Create has issues... lol
lightburn.
Skip to 14:44 to actually see anything happen
you found the best part!
You should remove the 10% coupon code. I ordered one today and the code is no longer valid and says, "This coupon has expired."
i've confirmed with J Tech it should still be valid.
@@MyersWoodshopThanks for contacting them. I too have emailed the J Tech team and will confirm here whether they will honor the 10% discount code since it wasn't working as of yesterday. Edit: As of now the website still says "This coupon has expired" when using the "MYERS" coupon code.
Update - Jay from J Tech has honored the coupon code and has refunded me the difference.
Awesome! Glad it worked out! Jay provides incredible customer service
You didn't actually show how to connect the wires to the board. There was a very blurry shot of the board, but no indication or instruction on how to connect.
I cut that part because they changed how. Check JTECH website for how to connect it.
great video YOUR MUSIC IS TOO LOUD IN THE BEGINNING. OMG
sorry calivin.
300% less music, speed up the unboxing.....
noted.
Sorry to be negative but that background “music” makes the video nearly unwatchable.
ok