The media could not be loaded. I've started with 5W, 10W, 20W, and 40W, but, of course, I wanted a larger bed, and for the size, it was either buying a CO2 machine, which would take up too much space outside the cost (think, double). Installation: With the Max version, you will still need ample space
. I made a 40"x 40" table with 2x4s and 3/4" plywood. The installation took about 30 minutes but was straightforward, and everything squared up nicely. It's very heavy but sounds and moves like a professional CNC machine. It's nothing like the cheaper 2020 extruded aluminum gantry, either. This machine also has the gantry belt pre-installed so there's not much to do there other than tightening the belt; which I went by pinching the belts to about the same tension on both sides. It's been working fine. Software: It's compatible with Lightbrun and recognizes the machine right away. Set your height, add your design, and cut. Cuts & Engravings: I've been consistently cutting 1/4" plywood from Home Depot in ONE PASS, 90% power, 900mm/min (or 15mm/s), and if the plywood doesn't have many glue spots, I've pushed it to 1,400mm/min (or 23.33mm/s). I've also set the maximum engraving speed to the machine's limit and at 90% power. It's not bad at all. I was so impressed at how fast it cuts and engraves. Cons: Not a deal breaker but I've found that the pump it comes with is okay but could be better. I say it could be better as with the stock air assist at maximum, I can run down my finger and see some soot at the same power/speed I mentioned above. Adding more volume to the air using my 30 gallon air compressor, the char is about 25-30% less with no soot on my finger. At least for the compressor, I bought a pressure regulator with a moisture trap (1/4" NPT) with a 12V DC solenoid to trigger from the original 12V DC out cable from Atomstack's air assist. It opens the solenoid with the pressure regulator/moisture trap set to 10 PSI to start. The setup allows automatic opening/closing, as you don't need air assist when engraving. While this machine also has an engraving height setting, I've been using it at the same height as the cutting for less than 20mm thick material. With a laser diode, I can cut black acrylic and darker colors but not clear or lighter acrylic. That's where CO2 shines. But again, you get more for your money with an easy setup and no need to worry about laser tubes, chiller, ambient temperature, etc that I know people have issues with. Since this is an open gantry style, make sure you wear your laser safety glasses at all times and use adequate ventilation. I use an 8" inline fan vented outside directly. I also have four small 80mm fans under the honeycomb to push the smoke away. Overall, I'm so glad I upgraded to this machine. It makes things quicker, and if you're going to be running it for a business, you'll probably get your money back faster than a $3~$5K CO2 machine. It's less finicky, no worry about how hot/cold the place is. Just keep the sliders lubricated and cleaned at all times.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2024 by Zak Zak
