Do This BEFORE You Laser Cut ANYTHING

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🔷 ABOUT SAMCRAFT 🔷
Samcraft is a channel all about educating, inspiring, motivating, encouraging, and sharing the things I've learned since starting my own small business in 2018.
In today's video I answer common questions about cutting test files with laser engravers. What are cutting tests? When do you use cutting tests? How do you run a cutting test? And many more! I also show you my custom designed cutting test that is available for sale on my website sam-craft.com
#laserengraving #samcraft #lightburn
*DISCLAIMER*
This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!

Пікірлер: 100

@DougSims Жыл бұрын

If you cut a circle in the top corner, you can thread some string through them to hang them on a peg for easier reference.

@krazyforthreed8179 Жыл бұрын

In the Laser window, there is a Library tab. Highlight a specific cut/layer in the Cut/Layer window and click "Create new from layer" in the Library tab. Name the material (Hardboard, Birch, Walnut, Acrylic, etc.), specify a thickness in mm, and give it a useful description (infer from the layer settings): "Cut", "Line", "Image" or "Fill". If you're using a layer from a cut test, then you may have to create an explicitly new layer with the specific settings (7mm @ 60%) instead of using the layer with the variable shape settings. If you have another burn type from the same material but a different thickness, then highlight the layer that performed sufficiently, "Create new from layer" in the Library tab, keep the same material name, but specify the new thickness. Change the description appropriately: "Cut". Now the new library entry will be filed under the same material heading but under a different thickness sub-heading. Do the same for Line, Fill and Image with the same material and thickness(es). Eventually, you'll have all your various materials and cut types filed by thickness in one handy location. Use the Assign Button in the library to modify the currently selected layer to the selected library material. The physical tests can still be kept for reference, but do not need to clog up bench/drawer space... I also recommend redesigning your cut test to include a few varying fill & line tests - three burn types, one test ... also include the material name and thickness as the text directly on the burn test. More info: docs.lightburnsoftware.com/UI/MaterialLibrary.html

@pjh432 Жыл бұрын

Sam, you are the best at showing your work in lightburn and how it translates to the laser. I have learned a ton from you and you have saved me a ton of trial and error time. Appreciate you!

@Samcraftcom Жыл бұрын

Thanks Paul! I really appreciate you letting me know. It's a great encouragement!

@aaronshearth3671 7 ай бұрын

Got myself a M1 for Christmas and this file was ready to go! Amazing instructions and thank you for taking the time and effort to put this file together for everyone at such a great price!

@Azurko Жыл бұрын

I've been trying to figure out how to cut with my laser the last few hours (only engraved until now) and here you come with a cut test! I'll have to give it a go in the morning :)

@PeMo44 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this video. Thanks to you, I finally figured out how these test boards are made !

@SANDHAPPS 8 ай бұрын

Fantastic video! Your thorough explanation of cutting tests with laser engravers was incredibly insightful. I particularly appreciated the way you broke down the concept of cutting tests, when to use them, and the detailed steps on how to run them effectively. It's clear you have a deep understanding of the subject. Also, your custom-designed cutting test looks amazing and seems like a valuable tool for anyone in the engraving field. Heading to your website now to check it out. Thanks for sharing your expertise and creating such an informative and helpful video! 👏

@chrisgraham1980 3 ай бұрын

Just purchaced the cutting pack, thank you for creating these. Happy to support another small business.

@pmdinaz Жыл бұрын

Wow. I'm brand new to this and this was very informative and insightful Thanks!!

@SanjayKandekar-qh8st 4 ай бұрын

Very usefull info thanks for your time and efforts.

@18mtoo 6 ай бұрын

Thanks so much. it's so good to have so much good advice. Top hole old chap.

@peterorndorff1172 5 ай бұрын

great video man.

@iq0099 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the tips

@vacation_generation Жыл бұрын

Really good video. Thanks

@kimorvis3211 Жыл бұрын

Great information. I am thinking about adding a laser to my workshop in the future. Videos like this will help when I'm ready to set up and produce.

@Samcraftcom Жыл бұрын

Great to hear!

@deannaoverstreet4146 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Sam!

@heffe2001 Жыл бұрын

Yep, mandatory with anything you plan on cutting.. I even do it between batches, 'cause things can change with your vendor. I usually use the one that Lightburn creates, but I definitely like the look of the ones you have here, the hexes just look better to me than a bunch of cirlces, lol.

@MattMadeIt123 Жыл бұрын

Perfect timing. My laser was just delivered, and I know NOTHING about laser engraving/cutting. I'm heading out of town for a week, so next week, I'll be going through this process as I learn about my new tool. I don't have Lightburn, but I do have Vcarve Pro. Are your test files compatible with the Vcarve laser module? I see Lightburn is pretty affordable. Maybe I'll just get it. Anyway, thanks for this Sam. Great info for a beginner like me.

@Invaderjason123 Жыл бұрын

Planning on knocking the dust off my K40 this week and renew my LB license. This video literally came out in perfect time.

@robertbankhead8661 Жыл бұрын

Excellent work Sam! Always appreciate your down home approach to tech and non-tech. You keep 'new' coming, hope the algorithm favors you! So one question,, just exactly what X machine did you buy and what accessories? About to order one and curious.

@OldCurmudgeon3DP Жыл бұрын

Library files in Lightburn are a great place to store frequently used cut/etch settings.

@randolph50 Жыл бұрын

I really like your videos, your creativity and your great attitude. I have 2 diode and 2 CO2 lasers but haven't had the time and space to get them into production. I am currently building a new workshop so your workshop videos helped too. Thanks.

@Samcraftcom Жыл бұрын

Thanks! I'm fast running out of space in my workshop too. It's a 12x20. I've thought of doing a few lean-to add ons to expand it to help. :)

@randolph50 Жыл бұрын

@@Samcraftcom Thanks Sam. I like your "get in there and do it until I figure out how I am supposed to do it" attitude. :-) I have a 12X28 with the "barn" style roof. The double doors open on one side. I am going to add 8 ft of floor to the 28 ft side opposite the door and basically move that wall out and add 2-8 ft panels to the end walls, and change that side of the roof to fit. Hard to describe without a napkin to draw on.I will have to put a post every 8 feet where the wall is now but I will end up with a 20x28 workspace.

@ckonthebay1950 Жыл бұрын

Very nice. I always run the test first without the profile cut. Look at it on the bed and pick a power and speed to run the profile. That way I know it will get cut out and not just taking a guess.

@JohnMarshall-yq6zq Жыл бұрын

Hey man thank you for making these videos and files

@Samcraftcom Жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

@TheFalconJetDriver Жыл бұрын

I just bought a Longer Ray 5 10 watt laser with air assist, just last night I made several test burn/ cuts scales 😁🛫

@dhurata6235 11 ай бұрын

Thank you for the video. Could you please share what exhaust fan you use or recommend? Thank you

@kurtopalka5201 Жыл бұрын

I like the pattern! Do you put the results into the library on lightburn?

@bneil4059 7 ай бұрын

I use hexes for my test grids too. I guess I need to change them to squares since you have a patent on the polygon :)

@homeassistant9122 Жыл бұрын

Sam, I just purchased your card and ran it for the first time. I was really overpowering my cuts... didn't need near the power I was laying down... you've probably extended my tube life. Thanx.

@Samcraftcom Жыл бұрын

Great to hear! Thanks a ton for helping to support me by purchasing the file!

@angie.frazier Жыл бұрын

Enjoyed the video, going to purchase from your website. Can this cutting test be used on other materials such as leather and acrylic? I am new to this and have a 60w Omtech CO2 laser. Thanks so much.

@I-LOVE-EARTH Жыл бұрын

I watch a lot of tutorials, you are the ONLY PERSON to ever mention the "Shape Properties" Tab...thanks!

@Samcraftcom Жыл бұрын

Happy to help!! That's key in doing the power scaling.

@I-LOVE-EARTH Жыл бұрын

@@Samcraftcom I always wondered how it was handled, making my own now.

@vickyrupe8999 Жыл бұрын

Awesome video 🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙

@drlehman73 Жыл бұрын

Is there a way to enable "Fire laser" in Lightburn to appear so one can perform a test fire to see origin? Your channel is very helpful. Thanks for the great content!!

@pejdpink 9 ай бұрын

Hi there! I love your video and I purchased your file on Etsy Canada! I just purchased an AP Lazer SN4836LR 100Watt laser and love it, but want to do the test cards you created. I'm afraid because I'm not sure if the settings you have on these cards will start a fire etc...I'm a newbie and nervous!! I also bought your engraving test card too...can you help with the settings so I know I"m doing it right?

@Estheryaaa 10 ай бұрын

Hi, thanks for much for the video, I got one question, I have bought the laser cut file, and i want to cut them with the size i wanted, but after i have scaled them and cut, i am not able to assemble them again, do you have any idea about the setting? much appreciated

@phototec Жыл бұрын

Great video, I am a newbie to laser, I have a Red & Black 80-watt C)2 Chinese laser, will your test file work for me and what power setting would I set the laser to when cutting your file? As I mentioned, I am new and not real sure how to use this file with my laser?

@mgervais10 Жыл бұрын

Hello Sam After laser a Chatcuterie boards. How do or can you get the burn smell out. I use butcher block oil then block oil for butcher block

@scottshrum4119 Жыл бұрын

How do you speed up the cut test? I created my own and it says 2 hours. I have a Roly Lasermatic 10 w I was doing the regular grid engrave test. Going to purchase your test

@MsKami25 8 ай бұрын

Is there a video that demonstrates how to do this using xTool's software instead of Lightburn?

@shentharo Жыл бұрын

where do you get the laser positioning cross from?

@kjk9771 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this! I have a side question for you... I've got an Ortur LM2 Pro and it works just fine. However, when I use it to cut good wood, especially a sappy wood like walnut, the air assist nozzle gets all gunked up with sap and soot and then sometimes the sap interferes with the cutting/movement. Even if I have it set to 3 passes and stop to clean it up between each pass, it's just a mess when it comes to sap. Considering this, do you think a small, maybe 40 watt CO2 laser would handle this better? I don't mind some sap cleanup but not to the extent that it'll ruin the cut while in the process. Do you have an opinion? I've never used a CO2 laser but I'm finding the Ortur pretty limited to basswood and other woods that are low in sap. Many thanks for any thoughts on this!

@jayedwin98020 Жыл бұрын

Would it be appropriate to laser the material information, etc., in the blank area on the front of the cutting test piece, as compared to writing that information on the back? There's a blank area on the left side of the cutting test, just above the "SPEED: mm/x", that might allow you enough room to do this.

@kandiharris3174 6 ай бұрын

Hi Sam. I purchased your test files (engrave and cut) from your Etsy store. They work great but the line text doesn't print on any of them. I have the xtool d1 pro 20w and use creative space

@jdw1407 Жыл бұрын

where do you find 3mm maple and walnut?

@dian3145 Жыл бұрын

Sam, it is really cool to see your progress. From sanding cheap spoons to stand out from the competition to Lightburn tutorials. Way to go!

@user-ju1bs8nf9z Жыл бұрын

I just unboxed my xtool laser and did one test piece. Then I tried to cut the patterns. However, the test cut show up on my computer screen correctly but when I did the laser cut everything is mirror image. I am brand new at this but can someone tell me what I did wrong. Thanks.

@perrycarmichael3829 Жыл бұрын

After my tests, I put them in a spreadsheet. Less "stuff" cluttering my laser area. I also add other notes, like settings for sliding lid burn relif (not all the way through), sources, best box generator, etc.

@TrevorMatthews 9 ай бұрын

Hey Sam, I bought your tests and just have a couple questions. How do you know which file you want to run? So for the cut tests theres 3-7mm-s, and 8-12... Is it just trial and error to see how they perform til you get a feel for things? Or are they geared to materials? Slower cut tests for wood, faster for acrylic... Other question (I'm xTool d1 20w if it matters) when a layer is set to 75% power, and an image is on there say at 50% power, does that get 'laser'ed' at 50% of 75%?

@rightpassage Жыл бұрын

Hey brother! I have an issue can anyone help? I was running a job on my extension for the first time for a customer & well, the short storying is my D1 Pro 20w hit the board and stopped. Now when it moves suddenly forward on the Y like an inch it will have a grinding sound. Sounds like it's from under the laser itself? & it also moved of track in the process of the job. 😮‍💨 It did skip some teeth on the belt too. What say you? Wasted $30 board & paint. 😒 PS: thanks for the cut vid. I was wonder what settings for the 1/4 inch I "was" going to cut out. Next time, back to the store I go.

@michaelenglund Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the vid. How come ypu clamp the material down? How big/small risk is there that the sheet would move?

@Samcraftcom Жыл бұрын

I only clamp pieces down if they're warped and do not lay flat. :)

@georgewilmore7599 Жыл бұрын

Yes the need to run test is important. I have wasted material running without testing. I have finally realized how important it is.

@captkmk3226 Жыл бұрын

Nice Sam, I have subscribed and I like your pace its good for me for sure. I'm eight weeks in with the laser, so when I loaded your cutting test and followed the spd/pwr settings, it says like 4 plus hours so it's clear I've missed a very important part, would you or one of your subscribers be able to tell where I can look to solve my time frame? Thanks

@Samcraftcom Жыл бұрын

I would suspect you may have speed settings at mm/min whereas this file is designed for mm/s, but that's an assumption.

@captkmk3226 Жыл бұрын

Sam thanks for the reply, I got it now I really just need to be able to understand what I'm reading, Thanks again have a great day.

@homezero Жыл бұрын

Idea for you: Make a display rack/shelf for your cut tests for easy access. Hey, Did I miss the video for your French cleat tool wall?

@ericbeasley3132 11 ай бұрын

First off, great video! Does your file work in xtool creative space?

@Samcraftcom 11 ай бұрын

Thanks! Here is the xTool Creative Space version of the file set: sam-craft.com/product/xtool-creative-space-laser-test-file/

@goldivox 11 ай бұрын

You say lightburn is compatible with F1 but I can’t find instructions on how to get it to recognize F1 (i.e. setup). What am I missing?

@nightwalker3569 11 ай бұрын

Dude, there are individual lines in this program, how can I turn them into one piece?

@thelmaroof Жыл бұрын

When I bought your laser cutting test panel, material hold downs were included. Are they made for the XTool honeycomb? Because the ones I got don't fit.

@Samcraftcom Жыл бұрын

They're the ones that fit my xTool honeycomb table... check out boxes.py for their holdfast section where you can enter parameters and download other sizes.

@gatnact Жыл бұрын

How much of my air assist do I want on for cutting wood. Seems as if I keep burning all the way thru my wood. Like catching fire and burning holes. I tried halfway on and still seems to burn. Atomstack x20 6mm 3 ply wood.

@Samcraftcom Жыл бұрын

I've only used the small air pumps from companies and always at full power.

@Dekweekschuur Жыл бұрын

Put it in lightburn material list. So you have the settings on the fly

@Jake-Curious 11 ай бұрын

Why you don't use the high power with you xTool laser? The support team advised me to use 100% power to let it lasts longer. Please advise.

@Samcraftcom 11 ай бұрын

That's opposite to what many in the community say; that lower power will let it last longer. I honestly pick the setting that works best for the material or project needs.

@Jake-Curious 11 ай бұрын

@@Samcraftcom You are probably confusing this with another type of laser - CO2. Customer support would not cheat, what do you think?

@rmg5353 8 ай бұрын

Just a quick question for the Xtool d1 pro 20 watt, max speed is 400 mm/s. I bought your files and I see the lower speeds for cutting and 20+ mm/s for engraving. Is it better to cut at a lower speed and engrave at higher speeds? Just starting out and want to get it right. Thank you 👍🏻

@Samcraftcom 8 ай бұрын

I prefer to engrave fast and low power, but cutting will sometimes require slow and hot, depending on the material you're cutting through.

@rmg5353 8 ай бұрын

@@Samcraftcom thank you, we just used your file, very easy to use, and we have taken the guesswork out of settings! Thank you 👍🏻

@BigBigNRGY 10 ай бұрын

Will this work for any diode laser? I have a Sculpfun S10.

@Samcraftcom 9 ай бұрын

Any running Lightburn, yes.

@BigBigNRGY 9 ай бұрын

@@Samcraftcom awesome. Thank you.

@luiscampos8808 Жыл бұрын

can i use this for different size materials? 1/8, 1/4.

@Samcraftcom Жыл бұрын

Absolutely! I'm using it on 3mm or 1/8" material in this video, but also use the same file for 6mm or 1/4" material in my CO2 laser. You may need to adjust the speeds depending on your laser wattage and material thickness though.

@luiscampos8808 Жыл бұрын

@@Samcraftcom thank you. I downloaded the file and I’m going to try it tonight.

@jerrykennedy6555 Жыл бұрын

OK bought file and down loaded my Comgrow Z1 won't burn the letters Verry few shapes lasered and no cut thru What am I missing

@jerrykennedy6555 Жыл бұрын

And my speed letters at upside down and backwards.

@pmartin6759 Жыл бұрын

👍👍👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

@Sithraldor Жыл бұрын

Any particular reason you only go to 90% on you scale?

@Samcraftcom Жыл бұрын

Just the habit of not trying to run my lasers at full power to lengthen their expected life span. :)

@blondefoxcreations Жыл бұрын

One thing I think you forgot (or not?) to mention is before you run a cut (or engrave) test, you need to ensure your lenses are all clean/clear. This way, your test is based on "perfect" conditions. I am baffled why people still aren't labeling their cut tests with the laser module metadata on them as well. 80% power is meaningless if you have no idea what the maximum power (example: 20W, 40W, etc.) of the tested module is. Not adding this information makes zero sense to me unless you only have one laser and never plan on purchasing another.

@jesusislord2457 Жыл бұрын

☮️💖🙏🤜

@damienwalters2103 10 ай бұрын

70% talking with his face on camera only, 30% actual demo.. boring and gasbagging too much

@Samcraftcom 10 ай бұрын

Definitely don't watch any of my other videos... they're all going to be the same. :)

@zmnali78 Жыл бұрын

Talking too much.

@benetton2010 Жыл бұрын

Interesting to watch but charging for a simple test is a joke.........!

@DavZell Жыл бұрын

It's a way to support him. Feel free to make your own and give them away.

@OldManGaming69 Жыл бұрын

Sam, is your shop still off grid?

@krazyforthreed8179 Жыл бұрын

In the Laser window, there is a Library tab. Highlight a specific cut/layer in the Cut/Layer window and click "Create new from layer" in the Library tab. Name the material (Hardboard, Birch, Walnut, Acrylic, etc.), specify a thickness in mm, and give it a useful description (infer from the layer settings): "Cut", "Line", "Image" or "Fill". If you're using a layer from a cut test, then you may have to create an explicitly new layer with the specific settings (7mm @ 60%) instead of using the layer with the variable shape settings. If you have another burn type from the same material but a different thickness, then highlight the layer that performed sufficiently, "Create new from layer" in the Library tab, keep the same material name, but specify the new thickness. Change the description appropriately: "Cut". Now the new library entry will be filed under the same material heading but under a different thickness sub-heading. Do the same for Line, Fill and Image with the same material and thickness(es). Eventually, you'll have all your various materials and cut types filed by thickness in one handy location. The physical tests can still be kept for reference, but do not need to clog up bench/drawer space... I also recommend redesigning your cut test to include a few varying fill & line tests - three burn types, one test ... also include the material name and thickness as the text directly on the burn test. More info: docs.lightburnsoftware.com/UI/MaterialLibrary.html