Making an Edge Lit Sign with a K40 Laser Engraver

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Making an Edge Lit Sign with a K40 Laser Engraver

Рет қаралды 228,258

Күн бұрын

In this video I show you how to make awesome custom Edge Lit LED Signs using a CHEAP laser cutter!
This tutorial uses Inkscape for the graphic design and K40 Whisperer for controlling the laser engraver, which in this case is a K40 Laser Cutter!
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Project Materials: (Purchasing thru these links helps support more content like this) Thanks!
Amazon K40 Laser Link: (These go in and out of stock often, so I will try to keep these K40 links current in hopes you can find one!)
www.amazon.com...
If you are looking to get a Glowforge Laser, you can use my referral code to get:
$500 off a pro, $250 off a plus, or $150 off a basic!
I'll get credit too! Use the link below.
glowforge.us/f...
LED Bases
amzn.to/3q7UUmB
Green LED Strip Light
amzn.to/3qd9fhx
Power Supply for LED Strip Light
amzn.to/2VgdavL
12V Inline Switch
amzn.to/2VaYnTa
Baltic Birch Plywood
amzn.to/2JrdTHL
CAST Acrylic Sheet Clear.... Extruded Acrylic is likely to crack a lot.
amzn.to/33t5HOq
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Software I use:
Adobe Creative Cloud (Includes everything listed below):
adobe.prf.hn/c...
Adobe Photoshop (Raster Graphics):
adobe.prf.hn/c...
Adobe Illustrator (Vector Graphics):
adobe.prf.hn/c...
Adobe Premiere (Video Editing):
adobe.prf.hn/c...
Adobe After Effects (Video Effects):
adobe.prf.hn/c...
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Пікірлер: 387

@Geeksmithing 4 жыл бұрын

Just a slight correction, the Raster Engraving Pass should be at 100mm/s. Yay typos! 🤓🙄

@jolupe 4 жыл бұрын

hi dude, what were the other settings?

@mikeslife6874 3 жыл бұрын

where did u et the base for bb-8

@howe960 3 жыл бұрын

@@mikeslife6874 You can grab them pretty cheaply on AliExpress or eBay. Just search for “LED Lamp Base”.

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

@@mikeslife6874 it is linked in the description.

@mikeslife6874 3 жыл бұрын

get the base for bb-8 i mean

@MrJamickbear 3 жыл бұрын

Has to be one of the best tutorials I have seen. Simply explained and made sense. Keep up the awesome work 👍

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks very much! Please enjoy another of my videos! 😉

@BearMaked 4 жыл бұрын

Very cool signs. The tips on using Inkscape are much appreciated! Keep being awesome, Wes!

@Geeksmithing 4 жыл бұрын

Cheers buddy! Thanks!

@paultakoy7091 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome tutorial! I’m in the process of reassembling my laser with a larger bed. Will have to try this, I have a ton of acrylic! Thanks for sharing.

@Geeksmithing 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks man! Happy to help! Good luck on your rebuild

@paultakoy7091 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@justinmorgan5073 Жыл бұрын

Oh would you look at that, a KZfaqr that’s clear, concise, and to the point. INSTANT subscribe

@Geeksmithing Жыл бұрын

I try! Thanks! ☺️💪

@3DPrintingNerd 4 жыл бұрын

BRILLIANT!

@Geeksmithing 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks buddy! ✋

@JuguemosconSentido 4 жыл бұрын

Hello from Puerto Rico!! Just took my k40 Out of the box

@Geeksmithing 4 жыл бұрын

😮 good luck!!

@jasonsmithroofing 3 жыл бұрын

This is perfect for my Etsy store. Been looking for a way to make led signs that are inexpensive to sell. Thanks for the tutorial and links. 👍🏼

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

Sure thing! Good luck!!

@ruftime 4 жыл бұрын

Yes, bases and tape ordered!

@Geeksmithing 4 жыл бұрын

🥳 Good luck!

@RetroRepairs 4 жыл бұрын

That's super cool, nice work! You make it look real easy.

@Geeksmithing 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks man! Glad ya like it!:) 👍. It IS real easy! 😜

@milindchaudhari8758 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much bro.. i really appreciate your work..

@Geeksmithing Жыл бұрын

Happy to help!

@woogaloo 3 жыл бұрын

Great tutorial! I was using this as a test for my new laser tube and was able to get it cut out. Thank you for your detailed explanation using Inkscape and K40 Whisperer!

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

Hey, that is great! Congrats! Welcome to #teamK40 ! :D

@rajaramvenkatavardhan4815 3 жыл бұрын

Simply superb

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

cheers!

@Dougwoz1 3 жыл бұрын

When I was repairing aircraft in the USN back in the day "1970's", we had similar item that was on the instrument displays, rather than having a laser engrave it was Plexiglass 1/4" thick painted front and back black, then the plexiglass was engraved with a beveled end mill into the plexiglass, and all the nomenclature was then viable during night flights. Same principle just a different method of reaching the same conclusion.

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

Oh yeah, that's super cool! I was also in the USN, I worked on E-2C Hawkeyes myself :)

@TylerBoespflug 3 жыл бұрын

You keep tempting me into buying a laser.

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

I keep trying but I clearly need to be more convincing!!! 🤓😆

@ChadsCustomCreations 4 жыл бұрын

Wes you're the Bes-t thanks for sharing this with me can't wait to make some nightlights for my kiddos, instead of the on off switch I think I'll do an inline motion activated switch.

@Geeksmithing 4 жыл бұрын

Brilliant! Please tag me when you share it! Would love to see it!

@HausofLuciana 2 жыл бұрын

This was the best video. Extremely helpful

@Geeksmithing 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!!! Happy to hear that! 🤓👍

@ChippedBuilds 4 жыл бұрын

Super cool. I know what my next project will be now.

@Geeksmithing 4 жыл бұрын

Surprised you haven't made one already!

@PrecisionRifleNetwork 2 жыл бұрын

Extremely helpful. Thank you.

@robsandstrom9854 2 жыл бұрын

Good tutorial. Thank you for sharing.

@Geeksmithing 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers! Hope it helps in some way!

@zaprodk 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, such a pretty result!

@Geeksmithing 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

@ShemaOneGod 4 жыл бұрын

Super helpful and easy to understand/follow along. Thank you!

@Geeksmithing 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!!!!

@MikeJones-tc3qf 3 жыл бұрын

I’m trying to learn to do this for a Christmas present but laser engravers are expensive! Great tutorial though! I’m going to have to do mine by hand

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

$400 isnt too bad for a laser engraver, but you gotta make with whatcha got! :) Thanks for watching!

@cybersechs1368 3 жыл бұрын

Great video, esp on the InkScape stuff. Liked and subbed

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks a bunch! Welcome aboard!

@BraxtonWirthlin 4 жыл бұрын

Great video! The ink scape work alone is worth the price of admission! I've been trying to figure out to get outline cut on something. I just got my k40 set up and I'm having a lot of fun with it.

@Geeksmithing 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks man! Yeah! #teamK40!

@robertchu7977 4 жыл бұрын

Just curious, could you just not use Illustrator or Photoshop as well?

@Geeksmithing 4 жыл бұрын

@@robertchu7977 Great question! You can certainly generate the image in those programs as well as many others...but the K40 Whisperer program that I use with the K40 laser cutter only accepts files formatted from Inkscape. There is a circuit board that I can replace in the machine that opens up the door to many more options and less restriction.

@GaryMcKinnonUFO 4 жыл бұрын

@@Geeksmithing Cohesion3D board ?

@jasoncarpenter4116 4 жыл бұрын

I've been wanting to do something similar to this, but using either a glass bottle or a block of glass

@Geeksmithing 4 жыл бұрын

Oh, that's an interesting idea... 🤔

@davestrain1762 4 жыл бұрын

These are sweet Wes!

@Geeksmithing 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dave!

@AndyBirkeyMaker 4 жыл бұрын

Oh snap, that is magical.

@Geeksmithing 4 жыл бұрын

🧙‍♂️🦄✨

@sharmatkful 3 жыл бұрын

It's fantastic sir

@fitness1ststeps 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

No problem 👍

@shantel4676 4 жыл бұрын

Very cool and informative 👍🏽 Thanks!!

@RussellRay 3 жыл бұрын

So if you bought 16' of LED light what do you do with the rest of the 15.5' ? With only one power cord I would assume that 1 strip is all you can use.

@mystereit73 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@HVEngraving 2 жыл бұрын

I love these but avoid making them because I thought it would be a bit more of a hassle. This video was motivating. Also, so unrelated but I have a 2 month old exclusively breastfed baby and I'm watching this at 2am super super tired and that batman clip made me smile. I literally felt my shoulders relaxing 😅

@Geeksmithing 2 жыл бұрын

😊

@Geeksmithing 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it could help!🤓👍

@Geeksmithing 2 жыл бұрын

If you buy the premade base, it's almost too easy...😆

@transversewithru 2 жыл бұрын

I"m here because RetroRepairs *just* did the unboxing video lol. I mean, that's a long wait...

@Geeksmithing 2 жыл бұрын

Hahahaha, I'm playing the long game. 😆. Welcome!

@morturn 3 жыл бұрын

Well that was a super video, thank you.

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks very much!

@jjdominguez4616 3 жыл бұрын

Great job with this video.

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!!

@nat_ale 2 жыл бұрын

You sir is a legend

@ianfosterUSA 3 жыл бұрын

excellent thank you

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

Sure thing!

@sundeshbalraj 3 жыл бұрын

This is amazing !!

@patrickmaartense7772 3 жыл бұрын

tip: use a normal dishwasher soap (thick) and put that over the to be engraved side, this will protect for the engraving getting dirty , and is easily cleaned off ..

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

Oh nice! Thanks!

@patrickmaartense7772 3 жыл бұрын

@@Geeksmithing you can also use this for the other side if you cut material. since i use this trick I alsways have my air asist on, even when engraving the plexiglass, no more stains . ( when cutting you should have it free from below though to prevent heat stains.

@jimmyfavereau 4 жыл бұрын

great presentation .. thanks :D

@Geeksmithing 4 жыл бұрын

Cheers! Thanks for watching!

@ikhwanalarif3700 2 жыл бұрын

Great ... amazing

@trottingelectricrides4507 3 жыл бұрын

bonjour super video .... quel genre de papier as tu utilise pour graver sur plexiglas???? merci

@jbouza09 2 жыл бұрын

Friggin awesome !! Can't wait to try this !

@Geeksmithing 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Good luck!!

@jasonshauan235 Жыл бұрын

Hi! I want to laser etch a 3mm-4mm piece of acrylic. Roughly 17"W x 8"T, I want it to be the face plate for a guitar amplifier head I'm making. I was planning on running LED's inside the head, 360° around the acrylic piece. I was wondering if the piece would illuminate fully, even if it had multiple/crowded etched makings, labels, logos and potentiometers / toggles/ 1/4" mono jacks installed through the acrylic and amp chassis?

@Geeksmithing Жыл бұрын

Oh cool idea! I think if you did encircle the acrylic, it would have a great chance of being all illuminated, but it's honestly hard to predict until you make the piece. The knobs/ components, etc can block some of the light from various directions, but since you have it coming from all around, it just might work perfect! Hit me up sometime on any of my socials! Best of luck, I'd love to see the progress.

@RobSandstromDesigns Жыл бұрын

Nice tutorial. Maybe you can help me understand. I am getting conflicting information when watching different YT channels. Some indicate that I need to put a soapy water solution on the where I am engraving and others don't - I didn't see you do this or hear you say it was needed. In each of the videos I am ensuring they are using a CO2 laser and not a diode laser to ensure the information applies to me. I am using a 150W CO2 laser. Is soapy water needed or not? Any insights are appreciated.

@Geeksmithing Жыл бұрын

While I have never felt the need to use soapy water for mine, I have also heard of people using it. From what I understand it is supposed to reduce the residue/build up that can make a piece of acrylic look cloudy around the engraving. I believe if you have a good air assist/fan extraction system on your laser, you might not need to bother with it. Just give it a try without and see what happens! Sorry it isn't more of a concrete answer for ya. Good luck!

@beansandwiched 6 ай бұрын

I don't have mA guage just the power level led they come with. What do you think is the power setting for unit with LED power display setting?

@Geeksmithing 6 ай бұрын

I do not know for certain (as I don't have one like that) but I would just recommend trying a modest setting and working up from there in order to not wreck the tube. Maybe 60% power at the time settings recommended in description/ video?

@claudebizaare8991 2 жыл бұрын

Apologies for the late comments and questions .. Please may I ask what software did you edit the image in.. Is this unique to c.o2 cutting can I apply this to diode laser.. Will diode laser using lightburn also know the difference between red and blue.. To cut or engrave.. Thanks for the information thus far

@Geeksmithing 2 жыл бұрын

Hi! I used inkscape to do the image editing. You should be able to use it to edit images for use on a diode laser, but as you suspect, the colors might not work the same way as in K40 Whisperer (the laser control software I used) You can however adopt the same practice of trying to categorize your operations by color to make it easier for you to remember which lines do what. i.e. Red for cutting. blue for vector engrave and black for rastering. In lightburn, it will detect the different colors and split the file into cuts/layers for you. Here you just have to define which colors you want to do what. Hope that helps!

@claudebizaare8991 2 жыл бұрын

@@Geeksmithing thank you

@graemebrumfitt6668 3 жыл бұрын

Really, really appreciate you making this vid. TFS, G :)

@spacewalla3574 3 жыл бұрын

Nice vid. Thanks

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

Cheers!!!!

@ManCrafting 4 жыл бұрын

I always want to so some of these, I just don't seem to make it a priority. I made one way back when I first got the laser, but I always wanted to make my own bases. That has been the sticking point. I have time to do the laser part. I never make time for woodworking. I love the second method you used for the sign. Perfect. See you tomorrow? Also, did you see we are touring GT Invention Studio on Thursday?

@Geeksmithing 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Chad! See you Thursday! We will get in town around 2-3pm.

@ManCrafting 4 жыл бұрын

Geeksmithing awe. The tour at GT is at 1pm. You would love that place.

@RyanHull76 2 жыл бұрын

very nice!

@Geeksmithing 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers!🍻

@Pickswitch 4 жыл бұрын

Swwwweeeeet. That was a lot of helpful stuff for me haha. Selling my wife on me getting a laser still 😂

@Geeksmithing 4 жыл бұрын

This is the way.

@oliverhoffman4574 4 жыл бұрын

Geeksmithing this is the way.

@GaryMcKinnonUFO 4 жыл бұрын

Just do what i did, sell the wife ;+}

@anonitachi6966 Жыл бұрын

excellent video man. Cheers. I have recently learned that a diode laser cannot cut clear plexiglass/acrylic. Is this true?? I have a Masuter Pro and 20w (5.5 output) laser. I can engrave okay, but it looks as if cutting is out of the question. If any of you know any different, all advise is welcome. Thanks in advance.

@Geeksmithing Жыл бұрын

After I got my K40 and Glowforge, I have very rarely used my diode laser. It wouldn't surprise me if you had issues, as just cutting cardboard gave me troubles. 😂

@anonitachi6966 Жыл бұрын

@@Geeksmithing :D I've got it dialed in to where it can cut 3mm and 6mm ply (very slowly) but gutted that it can't cut acrylic. That was the joint-main reason I got the thing 🤦

@karadanvers6136 Жыл бұрын

Awesome

@Geeksmithing Жыл бұрын

Thx Supergurl!

@karadanvers6136 Жыл бұрын

@@Geeksmithing yw 🥰

@deankay4434 3 жыл бұрын

Geeksmithing, My question is about cleaning acrylic plastic as after the protective covering comes off, things happen. I am not a cat person but my wife is. Her cat, jumped up and knocked off a placard I received some time ago, and after attacking it for some evil cat reason, it has a number of very fine scratches, even worse, my better half wiped it with a dry rag like it was dust. I don’t know! Online, “ Mothers” plastic cleaner came up frequently. And thoughts? I thought it was interesting to hear you how work thru shades of graphics to be able to burn in you design. It looks complex. Thanks for the info.

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

Haha cats. Whaddya gonna do?! 😹 I unfortunately don't have a go to solution for that... I would think Windex would be fine.

@jgarmer 4 жыл бұрын

great video I wonder how white colored acrylic would look

@Geeksmithing 4 жыл бұрын

I don't think it would do much, as the light wouldn't bounce around very far in there. But only one way to find out!

@jgarmer 4 жыл бұрын

or flame pattern leds to make sign have a burning effect

@jgarmer 4 жыл бұрын

@@Geeksmithing if it does not then cut a pair of clear and white and sandwich then together with white as the backing. I noticed looking at the finished product it had a slight distaction because you could see the stuff behind it. I have a k40 that i want to start using but it cant kick this 3d design/print addiction

@VinnieDeesnutz 4 жыл бұрын

Great video; thanks..!!

@Geeksmithing 4 жыл бұрын

My pleasure, thanks for watching!

@davidhall1943 3 жыл бұрын

Does the perspex have to be totally clear or will it work with tinted?

@Putifly69 3 жыл бұрын

This is awesome I been looking for a good laser to cut different Acrylic for cake toppers .like mirror/ clear acrylic does this machine cuts different ones? Which laser printer yiu use in this video? Glowforge way out my budget

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

It definitely can. Shouldn't be any problems.

@Putifly69 3 жыл бұрын

Is this printer worth getting? I live in a apartment so im concern with safety What you advice for someone. Like me abt this machine? Im a crafter i work from home I wana add a laser printer to print my work to live lol

@Putifly69 3 жыл бұрын

Forgot thank yiu for your fast response💙

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

@@Putifly69 You have to be able to vent the exhaust outside at the very least, especially with acrylic as it is very smelly.

@JohnMadeit 4 жыл бұрын

Cool. I must get a laser.

@Geeksmithing 4 жыл бұрын

They can be surprisingly cheap!

@BigRichEHhthang100 3 жыл бұрын

Can you share how you cut the birch and the process

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

Didn't I?

@raffaellocattaneo6418 2 жыл бұрын

I have a couple of questions, if I may.. Do you have an equipment list that you sand by? I noticed you have a glowforge..do you recommend it of is there another machine.. I've been searching for a good tutorial and yours seems to be the best..

@Geeksmithing 2 жыл бұрын

For the price, the K40 is tough to beat... but you have to go into it knowing that there likely will be tinkering and fiddling with it a bit to get it to work for you. You will also likely have to add things and upgrade it a bit to make it more user friendly and safer...If you want to avoid the fuss and hassle of all that, a Glowforge is fantastic. It's all self contained and the user experience is quite good. Once you get it setup, you are up and running in 30 minutes.

@reforzar 4 жыл бұрын

I just use a piece of tape to get the tiny pieces of masking off.

@Geeksmithing 4 жыл бұрын

I tried that 🤷‍♂️ need more sticky

@johnsmith5726 4 жыл бұрын

Just subscribed and catching up on your videos, I have to say this one is pretty awesome and your Inkscape skills are very impressive, please keep up the good work.

@Geeksmithing 4 жыл бұрын

Hey thanks! I hope you find some other videos here to enjoy as well!

@GeekBuildersNet 4 жыл бұрын

Looks awesome nice work Wes. Making Geeks Logo Next?

@Geeksmithing 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks man! Absolutely! I bet you guys could sell a ton of things using these bases and techniques at your shows too btw. ;)

@GeekBuildersNet 4 жыл бұрын

I'm looking at pricing right now

@erickmcdonald98 3 жыл бұрын

I’m a little late but I was wondering would it be possible to make this with the ortur laser master 2 20w? Thanks again for all the great and useful content

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

If it can cut 1/8" acrylic....

@sootydave1 3 жыл бұрын

I love the video, I have a 40w co2 lazer, I guess its a K40, but i dont know what the current rating would be as mine is in %, any help on that would be great..

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

Hmmm. I don't have that exact info, but I would just suggest starting with a scrap piece and at 25% and playing around. But of course not going over like 75% or so in order to protect the tube. Sorry I cannot give any more concrete data, but I bet you can hone in on the right settings rather quickly

@FreakyGamerOfficial 4 жыл бұрын

So what speed and power you use for cutting and engraving? Also how thick is your acrylic?

@TheSolongsidekick 8 ай бұрын

Wow I love that he liked your comment without responding to it.

@mrvictorhelio 3 жыл бұрын

Loved it, great work, I'm new with laser, I have a quick question, the power you use for cutting is different from the engraving that's correct ? this power you set during programing or you need to manually set, I'm using the K40 as well. Thank you...

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

Hey thanks!! Sometimes you will have to set the power differently between engraving and cutting operations, but the vast majority of the time, it will be the same for both. The difference really comes down to the speed of the operation. The cut operation is quite a bit slower that allows you to punch thru the material. Without upgrading the control board, the power is manually set via the dial/control panel before the job starts. The most important thing to remember is not crank up the power on the K40. I'd say to not go over 75% or 15mA as it can damage the tube. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions! 👍🤓

@SUNRISE-ADVENTURES 2 жыл бұрын

NICE WORK! Is there info on attaching the cord to the lights? Is is just cut the end off the plug and solder?

@Geeksmithing 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! It's just a barrel jack connector that came pre-atteched to the led strip. Didn't require soldering.

@SUNRISE-ADVENTURES 2 жыл бұрын

@@Geeksmithing What happens when you cut it. How do you attach a new plug?

@Geeksmithing 2 жыл бұрын

@@SUNRISE-ADVENTURES good question! There are 12V barrel jack plugs you can get to clip right to the spot you cut the strips apart. No soldering required. Here is a link to such a product on Amazon: amzn.to/3dIIkVN

@Geeksmithing 2 жыл бұрын

@@SUNRISE-ADVENTURES there are of course versions that can be soldered as well if you would prefer.

@sunriseadventures5459 2 жыл бұрын

@@Geeksmithing YES!!! That's what i wanted!!! THANKS!!!

@gokhanisler3740 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! Instead of clear acrylic, what can be the alternative materials? Cheaper than acrylic.

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

I don't know any other materials that have similar properties that can be engraved and cut as easily

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

I don't know any other materials that have similar properties that can be engraved and cut as easily

@gokhanisler3740 3 жыл бұрын

@@Geeksmithing You are right. What do you think about tempered glass? Did you have any experience?

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

@@gokhanisler3740 unfortunately not

@richardrossentertainment 2 жыл бұрын

Hi great Vid, I assume that you are using 3mm acrylic, it looks like it cuts the outline shape in one pass is this right?

@Geeksmithing 2 жыл бұрын

Hi! Yup. Btw, all project materials are linked in description. 😉

@sophiachan4626 3 жыл бұрын

Hey, can I ask how tall and wide your design can be before the led light doesn't reach using the bb-8 base? Thanks.

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

Good question. Probably not much wider but could be a bit bigger I think. As you expect, that light can only bounce around but so far.

@Dougwoz1 3 жыл бұрын

The software you are using is both included in the K40, or do you need other special software to up load to the laser. What format does the laser use in cutting, ?? I think you mentioned raster? or can you use other forms of extensions? EPS, DXF, GE3, ......?

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

The software that comes with K40 is a hacked variant of Corel draw, and it's not very good. I use Inkscape for the design and use K40 Whisperer to communicate/control with the laser. Whisperer prefers SVGs saved from Inkscape as far as file formats go.

@JanisMollineau 3 жыл бұрын

Hi love this! Any recommendations for a laser engraver/ cutter for under $300? Maybe on Amazon? Thank you, I just want to make sure the machine can cut and engrave acrylic sheets

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately, I don't believe there is such a machine....

@yaza83 Жыл бұрын

You can check Sculpfun models

@RK-qc6fo Ай бұрын

Hi, so 40w cuts transparent acrylic? 3mm or 4 mm you had?

@Geeksmithing Ай бұрын

@@RK-qc6fo a CO2 based laser, (including the k40) absolutely cuts clear acrylic.

@Geeksmithing Ай бұрын

@@RK-qc6fo 3mm.

@timesparsenjr7479 3 жыл бұрын

Try duct tape to get off protective covering, press it on and pull off.

@lescakes 3 жыл бұрын

I've heard only "Gorilla" duct tape worked for it.

@GaryMcKinnonUFO 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this, it works fine for me until trying to delete interior lines using the edit paths by node tool, drag-selecting isn't selecting anything. Any ideas ?

@Geeksmithing 4 жыл бұрын

Sorry, just now seeing this... are you still having these issues?

@GaryMcKinnonUFO 4 жыл бұрын

@@Geeksmithing No worries pal, yes sorted now, thanks.

@Geeksmithing 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent!

@aldoavilahernandez403 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome nice job. Whats bit used?

@Geeksmithing 4 жыл бұрын

Photons.

@msglennable 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video. I'm planning to use a laser engraver on an acrylic pick guard for a guitar. I'm sorry if you said it in the video and I missed it, but what is the reasoning for engraving on the back of the acrylic sheet?

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Matt! It really depends on the look you are going for. The advantage of doing it on the back, is that it allows the surface/front of the acrylic to be slick, reflective and uniform to the touch, as the engraving is on the back, showing thru to the front. But depending on the application, you may want the engraved texture to be more prominent.

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

Hope that makes sense. :)

@msglennable 3 жыл бұрын

@@Geeksmithing It does. Thank you!

@patrickdodde2932 Жыл бұрын

How thick must the acrylic be ?

@Geeksmithing Жыл бұрын

The acrylic used in this project was 1/8" thick.

@brunomrico 4 жыл бұрын

hello i canot erase the interior of the design please help

@hosamyousef6223 4 жыл бұрын

If you allow, what is the name of this machine per minute at 4.45, since I do not see a laser beam and what is the thickness of the acrylic that you are working with

@Geeksmithing 4 жыл бұрын

It's a K40 laser, the beam is not visible within the visible light spectrum for humans. It is within the infrared range. And the acrylic is 3mm.

@phreaktor 3 жыл бұрын

Wow so this can CUT 1/8" acrylic? How thick can it cut?

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

Sure, that's what I did in the project video! :) It can cut up to 1/4" , just may take a couple of passes.

@cmassey1999 2 жыл бұрын

Can you share the cut files? I can't seem to clear the inside of BB8. Thanks in advance.

@Geeksmithing 2 жыл бұрын

I honestly don't know if I have them anymore, but I'm happy to try to help you get the results you want! Are those areas showing in K40 Whisperer as black regions? If so, then they should be able engrave with the Raster Engrave function.

@spaghetti_ho9533 3 жыл бұрын

Do you think a TBK 958 A would work I’m kinda new to it and this is the closest thing I think I’ll get to finding an answer in English.

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

I don't think so, it doesn't seem to be high enough Wattage(power) to cut the acrylic, but perhaps the engraving will be fine. But I don't have experience with that machine.

@spaghetti_ho9533 3 жыл бұрын

@@Geeksmithing ok thanks for the input :)

@kevingunn1151 3 жыл бұрын

I still cannot get my k40 to CUT very thin Lexan (Clear Acrylic Sheet) - it's THIN - but i can't cut it.

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

Are you able to cut anything else? Like hardwood, i.e. cherry, or baltic birch plywood? Definitely should be able to.

@chrisgomez5001 3 жыл бұрын

Can I do with with my ortur 25w laser ?

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

🤷‍♂️ not sure if you can cut it. Might take a bunch of passes

@greggdrennan 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome video! Do you know if PET sheets could be used for making this type of sign also? Looking on Amazon they seem to be quite a bit cheaper than the cast acrylic sheets. Thanks

@Geeksmithing 4 жыл бұрын

It seems that you can! Just make sure whatever material you use, (as a side note) does not contain vinyl!...That is very dangerous to laser! www.ulsinc.com/materials/pet-film#:~:text=PET%20Film%20Overview,micron%20wavelength%20CO2%20laser

@manfredkeinschmidt120 2 жыл бұрын

Where I get this protecting paper?

@manuelgallegos7208 3 жыл бұрын

Can this cut 4mm thickness Clear Acrylic? My Led Bases have a 4mm slot.

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely!

@pabeader1941 3 жыл бұрын

Is it possible to vary the etch depth as you go from bottom to top? If so, you could use that to keep the relative brightness the same.

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

That's a fantastic idea! Unfortunately, the stock control board does not have variable power that's controlled by software. There are upgrades available for this, but I have not done them yet myself.

@pabeader1941 3 жыл бұрын

@@Geeksmithing Could you vary the height of the whole laser head?

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

@@pabeader1941 nope. It has no mechanical movement in the Z axis. Some people also add a Z axis table to add that as well.

@pabeader1941 3 жыл бұрын

@@Geeksmithing So, one last trick up my sleeve. Make a number of smaller chunks at different % levels. Won't be as smooth but would still offer a more even brightness. Might even look cool if you make the various chunks in a pattern to add a depth effect.

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

@@pabeader1941 yeah, you could definitely do that!;) A banded look could be neat!

@GoGreenMan 4 жыл бұрын

Resize page to content, is that something you have to do for the k40? I use glowforge but never do this step

@Geeksmithing 4 жыл бұрын

I do it to basic just crop it easily, and ensure the origin of image corresponds with where the laser starts it's operation.

@zachgreenlee6769 2 жыл бұрын

Time saver: duct tape is stickier than masking so if you make a small sheet of it and put it over your finished piece it'll pull all the masking off for you in 1 go

@Geeksmithing 2 жыл бұрын

I tried that, wasn't as foolproof as I had hoped.

@beansandwiched 2 жыл бұрын

I have an outline of pikachu but the k40 wont show it as vector. I Tried raster engrave at 20mm /3pwr but it didn't engrave. I originally used 10 pwr but it was leaving globs of plastic where it would engrave. Should I use blue or navy blue when selecting my image in inkscape? thanks

@Geeksmithing 2 жыл бұрын

When raster engraving the outline, you can only use a pure blue, (0, 0, 255 on the RGB values) else it will read it as black and can only be raster engraved.

@rickmccaskill7888 4 жыл бұрын

What software are you using to make the image? Thanks for the great video.

@Geeksmithing 4 жыл бұрын

Inkscape!:)

@simarpannu9600 3 жыл бұрын

How long did it take to engrave this? And what laser machine would you recommend for a small business?(amateur). Thank you

@Geeksmithing 3 жыл бұрын

It has been a while but I would say, like 10 minutes. The K40 style is a nice entry point if you can find one nowadays.

@daniholberton4740 2 жыл бұрын

can I make a 3d copy of a picture with this machine?

@Geeksmithing 2 жыл бұрын

Um... Not exactly what you mean by 3d in this context. I mean, you can engrave photos on things. ,🤷‍♂️

@daniholberton4740 2 жыл бұрын

No, I meant a 3D copy of a picture that looks 3D with in a piece of glass, etc. Such as a one dimensional picture of my Mom & Dad appearing 3D w/in the medium.

@Geeksmithing 2 жыл бұрын

@@daniholberton4740 no, this cannot do anything inside of glass or any other material. It's only on the surface.