Welcome! As a woodworker and maker, I own several lasers and other machines in my shop that help my day to day functions. As a way to help the collective groups, I create these videos from a users perspective.
Great video. Just rec'd my pronto 80W laser yesterday and uncrated. Will do the initial connections/setup next week. Have a sign shop so will be doing a lot of acrylic work and engraving promo items. TY for your video!!
Great in-depth Video! Seriously considering buying the Pronto after you have pointed out all the features. If I do I'll use your LASERGUYCAM discount for sure. Thanks
you have some very in depth videos regarding this Polar by Omtech. I have had mine for just about a year now and it is all of a sudden leaving a shadow on both cuts and engraves. I did the scan offset test and it was spot on. I aligned the mirrors and got within 1/2 mm of enter in all four corners. I still see a "second" cut line usually on the lower side of the cut, so inside the circle at 12 o'clock and outside the circle at 6 o'clock. Same issue when engraving. One thing I can say is it doesn't seem as bad when engraving on the Y axis. I get this both using the Andy Fiore lens and the stock Polar lens. (Brand new loose lens on the Fiore kit, barely used but clean lens on the stock). My only last possibility that I can think of is the mirrors need replacement, but I cannot find these mirrors at Omtech. Do you have a video on how to replace the mirrors on this machine? Thank you
They have a dedicated rotary plug in the front of the Y axis with a switch. Your piburn rotary will fit right in it as well without having to remove the honeycomb bed. I do show it briefly in the video.
Hi, I am not correct in thinking that when you adjust the laser tube's position at only the front you are now making it fire the laser at a slight angle? Would it not make more sense to adjust the tube's position exactly the same amount at both the front and the back so that it is still pointing exactly in the same direction only shifted in position but not angle?
Changing the angle is the same as changing the point of aim. Don’t get caught up in that. The whole idea is to get your beam to travel parallel to gantry so you have to adjust your point of aim (or angle) to do so. The mirrors different lasers won’t always give you the greatest adjustability
@@EdmondsWoodshop Have you done something similar with sublimation? Does it turn out as good. Those colors on the eagle really pop, not sure if it would look as good with sublimation but I havent really tried it yet either.
Do you happen to know what fitting for Air Assist Adapter I would need for the APC LensPro for Omtech Polar / Gweike Cloud Magnetic Lens Upgrade I lost mine
From what I understood there was no direct fitting that would replace the stock one. However APC may be making one now. I’d try to reach out to them. I
I want to chime in here. I don’t often leave RU-vid comments, but I’m hoping the right channels of authority happen to see this. So, I’m going to start out by saying this updated tutorial in this video on beam alignment (especially when you get to the part where you want the beam to hit center on mirror 3 and then make adjustments from there) is absolutely fantastic! And I’d bet that the majority of us, thank you for that, Cam! :) So, thank you! All around, GREAT VIDEO!!!! That said, I’ve had Omtech’s in the past and very rarely had alignment issues. Call it good luck? But when I did, it was pretty straight forward with the manual provided or a simple RU-vid video (because back in 2019/2020) the amount of options available wasn’t as saturated or aggressive as it is today). Furthermore, I have jumped back into the game after a 14 month hiatus, and I acquired a 2028 MF 80 watt (red and black laser - Omtech), and it’s been nothing but nightmares from the start. Bad PSU, bad tube (even though they’re “QC’d” from the factory)… they sent me the incorrect power supply even though they had my serial number (to know what to send me) but claimed the bigger PSU wouldn’t cause issues. I digress. It’s truly MIND-NUMBING and baffling that people like us are spending $3500+ on a machine with accessories (if not more) when it’s all said and done and we still have to do stupid sh*t like use sticky notes to help align the beam from the tube!? Like, what are we doing here!?!?!?! $3K+ on any machine isn’t something to scoff at, it’s an investment! OMTECH could certainly have mitigated this problem by making set adjustments screws, cams, etc. built into the tube brackets to negate this problem. At the end of the day, OMTECH’s customer service has always been nice and pleasant with me, but whoever is making the decisions on what machines they want manufactured and from what factories overseas, etc. is dropping the ball! They’re pumping out too many machines at any given time with different parts, components, electrical connections, controllers, etc. That by the time someone makes a solid tutorial such as this, chances are it’s probably outdated within 4-6 months. NOTHING IS EVER consistent with any of the machines! Example: My instruction manual that came with my machine gave instructions in broken English, and the Omtech website had instructions written out very well from a “tech”, Patrick S, from Fort Wayne, Indiana. Phenomenal! HOWEVER, even though what he wrote was fantastic! There were things that contradicted what the manual stated and, of course, contradicted what was even posted on OMTECH’s RU-vid channel. Mind you - if you’re looking for quality tutorials from Omtech’s RU-vid channel, DON’T! Just don’t. Let me save you the time. THERE IS NO CONSISTENCY with any of their videos or the models they’re showing you! OMTECH if you’re reading this... If another variation of a model comes out (albeit with parts from a different manufacturer), then it’s NOT THE SAME MODEL! PERIOD! Because it makes RU-vid tutorials (for the most part) null and void, as well as the “batched” worthless manuals you supply us with. Omtech, update the manual for the user. It’s simple. NO ONE wants a “blanket” manual for 3-5 different machines, and when I say different, they are because of the above information mentioned. I truly regret my latest OMTECH purchase, and it’s unfortunate. (As, I truly did love your products in the past). Lastly, I’ll leave you all with this: Going forward, when I’m in the market for a new laser when this one peaces out (I expect it to be sooner than later for lack of QC), I’ll do more extensive research and find a company that’s clear, cut, concise, and consistent with model changes and manual updates, etc. Mind you, I also come from the CNC world, and I’m very knowledgeable in that area and only use companies that hold up to the standard that most people who spend 3K+ on a machine should deserve and expect. It’s 2024, none of us should be using f*cking sticky notes to level a tube. That’s a problem that could have easily been remedied before it left the factory. Thanks for coming to my TED talk. *Let me be clear. I’m not angry or upset. I’m just giving all of you an honest opinion from personal experience and how I think one company could do better from listening to customer feedback.*
Omtech doesn't seem to carry compatible cutting heads- I stripped a mounting screw on mine where the head attaches to the bracket on the linear X-Axis rail. Do I just tap it for a bigger screw? Any idea if the red 60-150W monport laser heads are compatible? They look similar and also use an 18mm focus lens.
Yep! I’m in Metro Detroit area. Sterling Heights. There’s a whole community of woodworkers here. Check out laser makers of Michigan and metro Detroit woodworkers on facebook
Please watch my latest alignment video. This would solve that issue Laser Mirror Alignment | How To Guide | CO2 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-GyOKzy-riLE.html
Make sure to check out my new alignment video Laser Mirror Alignment | How To Guide | CO2 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-GyOKzy-riLE.html
I just did this on my Omtech af2028-80 because of your video and they fit perfectly. You don't have to drill any, which I was happy about! Thanks for the video! Hey, quick question where is the, I think its the y-axis ( for the rotary ) plug located? Is it in the far right back like on my machine?
I have the AF2028-80 as well. I wish I would’ve tried the latches on the AF2028 so I could’ve included that in my video, but I’m glad you figured it out. Also, to answer your question, the Y axis plug on the AF2028 will be where you plug in your rotary.
Great video. Thanks for making one. I have the same machine. Wish there was a lens-cleaning procedure included too but overall this is nice instruction
Watch this video. It’s my latest alignment video Laser Mirror Alignment | How To Guide | CO2 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-GyOKzy-riLE.html
Hi there! Excellent video! I don't think you need to apply grease at the top of the Linear Rails (where the screws are, as seen at 16:20), the contact points with the balls are just at the sides. Does it make sense?
Make sure is 24v and not 12v. You also need to identify what the yellow wire is for. Those wires are usually for a secondary function or additional power source. Sounds like you got the wrong led strip
It’s not crucial, but since your stock fan produces around 99 cfm and your inline fan produces around 400 cfm (6 inch ) or 800 cfm (8 inch) then the stock fan will act as a choke point or bottle neck because the CFMs don’t match.
Oh I think I know why they put the key hole. Its to keep unwanted people out say for instance a young kid from opening it up and possibly getting electrocuted when the adult is not present or watching the kid. In a workplace setting it could be to keep employees out and only allow someone with electrical knowledge to access the equipment inside. I like the lock upgrade you made it makes sense to just put it on one side so that it can be locked and also easily opened.
I only replaced one lock in each panel because I didn’t want to have to replace 16 locks hahaha. But your thought process makes sense too. Leave one side with a lock to keep out curious hands.
On the omtech, do you have to upload your files to the laser and then go to the machine to adjust the cut/engrave? Does this come with a camera? Nice video.
Nope. You do everything in the software. You can either start it from the software or send the design to the laser and press start on the control panel. However all the design and settings are done in the software.
I would use a dremel with a sanding tube or something like it. You'll want to make sure and block of anything from getting metal chips in it (metal chips and electronics don't mix well). That way you don't run the risk of bending up your cabinet doors as bad. But either way works.
@@EdmondsWoodshop for sure on hating the key locks. Deleting them and putting in these is probably my next upgrade that I didn't know I needed until this video. So thanks for that!
Id imagine a compressor driven air assist would be a pretty expensive upgrade for OMTech. I plan on upgrading as soon as I figure out how to bypass this smart card.
Take a look at this video. The answer is yes. The video shows an old model but it’s the same bolt locations. On the newer models there’s a 5 bolt on the right side with the electronics Bolt Locations for your AF2028-80 OMTech ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-mch3PdnvORw.html
Great Video! The website mentions a “detachable design” that splits into 3 tiers… I was wondering if you can see how easy/difficult this might be to get it into smaller doorways etc?
I don’t think the website mentioned a detachable design. They showed a video that appeared to be in three pieces, but I could be wrong. Just don’t remember seeing it. However, this does NOT separate into three pieces and it’s extremely heavy. I’m a strong guy and I can barely pick up one end.
@@EdmondsWoodshop Ah I see the US website is abit different to the Australian site. The Aussie site has it pretty clearly written afew times as a selling point, but the only thing I could see on the normal US site is a quick 3 second video loop of it coming apart. I imagine its not an easy process with wiring running from the bottom unit the control panels etc... if it is even possible at all! I'm waiting on the 130W unit and I feel like finding a spot for it is going to be challenging!
I'm new to CO2. I'm wondering why you would shim the close end of the laser. You are wanting to basically drop the tube a little bit to get your centered alignment. Is there a reason you don't shim the back of the tube up.instead of taking the rubber mounts out on the front and dropping the tube at the close end? Additionally; is there a reason you don't shim the tube to be going through the dead centre of the first hole before adjusting the mirror alignments?
There are multiple ways to achieve the desired end result. If that means shimming the end of the tube versus the front, then try it out. I don't have any scientific reason why I went with the front other than it achieved my needs. For me center of the mirror 1 and 2 isnt as important as mirror 3. The beam needs to enter mirror 3 at the center so it can hit at a 90 degree angle down the center of the laser nozzle opening. If it doesn't come down centered then you can end up having and angled or beveled cut.
I’m currently recording a setup video that will showcase some additional examples, but I will most likely showcase other materials as I use them on projects that I have to finish. These usually end up on instagram or in the FB group that I manage
Have you owned other OMTechs? I’m wondering if this new pronto line is an improvement over their past machines. I do not speak from experience but just basing it off of other owners.
I currently own the OMTech polar, the AF2028-80, 30w fiber and pronto all from OMTech. I’ve also had the MF2028-80z They AF2028-80 and the pronto are two different gantry/rail systems but you’ll get more space and performance from the pronto. The pronto is considered a mid level laser from OMTech with the pro series being their premium brand. Join our FB community. I’m engaging with folks in there every day . Don’t forget to budget with discount code: LASERGUYCAM or LASERGUYS5OFF
Why do they continue to put a important thing like the amp meter in awkward places ? Stupid. That should be up top by the control panel. Wish the control panel could read the amperage and show it. But again in a stupid out of the way place. Good vid on it.
