I agree that the extra cost is worth it because you get a proper stepper drive for the Z axis (thetable) the controller you have is compatible with RDWorks and Lightburn and should allow you to program the table to move to different positions during a program. Your different thickness material problem is perfect for an auto focus system because the distance between work surface and nozzle never changes. Provided you are using the same lens all the time Its only the table height that needs to be raised and lowered to suit different thcknesses of material. That is exactly what the AF system is designed for. In your case Just lower the table put your material on the table under the head. Somewhere in one of the keyboard menus you will find an autofocus command. It will automatically raise the table to put any thickness material to the right focal distance. My situation is different because I keep swapping lenses. Sadly that does require a resetting of the sensor because the focal distance below the nozzle will be different for each lens. This reset can be a 10 to 15min procedure. IF you ever need to understand how to reset your pen to a diffenet position then I suggest you watch this video ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-IDaGEu0ddrE.html
This is the correct way. If you never change lenses there is no reason not to use auto focus. You're creating a problem where there is none. You are manually autfocusing with the bed up/down buttons. I didn't opt for an autofocus system simply because I didn't want another point of failure for $300+. I engrave mostly cedar plank wood and leather. A couple turns of the knob isn't going to kill me. This is a hobby machine for me. If it was a business then time is money and that would be a different story.
As a long-time user of the OMTech 60W laser, I have to say that while the autofocus feature is convenient, the machine itself has had its share of issues. I’ve experienced several problems with alignment over the last year, which has led to wasted materials and time. Not recommendable for every hobbyist out there.
The autofocus implementation sucks because it hangs below nozzle/aperture during laser operation. This is an unnecessary fire hazard because it can bind on material. I like the Z-axis but seriously hate the autofocus sensor.
isn't a electric workbed (using a button to move the bed up or down) and autofocus two different things? at least thats the way OMtech makes it sound.. either way seems like its best to at least get the electric workbed but the autofocus might not be worth it for me.
