Ep6: Laser Beam Mirror Alignment. The DIY CO2 Laser Cutter / Engraver Build Series 

As said by many this is by far one of the best videos explaining mirror alignment.

New gold stsndard explanation for alignment. The tip to get it hitting both mirrors first before worrying about accuracy should make a big difference. Been putting off aligning my LAYZOR build but keen to get back to it after seeing this.

I have a 2023 manufactured laser cutter that does not have up/down-left/right adjustment possibilities and let me tell you. I have spent 15 hours trying to align everything.... It's a hell of a job.

This is by far the easiest explanation of mirror alignment I've seen so far. Great resource for future laser users.

nice. i own a k40 and never even thought about using all of the extrusion and rails and whatever. to make a bigger one that's actually usefull.

Your explanation of this is incredibly easy for a rookie to understand. Of course i have exp with steppers and 3d work. I've seen a lot of videos and this one is the best i think. All my Extrusion will be here monday and i will be sure busy building the Y400.. Again Thanks

I've worked on "flying optics" (light source and work piece stay still, only optics move) lasers that had 6x24 foot beds, up to 6kw. they were put on thick floors and were very rigid. they spent a lot of time getting a useable beam to travel that far without divergence and pointing instability. Purging the beam path with N2 helps.

So glad I found your channel, this is hands down the best tutorial on laser mirror aligment I've ever encountered, other resources had so poor explanation of the aligment/accuracy circles that I never had a decent aligment before and now it's dead center on all corners

You are GOOD in what you are doing, I wich a lot of success!

This is undoubtedly the best video showing how to calibrate the laser! The only problem I have is that my points are very large. Already at the first mirror, the point is 5-6 mm (1/4 inch) and irregular. Do you have any tips on what I need to do to make the point as small and round as possible? I have a 100W CO2 tube.

Really nice and clear guide. This series has really inspired me to start building my own!

One of the best explanations and demonstrations of laser mirror alignment I've even seen! I wish I had had this video when I got my first laser (K40) years ago! Thankfully my 80W arrived perfectly aligned, and has not needed any adjustment since (touch wood).

Thanks for sharing the technical details.

This Very very good Very useful for me. Thanking you Very much

Throughly enjoying this series and looking forward to the upcoming episodes. You are doing an awesome job building and explaining! Keep up the great work!

really well explained, best version i have seen on youtube.

Nice concise explanation. This is going to come in handy very soon. Thank you!

Hi I am enjoying these step by step videos, and have started researching the components

the Kenny Loggins area. LOL I feel old for immediately getting that reference.

Just caught up on all your episodes, looking really good mate! Your explanations and tips are really good, looking forward to building one myself.

best guide ive ever seen. Thank you!!!!!

Thanks sir ur video helped me a lot for my laser machine alignment.

Great video, this project is awesome as I've been researching diy laser cutters/engravers of a much larger form factor than what's available commercially !

Hi it's a very nice serie, I'm very curious to see the end 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Bravo.......why move laser or beem chaneling.......just move table...or part.....cheers

thank you

a more clear explanation is not possible. Thanks! One question what's the power of the laser?

Hello rob! I recently purchased your build guide for co2 laser cutter and I have found that you have used 2028 corner connector but I am unable find these type of connector in my place so could I use 2020 corner connector instead of this? And I have one more query can I use sliding t nut for all purpose instead of spring t slot nut and rotating t slot nut?

Thank you very much .

Can I use gt2 6mm belt for x and y? Because it is only available in my place!

"stand alone video for easy reference" Now its saved to my favorites! Thank you so much for a good detailed to the point video :-)

Great instructions😍 I've never seen better 👍👍 May I ask you: is it possible to adjust the mirrors well even if the mirror mount is not adjustable? :( Is there a trick for this version?

Don't forget to secure the mirrors by tightening them locknuts, Otherwise next weeks vid is going to be alignment again ;-)

Recommend using gloves when handling the mirrors and lenses. If your prone to fumbling like me a finger print on the reflective surface can create a bad day. Thanks for the vids, awesome work.

Great explanations! I'm impatient to see the end and the first results. Thank you for sharing! I'll definitely try do replicate your project!

Excellent episode man! Subbed!

Very nice! Would happily pay for the plans and parts list once completed. Keep up the great work!

What considerations should I have when building a very big machine? about 1.22 meters by 1.22 meters

Can you add a 3 or 5 axis motor to laser cut a 1 whole piece project?

This is just Amazing,,, Wishing for your long and better life.

Absolutely amazing. I’ve seen a dozen videos, including one produced my my laser manufacturer, that all say the same thing that never made sense to me. That being: adjust the mirror near to the aiming point then adjust at furthest position adjusting using the same set screws. How do any of these people think using the same adjustment screws fixes overall alignment? It’s wildly infuriating. This is the only video I’ve found in 4 weeks of searching that accurately describes the procedure. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. I wish I could give you a million thumbs up so this is the only video that shows up for people struggling to align their lasers.

Hi, we are a Mexican company that distributes pieces like aluminum profiles, v wheels, screws, ruida systems, belts and many more parts to manufacture. and Our clients are interested in your guide and we have urged them to buy it from you so that we can provide the parts in this country (we have same or better price than aliexpress). There is 100+ people interested in MÉXICO. If you need it we can made a translated version of the guide to spanish, upload the link in your page with the updated links for buy all the assemble kit in stock!

Perfect Video!

Great series. Thank you for posting. Any idea what size laser tube i would need to cut 10 mm acrylic sheet..?

Hello! Great video! Do you think we can use it to create one in Spanish for Latin America?

God bless you

Could you provide the type of mirrors and where you purchased them? I like the locking nuts on those compared to the wrench nuts I have that came with my machine.

If you want more powerful lasertube. Where can you place it? Along the yaxis which is the longest size.

Guys, I have a question I'm also trying to build mine but I've stumbled upon a problem, or maybe not a problem but a question, some manufacturers have this on their website 1 Pcs USA Focus Lens D12 FL50.8 1 Pcs USA Focus Lens D18 FL50.8 1 Pcs USA Focus Lens D20 FL50.8 I'm guessing these are lens diameter sizes? but does it matter? should I be concerned about those?

Cooperation request: Hi dear sir,could you tell me how to contact you?we want to cooperate with you,look forward to your reply,thank you.

Sir i ve a doubt.. Can we extend the rail size in y direction. With out any prob. In a 4*3 feet machine to convert it into 4*8 feet

Does distance between mirror1 and mirror2 makes difference in cutting ? Like output laser power to metal

Great video!. Wouldn't it be easier to use a dollar store laser pointer to align the mirrors and then at the end mount the CO2 and fine tune?

So here is a few questions. if anyone knows. Feel free to answer. . I have an output tester. So I got this 30 watt tube newer, with the catalyst and an older one with a "non catalyst". Using my tester and finding my output to be all over the plast with "catalyst" tubes. I am trying to drop it down to 1.5watts of output on the newer catalyst tubes I bought. It will ONLY fire at 3.5-5.5 watts. While any older catalyst tubes I have. Will fire right at 1.5 watts. and I have never had this problem until I switched to catalyst tubes. Is there a reason for this? all 3 of my "catalyst' tubes act the same and will not create a stable beam at a lower wattage, unlike the older tube models. Thanks.

I like it, a straightforward explanation of the alignment process. Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work!

6:25 most of chinese laserheads are off, so that 1mm off was actually accurate. You can see it yourself by inserting a paper circle in a place of mirror and see where it is hitting

I literally bought a 3d printer so I could build this. I can't wait for you to finish! I would personally pay for your plans or throw you a couple bucks in a patreon account to see you keep on creating. Thanks for taking the time to share your hard work. keep it up!

do other hobby co2 laser cutters have a red diode laser as a guide for where the cut starts?

nice video 🎉🎉😊

You are the first one who approach laser alignment 'the right way' using minimum power. Just... I think you need to consider using fourth mirror for future upgrade for longer laser tube. It is worth additional cost - since you already have huge workspace. Also, longer laser tube has lower beam divergence aside higher power. Thus, better overall efficiency (and maybe smaller laser spot). Additional mirror may not insert too much losses, I hope. Divergence is important. Did you check further point - whether it cut the same as closest point?

if i bought the guide / parts list, will it come with the 3d printed files needed for the laser tube mount?

Thanks you from Viet Nam. I very like this video.

Great video! Thanks for putting this together.

I like your comment on using cheaper mirrors as opposed to the more expensive ones because they all wear out and need replaced eventually. That's the sort of info I'm looking for--the 'why you buy the particular parts and components'.

I have some Chinese co2 laser and it doesn't have height adjustable mirrors. The beam collides but I can't get it in the middle :/

so a simple diode laser pointer would have not done the trick and avoided firing up the co2 laser 300 times ...?

Friend you coud have used optical fiber instead of all these mirrors....that would be safe and cheap

All it's missing is a friggin shark.

If this mountain had 10 ,0000 laser class 2 or above then combine by convergent lenses and guide wave then no air 0lance endure

LOL. I've been setting those mirror for 12 hours, and not yet finished. 😂

I did everything like in the video explained but somehow I only get a good and clean result in the right front corner, all other corners are worse especially the left side

Holy fuck man thank you... this is the most helpful video for this topic iver ever seen ive been in alignment hell

Ruida controllers can have two laser heads. Does that mean you need two co2 tubes or can you split the beam to go to two heads?

do we need to fill up water in the tube for the alignment session??

It looks easy when you explain it but its so difficult :( i have not being able to align mine.

Loving your series. Inspired from you, I have already started my build.

Amazing job!!! Where did you get the parts??? E-Bay ... Alibaba??? IS it in the parts list PDF???? What kind of board do you use? ??

Hey awesome build series has anybody tried to make this bigger like Y2000 x X1000 Cutting bed? Willing to pay for schematics and parts list. Need help resizing this build please!

Fiber markalama makinası yapılabilir mi ? Kendin

I have an elliptical circle burn on my first mirror what is wrong??

Lot of videos like this, but the rest of those are not containing a lot of important message what you did

Looks like a very good episode and series so far.

i want to build one for my self. i am from India, is there any other payment method to pay for your files?

Hi thanks, awesome video. I know I'm probably asking a stupid question, but I just want to find out, do you have to remove the mirror before aligning each one? Thanks so much!

I am almost done with the project. I am at the alignment part ... tomorrow is another day ....

_This tube is quite old and sometimes likes to make funny shapes instead, so… Just ignore that, ‘cause you only encourage him._ XD You got me there. Subscribed.

Nicely done! I got a question, trying to find a good laser protective glasses. There is a bunch of out there but after all no way to check if its safe. Maybe you could suggest something specific for a C02 Laser 40W?

Best laser alignment video on RU-vid! To the point and easy to understand. Thank you for making this.

Thanks for the excellent video! I echo the sentiment of others: this explanation is far and away the best I've ever seen.

I'm loving this Laser build! Is this machine capable of cutting 31.75mm Delrin? Thanks!!!

Show!!! Very Show, I am first manufacturing my Vertical CNC Router and then I will manufacture a laser cutter!

Best explanation. . and pictures :) How long did it take you? Should the tube be aligned with the x axis? And/ or frame??

Very impressive, w/o all the profanity & throwing-thing too, Well Done. I probably won't be that skill/lucky.

Very good job love u from India Punjab Amritsar

Thanks for the video. I am going to start aligning my home build laser tomorrow. Your build inspired me to build my own 100 watt laser. Thank you.

Hi mate question. I could use any distilled water. As long as distilled? Thanks. And i could autmobile antifreeze? Cheers.

Thank you so much for walking step by step and how to get the beam into alignment. i have watch so many videos and they never go over how to walk the laser in. Its just tape, pulse check quick adjust move to mirror 2 alight 3 pules and done happy engraving. Its been driving me nuts too.

I am more than moderately disappointed that there wasn't a demonstration of this cutting something And this is because the video was so good I was really invested in this alignment lol

well i have a question. i don't have a co2 laser tube, i don't even know where to get one. but all the rest doesn't seem a problem to me. can i build all the machine, excluding laser itself, and use, say, a laser pointer to align mirrors? then, with mirrors aligned, i'll replace the pointer with co2 laser

Hey are you like selling kits for this or know of a place tht sells kits for this? My dad's b-days coming up and he's a huge nerd for this stuff...no offense lol