Great video. Brian! Luckily, the Diode lasers are quite affordable for anyone wanting to try out a laser device. Be warned folks, it's super addictive!
Well...I just bought myself an Omtech 20x28 60w after many months of contemplation. Hoping all goes smoothly, keep the videos coming they are super helpful!
I am very familiar with the LED lights you used in this project, and yes, they do get dangerously hot. They require a heat sink to help keep things cool enough to avoid damage to other parts of your project, fire, or even personal injury. If used long enough without a heat sink, and proper ventilation, the LED's will burn out, and if they are in contact with anything flammable, it could easily start a fire.
I am building a star wars themed office, with a flight simulator in the room etc. and 3 other support battle stations for star citizen. Love this channel! Thanks for the good info. Good thing you dont sell you builds, i would go broke lol.
This is a great video and I really like that you point out more of the why rather than the what....and that is something we all really need to consider for a tool. I too get caught up in specs and cost a lot of times without taking into consideration the use and time the tool can give you back.
+1 Omtech vs. Glowforge comparison. I'm not in the market, I have access to bigger machines at work, I'm just curious about the limitations of the Glowforge.
I love, love, LOVE lasers! I likely will never be able to afford one. And living in a wee little 1 bedroom apt, there just isn’t enough room. But that doesn’t stop me from getting lots of acrylic and MDF cut/engraved. For viewers who are in my situation, look for a local laser cutting businesses. I have a friend, here in Portland, whose business has grown from laser cutting/engraving beer tap handles. Im able to design my parts and bring him the files and work with him to bring them to life. For me the cost is very affordable. I figure it’ll take many thousands of hours of cutting to add up to the $60,000+ of a big boy laser. And I don’t need to worry about maintenance, fume extractors, utility bills, the space to house it, finding enough work to offset the cost, and much more. Though every time I spend a couple of hours there, he asks when I’m getting into the business myself. Lol
Great video Brian. I have no need for a laser printer, I build models. Great information though. Love the panel, nice weathering. Thanks for sharing. Happy days and model on! 😎🇨🇦
I purchased an OMTech 60W, and am going thru some Udemy Adobe Illustrator training now. I also purchased a 3D printer, Cameo Silhouette, Heat Press, tumbler press this past year because of your channel.....Keep up the good work!
Great project (those big flat LEDs look cool, although they are running hot; look forward to hearing about them someday.), outstandingly thoughtful video, and the tidbit that the Junk Yard Jedi being your Dad blew me away! I loved his Medical Droid - as a doc, I thought it was inspired. Very true about tools and price points. Any crafting subculture’s rabbit hole is bottomless. Being intentional about what we need for our projects, and if we have space to store and use them, is a great habit to learn early, saving money, minimizing frustration and maintaining family harmony.
Thank you so much! Appreciate the feedback. I'm still looking into the LEDs, they worked so well, but just so incredibly hot. Can't figure that out, but i will!!!
Brian: You’re passion and talent amaze me. I really like the things you have built and your willingness to shoot videos and share it with us. I have noticed on your work you like to make things look weathered or “well used”. Have you ever made something and left it looking brand new? Also, on the control panel in his video. It reminds of a control panel Han Solo shot in Star Wars: A New Hope. Have you ever considered making a door control panel that looks like it was shot with a blaster? I have zero artistic ability so there is no way I would try something like that lol.
Thank you so much for the kind words. A new unused and un weathered prop . . . hmm . . . sounds interesting. Might have to give that a shot ;). We haven't done a blaster shot project, but that also sounds like a blast!
I liked your approach to addressing what I assume is a sensitive topic in the maker community. That being said, when I played the video backwards I heard the hidden message “jigsaws are dead”. Spooky.
Thanks, Brian! A laser cutter is a tool that I do desire in my arsenal, but it is an investment. I took a laser cutter class at my local maker space. It helped give me a better understanding of the process and, therefore is helping me to plan and inform my decision better. I would recommend this bit of “research” to others that might have access to these spaces as well. “Try before you buy” if you will.
Thanks a lot for the video! It really is something I was keen on seeing, 'cause I was pretty worried wether its something for me. And yes, definately something worth getting (hopefully in a not too distant future)
Nice topic. I'm an AutoCAD guy myself; used it all through the 90's and into the 2000's before I left it behind to pursue a career in education. Just a year or two ago I started following The Smugglers Room AND my wife acquired a Glowforge! I managed to get ahold of a 1-year AutoCAD LT license and even after several years of inactivity, all the AutoCAD reflexes came flooding back and I was designing Star Wars themed stuff very quickly, as I could convert the CAD files into file types that the Glowforge could read. Unfortunately, the license has since expired, and this old dog is finding it difficult to learn new drawing software that I can navigate as quickly as AutoCAD. Regular AutoCAD licenses are expensive so that route is not likely (though I am running out of options). Still trying to find software that mimics AutoCAD's structure that won't cost me and arm and a leg. Anyway, all this is meant to say is that Brian is correct about finding tools and software that you are comfortable with because you will be able to create and build so much faster and it will spoil you.
Great content as always, SR! I have a tiny (busted) 3D printer and my father's tools at my disposal. Never even considered using a laser cutter until now. PEW! Been shot by the E-11 blaster set to INSPIRE! Doubt I'll ever have the funds or space for one but keep cranking out panels and kits for those of us less fortunate in this universe, please?! May the Force be with y'all; love from CC TX.
My local makerspace has industrial laser the I could never afford, fit in my house, or maintain. When I discovered it I decided I'd be crazy NOT to use it to build a full size astromech. I highly recommend checking around to see if you have a nearby makerspace or if you public library has one.
Thanks for making this video! I've been thinking of getting a laser cutter for a long time now. I looove using technology in my crafting and having the opportunity to delve into learning new things. Excited to add one of these to my ever growing arsenal of tools!
I am so happy you champion digital tool use. I have had my DIY CNC machines for years now and sometimes get toxic comments from purists. I can already see the tides turning. Its a matter of getting more done with less time with quality - you nailed it! "You are not going to do that again, are you?" I should have not watched that while drinking coffee. omg. Thank you Sir!
LOL, glad we could give you a laugh today! I love the digital tools. You are correct, the toxic comments will certainly follow. It happens. There are those that think tools like a laser or 3D printers are cheating in some way. However, in my opinion it's simply the evolution of tools that allow us to make just about anything we can imagine!
great quick video. The COB type LEDs have heat issues as well as being bright. There is a big chance that the type of LEDs were a bad choice since you pointed out there is a heat issue. Look again for similar size, lower voltage or amperage ( making total wattage lower and hopefully lower heat out ). If you can find some tall glasses they could be hanging lamps as a potential use as well as looking cool with only frosting the inside of them. Keep up the amazing work and making it look easy enough for anyone of any skill to get into this obsession... I mean hobby...
Currently working on a Batuu control panel with traditional tools…so far, I’m like 2 weeks into the build. It may take another week or two to finish (and edit/post on RU-vid ). So I can definitely appreciate the efficiency and accuracy of the laser. I appreciate you and Ron covering some basics and resources to give perspective on such a purchase, but also what’s entailed. Hearing you say you did this in less that 1 workday….wow, just wow. Definitely gives perspective
Thanks for watching Garland. Speed and accuracy absolutely help, no question about it. I didn't mention in the video, but another aspect i love is the ability to rapid prototype a project as well. If I am working on a design with traditional hand tools, and i want to change something, that can mean long hours or starting from scratch. With this tool, although there is a cost in wasted material, i can make a change and within minutes have a fresh new version.
I use a K40 for my projects. It will cut 1/8th acrylic in 2 passes. I'm happy with the results. Advantages, cheap. Disadvantages, small cutting area, about 8x10". Hard to align mirrors. I bought a reverse alignment tool from American Photonics, a real game changer!
heat issue - cut the power to the LED by using a constant current psu. Also consider adding vent holes if you can't easily change psu. LEDs always general more heat then you might expect. Without any venting, the heat will build up.
@@TheSmugglersRoom Hopefully something should help. Additional thought, that's cheaper than a CC psu. If you have access to lower voltage power supply try that. A 12v LED may provide enough lighting at 7-10volt range and will produce less heat. Under driving LEDs via voltage or current can help. Constant voltage or constant current power is usually more expensive and sometimes not needed. love the channel!
LEDs will run hot for two reasons: 1] They are high power LEDs expecting a heatsink that has not been provided, this is probably not the case here since they're not 'room light' LEDs. 2] They're being over currented. This will rapidly reduce the life of the LED so you should address it asap. The current limiting resistor is not correctly sized or if it came fitted with one you're applying a Voltage other than intended (such as an LED with a resistor intended for 5V being fed at 9V or 12V). If you picked the LED yourself you may have read the colour codes incorrectly such as having fitted a 100 Ohm resistor when you actually wanted a 1000 Ohm.
thank you much! Those are both good points. From what I can tell I am powering everything correctly, and with the provided power supply from the manufacturer.
@@TheSmugglersRoom Do you have an ammeter to measure the current to the LEDs? Typically small 5mm LEDs are usually 20mA max (30mA short duration). Did the LEDs come with the resistor fitted? Is the power supply behaving properly (can you measure the Voltage output from the power supply?). You can also get weird behavior if the power supply is accidently AC rather than DC (shouldn't happen if the PSU was provided by the manufacturer but still worth checking the mediocre ideas when you're out of good ideas). The more info you're able/willing to share the more we can help. [Additional] Is the power supply regulated or unregulated? An unregulated power supply's Voltage will climb above what it's rated at if the current is lower. So a 12W 12V unregulated PSU, expecting to feed 1A may typically climb to 17V if only loaded to say 100mA.
I recently bought a XTool M1 laser cutter and I've really enjoyed using it. I think for me the rapid nature of how quickly it can cut and the precision made it a good purchase for me. It's not a huge cutter and has some limitations (like no clear acrylic) but it works on about 90% of the things I wanted. I used it recently to prototype a shelving system I built for my room. It had some odd angles that made it hard for me to draw or visualize in my mind, so I cut out a 1/6 scaled version out of 3mm plywood in order to see if what I wanted to build could actually look good in the real world. It was a cool application I hadn't considered when I first bought the laser cutter.
That's outstanding!! I completely skipped discussing the ability to prototype things. That is actually so critical. I love that you used it at scale to solve a bigger project challenge. Brilliant! The laser, 3D printing, etc. All of it blows my mind. The fact that you can have an idea in your head at 8:00 am, and a fully realized physical form of it by 8:00 pm in you own home is incredible!
@@TheSmugglersRoom yes, it’s awesome how you can realize a physical object so quickly and even with through some iterations. Also, from the precision side I know I just can’t cut things to as exacting of standards as I’d want with hand or power tools.
I've been looking at laser cutters, I just don't have space for any more tools. lol Maybe someday Ill get a maker space and move all my tools and stuff to it. ;) Great video.
In my opinion Brian makes the best star wars control panels in the galaxy. Why is everything with the word laser in it so cool ha ha. Like laser sword, laser blaster, laser cutter. Lol Don't forget my friends if you need to do some small laser cutting jobs but don't want to buy a laser cutter you could always use a laser cutting service like me. Or use a maker's space if there is one near you.
I believe those electronics boxes are ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). So you could put the whole box/lid in the laser to cut your holes & save even more time.
Really? I was under the impression that the ABS plastic wouldn't work with the laser? That would be great if it does, it would certainly save time and mess! I'll check it out, thank you!
I have a Beamo laser and have been using it weekly. I love the idea about the laser etch masking. That will be way faster than painting up and putting a cricket masking on. Might want to replace those LEDs. LEDs usually don't get super hot unless they are multi-watt leds which need heatsinks.
Good shout out to the others channels Brian…. I’m still kicking myself for not buying and OMTech 3 years ago… the price of the one I want is about 2.5k more now… It would have paid for itself by now
Thank you! That's a good price for sure. It's not too much more now. I think I purchases our at just over $3k, still expensive for sure, but it certainly has paid for itself at this point. Thanks for watching!
Brian, I would LOVE for you to do a pros & cons of different lasers. I have been putting off a laser because of the unknowns and which is or would be best. I love Star Wars, not as much you, and a laser for me would be for dioramas, sets for 3D minis, and such. Only a few on RU-vid I think I can trust in their opinions & recommendations. Chubby Geeks Unite!
We totally can and will do a comparison idea here soon. So many have already asked, so we’d love to shed some light on that. As for modeling and diorama Building, I think the laser has incredible value. We did our trash compactor book nook last year and that was almost entirely done with the master. So much potential for other scare building.
the video i needed to see today been kicking around geting a laser for a few years now didnt care for how glowforge seems like you need to be online to use it because i want something usable off line as well. So gotta do my homework but loved the video
Brian, I really appreciate your video about Laser Cutters. They are incredibly useful on a daily base! But I have an issue with the cheaper ones that are getting promoted recently. They lack safety features that are absolutely necessary for safe working conditions. Simple Goggles added to the kit that are supposed to have the right filter for the wavelength of the laser are not enough to make the laser safe. It needs a complete enclosure to filter also the reflected light since even the reflection still can harm your sight and they desperately need a fume extractor to filter all particles that can cause miner’s disease in the long term
Thank you! I could not agree more. Some of what is out there is pretty scary. It's so tempting to purchase a super cheap machine to save money. I used to have a really cheap table saw when i first started building. the price was great, but my goodness it was a dangerous and scary tool. I use that comparison for lasers as well. You might save a few bucks, however it ultimately may not be worth it.
Awesome video Brian. I think you really hit the point that whether one is considering a laser or any other piece of equipment, the real questions are what does one want to do with it and how/why a particular tool might help. The tablesaw comparison was perfect. As my old red-neck buddy would say - "it's not what you got, it's how you drive it!"
space is certainly a factor. The smaller desktop units are pretty good, but when they say "Desk Top" they actually mean the WHOLE DESK! lol. The Larger unit we have takes up a large chunk of floor space for sure. Thanks for watching!
Great and useful video, I would love to have one laser cut machine in my inventory and the principal reason is because they are fast and can do a clean and perfect work 😉👍 Also, if I were you I would think twice before saying laser out loud 😂😂
Another great video! I've been looking at getting a laser once we can move into a place with more space than our tiny apartment here in LA, so these are some great resources to have. And especially in the wake of finally getting down to Galaxy's Edge last week with an old friend. As always, thanks for sharing the knowledge and providing more inspiration!
@@TheSmugglersRoom Totally blew my mind and left me grinning for the rest of the week! lol 4 year old me from '77 was definitely on display at times, especially when my buddy and I got into the Falcon's cockpit for Smuggler's Run! I've been back into Blender to work on more Star Wars stuff ever since :D
Thank you. I actually have two that I need to put together a 5 watt and a 10 watt. I also have 3D printers both FDM and Resin. I have been designing basic functional parts, including a travel case for my TS80P (up on thangs). I do have illustrator so I should be able to figure this out and even print a control box. You are awesome and the Dr Evil pinkie was hilarious lol
Good day Brian ! Thanks for the great channel and the videos: Quick question: I am almost convinced for the laser engraver. With the type of projects you are doing, does the surface 20x11'' would be enough ? Seems like 20x28"" would be more convenient.
Thank you! 20x28 would be wonderful if you have the space for it. With the OMTech we purchased the largest one we could fit into the shop. But if you have more room I say go for it!!
Awesome video Brian. As well as the acrylic with the protective paper, wha type of timber do you normally use for your thin panels? I’d love to have a laser in my maker space in the future. I have experience with Illustrator so you’ve inspired me to start designing some panels I can use for stuff at home as well as gifts for friends. Your videos give me so much satisfaction and enjoyment. They sometimes even turn my day from nothing, into something. 👍🏼
Brian, doing the kind of stuff you do on here, what's the biggest workspace area you've found your REALLY need in a laser. I think the newer diode lasers could do about all we need for this kind of stuff? The x-tool table top even has an extension kit that gets you up to 36x17 inches or so.
You know. I have found that the OmTech machine has really improved things for me. It has a cut surface of 20x28". I have really found that it is a great size. I mean, in the past I have built some really big project with the Glowforge that is around 10.5x19" so it's all relative. I think you can always find a way to chop up the project and print with a smaller bed size. That said, I am super happy with the OmTech size and efficiency.
1. SVG files, 2. “Recipe”, 3. DO NOT GO INTO THE LIGHT. One, If you are going to cut with a LASER (Yes it is still an acronym) just start out with SVG vector files. Ink Scape, Free. iDesign for Mac and iPad. Not hard to learn. Don’t waste time trying to PNG anything. Two Your LASER will cut paper, wood, plastic, cloth, leather if you know the recipe. Speed of cut and power during cut are crucial. Number of passes is important. Power means less passes. 15watt at the head takes many passes. 20watt, not so much. Know your recipe. Three, Most consumer LASER cutter - engravers are dangerous as f€£k. Really, the profanity is absolutely not hyperbole. They will either kill you with the smoke or put your eye out worse than running with scissors. Do not look into the light. Do your work in the smoking ghetto, never in the living room. Having said that, I cut intricate almost lace-like designs from 120lb white card stock almost daily. These things are straight up magic. Freakin LASERs on their heads man! $400 bought my first. I burned out the diodes after several hundred hours. MK II, 20 watt, another $300. These things have given me the ability to straight up do both studio scale and studio quality work.
The cricut maker is a great option. you can cut stuff like styrene and thin balsa wood with it. Just being able to precisely cut the styrene would go a long way! That stuff is pretty cheap and crazy easy to use.
