Hi guys, I hope this review was helpful to you, I'm looking froward to hearing your thought on it. Here are the discounts, links and rafles: www.comgrow.com/products/comgo-z1-pro-20w-desktop-diode-laser-cutting-engraving-machine?sca_ref=2709141.6xC4AF2DfM As my valued subscribers, please know there is a limited time only $40 off early bird discount. The current price is $529 including the discount. ***WIN*** for just £5 *Ends 26th August* enter the raffle competitions here: raffall.com/342245/enter-raffle-to-win-comgrow-z1-pro-20w-more-hosted-by-joshua-de-lisle Note this raffle iscurrently not for charity this time round and are instead to cover my costs to do honest reviews and to invest in making better content. Please do suggest a charity that you belive is in need that I can look into helping via the comment section of my videos. The winner will be notified by Raffall via email and the Raffall website never answer to messages on social media as they maybe scammers. Delivery is not included but I will ship internationally if needed, if the raffle earns enough I will pay for shipping, if shipping is too costly for the winner they will get the cash of the raffle instead. Affliate links- Laser cross UK: amzn.to/3DkFLq5 USA: amzn.to/3PICtUG 5v USB adapter UK: amzn.to/44zjvV0 USA:amzn.to/3O26Wfi USB camera UK: amzn.to/3O3rDYq USA:amzn.to/3NI0loO For latest news and insights visit our instagram page here: instagram.com/delisledesign
The crosshair laser pointer was a HUGE help. Thanks so much for that. There's a bit easier way to align it. If you engrave a 100mm crosshair shape, you can then jog with Lightburn so the laser crosshair exactly covers the etched one (jogging by as small as 0.1mm). Once there, you can rotate the lens on the crosshair so it perfectly matches the axes of the machine, that way the crosshair gives perfect alignment of the edges of workpieces in addition to position of cut. For the offset, you just subtract where you are from where you started in the coordinate display in Lightburn, then put that in as your offset. No fiddling needed.
First time I've seen the use of a camera to trace an object, very nice feature ... thanks again for a down to earth review of a laser and an honest opinion on what you think of it 👍
Joshua De Lisle, I just want to say how you inspire , open minds to creativity and imagination, and inspire new thoughts and ideas. Keep doing what you enjoy and reach new heights.👍
@@joshuadelisle is there another way to purchase raffle tickets as I'm sick of trying to join Raffle to be able to buy tickets to be in with a chance of winning a laser engraver. I've already lost my chance of winning the xtool laser. Many thanks in anticipation of your help
@@1MartinWaite Hi Martin. I have lots more coming soon including the xTool P2, longer 40w, Atezr 36w etc. What issues are you having because I'm in good communication with Raffall and might be able to help. Raffall is a good platform because they put safe protocols to make sure everything is fair and handled correctly. Cheers J
@@joshuadelisle I finally got it sorted out I was using 14 digits in my password and it didn’t like it so I reduced it down and I finally got in. Many thanks.
EXTREMELY useful information, Joshua. If I weren't past my prime, I'd be a leaping to get one of these lasers and Lightburn full package. I can see so many things that could be done quickly just puttering around.
Thank you so much Clyde. You're encouragement means a lot to me. I think these small CNC machines are a good retirement hobby as the machine is doing all the hard work but your keeping your mind active by problem solving to get it to do the work. It's always very satisfying and fulfilling to be creative and help others with the things you've made. All the very best. Cheers J
I may be past (ok, am past) my prime but I got very excited when I started seeing videos of all the awesome things a laser could do so I rushed out and bought myself the Ortur LM3 for Christmas 2022. I am a 72 year old woman who was an accountant In a past life and had no problem embracing and learning new software over the years. Once it arrived I was so excited to see it but it had been sitting unopened as I was worried I wouldn’t be able to handle the installation and learning curve. I finally had someone set it up for me and then I froze thinking I wouldn’t be able to learn how to operate it, my studio is full of cutting boards and wood and acrylic and slate coasters but I just couldn’t settle down and try to learn how to operate it. All the videos I have seen run so quickly past each step in Lightburn that I couldn’t find the curser before they were onto the next step. I was definitely feeling my age. Fast forward to last week when I went onto LightBurn and actually sat down with the tutorials to see what I was up against. Amazing! Going thru each step by step I found it was so clear that I was finally understanding what was going on. Now I am so excited to actually sit down with LightBurn connected to the laser and my laptop in hand to take me thru the program and just go for for it. Who said I couldn’t do it? If it looks like something you would love to be able to do for yourself and for gifts and who knows, maybe sell some things I say just go for it.
Amazing. Found this video just trolling youtube. This guy gets right to it without any blah blah blah. I've seen 20 min videos that should have taken 1 minute. Some of these youtubers should take lessons from this guy. I'm an old man now (63) and a retired certified millwright. I'm not tech savy but mechanically inclined. I just think the young people of today who are on dope or are lost in life have NO CLUE what a great world they live in today. Yes there are problems in the world but it's just a great time to be and inventor type of person. I wish I could live another life time in this time line of human history. Great job Joshua.
Thank you so much. I've only been doing messing with this new tech for the past 2 years years or so. You've got at least 20 years in you to do something even more meaningful and you have a lifetime of experience to draw from. All the very best and I look forward to hearing what get up to. Cheers J
Joshua wow that's quite a setup. Hopefully you get great use out of it for many years to come my friend. Can't wait to see more videos soon my friend. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Forge On. Fab On. Weld On. Keep forge lit. Keep Making. God bless.
Been holding off getting a laser until I own a house in the next couple years (rather than renting) so I can build a proper workshop for it, but your videos are making it hard to wait!
If you wait I've got a lot more to show. I've started to be given ones that haven't been released yet and I'm not allowed to talk about until the release dates. Cheers J
“It would make a nice grow tent” 😂😂😂 and there’s me thinking my old grow tent would make a great place to use my new laser cutter 😂😂😂 great video dude, I love watching your stuff 👍🏻👍🏽👍🏿
Hi Joshua. Most of the time,i've only see you cutting plywood. My question now is: Does it also cut materials like acrylic glass,aluminum,copper etc....? It would be much easier for me to decide to buy one. Thx for any answer.
Hi. Yes to opaque acrylic not clear acrylic, you need a CO2 laser for that. It can mark stainless and glass but not copper. I've used these on stone, cement, leather and other woods also. Cheers J
Trace would make it really easy to simply print out line drawings/plans or pictures of an object you want to make in whatever material you would want to cut it or even 3d print and also allow scaling it up or down as needed(there are also carbide burr trim router bits for metal, which would make router templates for knife shapes rather doable if you have a solid router table(obviously rough cutting to near size with a band or jig-saw first)(
I'd love to see how someone who had never used and set up a laser engraver/cutter like this gets on with it, All the youtube channel video reviews of these numerous diode lasers make it look very simple and easy - I feel we might end up with a very different video.
Amazingly well done video. And enjoyed it all, except for the last part about the power per watt comparison which was kind of useless. If you need a 40-watt you can't just buy two 20-Watts.
Thank you. I agree which is why I said it's relative to your needs and that my 40w can do so much more. It's the most cost effective regarding price by cut performance but only on the types of tests that I did. For commercial use you can certainly argue a £20k+ machine that can reliably cut thicker and faster is more cost effective for generating a return on investment. But this one I would say performs very well for low budget home use. Cheers J
not sure how i originally found your channel but its become a wealth of information-im definitely looking forward to getting a system. I also appreciate you adding freedom units (inches) to your descriptions. One thing i do enjoy is when you add a project to the video though, so we can see the kind of things you can create with these units (I'm thinking back to the table you made-stuff like that)
I've just subscribed on the basis of your quickfire no-nonsense presentation. If only every review/examination were like this! Can't stand Tubers who pad out their videos with waffle and blathery crap!
I've got the Atezr 36w to show soon although I had issues with too much play in the new z axis but it's being sorted. The ikier is identical to the Longer ray5 and I think they're selling the old stock rebranded. Cheers J
Im new to your channel and looking at buying laser I have a cnc router now. Can you tell me what software you running that imports the camera photo so you can carve it . I have to admit thats pretty cool. Very informative video
Love the way he said the cover can be used as a grow tent if you are into that sort of thing and the cover has the word Grow on it hahahahahaha literally multi purpose lol 👊🏻
Another excellent video with excellent tips and info on safety and cost effectiveness. I think the quality and power of the D1 is worth the slight price per watt difference with the Comgrove/Creality.
Joshua Thanks. The 20w unit at that price should do the job. I want to make templates (1/4 plywood) of wood working projects files. I'm making SketchUP files. You mention enlarging the bed size with common rails: I'm interested in 48" length but no wider. Can you be more specific on the rail type and brand?
Hi thank you so much. If you go onto oozenest website they sell the rails cut to custom lengths. They're 2020 extrusion (20mm X 20mm) with beveled faces to accept the standard wheels. Note not all plywood is the same and some glue between layers do not cut very well. Birch ply is generally good for laser cutting but if you get plywood from a local DIY store try and get a test piece first before buying lots. Cheers J
And with the Comgrow Z1 Pro now at £370 and things like the X Tool still over £1000 the value is even better. What does the X Tool do that this doesn't, I'd be interested to know before I jump in on one of these.
Awesome and very useful review. I just picked one up and do have one question. How do you feel about the cable running down the right hand side? I do a lot of engraving on large flat objects such as charcuterie boards and worried about the cable bumping into my projects. Unfortunately I also found that the pulley wheels were assembled a bit too tight so that they had flat spots on them when they arrived. You could feel them when sliding the gantry back and forth. Hopefully they'll work themselves out over time.
Of all the laser cutters/engravers you’ve tested, which one is your favourite? There are that many available and 1000’s of videos, it makes it very confusing on where to start for the complete beginner. Many thanks.
If I was starting out with little money I would get a Comgrow z1 10w. If I had a bit of money and wanted to get fairly good performance the creality falcon2 40w would be my choice. If money is no problem and I want the best then a CO2 100w+ would be what to get. Cheers J
@@joshuadelisle thanks Joshua, here in New Zealand the falcon 2 40w starts at around $2500. I think I know where you’re coming from and appreciate your insights. I thoroughly enjoy your videos and value your opinions. Thanks again for great informative videos. Cheers
@@traveller4738 gosh that's a lot compared to the UK.... Alternatively the LONGER B1 40w is very good also and maybe cheaper. The xtool D1 40w is generally more expensive and has a few niggles but is excellent quality otherwise. Cheers J
It's common knowledge for a diode to last 10000 hours but I don't know how much the drop in power is over that time. Its also depending on cooling which means some laser diminish faster than others at 100% power. Cheers J
I'd love to see if you found a different USB camera with a closer focal length that could fit within an enclosure. Obviously a camera and enclosure are a good match up.
Hey bro this video was so good. I just need a laser under 700 dollars that can cut tru plexiglass like 2 mm or 3 mm also pvc can i get your expert opinion on the matter?
Can you do a laser rust cleaning retrofit video? Seems like power needed for such task is not much and one of these engravers may have the power needed. I'd reckon a big square program may do it.
I don't have the machine to check but I found a seller that does them here: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/296296784824?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D266106%26meid%3D8d3720a4a1784f56b50fbdedba369f02%26pid%3D101429%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D296307912990%26itm%3D296296784824%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2332490%26algv%3DSimPLMWebV1EmbeddedAuctionsCPCAutoManualWithCIIXAIRecallsUpdatedRanker0424&_trksid=p2332490.c101429.m2460&itmprp=cksum%3A2962967848248d3720a4a1784f56b50fbdedba369f02%7Cenc%3AAQAJAAABIFRm%252FxjHVkAHjTmALiNqvsqtv4qWt8xCbe4ahJ20t625K4Et9BuQKhB3GymqusTVQu6nRaRaqgb3%252FfZkomV8QnwXeVsqyuMZETWVRceQH9dU6SyvHfOXjhLuwZdp65XkAL8KynvDGgsKDHuu4gaFiFhVTIVjIitZ29e3Ir4iZe1J%252BW1pUKHIgknoO0MbBzBSnQVckbQ1QTNwTdhdKZ9Rx%252Fv8lzNjnO3f9%252FvcZGJwTdDu%252FD3%252Bie1UyDtC4T5hUvvbSeJfbdnUbuxEJmW0Mfb--CscfyClAuPEF1TaHDs1HHlGc41neaIpI68Dw4LAKx1ImA134FLwPXIL%252BKTCG0miviLV13ibYLC%252F0IGtNDISrvOqkoHWt50IhBN7YcqJRXcKrA%253D%253D%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2332490&itmmeta=01HYD172HZSHSGJG8BXB88NDVM
So ....... With your new camera dodaddle you can print a selfie and use the print to make a touch mark ...... like no other touch mark! ;o) That is eather Cool as .... or a bit weird. I'm going with the Cool (because I am a bit weird)
You can convert any JPEG or PNG photo too just by importing it in. But a camera is good for copying parts. You can edit the trace too for tweaking. Cheers J
I'm in the market for my 1st diode laser. Would this be a good choice or should I bite the bullet and spring for the XTool? You said XTool does a lot more than the Z1, can you explain?
Depending on what you want to achieve, most of the desktop lasers are easy to get started on. If you want just a cheap thing to play with the Comgrow Z1 works well and is very low cost. If you want performance or a machine that can be used as a side hustle I would recommend the new 40w models. I'm very happy with the xTool D1 but I've just been testing the creality falcon2 and LONGER B1 40w which are very good also. New videos coming shortly. Cheers J
They're the same output so there isn't much difference. The beam on the xTool will be more precise and cut slightly better and finer and the build quality and longevity will be a lot better but for a general purpose hobby level laser you won't notice much difference. Cheers J
Is it possible to swap laser modules on diffrent brands like putting a comgrow 20w module on a longer frame if so can you do a shorts video please showing that process.cheers
@@amoreyjones565 it needs the correct power input to operate higher power lasers. Comgrow sell a 20w module to upgrade that has a new power supply and can be used on other laser gantrys. Cheers J
Guess you haven't heard of the 20 watt elegoo phecda? Only $399 at launch. I've tried replying to your comment four times now, they keep getting deleted but the 20-watt version really was only 399 when it was released on Kickstarter I know because I bought one
You're reffering to the 10w. I've checked it out and the 20w is near enough the same price as the comgrow. It's also a 0.13 spot width which is quite wide. The Comgrow 10w is cheaper at £300. It would be good to compare it otherwise. Cheers J
You can etch stainless with this one but you need a more powerful 40w or infrared type laser module for deep quality etching on steel. You can remove a coating with this on anodised aluminium or blackened steel to reveal a negative image for sure. Cheers J
@@Growyourheirlooms I think you maybe referring to the lense protector and you have a spare? If you take apart the laser nozzle you'll find the laser has a little round glass and brass protector.
I really like these reviews but I feel I'm getting overwhelmed by options. What would your honest advice be for a first time laser cutter purchase be, assuming only wood will be cut at an average maximum of 20mm? Speed is not the priority as much as accuracy and clean cuts. Machine cost is definitely an important factor however as is machine size/weight. Ideally it should be as portable as an ender 3.
Thank you, so far from what I've tested this one is probably the best entry level laser, the Xtool D1 40w is what I recomend if you want a starta laser cutting side hustle. I still have lots more to show and theyre constantly improving and getting cheaper. cheers J
Question ---- where are the links to burn the camera holder and the laser aiming device. I see something on your site with a box - but do not see the files for these 2 objects. Is this pipe you used something standard to hold camera and what do you call it? Also what would i call the screws sets you used for mounting when go to buy them?
Hi. Sorry I haven't shared the design. I'll see if I can for you. I used a 12mm square bar but only because I had plenty of it. It's quite simple though and could be drafted in lightburn and use any type of support bracket you can get hold of. I used what's known as M5 T-nuts for 2020 aluminum extrusion. Cheers J
@@joshuadelisle LOL - I am your complete Newbie..... the laser is ordered and not here yet. I am good with computers and tech - so am not expecting a total battle..... but stencils for the attachments will help jump start me and figure out alignment issues. We will be making pendants and you are in fact my teacher as learn to make things from scratch. Your video gave me the confidence to take the assignment.
@@mrparanormalmobius thank you so much. I'm planning on doing a beginners tutorial on lightburn and basic design. I'm not sure I've still got the file for the camera and laser holder but I'll have a look. Cheers J
Nice video! A couple of thoughts... I agree about the focus plate vs the drop down lever.. I much prefer the drop down lever. I would lose that plate.. 2nd.. Did you notice the laser spot size on the Z1 Pro is LARGER than the 20watt module that Comgrow sells separately? The Z1 Pro is 0.1x0.1mm and the stand alone module is 0.08x0.08mm. I think it's strange that a newer laser module would have a larger dot size. Maybe it's a cost cutting measure? I have the original Z1 and the seperate 20w module that I have expanded to 465x785mm cheers!
Thank you so much. I didn't notice that, I should have measured it like I did on my other reviews. Personally I don't think it matters too much as you can set the offset in lightburn and engravings just happen quicker because you can cover a wider DPI. Cheers J
@@joshuadelisle it's still better if you have a smaller dot, you can always make it larger by throwing your device out of focus slightly, but if it's bigger by default you can't do anything to make it smaller.
@@GodHunter1000 however you lose power if it's unfocused. A bigger dot that's at full power I don't think is an issue at 0.1mm. it's only going to make a noticeable effect on very small detailed engravings which if that's the intended purpose a fibre laser like the B4, laserpecker or xTool F1 is better suited. Cheers J
I'm just setting my Z1 Pro 20W up (had a Z1 10W that I gifted to my dad). The fan on mine is definitely louder than the older model. I did notice that when moving the laser head around manually the power light and head fan both come on momentarily; not sure if this is normal or cause for concern.
Hi. That's all normal. The 20w requires extra cooling so that's why it's louder, the stepper motors act as generators if moved quickly which illustrates the power LEDs, that happens on all models and 3D printers and is advised not to move them too quickly. Cheers J
I need help dude. I messed up one of the lens. Where or how do I get replacement lenses? Can I replace just the lens or does it have to be the brass piece and lens?
If it weren't for shoddy build, and anti-support, this would be a great little laser. But, chances are high that it will fail quickly, and then you are better off buying a new laser than dealing with their 'engineers'. Spend the few extra bucks, you'll appreciate it in the long run. (Speaking fro experience)
I use a laser cutter at my local hackspace to engrave stupidly complex Celtic art (not like that joke of a knot in your earlier video) so my main criterion is accuracy. The misalignment on that one piece in this video was worrying, so I was wondering if you could do comparisons of the engravers' accuracy on longer cuts? Edit: just watched your video with the AI elvish table - let me know if you'd rather have a Celtic design for one ;)
Hi. Thank you. It was misaligned because I put the part too close to the back of the gantry where it hit the edge. That's because the machine thinks the cross hair is point 0 so it thinks it had plenty of room. I could do the same mistake on all the best machines, I just didn't think about it until I finished the video. Celtic art is awesome and AI certainly can't do it perfectly, it was just an example of how quick the process can be with fairly good results. Cheers J
@@joshuadelisle Ah yes, classic. I always use the Frame command in Lightburn before cutting, for that and other reasons. It's quick and saves annoyance/waste/embarrassment.
Enclosure and honeycomb add to the price but still a decent value laser. Lowering the entry price yet again. Soon these will be the first tool and maybe last tool people will buy for a makers workshop.
I’m sure you don’t want to get into Lightburn tutorials, but I bought a laser pointer, designed & printed a mount, so I know exactly where it is in relation to the laser (+/-), but lightburn seems to completely ignore the offset.. #confused
@@joshuadelisle Ah, cool, I’ve a Sculpfun S10, just the cheapest one I could find at the time, but I’ve had good results, just wish it was easier to position things..
@@joshuadelisle I don’t think I’m being dumb (though always a possibility..: :)), I’m a programmer, I do math for a living, I’ve scratch built 3D printers, I think it’s a basic concept thing I’m missing..?
The z1 is giving me a warm time it says ready in lightburn but where it say console it say waiting to connect ,i can see the device in device manager but and the com port came up.
I'm thinking of engraving silver, but the heat generated might cause some issues. Does anyone know if something like this machine is capable of engraving silver that's placed a few millimetres under cold water?
Inferior? You know why 220 is prevalent in Europe? And the UK. WW2 and surplus generating equipment. For the house 120 at the mains is safer.Though being a hobbiest having more 220 than the water heater and clothing dryer would be nice.
On receipt equipment most now in US comes with heat resettable fuse's internally. Commercial equipment has the fuse in the receptical the cord plugs into. There are definitely pros to higher voltage. But I have seen some real dumb shit with electricity. One thing is power wired to the shower head? WTF. So 120 is better for the majority. I can use a frequency inverter if I need something fancy.
