K40 Laser Worklog: Let's Be Realistic
Introduction: K40 Laser Worklog: Let's Be Realistic
If you are at the point of deciding whether to buy a K40 laser or not, I would like to give you some advice.
How good is it? Wouldn't an expensive one be better? Do I still need accessories? What makes sense? How much time do I need until it works as it should?
I started with a K40 about a year ago.
And that was an odyssey with cursing and joy (and fire!).
So everything that goes with it :)
In this isntructable I want to show the limits, what you really need, what has to be done at least, what is total nonsense, how much money you really have to put down in the end and why this or that just doesn't work.
Supplies
K40 Laser :)
And some tools
Step 1: It's Cheap, But...
It's cheap, but...
It's a CO2 laser for about $300. What can you expect?
The biggest problem with the K40 is that it's already assembled. You could think of the whole unit as a DIY that arrives at home pre-assembled.
If you invest enough time and patience, you can produce quite respectable results, repeatable.
If you value your health, you won't be able to avoid spending a bit more money on various protective measures.
But everything can be retrofitted somehow.
But is it still the cheapest and/or most sensible choice?
Well, if the space and the money are available: no.
Then I would directly advise a larger one around 1000$ (currently rather 1500$).
The next size is much better built.
Starting with the safety switches up to the linear guides.
And what about these diode lasers? <PERSON> and Co?
Yes, they are also interesting. But just diode. In cheap.
If you mainly want to engrave, then they are interesting (and also better than the K40).
But as soon as you want to cut something thicker than 80gramm paper: only more power helps.
And there the K40 has clearly won.
And when it comes to safety, a diode laser is even somewhere behind the K40.
And the expensive diode lasers? Mr. <PERSON> etc.?
Oh yes. 215
They are really good. And very expensive.
I can't say anything against the systems. Unpack them and go for it.
If you have the money for it and don't want to cut through to maximum thickness: go for it.
Still interested in a K40?
Then let's go through what I consider to be absolutely necessary next.
Step 2: Barely Minimum Protection
You will certainly have watched a few YouTube videos about the K40.
What is the very first thing you should do?
Check the electrical safety!
With all these tips, it's your responsibility what you do.
Use your common sense. Power cord out? You know what I mean.
Is the case grounded?
Just check the small screws at the back right side, if they are just lying on the paint of the case with the washer, or if they are in contact.
The simplest method is a continuity tester or a resistance measurement.
Where and how?
A blank spot on the cover and connect the screw with the cables of the test device.
This also directly checks whether the lid is also grounded.
If you don't have a tester, you should buy one.
No patience until it is delivered?
Then at least remove the paint under the grounding screw on the housing so that they have contact.
Extraction and respiratory protection
The laser does not cut - it vaporizes the material.
And it is this vapor that is in the air you breathe.
Think about what you are breathing when you cut (or engrave) acrylic.
I have a fan connected, which sucks about 300L/h out of the room.
And I also use a proper paint mask from 3M for almost everything.
I have contacted 3M and asked them which filters are suitable for acrylic.
6055 (the brown ones).
These things are absolute minimum. Electricity and breathing air pollution.
If we take a weighting here (10 is highest, 0 is lowest),
then these two items are a clear 10.
In the next part, we'll talk about other investments that I think should be made if you want to have long and constant enjoyment of the machine.
Step 3: You Should Buy This Stuff, Too
Electrical safety part 2:
Yes, it makes sense to screw a circuit breaker to your lid. This will switch off the current to the tube when the lid is opened. 98