Low-cost Diode Laser Buy

Special Interest Groups Laser SIG
#122

That is a very complete documentation of the 2 grounding solutions @Justin-Ortur. It had not dawned on me that the belts might be a source of the static electric buildup. I figured it was the wheels/rollers since I see those wheels/extrusions on my 3D printer with lots of wear which means there’s lots of friction.

Did your engineers use an electroscope to find the main source?

I was surprised at the need for a special ground prong adapter and use of a 2nd electrical outlet for the earth ground connection. With the standard 12VDC power supply being 2 pronged, I looked high and low for an adapter which went from 2 prong plus ground tab to 3 prong but found only the opposite.

Wheel wear on my ender3:

PXL_20210420_152832758
PXL_20210420_1528327584032×3024 3.67 MB

#123

Back in April of this year, 2021, Ortur release a firmware upgrade for the original LM1( 160x150 ) diode laser machine. It upgrades from GRBL v1.1f to v1.1h and makes a few other fixes regarding hicups the machine has. You can find the release notes and the download link here:

https://ortur.tech/latest-firmware/

As of this post, I’d just found the update and have not applied it yet but I did check the GRBL defaults listed and they match my current settings exactly.

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#124

I did the firmware update and so far so good. I have noticed one of the new features works and that is they delay turning off the power to the laser(fan) so that it can cool down a little bit after finishing a cut/engrave. This is done for turbo chargered vehicles too since heat buildup when running can creep up is heat removal is stopped immedicatly. So even though I bypassed the fan PWM control and directly wire my fan to the full 12V, it still stays on for about 30 seconds or so after the cut has finished.

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#125

I’ve been away from my laser now for what seems like a year, as I focused on remodeling my house, selling, and packing up my place. I kept my Ortur as one of the few tools, the rest are in storage. I have a big request… Is there someone who would be willing to get me back up to speed? I can bring my laser & PC up to the shop, home or ?. I need to be walked thru setup and use again. Reading the full thread it sounds like a few upgrades are in order as well. Please name your cost. Thank you!!

#126

Ian sounds familiar. I just dusted my little Ortur off and did a couple things. I haven’t upgraded anything and I am sure it would be helpful to do so but most of the buzz out there these days is on the Ortur LM2.

If someone else doesn’t step up and you want to talk, we can jump on a Zoom call and I can walk you through what I did in last couple weeks.

I am working with Laguna to get one of their Laser EX models in the future, but until then I am using the Ortur to put my logo on my products.

#127

Just an fyi that the Laguna EX is the front runner for the next shop laser.
By the time you get yours we should have quite a bit of experience.
Check back if Laguna comes through for you and congrats!

#128

Kinda funny seeing a $13,000 laser being mentioned in a thread for a $200 laser. Even more amusing was the Laguna EX web page stating it was “Budget Friendly”. Again, in the context of this Ortur, “Low-cost Diode Laser” thread. Looks like a nice machine for sure and at that price it should come with a plasma cutter option. :wink:

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#129

Doug…You have a point to see a discussion about a large platform CO2 laser in a thread associated with a $200 laser is somewhat humorous. Glad we could make you chuckle…

You’re right they are two different machines. Recall it started with me answering another person’s query about his Ortur. As a friend, we discussed his Ortur inquiry and then I happen to throw in that I am looking at getting the Laguna EX.

You discussed how expensive the machine is, I gotta agree it seems pricey. I have steered away from larger platform lasers because of the space taken in my shop and the price. But as I go through my woodworking adventure and used my little Ortur I finally came to the conclusion I want to make room in my shop for a larger laser. I just see so much potential.

I agree that Laguna machines, lasers, CNCs, bandsaws, etc. are expensive (relatively speaking). Are they worth their price? To me that is a personal choice. I don’t have your electronic expertise, nor a desire to tinker with electronics and repair machines. Wish I had your skill set. I admire all that you do and how you share that expertise, admit I only understand about 75% when you start talking the electronics stuff. Your ability to research various topics and come up with solutions is impressive. I always look for your insights in these posts.

As for me, I’d rather be tinkering with machines that already work the way I want. So I am opting for a machine in which I can pick-up the phone and get some technical help if I need it. I do admit to having a relationship with Laguna that makes me a little biased at this time. I will not be paying anywhere near the list price but what I am paying is still too much in many people’s eyes. But, I only live once. Keep your insights coming - much appreciated.

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#130

Thanks Rob but rest assured, I do not devalue the big machines and their out-of-the-box experience.
I’ve spread myself across many forums these days so the thread titles and hosting platforms are always front and center for me. We know threads often go sideways from the original topic, it just seemed a bit amusing, albeit logical, to go to discussing such a beast that 20 Ortur LM1’s could fit inside the bed area and the “Low-cost” in the title Travis choose to post. And the original intent of the Ortur purchase was to give people something to spark their interest.

I only wish my desire to improve, dissect and assemble these devices would someday be overshadowed by a desire to create something with them.