If you ask any DIY hobby ist like me, what’s on top of their wish-list, chances are pretty high that they’ll say a 3D printer or laser cutter/engraver. Laser Engraver/Cutter are incredibly cool, and much like 3D printers.
If you are in the market for a laser engraver that delivers good results, this Orion Laser Engraver and Cutter is an excellent product. It cuts the materials evenly without creating a lot of hassle. Even the water pump is silent so you can place it in smaller rooms as well. Features: Desktop laser engraver and cutter; 50W CO2 laser tube.
Two years back, I was looking through a magazine and came across an interesting article on Laser Engraver/Cutter. From that time I seriously wanted one of those machines.I searched couple of times on eBay and Amazon to know the price, but they were still expensive. I could never really justify the expense.Now the prices have come down to the point where they’re now affordable for DIY enthusiasts.
After waiting for a long time, GearBest given me this 5500mW Laser Engraver for review.
![Laser Engraver Software Laser Engraver Software](http://www.etlaser.com/upload/201506232200099.jpg)
Note : This Instructable is not sponsored, Gearbest sent me this Laser Engraver to review, they did not paid me.This is not to promote the product, rather it is intended to help others and to share my experience on Laser Engraving.
The Engraver Have Following Features :
1. Can engrave items including Wood, plastic, bamboo, rubber, leather
![Wood laser engraver software Wood laser engraver software](https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1nFPMLXXXXXc.XVXXq6xXFXXXu/222384752/HTB1nFPMLXXXXXc.XVXXq6xXFXXXu.jpg)
2. Can cut paper, foam and thin leather
3. Engraving Area : 15cm x 20cm
4. Run by Arduino Nano
5. Compatible with Open Source Software
6. Working Power : 5500mw
I was pretty excited to assemble the kits and also curious to see the outcomes.Though the product was arrived few months back,but due to my busy schedule I was not able assembled it.
In this Instructable, I want to share my experience on assembling the Laser Engraver, about the using of laser engraver/cutter and what you can do with it . I think it will be very useful for other DIY hobbyist to upscale their work.
Below are some hints and tips for building your Gearbest or Banggood Eleks Laser Engraver. The Instructable above has the details, but I found these items as I went thru the steps in their tutorial.
Read through these and then jump to their tutorial.
Do not over tighten acrylic bolts to keep from cracking. (Hopefully, obvious!)
In step 2: Frame Assembly
Use the 1cm bolts with nuts on the frame. Not the 1.2cm or 1.5cm bolts.
In step 3: X-Carriage
Use a 3cm bolt, acrylic mount, plastic spacer, washer, bearing, washer, nut for each bearing assembly.
Orient the Stepper with gear with wiring connector towards the bearings. (picture 1)
Build the second x carriage as a mirror image of the first (picture 2)
In Step 4: Laser Assembly
Attach the Laser and the Stepper with gear to the acrylic pieces before assembling the long screws and bearings (picture 3 & 4)
The kit included two plastic guide covers to route the wires along the outside frame, but you have to install the wires BEFORE you assemble the steppers onto the frame. But it’s mainly aesthetics.
In Step 6: Belt Assembly
Install the center (laser head) belt first. Use the 1.2cm bolts and nuts. Do not cut the belt until you have it adjusted. Feed the entire belt thru the second acrylic fastener. Tighten fastener and slide the stepper assembly up and down the rail. It should travel smoothly and the belt should stay tense on the stepper gear. When ready to cut, leave at least a half inch or so sticking out of the acrylic fasteners so you can adjust tension.
Don’t cut too short! There is about 6 inches of spare belt available after all the installation.