(Part 2) Best products from r/ChineseLaserCutters

Yep! I use this one. I considered the one you linked, but got the metal one simply because it was cheaper at the time. Both would get the job done.


I have it connected to my k40 via 4" dryer hose and this flange hose fitting which fits perfectly in the slot on the back of the k40.


Used these clamps to secure the dryer tubing together.


As far as how well it works, I'm pretty satisfied. I have the exhaust blowing out a 4" fitting attached to a board I close in my window. I smell a little bit of burnt wood when cutting, but it's very minute. Almost all smoke goes out the window. The suction is very good, if I'm cutting card stock it occasionally sucks the small paper pieces right off the cutting bed. When I'm doing laser alignments, it almost completely eliminates the smell of burning masking tape during test firing even with the door open.

I used this one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01M7S46YZ?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_title

Along with a 3d printed duct for the back at the machine, with the blower positioned at the end of the hose. Works great.

Yes I have gotten it. Replaced the exhaust components straight away and added 3d printed air assist was about to try it out and saw the focusing lense was crushed. Seller seems like he's going to replace it I did go ahead an order a new one already and head with air assist built in. Waiting on those to arrive so I can fire it up and give it a try.

TEN-HIGH Diameter 18mm Focal Lens for CO2 Laser Cutting engraving machine, FL: 2" (2"/50.8mm) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ER2ISX2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_hqeEDb7ZZZSMS

18mm Laser Head w/Air Assisted. Ideal for K40 Machine https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0094WLPYK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_5peEDb2HHPVBS

You could use that along with some aluminum tape to seal it to the back of the cutter.

I use this blower:
attwood Quiet Blower Water Resistant (White, 4-Inch) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003EX02DA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_3L18BbTB6G1FB

Along with this vent hose:
White Flexible Pvc Vinyl Vent Duct Hose, 4 in. x 20 ft. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G198P5A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_4R18BbNJ19ANP

These clamps:
Cambridge Tension Clamps, 2 Pk, Zinc Plated Steel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07737XRRH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_SS18Bb12827MZ

And this quick disconnect:
Dryer Dock Dryer Vent 6" for 4" Tubes, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0028BAAWW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_4T18BbV6CJ1TW

If you put the blower near the window it will keep negative pressure upstream which helps put less smoke into the room.

I don’t exhaust out a window, but something like this might do the trick for you:
Window Dryer Vent (Adjusts 24 Inch Through 36 Inch) by Vent Works https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M17V4CO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_AW18BbDW0592D
Though there may be cheaper or better DIY options for that part.

Was looking at one of these fans that I saw on this post (I like the 3D printed adapter). How did you connect the 12v to the system? Or did you just add a power inverter?

Any 10600nm CO2 Laser Safety glasses/goggles will work.

https://www.amazon.com/Laser-Safety-Eyewear-Excimer-Wrap-Around/dp/B000HJMS5E/

Thanks for the reply.

I have access to a warehouse in Montana. I am most likely going to go the Amazon route.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01I1H3G04

I think this makes sense for a couple of reasons.

• I can avoid the hassle of negotiating with shippers, we have a loads coming and going from that site to Edmonton on a daily basis. I just need to deal with US customs which I am accustomed to.
  
  
• If I have any issues I have a NA seller. From the looks of the account they seem to be very responsive to feedback.
  
  
• I will have the unit delivered in 3-4 weeks max.
  
  I am paying a slight premium, but its not that significant over going through Ebay or Alibaba.

Sorry, got my units wrong... Gph is what I was thinking. I have this one and it works well!

VIVOSUN Air Pump 950 GPH 32W 60L/min 6 Outlet Commercial Air Pump for Aquarium and Hydroponic Systems (32 W) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XDKRYC6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_tCxHAbN4MTBPN

I got basically the same one, no need for air controller IMO https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VKV2363/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_oW-pDbKHTN52Q

I also use one of these (I feel like the one I got wasn't 20 bucks though) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004JKDNG0/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_0X-pDbEMG3AVQ.

I used one of these :

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078GQ1HLG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018X2XT4/
And this adapter: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AB5X28G/

Your stepper motors will plug directly in. You'll have to experiment with which direction the connectors go on. You can't damage anything if you get them wrong, so don't worry too much about it. You CAN damage things if your stepper controller current is too high, so make sure to check that before you start.

The endstops connect to X- and Y- on the white connector strip. They should share a common ground that you can just connect to any ground (the black strip.) I just used regular jumper wires like these.



You pull 24v and ground for the blue terminal block from the power supply's white 4 pin connector. The power supply board is labeled, so it's not hard to figure out what's what. You can cut the original connector and reuse it, or build a new one. The connector body is A19952-ND and the pin sockets are A19991CT-ND. I got mine from Digi-Key.

Here's where it gets weird. You need to invert the laser control signal from the Arduino to the L pin. I built the circuit on this page, although you could use an inverting optocoupler I suppose. The L pin, handily enough, is on the same white 4 pin connector as the 24v. GRBL 1.1 changed the laser output to a different pin, so your laser output will come out of the pin labeled Z+ on your shield.

I think that's everything I did with regard to the controller. Let me know if you've got any other questions.

 

edit: You might have a different PSU than I do, so none of this will make sense. In that case, read this.

> Why would it need to be grounded? The sensor is either some sort of thermocouple or a thermistor. Either way there are only two wires.

It's an automotive one and he only hooked up 1 wire. engines are grounded, that would complete the other 1/2. This is screwed into a bucket so there is no ground.

As for the ducting, I picked up a 4"-3" adapter from homedepot. i knew the od was 5" i was able to stretch it over the opening... the existing ducting fit inside with no problems.

I've read this works on the back and will attach it to back of the k40 when it gets in.