Category: Electronics

DIY Rotary for the K40 LaserDIY Rotary for the K40 Laser

After many requests, I have finally put together a guide to make your own rotary module for your K40 laser engraver! This is a surprisingly simple build and will undoubtedly be the best accessory you will have for your K40! While there are 3D printed parts in this project, I have listed alternatives for those pieces so access to a printer is not entirely necessary.

If you are looking to get a Glowforge Laser, you can use my referral code to get: $600 off a pro, $300 off a plus, or $150 off a basic! I’ll get credit too!

Glowforge Link->https://glowforge.us/f/KSXLIFLM

Links to all Parts:

3D Printed Rotary Chassis File – https://geeksmithing.com/Rotary_chassis_V3.stl
OR
Laser Cut Rotary Chassis .svg File – https://geeksmithing.com/mountV3.zip

3D Printed Belt Pulleys File- https://geeksmithing.com/2GT-Belt_pulley-for-rotary.stl
OR
Metal Belt Pulleys for Linear Rod (GT2- 40 Teeth):
https://amzn.to/2MZXAlZ

NEMA 17 Stepper Motor :
https://amzn.to/3EIY5XX

Rubber Grommets (5/16 I.D. x 5/8 O.D):
https://amzn.to/2A0qNEY

Skateboard Bearings – 608-2RS 8x22x7mm:
https://amzn.to/313MnEb

Rubber Belt (GT2-200- 6mm):
https://amzn.to/3APuEU9

Metal Pulley for Stepper Motor (GT2- 20 Teeth 6mm):
https://amzn.to/313eRxX

Linear Motion Rod (8mm x 300mm):
https://amzn.to/2Lty71b

Heat Shrink:
https://amzn.to/2PUJncr

Wire Loom Cable Wrap:
https://amzn.to/31ccKYZ

M3 Hex Screws (9mm long) for Stepper Motor Mounting:
https://amzn.to/2ZLq4FT

Stainless Steel Ruler:
https://amzn.to/2PS1bEM

Pneumatic Nibbler:
https://amzn.to/2PUJCEn

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Amazon K40 Laser Link: (These go in and out of stock often, so I will try to keep these K40 links current in hopes you can find one!)
https://www.amazon.com/shop/geeksmithing?listId=PGIQLCRYULUS

For a Laser that has an even BIGGER cutting capacity and MORE cutting power than the K40 or Glowforge AND still cheaper than the Glowforge. (Sometimes these can come with Rotarys as well, just be sure to double check)
https://amzn.to/3knvGxy

If you are still looking to get a Glowforge Laser, you can use my referral code to get:
$600 off a pro, $300 off a plus, or $150 off a basic!
I’ll get credit too! Use the link below.
https://glowforge.us/f/KSXLIFLM

The above links are Amazon Affiliate links and help support Geeksmithing Projects.

Controlling CNC’s with Guitars?!Controlling CNC’s with Guitars?!

Many people like to use a gamepad or controller to move the CNC router around to position it for zeroing out the axis before a job, or moving it out of the way to put down a new workpiece. I have a few left over instruments from my RockBand days, so I decided to use that! πŸ˜€

This video walks you thru how to set it up and hopefully inspires you to use a unique controller of your own! πŸ™‚

I used the following links to help get this idea off of the ground! Hopefully they can help you too!

Xbox 360 Controller Drivers: https://www.microsoft.com/accessories/en-us/products/gaming/xbox-360-controller-for-windows/52a-00004#techspecs-connect

JoyToKey Software: http://joytokey.net/en/