Category: Laser Cutting

Laser Engraving Slate CoastersLaser Engraving Slate Coasters

The match-up of the century!! K40 Laser VS Slate Coasters! In THIS corner…40 Watts of unadulterated photonic energy…VERSUS… the metamorphic material that tends to split along parallel cleavage planes known the world over as SLATE! Will the K40 Laser be able to create awesome engravings on very versatile and classy slate coasters complete with cute little foam feet?? Stay tuned to find out!

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.

Are K40 Lasers Any Good?Are K40 Lasers Any Good?

Many years ago now, I published this video that covers my experience buying and using a K40 style laser cutter for the first time. It has honestly been a workhouse of a machine with little to no problems, though for such a low price tag, there are of course some compromises on build quality, safety and usability. Are these things enough to justify the cost? I think so, if you are willing to put in a bit of time and effort troubleshooting on your own and upgrading a couple of things along the way.

If you want to cut to the chase, here are some of the items that I would recommend to get the upgrades and extra items you may need to get cutting as soon as possible. Purchasing things from those links will cost you nothing extra, but help keep this channel active with project and tutorial videos as often as I can make them. Thanks!