Nothing Labs now has a laser cutter!
The Full Spectrum 40 Watt Laser Cutter showed up about a week ago.
Here’s a video documenting my experience thus far:
Highs:
– It works pretty well!
– Deluxe package really includes everything you need to start cutting for $2500 with shipping
– 40 Watt laser can handle up to 1/4″ acrylic / MDF / other stuff
– Documentation does exist – and is mostly decent (you can check this out online)
– U.S. support base / active online forums
– USB support – with “print to cut” style drivers
Lows:
– Manual z-axis is easy to get off-level / difficult to re-align / is generally dodgy
– Air pump (external) overheated and failed after a few hours (fortunately had one on hand)
– “Spotting” laser pointer had a bad connector
In short – I’m quite happy with it.
Update: Full Spectrum says they haven’t gotten other reports of air pump failures – and offered to replace mine.
Starting this week – name plates for the Nothing Labs Electronic Cloud Chamber will be laser cut:
Gearbox for speed 400 motor made out of 1/4″ acrylic:
Thanks for taking the time to make a video review of the system. If you get around to it can you post a close-up of 1/4" cut acrylic edges? I am curious to know if the edges come out worse, better, or average compared to similar machines.
I just updated the post with an image of a 1/4" acrylic gearbox that shows edges pretty well.
I hadn't had thins fully aligned at this point – so the angles are a bit off. Lots of other variables like focal length / cut speed can have impact on a quality also.
-Rich
Hey Rich, now that it's been a few months how has the machine held up?
pretty well – I've had some minor issues.
I'll be doing a full following blog posting in the next few weeks.
Hi Rich,
Since you had the system for a while how is it holding up? I'm interested in purchasing one, but not if it is a total headache…ULS is what we had before and it was a mess!
Any help is great!
Phil P
the laser is holding up pretty well.
I got a firmware upgrade from them that definitely helps engraving performance.
I have had a few additional mechanical quirks (had to tweak a limit switch that didn't engage, and had a shaft come loose)
the included blower is pretty marginal – replaced with a $100ish unit from harbor freight that works much better.
if you get one of these you should expect some issues – but they generally seem to work pretty well.
After all this time how is the laser holding up so far?
still pretty good. have had some minor issues – and needed to replace the tube ($300) – that is common to CO2 lasers.
They have improved the software a fair amount.
Still generally recommend – expect some minor issues – but expect that you'll be able to live with / work around them.
Hi Rich:
I want to make PCB's with this laser….either by painting and engraving to expose copper or trying to coat with toner and engraving to create melted toner resists.
Any advice on whether this is doable?
I use EagleCad PCB s'ware.
well – you could cut them directly:
http://nothinglabs.blogspot.com/2013/01/laser-cut-circuit-boards.html
people have also done it how you describe:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Custom-PCB-Prototyping-using-a-Laser-Cutter/
have fun!
Hey Rich,
I'm planning to buy this laser in about a week and after viewing this video I wondering about it. What do you think I should buy before I get the laser? I saw that you purchased a few items for it and i was wondering if I should do the same.
not sure what they're shipping with now – but suspect you'll want at minimum:
a good blower – the one they shipped with was very minimal.
I got this one and am happy with it – not exactly quiet – but not exceedingly loud:
http://www.harborfreight.com/13-gallon-industrial-portable-dust-collector-31810.html
(the cheaper "red" one is supposed to be very noisy)
You'll also want a 5 gallon water bucket.
I think you'll be happy with the laser – just keep in mind you're getting functional laser cutter for a bit over $2k – and it's not going to be as perfect as a $10k unit.
It does work well though – just try to be prepared to get your hands dirty a bit if needed.
The software is actually quite good.
Have fun!
-Rich
Hey,
So I got the laser and it came with the honey comb grid, the air compressor, the water pump and air ventilator and I purchased the beam combiner. My question is the I want get the blower you mention but how do you connect it since the port is a 7 inch strip and not a circular vent. DO i have to fashion some sort of cover or duct tape?
Also since the items do seem very cheap should I purchase a new water pump and air compressor or should I wait it out to see what happens?
Thanks,
Gerald
I re-used the existing vent as an adapter – just removed the original fan.
Full Spectrum suggested my failed air pump wasn't that common. Haven't heard a lot of reports of bad water pumps. Suspect your OK without backups.
That said – listening for the water flow before you actually start cutting isn't a bad idea.
Good unboxing vid and review. It helped me make a decision. My concern for me was the limited engraving area. And, 40W did not give much cutting power. I'm looking a 3/8 acrylic. But I understand 40W is more for engraving anyway…but for price it is cheap.
I elected to go with a Boss ls-1416 -60w. http://www.BOSSlaser.com Since i was able to negotiate under $4,500. Though its still a little small it has pass throughs for all 4 sides for material to slip through. Air and water pumps were included.
I did a due diligence on both Full Spectrum and Boss. FS’ history haunts them. And roomer has it they’re self destructing from the inside out. So, support is my concern after I’ve talked to some employees. But, I still liked the hobby laser price and size for what I need. After talking with support and reviewing the software I selected Boss 1416. The software really impressed me and I’ve not looked back. Very responsive support.
Hope that helps.
I agree with Boss instead. it cuts metal. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6Yc_z_P3b0
Full Spectrum Laser Hobby Series 20×12 CO2 Laser $3775.00
Buyer BEWARE
PRODUCT HAS NEVER FUNCTIONED AND AFTER 4 MONTHS OF SUPPORT REFUSE TO PAY THE $150 SHIPPING TO REPAIR.
FS Laser also refuses to hire local contractor to repair but will send a technician for the price of $1500 +airfare.
The first support ticket was opened on April 3, 2017. After set up and first alignment the laser power was weak and marking but not cutting the material. It took 300 passes to cut through.
The Manual and Video tutorials are not updated to the new Generation 5 model. I have endured months of Technical Support, sent in the PSU, installed new laser tube-which was missing parts that were promised but not shipped for 2 weeks until I contacted again. The screws are very tight and narrow so are now stripped. One of them I could not remove at all.
I conducted a total of 8 alignment sessions. 3 of them on the phone with tech support only to get to the end and have them tell me to start from the beginning. All along sending in photos of test results.
FS Laser refuses to pay for return shipping ($150) for service or to hire local contractor to take a look at it. After all of the alignment attempts 2 wires disconnected from the diode and are too small for me to attach.
The machine has not functioned properly from day 1 and they will not do anything to resolve the situation siting that the purchase is outside of the 30 day warranty.
Elisabeth thanks for the review. I’m looking to buy one and if there customer service is that bad it’s best to steer away.