Bob's Tool Shop

 I used one slate to run two different power tests on a test tile.  One on each side.   From a tile burn Grid This one really helped me understand the range of marks we can make on a slate.  The following is the grid out of LightBurn and it was not as much help: There is quite a range of marking you can do.  I feel that it will allow some interesting effects.  I only needed one "tone for the project I am doing."   I did one test slate at 2000mm/min and 40% power for my 10W laser.  The design did not look right, so I changed the design slightly, and here is the finished project. Finished Slate Coaster Added Logo on the bottom I changed the speed to 1800mm/min and 40% power for the final project.  It slightly deepened the engrave.  The slate's top took about 16 minutes, and the bottom logo took 2 minutes. The setup is straightforward.  In Lightburn, I created two concentric square boxes on one layer that I do not burn.  These are for reference and alignment.  One is at 100m

 My Xtool Air Assist kit arrived today.  I unboxed it and set it up on my D1.  The kit has everything you need, the instructions are good. I run the air line across the top of my "enclosure" leaving enough to let the head move around.  I would have liked a more flexible hose but it is fine for my install. I have not tried using it yet but here is a video of the setup and the air pump is running. I have to sort out the power cord routing and put a smaller board under the air pump.  It is interesting to note that there is no control on the air pump to vary pressure.  

 After assembled the Laser I set it in place in my rack and loaded up LaserBox Basic.  The software connected to the laser and updated the firmware with ease.   I grabbed the logo for the preschool where my my wife teaches part time.  Brought it into LaserBox , resized it for a test scrap of plywood. I used the default settings : Here is a picture right after the burn. I cut the board down and sprayed it with some clear matte finish   I then mocked up my logo for the back of the work.  This is NOT final copy. Then today I finished my logo and burned it on the scrap.  The image is 25 CM square, again default settings.  Ignore the partial burn above the logo as it was a test.

 My production laser has arrived. This kit includes the 10watt laser module and a rotary with a separate adjustable stand. Here is a time-lapse unboxing: The new manual is very nice and makes assembly simple.  I did print some clips for the wires but decided to just follow the manual and use wire ties.   Here is a time-lapse of the assembly:

      One of my customers needs to engrave some materials for his business. I am prototyping a setup in my shop that we will duplicate at his office. I have worked with another customer on their CO2 laser system and computing equipment so I am familiar with the systems and process. We will be using the x Tool D1 10-watt LED laser in this setup. I have the 20-watt laser on pre-order. I have received the material orders from x Tool, and I am waiting for my Spring Special order to ship! I have re-configured my small shop space with two in-expensive 24x36 shelving units I purchased from Menards in preparation for the laser. My power tool storage is now on these shelves, and things are neater. I moved my 3D printer to the right side with a countertop under it. On the second set of shelves, I have enclosed one level, added lighting, and set up an exhaust fan that fits into the outside window of the shop for ventilation. A couple of Hue light fixtures are set up in the laser box. I have mad

  This is the first time I have used a battery-powered chain saw, and it just feels a lot different in operation.  Nothing seems to stop the thing from cutting.  During this session, the largest branches I cut were around 5 in diameter.  The speed of the blade appears to be slower than a gas saw.   The only "negative" so far is that they tell you to empty the oil when in storage as it will slowly leak out.   My first impressions are GREAT! *** I did not take video or pictures during operations for safety reasons ***