First Test Burn

Now that the laser was focused I wanted to burn something except there were still several things I needed to do before putting light to wood...

Step 1 - Configure VCarve Pro (VCP) To Generate A Proper Laser Toolpath And G-code

JTech has a very good page, Vectric Laser Post Processor, which describes how to install a Post Processor, set up a laser tool in VCP's Tool Database, and the settings for a toolpath.  I followed their steps with these following notes and differences (review their page before continuing below):

• I selected the INCH version of the GRBL - No Z Version PP.

• For the Tool Database tool definition I chose 40 inches/min for both Feed Rate and Plunge Rate.

Step 2 - Configure My X-Controller To Do Laser Stuff

At this point I created what I wanted to engrave and generated the g-code using the laser tool definition created in step 1 above.  With the g-code now created, the next step was to send it to the X-Controller.  But first I needed it to be configured for laser stuff.  JTech has a page, Universal G-Code Sender Basics, which contains a section presenting these configuration changes.  I will not go into details here as it really is a mid-step in step 3 below.   I will, however point out that it consists of setting $30, $31, and $32 values in case you wanted to read ahead.

Step 3 - Send That G-code To The X-Carve

As mentioned above in step 2, the JTech page Universal G-Code Sender Basics tells how to configure the X-Controller for laser stuff.  It sets those values using Universal G-Code Sender (UGS).  Not only is UGS used for making those setting changes it is also used to send the g-code to the X-Controller to do the laser engraving.  I recommend you going over to JTech's page, Uninversal G-Code Sender Basics, and follow their instructions from there as anything I put here will simply be duplication.

My First Test Image

For my first test burn, I created a simple heart shape with some text in it.  Following the steps on the JTech page mentioned in step 1 above, I created a Quick Engrave toolpath.  It took a little over 2 minutes to run and I am very happy with the outcome especially with how thin the lines are.  Here are the results:

Getting Started

Well, I got my laser connected and working - I am able to shine a small dot on my waste board (but not for long as it started to burn a hole!).  So, what do I do now?  According to the JTech site, I should focus it.

Focusing

JTech provides a very good guide on how do this.  Also Phil, at Designs By Phil, has a good video showing his approach.  I pretty much followed Phil's instructions.

One thing that was frustrating for me was, while I was turning the focus lens, I found that it sat loosely in its holder and I was able to wiggle it around in it holder.  This made fine tuning difficult as, after I turned it and was letting go, it seemed that it was slightly rotating and I was losing the focus point I wanted. After several tries I was able to get what I wanted and left it there.

With as loose as that lens is I do fear that it will, due to vibration and movement, unfocus itself.  Phil uses hot glue to hold his in place.  I feel that approach will not work for me as I fear that by simply applying the glue it will cause the lens to rotate slightly.

Instead I think I will try applying some plumbers tape to the lens thread will make it fit tighter and less apt to rotate on its own.  Of course this will require refocusing but that is no big effort.