The Best Source for Laser Material? MakerStock Test: Baltic Birch Plywood
Vložit
- čas přidán 18. 06. 2024
- ⚙️ Get Your French Cleat Holders Here: samcraft.shop/ 🔗 MakerStock: makerstock.com/discount/CRAFT10 ⬇️ MORE LINKS BELOW ⬇️
🔗 My Tool Review Videos: • Just Tool Reviews
🔗 Gweike Cloud Pro II Review Video: • GOOD & BAD: Gweike Clo...
🔗 All My Laser Engraving Videos: • Laser Engraving Business
🔗 All my xTool Videos: • xTool Lasers
🔗 Our Family's Small Business: greenacrehomestead.com
🔗 Make Money Woodworking Videos: • Making Money from Wood...
XTOOL LINKS
🔗 D1 Pro 20W: www.xtool.com/products/portab...
🔗 D1 Pro 40W Kit: www.xtool.com/products/d1-pro...
🔗 NEW P2 CO2 Laser: www.xtool.com/pages/xtool-p2?...
🔷 ABOUT SAMCRAFT 🔷
Samcraft is a channel all about educating, inspiring, motivating, encouraging, and sharing the things I've learned since starting my own small business in 2018.
In today's video I test the quality and performance of Baltic birch plywood on my laser engravers from Maker Stock. I test 1/8" Baltic birch plywood and 1/4" Baltic birch plywood on my xTool D1 Pro 20 watt diode laser and my Gweike Cloud Pro II 50 watt CO2 laser.
🔷 VIDEO CHAPTERS 🔷
0:00 - Introduction
0:41 -MakerStock Unboxing and Inspection of My Order
3:13 - How I am Testing the Baltic Birch with my Lasers
3:50 - xTool Cutting Test: 3mm Baltic Birch Plywood
4:57 - Testing Internal Anomalies with the Plywood
6:37 - Results of Cutting 3mm Baltic Birch Plywood with the xTool D1 Pro 20w
7:14 - Gweike Cloud Pro II Tests
8:57 - Cutting a French Cleat Tool Holder from 6mm Baltic Birch Plywood
9:57 - Results: xTool 20w Diode and Gweike Cloud CO2
12:36 - Diode vs CO2 Lasers
13:27 - What about the thicker woods? CNC Enters the Chat
14:14 - MakerStock is a great US-based small business!
14:38 - Discount Code Below!
#makerstock #samcraft #frenchcleat
*DISCLAIMER*
This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support! - Jak na to + styl
I guess I am lucky....I have a hardwood lumber yard near by that sells 5' X 5' sheets of 1/8" baltic birch ply for $25 per sheet. They also have 1/4" sheets of BB ply for $35 per sheet plus tax of course. I haven't checked on 3/8" or 3/4" yet since I already had some of that. Keep up the good work young man....I certainly enjoy your channel.
Thank you Sam, I enjoy you and your family! Your numbers are climbing ! So happy for you!
Do a ramp test on your C02. The beam is similar to an hour glass, you have to find the sweet spot between the material and the focal point that is the thinnest. From there you will have better lines, etc.
Thanks Sam these are always so helpful! I’m really looking forward to the Shapoko video. I have been using mine a lot to make my product line but really need to spend more time learning to make more use of the machine.
I'm not overly excited about the first CNC project / video again... I'm going to be SUPER RUSTY! Not quite sure what to make..
Thank you for sharing. Everyone stay warm, safe, happy and healthy. From Henrico County Virginia
Awesome comparison. I’ll have to run some test on my xtool pro 10w after I order some Baltic Birch.
MakerStock says "right materials, right sizes, at the right time". Guess they need to get rid of that "right size" part. This was great. Appreciate the insight. I've been looking for a means to get bulk material cut more appropriately sized.
I bought 5 sheets of 1/8" Baltic Birch, 18x24, and am VERY happy with it. Even with having to pay shipping, it was still MUCH MUCH cheaper that what I have been buying. Each piece was also exactly 18x24.
I WILL be buying more BB from them. Thanks for the review.
Hi Sam! I really enjoy all your videos. Thanks for sharing all you share.
Thanks! I appreciate you letting me know, it's super encouraging and helps me to know I'm on the right track with what my viewers like to see. :)
Thank you very much for the video it was very informative.
Nice to see someone providing stock for us begineers. They probably use a table saw to cut the 4x8 sheets down, so the saw kerf is lost. Now if diode lasers get big n good enough to cut 4x8 sheets then the kerf will be much smaller. Quality matters for model kits, diode for the win. Thanks for testing.
Great video, Sam!
Nice video! Thank you for the material source. And I can't wait to see you back on the cnc. Seems like years ago now
It's probably close to a year and a half now! Yikes! Any requests? I'm going to be SUPER RUSTY!
I just ordered a Algolaser Delta 22w laser. They claim it works like a 33watt based on the contentrated beam. So this should actually cut even cleaner than the xTool. At least I hope. Due out next month is their 40watt laser. Great video, thanks.
Excellent review...makes my wood purchasing decision a lot easier!
Looking forward to the ComMarker review! 🙂
Happy to help! It can be so frustrating to try and find good laserable material. I'm watching for it to arrive. I think it's today...
@@Samcraftcom when you're done reviewing the ComMarker, I'll shoot you my home address. LOL!
Great video!
Oh never heard of these guys, this is awesome!
Happy to help then! I've used them a bit, shopped around, then came back to them. They're based in PA so shipping is very fast for me in TN and cheaper than others further up in the mid-West. :)
James on Wood by Wright just did vid on organic curves on saw handles. I thought perfect for CNC router especially when he said plywood would be the best wood for strongest handles. Two layers of 3/4" ply? Grab some clay, squeeze it, 3D scan it, CNC it, perfect fit. Hmm target pistols?
Glad to see you're getting back into the CNC
I'm both excited and apprehensive. It's been so long since I've used it I feel like I'm starting all over again! LOL
@@Samcraftcom test pieces, soft wood, slow speed and fresh bits. Then tweak the knobs from there.
Hi Sam, I'm not sure diodes Can overtake CO2 because of the following reasons. First, your CO2 could carry a better lens and get very sharp cuts with minimum bien marks. When you can not get the best results with settings, it's an hardware issue. Second, CO2 lasers because they are full spectrum, allows a wider range of materials while diodes will definitely fail on some materials, whatever the power. Third, lifespan. Diodes are more fragile than CO2: some dust or fumes deposit can kill a diode module in no time while the CO2 properly water cooled is a workhorse. You're most likely to kill a mirror than to kill the tube itself. Last, diode lasers are built on the cheap with a light frame, cheap electronics and short lasting guides, while CO2 lasers require a cabinet, better PSU and controller, better guides and transmission, since middle rande lasers.
May I suggest there's probably some improvements to install on your CO2, like a fumes collection on the nozzle and a better fan duct/much powerful fan for under bed fumes collection. Regards
Awesome!!!!
Sam, you should see if XTool will let you test their 40W diode laser. It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on your results.
Diode lasers may not be as fast as co2, but if you buy budget alternatives as the Sculpfun machines you can buy multiple machines for the price of a co2 laser
I’ve no idea what you’re talking about but I don’t mind love watching your videography.
Looking to get a 30watt sculpfun ultra 30.
And I was wondering what would you recommend been the first task to do learning how to use lightburn
I have a long list of rc planes I want to build and looking to use the Lazer to make all my parts. But on the same token as I learn to use it I would like to make a lot of the great things a lot of you make.
*Glad to see you made it to the Co2 world Sam!* I do have to disagree on the cuts of the Gweike Cloud though. I don't have any of the anomalies you have and my Gweike cuts like a dream with no cleanup or hot spots. Were you uploading the files to the cloud or using Lightburn? I actually have no issues with either.
Well dang then! I only use lightburn with the machine. Hmm... I've wondered about my machine being "off".. now I am very suspect!
Sam, I go to Home Depot an buy 1/8 & 1/4 ply wood, bring it home and cut to my needs.
That's not Baltic birch plywood though. There's a big difference between them. :)
lowes has a sheet of tropical hardwood 1/4 plywood for $30 after tax works perfect been using it for all my signs and wood crafts
I believe a non-desktop CO2 laser that has better/external air assist (Aeon/Thunder/Boss/Epilog/etc.), the cuts would be extremely crisp and clean with a very small kerf.
You have all three?
going to get a wecreat, look forward to it. might take a few passes to cut quater inch but thats ok.
Be careful… I had that machine for review and refused to continue with the test. One of the most problematic machines and software combos I have ever used.
@@Samcraftcom then should i get a xtool then?
Do you sell the pallet coaster file?
Material consistancy is defintley a HUGE struggle with material sellers, glad to see that Makerstock apparently doesn't have fillers, etc. The sizes not being consistant between the thicknesses is definitely concerning (and that'd be easy enough for them to address anyway), but it won't be a complete show-stopper for me either. I'm also going to say a combination of better air assist, and using something other than a honeycomb bed would definitey cut down on the amount of charing you're seeing on the back side of your cuts. A knife blade bed would likely help reduce the amount of charring you're seeing (it's likely coming from where the metal parts of the honeycomb are blocking the airflow & laser coming from above). I do see a slight bit from my 100w (I'm still using a honeycomb bed, I just keep uptting off buying a knife blade one for it, lol), but nowhere near as much as you're getting on the Gwieki (I'm assuming due to my higher output air assist). I'll be putting in an order from Makerstock tomorrow, getting some larger pieces of 3 & 6mm, and some smaller sized 'samples' like you bought in 12mm (1/2), and (now anyway), 3/8 (or 9.5-10mm) as well as some of their KoskiPly for an outdoor project I'm working on.. And for the record, I'm insanely jealous of your Shapeoko, I'm wanting something larger than my little Millright M3 (10.25x10.25x2" max movement)...
For other vendors (with varying products as well), you might also look at Wai Supplies (out of TX), they do some really nice MDF material (all that I've personally used from them) that cuts beautifully on both my Co2 and diode, and there's also Smokey Hill Designs (located in Burlington NC) who's Patternply stuff is amazing...
Hey Sam, aren’t pallet wood coasters supposed to be made from pallet wood? ;)
Do you think the CO2 cut quality is the machine and maybe others might be better? I do like my xTool 20w Pro and what it looks like after it comes off the laser. But you are right need something faster.
I've only had experience with this Gweike Cloud Pro II, so cannot say for sure. I have seen the xTool P2 results and they look sharp in comparison!
@@Samcraftcom what are the speeds on the gweike cloud vs your xTool?
Did you adjust the depth of the laser head between the passes on the diode on the 1/4”?
Nope, left it at the default focus height. :)
Are you Running Air Assist on Both?
Always. :)
Well done, that BB plywood is pricey for pieces. Understand hauling 4X8 sheets isn't practical, (or 5x5). thanks, about to pull the trigger on an xtool, need a coupon code!!!!
Here's a referral link to xTool if you're buying through them directly. www.xtool.com/?ref=samcraftcom& As for coupon code, maybe one of these will work: SPR20OFF, SPR50OFF, SPR100OFF, SPR200OFF.
Where we live there are no places to buy Baltic birch within an hour or two drive from what I can find. So for me, it's affordable. :)
Are all lasers out there capable of cutting through at least quarter inch material? I see some that are listed as engravers and I wasn’t sure.
In theory yes, but reality, no. I would not expect anything less than 20w with air assist and honeycomb bed to be a realistic tool used to cut 1/4" material.
I am looking to upgrade to a CO2 laser, which ones should I be looking at?
If you're in the desktop market, xTool P2 is a great looking machine with tons of features.
where can I get that cut test
I sell them on my website at sam-craft.com Thanks!
What’s your diode laser wattage?
It's the 20 watt from xTool.
You can get much better results on the CO2. Clean the mirrors, adjust the focus, raise the wood and run some speed/power tests and you'll see comparable results to the diode. I'm getting my BB grade for $1.40 a square foot so Makerstock isn't for me, at least for baltic birch.
Can you share from where?
Please forgive if you've already done this, but could you make a video of your top 5 videos on YOUR channel for beginners?
It could just be a Playlist. It would be easier to create and maintain.
Hi sam
I think you're premature about "CO2s are done for". CO2 has so many more materials it can cut/engrave than a diode. For wood, diode has a smaller beam which makes it desirable if you can handle the slower speeds, but being able to cut acrylics, thicker materials in general (compare a 40W diode to a roughly equivalent CO2 and the CO2 will cut thicker materials). Each tool has its place depending on need.
Diode also needs to put a lot more effort into safety. That's one of the big advantages of CO2.
I am going to be honest here, but my laser i get fine lines and clean clear cuts... I do have a OmTech laser though.. Not one of those cloud types.
I had some wonderings about the Gweike Cloud and its performance prior to this video. Now I think it's time to really dig into it to find out what's going on!
Did you say you were running your CO2 at 90% power? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I know that amount of power for a diode laser is fine, but you really only want to run a CO2 laser at 60-70% power at the most, as running it higher will drastically shorten the life of that tube.
I run my co2 at 100% because they are very cheap to replace and you save so so so much time.
I just looked at Maker Stock and found that if I order 10 each of 12 x 12 x 1/8" Baltic birch shipping is more than the product. Sorry, I don't think this is a good deal at all.
This video shows me the truth, It is sad that they can not comply with what they advertise.
You have a SUBSCRIPTION from me... , greetings from Solingen/Germany 👍🤟
Makers Stock 1/8" Birch is $1.75, Amazon is $1.38, Lowes RevolutionPly is $.80 (rip your own 12x12)
Yes, but a few things to note... MakerStock is a US-based company, so that extra $0.33 goes to them and their employees vs. an Amazon importer/reseller. And the revolution ply at lowe's is no where the same quality. :)
You have to consider the quality and consistency of the products, especially when selling the end result. Poor surface finish, glue irregularities that affect cutting, voids visible on cut edges, and damage from storage and handling are considerations. That's pretty much the point of these material/vendor reviews. Price isn't the only, or even most important factor.
This video doesnt really answer the wuestion poseeld in the title. It essentially just shows how you inpect wood from a new vendor. Id like to know what the top 5 in the us are.
The CO2 cuts look bad because there's something off with your laser, not something inherent with CO2 vs diode. I have a cheap Chinese cabinet laser that gets very fine, clean kerf cuts - as nice or nicer than your diode. When I start getting lines like yours I know that something's out of alignment.
Hmmmm... time to start digging into things then!
All these lasers on the market, all the wood prices are going up.
Buy a sheet of plywood from Home Depot, cut it down?
Those cut boards at maker are $$$
You're not going to find the same quality wood at Home Depot, at least I've never seen it. This is true Baltic birch plywood, not birch veneer.
If they can't even cut them properly, it is not worth my money.
Their materials are ok, but there shipping cost are ridiculous.