I'm continually detecting new owners of lasers and also believe that many are using the Lightburn software which apparently is a great bit of kip with a relatively easy learning curve. I have no idea of it, even had to use spell checker to spell it, so I may be blowing the wrong trumpet, lightheavyburn.
Not sure about the level of newcomers, however, I came across this video that demonstrates how the chap uses lightburn to create a laser job. While there are many such out there, I found him to be quite informative and simple to understand... any newbie to lasers could do worse than spend 22 minutes watching this video,
It is a basic job, but well explained and can be adapted to more complex exercises.
I apologise if I'm treading on hallowed ground.
If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD
Lightburn is a great program…it’ll do a lot more than most folks think if you take the time to learn it. I don’t know it all that well, but when I want to do something unique with the laser I figure out how to put it into words and google it with ’lightburn’ and usually get a very useable answer…great program!
Ryan/// ~sigh~ I blew up another bowl. Moke told me "I made the inside bigger than the outside".
First off, a bit about ACutAboveWoodworking. The segment is created by a gentleman in Canada and has been on for 12 years or so. He is terrific about sharing his knowledge and showing basically how to create all sorts of items in his shop. He is knowledgeable and truly eager to share, and to learn from the comments of those who watch his "show". I eagerly await each week's Tuesday and Friday presentations. Last year, he presented a 21 part build of the T&J Dump Truck and Pup Trailer. A fantastic group of videos.
OK, now my $0.02 on after market software programs. Lightburn is a terrific tool and as some have said, it is time consuming to learn all the ins and outs, but, once you do, there is probably nothing worth doing on your laser that you can't achieve. Now that said, I started out on an xTool D1Pro 10W laser using XTool's Creative Space. It gets you up quick but it's pretty klugey and there's a lot that is harder to do on it because of the lack of "tools". Enter Lightburn. Taking the time to learn it will increase your laser chops immeasurably. The problem with using the manufacturer's CAD/CAM software is that it is meant to get you up quickly and you will, as I have found out, learn bad habits from using a not so complete program. The same holds true for the CAD/CAM programs of CNC makers. Vectric products are the way to go but too many want a quick start and so use, for example, Easel Pro from Inventables. The issue is that the companies are really interested only in the hardware side of the business and never truly take the time to create a robust, innovative software package. My experience has been to start out with the less robust package but move quickly to the products of a company whose focus IS the software. You will be amazed at what you can do. One big issue with the aftermarket software is that there is usually a cost involved. So be it. With the improvements made in the out years, it more than pays to have bought the software. And you own it. It doesn't reside on the web. I like that facet too.
Watch ACutAboveWoodworking on Youtube or Facebook. It's truly worth your time. Kenny is a great guy and a terrific teacher.
Thanks for the info Dave. I’ll look him up. Always looking for more info when it comes to these support pieces of my shop work. I use my little Ortur all the time on projects…if for nothing else than a littler personalizing or something. Really adds that extra dimension.
Ryan/// ~sigh~ I blew up another bowl. Moke told me "I made the inside bigger than the outside".
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