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Modding the Chinese K40 Laser Engraver, Part 1:
In early 2019, I picked up one of the ubiquitous Chinese K40 Laser Engravers, to assist in several of my
ongoing projects. I'd done some reading on them, and knew many of the limitations of the machine, but
eventually decided it was worth the low cost of entry. Assuming I didn't get a DOA unit- as I've read
sometimes happens- it would make a good "stepping stone" to learn how these theings work (total
noob, here
) before moving up to something like an Epilog or Full Spectrum.
It arrived reasonably well crated and fairly well protected.
Inside was the machine itself, a bundle of tools in a zippered bag, and a bag containing a USB cable, power cable
and the USB "dongle" supposedly used to authenticate the software.
Spoiler alert: no software was actually included.
Inside the cutting area was the exhaust fan, and a compressed length of plastic exhaust hose. While I'm a packrat
and don't tend to throw things away right away, the general consensus of K40 users is to take these two items
and very carefully heave them into the nearest trash can. In my opinion, there's definitely far better options for
both ducting and fans, but these will at least get you started if you're on an extra-tight budget.
The third item you should NOT throw away, however, is the included water pump.
The rear laser compartment and the electronics bay were both screwed shut, but once opened, and the errant bits
of styrofoam vacuumed out, initial examination showed everything in reasonably good shape.
The laser tube had apparently been tested, as evidenced by the remnants of a bluish cooling fluid in the tubes.
And there it is. Cleaned and ready to hook up and test.
The "User Manua", by the way, is utterly worthless. It's badly translated, tells you nothing that somebody's
five minute introductory YouTube video won't tell you, and as far as operation goes, basically says "plug in,
turn on, make sure you have coolant flowing, load program, press 'go'".
Modding the Chinese K40 Laser Engraver, Part 1:
In early 2019, I picked up one of the ubiquitous Chinese K40 Laser Engravers, to assist in several of my
ongoing projects. I'd done some reading on them, and knew many of the limitations of the machine, but
eventually decided it was worth the low cost of entry. Assuming I didn't get a DOA unit- as I've read
sometimes happens- it would make a good "stepping stone" to learn how these theings work (total
noob, here
) before moving up to something like an Epilog or Full Spectrum.It arrived reasonably well crated and fairly well protected.
Inside was the machine itself, a bundle of tools in a zippered bag, and a bag containing a USB cable, power cable
and the USB "dongle" supposedly used to authenticate the software.
Spoiler alert: no software was actually included.
Inside the cutting area was the exhaust fan, and a compressed length of plastic exhaust hose. While I'm a packrat
and don't tend to throw things away right away, the general consensus of K40 users is to take these two items
and very carefully heave them into the nearest trash can. In my opinion, there's definitely far better options for
both ducting and fans, but these will at least get you started if you're on an extra-tight budget.
The third item you should NOT throw away, however, is the included water pump.
The rear laser compartment and the electronics bay were both screwed shut, but once opened, and the errant bits
of styrofoam vacuumed out, initial examination showed everything in reasonably good shape.
The laser tube had apparently been tested, as evidenced by the remnants of a bluish cooling fluid in the tubes.
And there it is. Cleaned and ready to hook up and test.
The "User Manua", by the way, is utterly worthless. It's badly translated, tells you nothing that somebody's
five minute introductory YouTube video won't tell you, and as far as operation goes, basically says "plug in,
turn on, make sure you have coolant flowing, load program, press 'go'".
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Information contained in these pages is for reference and entertainment purposes only. Our methods are not always the best,
quickest, safest, or even the correct ones. It's up to you to know how to use your own machines and tools.
Keep your fingers away from the spinny blades o' death and you should be all right.