We have the image at that size to encourage the purchase of the kit from us. This helps to keep buildyourcnc alive and allows us to fund development of other awesome low cost machines.

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could you make available a larger size picture of the exploded view of the BlackTooth laser cutter? I would like to use for reference when building my laser cutter, but it is too small to be really useful.

Stepper motors are known to make noises while function, however this does not affect accuracy or job function. However we recommend to check your wiring for solid connections, and for good connectivity!



On a personal note, here is one cool video dealing with making songs with stepper motors!

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I bought and built the Blacktooth laser cutter. It works, but one of the stepper motors makes a loud static hiss a second after the CNC power supply is turned on or off, and makes loud tweets and twirps when running. It seems to operate fine otherwise. I was wondering if it was "going bad" or if that is normal?

The blackTooth uses CNC software for its control. You will need either LinuxCNC (free) or Mach3 to control the blackTooth. There are various methods to use this control, such as using a .dxf (can be created from SketchUp) and a CAM software like CamBam. The CAM software will be used to provide machining operations, like profiling for the polygons and lines. Use a tool diameter of near 0.

The z-axis direction controls the laser on and off, so make sure that your material thickness is very thin (like .001") so there is no time delay for the laser turning on.

If you want to engrave photos, Mach3 has a plug-in for this purpose.

We will help you every step of the way, so keep posting questions, or give us a call during business hours.

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I'm still unclear about the necessary software for the Blacktooth laser cutter. I just ordered the Blacktooth laser cutter with integrated computer. Does that mean I won't need the Mach3/EMC2/CamBam types of software? I am proficient with Google Sketchup so I have the design software covered, I just can't determine from the product description what else is required in the software department.

Once we create the tracking information for an order, and it is entered into our system, you get emailed to the email address on file, with the tracking information. Sometimes these emails end up in the spam folder of your email, so please check there as well. You can also call, or email, us and we will let you know the status of your order.

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I ordered a Blacktooth Laser, but received no response that processing of the order has started? Will I be notified of shipping as soon as the weeks lead time is complete?

Dealing with glass co2 laser tubes, it is difficult to accurately tell if it is going out or loosing "oomph". The laser will loose its co2 levels, which will cause it to loose cutting strength.
We have noticed that the laser at its "strongest" or new state fires a purplish/reddish color laser through the tube, and when it is loosing its cutting strength it turns to a faded red orange/orange color.

Using a ammeter will only measure the current going to the tube. The PSU will not know when the tube is losing its cutting strength, so it will constantly flow the same voltage and current.


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How many dots should come out of the laser

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What is a clear indication of a failing/failed laser tube? I know that laser tubes eventually "wear out", but how does one determine if the tube is loosing its "oomph"? My 40W Blacktooth laser tube return goes through an ammeter, so is the ammeter reading proportional to the beam strength, or can the beam die and still draw the same amount of current?

The THC and the triggering of the plasma are actually two different functions of a controller. To trigger a plasma cutter, you can use one of the outputs of the Mach3 USB controller (out 1, 2, 3, or 4). That output can be connected to a relay that connects to the two wires that will trigger the plasma.

This video will show how this is done:

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[575] How can I wire/ configure for a plasma cutter without THC? Plasma cutter has a cnc port, where when you short two of the pins, it activates the cutter. Just looking to see how to make that short when pressing f5 in Mach3.

When the z axis is going down, the laser turns on. When the z axis is going up, it turns off. The z axis directions is only a signal that is either 5v or 0v. That determines the direction. In vectric, you will need to set your machining operations with a very very small depth so the time it takes to get to its final depth is a very short time.

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AM NOT SURE HOW TO SET THE Z AXIS TURN ON/OFF LASER WHEN CREATE CODE. KNOW THAT ITS TYPICALLY Z-AXIS MOVEMENT DOES THIS - BUT YOU DONT SHOW ANYTHING HOOKED UP IN PLACE OF AXIS.

Sure, we can send you a replacement LED indicator. Just send an email to customerservice@buildyourcnc.com, include your address and we will send it poste haste.

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The LED Status indicator on the front of my Blacktooth laser is not working any longer. I'm looking to get a replacement but can't seem to find them on your website. Do you sell replacements? Thank you.

To verify, you are still getting the laser tube to fire, but the laser beam is weak and cannot cut or engrave any materials correct?

Have you checked your tube's tungsten post terminals to make sure they are getting good contact?
The Laser tube and laser power supply both have manufacture warranty, please email customerservice@buildyourcnc.com for further assistance.

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Hello, I have a blacktooth laser cutter, the machine has 10hrs of work, suddenly in the middle of a job the laser beam lost all power, I can still se the purple plasma beam but with no power or intensity, the tube is fine, water is running through and there is no arcing to the chasis or some other part. I think it might be a faulty PS how can I test it, Do I have a warranty on it?

It is most common for the laser tube to go out, after about 1000 hours of work time!
It is strange that the new laser tube will not fire!
We would recommend to check the tungsten leads, if they are making good contact!

Also here is a link to a instructables page where they have tested a laser power supply!
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-test-and-set-a-Chinese-China-made-CO2-Laser/?ALLSTEPS

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Hello - I have had some years of good use from my Blacktooth CN Laser, but had to reduce the speed on jobs over the last year to get satisfactory cutting. Recently, on a long job, the laser beam weakened and disappeared entirely over about 30 seconds (guess). I fixed a new tube, but this won't fire either. How can I safely test the output lead to see if it's dead or partially so?

You can test the power supply, but you will need to take extra special care since the voltage on the high tension line can be lethal. Go to this instructable to see all the step on testing the power supply:

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-test-and-set-a-Chinese-China-made-CO2-Laser/?ALLSTEPS

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I am building the Blacktooth laser cutter. What is the safest and most accurate way to test the output of the laser power supply WITHOUT connecting the laser tube? Can I use a standard multimeter and measure the voltage output of the laser power supply?

As long as you have enough air blowing at the cutting location, you shouldn't have a problem with charring. A 40 watt laser should be able to cut through 4 ply chipboard.

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is the 40W blacktooth laser cutter strong enough to cut through 4 ply chipboard with out horrifically burning/charring the edges? If you havent tried mabye you could as this is a must for anyone who will be using it to build architectural models. I would rather have this pre-verified before I give $2100 to have you build one

With our blackTooth kit, if you were to go with our lowest cost machine being $1700. With the parallel breakout board the best new beginner programs you can use, would be Mach 3 and ArtCAM, since it is a good program for beginning users.

Now if you feel a little comfortable with CAD/CAM, I would recommend CAMBAM and is a good overall software since it has a large design screen which allows you to view your design more clearly.

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I want to avoid the Parallel Port option and go with USB. In that case, is Planet-CNC Software, and ArtCAM the best combination? Does Planet-CNC do the same thing as Mach 3 only with different physical ports?

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I'm interested in buying your blacktooth laser engraver for cutting out inlays on woodworking projects. I am new to laser engraving/cutting, and CAD. What is the simplest beginning software setup available to allow me to cut 2D shapes and letters for inlay work?

Yes, the blackTooth actually has a base that is open, so you can set the blackTooth laser cutter on a surface that is depressed as much as you need so you can accommodate a work piece with very large heights.

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I'm considering the purchase of your Blacktooth laser. I will be engraving on my wood blocks that are two inches in thickness. Will the Blacktooth accomodate this thickness material?

Text the image to 281-815-7701.

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I set up my limits in Mach3 but after restarting machine/program it does not allow me to use them, keep getting error they are out of limits. I have a picture of how they are set and worked at least one time. but not sure how to share it

The blackTooth laser power supply will use 4 - #8 x 1" screws, and 4 - #8 nuts. As stated on step 10 here (https://buildyourcnc.com/blackToothLaserCutterAndEngraver.aspx#prettyPhoto/10/)

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I am building a blacktooth. I don't see in the instructions what screws are meant to fasten the power supply to the wood. The instructions show how to wire it but I don't see where it says which screws to use. I don't want to guess and end up being short later. Thanks. .

To determine the status of your order, simply log in and click on the "[My Account]" link at the top of the page. If you purchased as a guest, you will need to call the office to determine the status and get the tracking number for your order.

The office phone number can be found by clicking "Need Help?" is located at the top right of all buildyourcnc.com web pages.

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I placed an order for a 4th axis with tailstock on Wednesday and was just wanting to check on the shipment status. I'm needing the item early next week and need to confirm that it will arrive in time. Thank you.

The connections between the driver and the breakout board(USB/Parallel)22-24 AWG wire is preference also going from the potentiometer going to LSPS(laser power supply) , now going from the power supply to the drivers/laser power supply 16-18 AWG wire is our preference.

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I'm about to order your laser cutter , item 279 and a little confused.. in your faq it states you need wire and connectors for assembly, can you be specific on amount and guage of wire or tell me where to find that information?

If your country requires 220 volt peripherals (water pump or air pump) for the blackTooth laser system, then we will either send the 220/240 volt equivalents, or we will have them drop shipped from another location in your country, or a country with compatible power requirements.

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What's the cure for 110 volt pumps (air and water) and a 110volt laser power supply, in a Blacktooth Kit sent to Australia, where 240 volts is pleasingly normal. The fan and other power supply are 220 volts.