I have been using a Blacktooth for some time, with Vectric2d and Mach3. I have always found that the laser burns a hole before moving off. I have always set material thickness at actual value. Should it be set very low? Also, of the many post processors supplied with 2d, which is best for Blacktooth?

Question #: 13743

Question: I have been using a Blacktooth for some time, with Vectric2d and Mach3. I have always found that the laser burns a hole before moving off. I have always set material thickness at actual value. Should it be set very low? Also, of the many post processors supplied with 2d, which is best for Blacktooth?

Current Solution

If you have the laser firing using the Z direction, then you want to make sure that the thickness and clearance plane is extremely small. The time it takes for the software to think that the z axis has lowered to the depth set in the design is causing the laser to stay on in a single position for too long. Make sure that the depth is extremely small, like .0001" or the smallest amount allowed by the Vectric software. Also, make sure the clearance plane (the height that the z axis would raise to clear any protrusions like clamps and the such) is extremely low.

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I've been unable to cut through acrylic or wood at a thickness of 1/8" or less with the BlackTooth. Even with multiple passes (x10) and full power, a clean cut cannot be accomplished. Based on videos I've seen something doesn't seem right. I noticed that the nozzle gets very warm, almost untouchable during even short runs.
Since the nozzle is getting warm, much of the laser energy is not exiting the aperture and is hitting the inside of the nozzle. You need to align the laser's final mirror to direct it out of the nozzle's aperture and you will have more than enough energy to cut 1/8" acrylic efficiently.
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I've been unable to cut through acrylic or wood at a thickness of 1/8" or less with the BlackTooth. Even with multiple passes (x10) and full power, a clean cut cannot be accomplished. Based on videos I've seen something doesn't seem right. I noticed that the nozzle gets very warm, almost untouchable during even short runs.
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
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
I am looking at purchasing a blacktooth laser system but after reading some of the post I am unsure if laser power is under software control. Is laser power ( on/off) directly controlled with the off the shelf hardware and software
The on/off laser control for the blackTooth laser system is controlled by software. Software controls a digital trigger on the laser power supply that turns the laser on and off.

Our blackTooth works more like a CNC machine where g-code is used as the instructions to cut and engrave. Generally, CNC machines have a z-axis that moves up and down. When the z-axis is moving down, the end mill (cutting tool) is penetrating the surface of the material to be cut. We use this same technique to control the laser on and off. If the z-axis is in the down state, the laser is on. If the z-axis is in the up state, the laser turns off. All of this is automatically generated in the g-code when the machining operations are created in CAM software. This eliminates the need for an expensive laser controller board; however, a traditional laser controller board can be used with our system.
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I am looking at purchasing a blacktooth laser system but after reading some of the post I am unsure if laser power is under software control. Is laser power ( on/off) directly controlled with the off the shelf hardware and software
I have the 1.5kW spindle using the 110V vfd which I bought new and has never run correctly for me. The spindle will not accelerate to any reasonable speed before stopping. When it stops, the vfd display reads "E.oA.A". It does not appear to be wiring or settings, I have checked those many times. What else should I look at to troubleshoot this? Is it DOA?
The E.oA.A is an error that the VFD specifies as an overcurrent during ramp up (or acceleration). In other words, the spindle is trying to accelerate to quickly. The spindle cannot handle the inertia during ramp up and it is trying to draw too much current during this process. The best solution that I have researched is to increase the ramp up (acceleration) time, or slow the acceleration. You will need to check which programming setting you need to change, but there will be setting called acceleration time (or ramp up time). Increase this number in small increments until the error goes away. Then, increase it more so there is a safety factor.
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I have the 1.5kW spindle using the 110V vfd which I bought new and has never run correctly for me. The spindle will not accelerate to any reasonable speed before stopping. When it stops, the vfd display reads "E.oA.A". It does not appear to be wiring or settings, I have checked those many times. What else should I look at to troubleshoot this? Is it DOA?
I purchased the blackTooth Laser Engraver with integrated Laser Control Unit and have been following your instructions. I noticed that the laser tube power supply is different that what is shown in your instructions. Do you have any better wiring guides that I can follow for the version that I received?
There is some variation in the outward appearance of laser power supplies due to sourcing through different vendors. However, the basic wiring requirements are the same in each case. For the unit with integrated laser controller, follow the diagram found here: https://buildyourcnc.com/blackToothLaserCutterAndEngraver.aspx#prettyPhoto/0/. The terminals on the signal side will have a 6 connection terminal block -- these are the ones labeled 5V, IN, G, P (or WP), L (or TTL-L), and H (or TTL-H). The High Power side will have 3 inputs for AC power, one high voltage lead, and one return line. Connect these as shown in the diagram as well: the return line goes on the "front" (beam exit end) terminal of the laser tube, the high voltage lead goes to the "back" terminal of the tube, the FG terminal (or G) receives the earth ground wire of the AC power cable, and the two AC terminals receive the line and neutral wires of the AC power cable (it doesn't matter in this case which wire goes to which terminal).
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I purchased the blackTooth Laser Engraver with integrated Laser Control Unit and have been following your instructions. I noticed that the laser tube power supply is different that what is shown in your instructions. Do you have any better wiring guides that I can follow for the version that I received?
Hi, question about blacktoothv2 laser engraver, what is the cutting area of the laser machine as I don't have clue how big it is, and are you’ll just use it like that ore it’ll have a moving Z axis, waiting for video 5, interested how it will progress. It’ll be very useful if you’d mention some dimensions during the installation. Thanks and keep up good work
The lasing area for the blackTooth v2 is 20" x 24" or 580 x 600 mm.

The dimensions for the machine in general will be on the main product page when the videos are completed.

Thank you for the kind words.

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The lasing area for the blackTooth v2 is 20" x 24" or 580 x 600 mm.

The dimensions for the machine in general will be on the main product page when the videos are completed.

Thank you for the kind words.
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Hi, question about blacktoothv2 laser engraver, what is the cutting area of the laser machine as I don't have clue how big it is, and are you’ll just use it like that ore it’ll have a moving Z axis, waiting for video 5, interested how it will progress. It’ll be very useful if you’d mention some dimensions during the installation. Thanks and keep up good work
Hi, question about blacktoothv2 laser engraver, what is the cutting area of the laser machine as I don't have clue how big it is, and are you’ll just use it like that ore it’ll have a moving Z axis, waiting for video 5, interested how it will progress. It’ll be very useful if you’d mention some dimensions during the installation. Thanks and keep up good work
The lasing area for the blackTooth v2 is 20" x 24" or 580 x 600 mm.

The dimensions for the machine in general will be on the main product page when the videos are completed.

Thank you for the kind words.
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Hi, question about blacktoothv2 laser engraver, what is the cutting area of the laser machine as I don't have clue how big it is, and are you’ll just use it like that ore it’ll have a moving Z axis, waiting for video 5, interested how it will progress. It’ll be very useful if you’d mention some dimensions during the installation. Thanks and keep up good work
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?
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?
I have USB Interface board. All axes are working if using MDI , using program some of the axes are only moving one direction. Example using Gcode X50 Y50 Z50 and then X45 Y45 Z45 then online one of the axes is turning correctly. But also shows on Mach3 screen that all axes are moving correctly.
If some axes are not moving in two directions, the direction signal is not making good contact at either the controller or the driver.
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I have USB Interface board. All axes are working if using MDI , using program some of the axes are only moving one direction. Example using Gcode X50 Y50 Z50 and then X45 Y45 Z45 then online one of the axes is turning correctly. But also shows on Mach3 screen that all axes are moving correctly.
[311] I am looking to use this type of thing with a pipe for theater. Where the pipe can be lowered and it would have electrical and signal cable inside. Is this good for that or should I look at something else?
This would totally work for that application. This cable carrier is used for any object that needs to move and carries some electrical or tubing within it. This cable carrier is great for cable management where you want to make sure the wires and tubes are in a position that you set, not where the wires and tubing want to go.
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[311] I am looking to use this type of thing with a pipe for theater. Where the pipe can be lowered and it would have electrical and signal cable inside. Is this good for that or should I look at something else?
Is it possible to buy just the electronics and hardware for the bigfoot along with the plans for the timber components so that I could have them cut here in the UK and reduce the amount of material that needs to be shipped?
The files and hardware option for our machines has been removed from the site due to the following reasons:
Difficulty for the end use of the files and the challenges (and time/money) on our side to assist in using these files.
The abuse of these files over the internet.
Ultimately may reduce the sales of machines keeping us in business.
Sadly, this is what has come out of our company attempting to be open; however, the machines sold on this site is still far lower in price than the competition for the quality that we provide as we have a great desire to engender the cottage industry to fulfill their need for low end manufacturing. My sincere apologies if this causes any inconvenience.

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NO, is not possible, I can help with the shipping cost

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Is it possible to buy just the electronics and hardware for the bigfoot along with the plans for the timber components so that I could have them cut here in the UK and reduce the amount of material that needs to be shipped?
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?
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?
I bought a blacktooth laser from you about a year ago.. I am finally getting around to installing the laser tube and I noticed that my tube does't have the metal end on it like all the pictures I've seen. is this a focus lense and can I purchase one?
As shown in the instructions the laser tube that was used was a different model which had the metal end, compared to our full glass tube models we currently ship with the machines.
So there is no difference besides appearance between the two tubes.
The focus lens should be placed in the laser nozzle assembly and not on the laser tube itself.

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I bought a blacktooth laser from you about a year ago.. I am finally getting around to installing the laser tube and I noticed that my tube does't have the metal end on it like all the pictures I've seen. is this a focus lense and can I purchase one?
THERE HAS BEEN A CELL PHONE BASE INSTALLED IN THE FIRE TOWER. PANELS ARE VERTICAL AND LOCATED ABOUT 75 FEET AT TOP OF UNLIKE SOME TOWERS I HAVE SEEN NO ROUND DISKS BEAMING LIGHTS. NIGHT, TOWER MATERIAL DARK. DOES THIS MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE RELATED HEALTH ISSUES WITH RF EXPOSURE IT POSSIBLE RECEIVE-ONLY TRANSMITTER ?
There has been a cell phone base installed in the fire tower. The panels are vertical and located about 75 feet at the top of the tower. Unlike some towers I have seen there are no round disks and no beaming lights. At night, the tower and cell phone material are dark. Does this make any difference in any related health issues with RF exposure and is it possible the tower is a receive-only transmitter ?
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THERE HAS BEEN A CELL PHONE BASE INSTALLED IN THE FIRE TOWER. PANELS ARE VERTICAL AND LOCATED ABOUT 75 FEET AT TOP OF UNLIKE SOME TOWERS I HAVE SEEN NO ROUND DISKS BEAMING LIGHTS. NIGHT, TOWER MATERIAL DARK. DOES THIS MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE RELATED HEALTH ISSUES WITH RF EXPOSURE IT POSSIBLE RECEIVE-ONLY TRANSMITTER ?
On the blacktooth machine wiring diagram for parallel breakout a wire goes from 6 on the BOB to TL on the laser power supply. My power supply has an"H" followed by a "L". Which is correct? I've connected to the "L" but the laser appears always on.
The digital signal portion of the CO2 laser tube power supply has various terminals for signal power, signal gnd, laser intensity and engaging the laser (turning it on or off). The TL and TH are triggers to turn the laser power on or off. These may be labeled L or H on some laser power supplies. You can use either TL/L, or TH/H to control the laser.

If you use the TL or L terminal to control the laser:
If a low signal (gnd) is present at that terminal, the laser will turn on. If a high signal (5v) is present, the laser will turn off.

If you use the TH or H terminal to control the laser:
If a high signal (5v) is present at that terminal, the laser will turn on. If a low signal (gnd) is present, the laser will turn off.

You should first test the control signal from the interface with a multimeter to make sure the laser will be controlled correctly before powering the laser power supply
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On the blacktooth machine wiring diagram for parallel breakout a wire goes from 6 on the BOB to TL on the laser power supply. My power supply has an"H" followed by a "L". Which is correct? I've connected to the "L" but the laser appears always on.
I bought a 'BuildyourCNC V1' relay board to go with my mach3 usb controller. I have been sent a 'Songle' relay. It's not the one in your picture and it's got different connections, for which there isn't a wiring diagram. The one I ordered says it is 5v, this one seems to be saying it's a 24v unit. Can you please explain what has happened? Thanks
The Mach3 USB interface board requires 24V relays externally. There are no relays on the mach3 usb board. If you use an external relay on the mach3 usb board, the relay connects to the V+ which is 24V and the output pin is the return.

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I understand what you are saying. Does your relay board work with the Mach3 USB board? If not, what relay board do you suggest to work with this usb controller?

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Our relay board works with our parallel breakout board. An off the shelf SSR (Solid State Relay) made for 24V should work fine.
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I bought a 'BuildyourCNC V1' relay board to go with my mach3 usb controller. I have been sent a 'Songle' relay. It's not the one in your picture and it's got different connections, for which there isn't a wiring diagram. The one I ordered says it is 5v, this one seems to be saying it's a 24v unit. Can you please explain what has happened? Thanks
I bought a 'BuildyourCNC V1' relay board to go with my mach3 usb controller. I have been sent a 'Songle' relay. It's not the one in your picture and it's got different connections, for which there isn't a wiring diagram. The one I ordered says it is 5v, this one seems to be saying it's a 24v unit. Can you please explain what has happened? Thanks
The Mach3 USB interface board requires 24V relays externally. There are no relays on the mach3 usb board. If you use an external relay on the mach3 usb board, the relay connects to the V+ which is 24V and the output pin is the return.

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I understand what you are saying. Does your relay board work with the Mach3 USB board? If not, what relay board do you suggest to work with this usb controller?

Additional Information:
Our relay board works with our parallel breakout board. An off the shelf SSR (Solid State Relay) made for 24V should work fine.
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I bought a 'BuildyourCNC V1' relay board to go with my mach3 usb controller. I have been sent a 'Songle' relay. It's not the one in your picture and it's got different connections, for which there isn't a wiring diagram. The one I ordered says it is 5v, this one seems to be saying it's a 24v unit. Can you please explain what has happened? Thanks
I have your Nema 24 electronics kit and am having problems with the Z axis dropping over time. I am using a PC 8902 motor. Any ideas on what the problem is? What should be the motor tuning values in Mach3? Thanks
Make sure all your bolts/screws are tighten correctly and if using a lead screw make sure your anti-backlash nut is not offset. Now a default setting will be 10101100 for your driver dip switch settings and in motor tuning (mach3) 1600 steps per, 400.02 velocity, 4 in acceleration. now the acceleration and velocity can be adjusted to move your machine faster, but if set to high they could stall. Make sure you have the correct wiring from your motor to your driver (https://www.buildyourcnc.com/Documents/PN.SM60HT86-2008BF-U%20(inhouse%20PN.60BYGH303-13)%20(1).pdf).
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I have your Nema 24 electronics kit and am having problems with the Z axis dropping over time. I am using a PC 8902 motor. Any ideas on what the problem is? What should be the motor tuning values in Mach3? Thanks
I am assebling the Blacktooth CNC laser 20x24" with what appears to be an updated power supply. After refrencing the wiring diagram on line and the totorial, may I ask for an updated diagram or totorial, the current version do not appear to match match the configuration provided. I do not feel confidant in the educational guess, that I have. thanks
Wiring diagrams for the Laser Power Supply will be mostly the same with the updated power supply. The main difference is the newer power supply contains a secondary green terminal block on the front of the power supply next where the hard leads are connected. This differs from the older power supply which had contact points on the back of the power supply. Please refer to the tutorials section for updated information and if you have specific questions please email techsupport@buildyourcnc.com
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I am assebling the Blacktooth CNC laser 20x24" with what appears to be an updated power supply. After refrencing the wiring diagram on line and the totorial, may I ask for an updated diagram or totorial, the current version do not appear to match match the configuration provided. I do not feel confidant in the educational guess, that I have. thanks