The most affordable 10W laser cuts 8mm ply - COMGO Z1 by Comgrow
** EXPAND THIS DESCRIPTION FOR MORE INFORMATION**
COMGO Z1 Laser engraver- www.comgrow.com/products/comg...
Comgrow fire proof enclosure (all size range)- www.comgrow.com/products/univ...
My Box designs: www.etsy.com/uk/listing/13293...
Amazon affiliate link UK:
Phone adaptor usb to usb type-c - amzn.to/3DedC4G
Amazon affiliate link USA:
Phone adaptor usb to usb type-c - amzn.to/3yZd0gx
Laser Comgo Z1 User Facebook Group - / comgrow
My designs/comissioning: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/DelisleD...
Watch Joshua De lisle AWCB walk you through the creation process with his welded and hand forged works of Art and Luxury items.
In this episode we review the COMGO Z1 10w laser engraver by Comgrow and test it to the max cutting 8mm ply and engraving stainless steel. we'll also look at their fire proof enclosure to extract the fumes created by laser cutting and engraving.
For latest news and insights visit our instagram page here:
/ delisledesign
If the content is this good, it doesn’t need music. I didn’t notice the lack of music until you mentioned it… Top job as always 👍
Thank you. I tried my best to keep it appealing. I think i'm just afraid of awkward silence. so you got a chatter box instead ;D. cheers J
Absolutely. The issue with the music is that it tends to be louder than the level of talking. So you are constantly turning the volume up and down and it gets old very quickly.
I thought it was great without music! Finally I can focus on what is being done. No distractions.
I prefer to not have music. I like hearing the machine running. It gives a better feel for what it's actually like to use it.
Thank you. cheers J
Great balanced review as always. Much better without music 👍
Thank you so much, noted. cheers J
Something to keep in mind: the mass added by placing the motor onto the gantry helps to filter high-frequency vibrations.
Some of THE BEST CONTENT on YT. Please, no music. Some of us actually want to hear the machinery/workshop noises.
Thank you. I'll do my best. Cheers J
You have a great way of putting your knowledge and content across. I don't think you need the music. I prefer to just listen to what you have to say. Thanks for all your content and the work you put into making quality content 👍
Thank you so much. I'll do my best to continue improving the content. Cheers J
Definitely no music.
Your music was just fine after I turned volume down to zero. I prefer captions anyway. Great vid. Loved the box and examples.
1st timer here. Always interested in lasers but no idea where to start (or time to research). Enjoyed your video. Your explanations along with actual details about what you use, breaking things down into steps etc was just what I needed so I could learn without being lost. FWIW, liked the combo no/music...nice balance.
Thank you so much. All the very best. Cheers J
Honestly I’d say either with or without music. I like and appreciate your content and as long as you’re keeping the content (talking, explanation and machining / making) I’d say what ever you prefer for your videos.
thank you so much. cheers J
Came upon this after See a Fuel video! Ok.. you been @ This for Awhile!🏆✌️
much better with NO 'music'
Thank you Chris. Cheers J
It's MUCH better without music!!!!!
Il ne manque qu'une chose c'est de préciser vos réglages EX: 600 mm/mn à 80% 3 passes Super le contenu est excellent The only thing missing is to specify your settings EX: 600 mm/min at 80% 3 passes Great the content is excellent
I vote for No music please.
Well done for the honesty. It makes the review genuine and worth paying attention to!
Thank you I try my best to share what I would want to see myself. Cheers J
I've been in the laser business for a very long time, mostly galvo driven systems, but also two stints with high end, gantry type CO2 companies. I never would have thought that the flatbeds would get this cheap but still be of pretty decent quality. Very good overview. Well done. Update: 445nm, that was a surprise. That's why it can do the wood AND the SS.
Thank you so much. they're giving me a 20w module for the LONGER machine to review next year and I have a 50w CO2 to test out shortly although that one is £3500 to buy. cheers J
Hey, I am new to this, I wanted to cut a very small vector design (its VERY basic tree, like no leaves or anything), i wanted it to be around half an inch in size), i do not want to engrave it, i want to make the shape by itself, like there is no board it is on, the design itself is the entire thing, what should i search up to find what im looking for. ie the type of machine that does this.
Joshua always great to see ur videos sir. Very nice job reviewing and putting it to the fullest potential test. Can't wait to see more videos soon my friend. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Forge On. Fab On. Weld On. Keep Making. God Bless.
Thank you so much always for your support. Hopefully more metal work coming soon. But a few more lasers to come also. Cheers J
@@joshuadelisle awesome. Can't wait to see more videos. God bless.
This is a fantastic review !♡
Better without music… Much better actually..😉
I like the one without music.
You know he´s serious when pulls out the blow torch 1 min into the video 😂
Thanks for sharing.- I can do without the music, the world is noisy enough.
Thank you. I'll take that onboard for future videos. Cheers J
No music is definitely better, totally unnecessary. ..
Completely agree, i'm bored of the irritating guitar music in every video these days.
Huh-I have the ‘Tinker Name in The Family’.. 🤔
Great video very helpful
I must say I thought I was listening to James May from top gear , your really really good at presenting stuff ✌️
Thank you. I'll take captain slow as a compliment 😉. Lots more to come hopefully, all the very best. Cheers J
Nice video. Wondring about try this laser things. Think i was ok without music. But, play if you like it mr . Thanks for good laser school😊
Have to say, I liked a little of both. The initial "no-music" cuts were a good way to get a feel for the noise levels (often missing in video content). the last few shots with music were great. Content is brilliant, as usual.... Thank you!
Thank you so much. Cheers J
Without music please.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you for watching. cheers J
Just picked this up off Amazon for $290 on sale and looking forward to seeing what I can do with it. This is a grear review though I do wish you had said how long it took to cut that box out. 8mm hardwood cuts like that are way better than expected even from other reviews. I plan to cut 5 mm basswood and thinner so should do reaply well.
no music for me
You wanted to know - I think I'm unusual in this respect - but I prefer it 100% *_WITHOUT MUSAK._* Great video, by the way. I don't suppose I'll ever do anything like this - but it's fascinating to watch - and if ever I need this kind of product, I know who to contact!
Love D design!
Rather no music. I like to hear actual making sounds and speaking clearly.
Top job! Do not need music... Good info...
nice clean review - like it. i'd be interested in how it can cut or etch other things too , eg cut and engrave acrylic sheet, etch wood (looking at speed & 'print' quality)
Nice hammer flip cobber 👌
Lifespan of a diode laser should be better than CO2, same goes for power loss. I like the fact that it is essentially solid state, hopefully there are going to be 40-80w modules available by next year from multiple companies. Question is whether the module just doesn`t outlast the mechanical parts :D
I preferred it without the music - but hey your vids do what you like :-)
I can do without the music. Having commentary would be better than music I don't care for.
nice box :)
Great video and after hearing your B-Roll music....
Thank you. Cheers J
Much better WITHOUT "music"!
I've been in 2 minds about getting a 10 watt. I think mine is only 3 watt. I really like this 👍
Thank you. I'm testing a 50w co2 laser shortly. I don't think I'll be going back after that. They're a lot more money though. Cheers J
@@joshuadelisle Cool 👍
Nice video!
Thank you so much. cheers J
@@joshuadelisle No worries! I really enjoy your video style and your fun way of presenting stuff. Keep it up. 😁
Football inflation nozzle / insert type thing works as well for a air assist nozzle.
Good stuff. Good review. I prefer the videos without music.
Thank you. Cheers J
I'd rather hear the machine working than music. I found the first half, sans music, to be refreshing.
I prefer no music.... or at least super low volume :) great video. Cheers
I would recommend if your gonna do stuff as a business to go for a 50 watt ' Blue and white' CO2 laser with a Ruida controller. We did 5 years ago and now have a fairly successful business however it's not as easy as some people think. Interesting video even though I probably tutted and muttered diode laser under my breath haha. Cheers
Thank you. I have a gwueike 50w co2 to test out shortly. Roughly £3500 worth. I'm going to compare it to buying 10 £350 diode lasers machines. Cheers J
I would like to see a video or even a short of you showing how to expand the work are of the laser as sai in min 3:10
Thank you. its litrally just extra long extrusions and longer timing belt. i'll be doing iot soon with my diy Plasma. cheers J
Agree. No music
You do know that plywoods and other layer like plates Are pressed at different psi atm,...... It will effect the outcome of youre cut? Just saying...... Grtzz from Holland Thnxs for your laser vids they helped me.
Music is fine and not tacky
I'm curious about the plasma thing. That would be good for when my laser dies.
Brill Joshua De Lisle. I Got the hydraulic hole punch works a treat? got the 11' x 13' metal shed. I just need to get the shed up and get my forge in out the rain..
Nice one Tom. All the very best. Cheers J
It is called 'venting' when you are transferring unwanted gases to outdoors, and 'ducting' when moving gases but retaining them.
I didn't know that. Thank you. Cheers J
Before music, I focused on what and how you where doing the task with a deeper focus. After music was added, I focused on blocking the music out to get what the movie was about. It is up to you what you want to deliver. Music, or a deep product review. Some people can handle both, others can't. Nice music though, What was played? I wouldn't mind listening to it without being disturbed by the review. Lol. I know, I'll let myself out. Really good review though.
Thank you. Note taken. Cheers J
Another vote for no music!! 😊
Thank you, cheers J
Awesome job Josh! Great video content and details. I'm new to understanding the capabilities of these types of lasers. *Do you know how this device would perform in Lightly Marking white PVC, like Sched 40? Looking to create a product label for some of our parts. Thanks Mate! -Kirk-
Thank you so much. Don't use it on any plastic other than acrylic because it can give off very toxic gasses otherwise. Cheers J
I always thought you did well with the music in your videos, but honestly I didn't notice the music missing until you mentioned it. As for the product reviews, I trust your tests and opinion highly, but any cheap safety filter for lasers concern me, since they may not actually block the advertised wavelength and/or infrared light that some cheaper lasers emit. That is much harder to test for, but I find that information to be fairly useful
Thank you. I think the cover is better than nothing at least. A completely enclosed box that is vented is obviously going to be the best solution although you'll want fire detection if you do and an auto shut off if opened. All the very best. Cheers J
Without 'music' except maybe in sped up edits. Also please remind people to always wear the appropriate eye protection. Great stuff as usual.
My pleasure.
No music is best for me
Question please. When you designed your bit box, how much "clearance" did you allow I.E. for a 2" x .25" hole / and a 2" x .25" tab, does the burnt "kerf" allow for assembly? OR did you have to make the tabs smaller to fit the holes?? Thanks for your advise.. Hank
gotta say I happened upon you doing a diesel heater review, I have no real idea what you do but I want one of those laser things lol I am a tool junkie
impressive on 8mm wood.
❤the music
Nice box….for the first one. I mean what the I don’t have my laser yet but it’s coming and I think I’ll try your files if u don’t mind.
I always have spotify on listening to my own music usually. I prefer no music because sometimes the music is crappy and I can't mute it because I have to hear what the persons saying
That's fair enough. Cheers J
Hi Joshua. I discovered your channel a few weeks ago and am impressed with what I've seen. As well as being (newly) interested in varying tech like this, I've been a guitar modder for a good thirty years. A lot of guitar mods revolve around reversing and inverting the signal from the pickups, switching it from parallel to series and so on. Would it be possible to somehow switch the current feeding the lasers between series and parallel? You might be able to raise the power by just doing this, if it isn't already. And is it possible to upgrade individual elements within the system proper? Thank you kindly.
Thank you so much. Regarding the electronics I haven't opened one up to look at it clearly. I would be concerned to increase the power as you shouldn't use it on full power all the time anyway as you'll degrade the diodes especially if they get too hot. From what I can see it's DC with PWM input but that's as far as I can see without taking one apart. Cheers J
Oh.... the box was nice.
Grbl on wifi especially if it's an 8 bit mcu commonly associated with grbl. I have bought a lot of printers from comgrow and their service for hardware issues is amongst the best I've seen. There's a bit of a wait for parts but that's ok.
That's good to know. Thank you. Cheers J
hi i read somewhere on another review site that the laser module on the comgrow z1 is rated for more than 10000 hours. also dont they make these 10w modules by using 2 5.5w lasers? so max power could affectively be 11w but its limited to 10w. if that's the case then by selecting 100% power you wouldn't theoretically be running the diodes at 100%.
Do you mean cheap, or inexpensive? To many people, there is a critical distinction between the two. Particularly in quality. A cheap product could reasonably be anticipated to achieve mttf sooner than a less cheap product. It may be that cheap equates to less expensive more often than not, but there are exceptions. If the performance of this system is par for more expensive products, hopefully it is also of equal component quality and will last as long. That's a win.
expensive machine not mean automatic have good quality machine, lot have wery expensive machines etc, italy made factory machines have expensive but totally worst machines italy not can build anything mechanic good lot have engineer plan fails, same france engineer do all worst, i not know how there engineer school learn but totally worst can only build all.
What laser would you recommend for a part time business start up? Thanks
What was the cutting time for your box... oh, and AC DC Thunderstruck
Any idea on what thickness acrylic, lexan, polycarbonate, and delrin can it cut?
Im currently in the market for one myself.. just dubious on which to get... cant wait though.. mainly for cutting perspex
Aww man watching this just makes me want to get one now..
Thank you Ollie. if you want to cut clear perspex you need a co2 laser from my understanding. I have a Co2 version that I will be testing soon and have 12mm thick perspex to test. This one I beleive will cut opaque acrylic just fine but nothing that is clear. Chears J
@@joshuadelisle ahh cool good to know thanx I was looking at co2 without realising. It will be clear perspex ill be cutting mostly.
@@olliefs9298 I'm testing the qweike cloud pro. It's a 50w and has the correct wave length to cut perspex. Cheers J
@@joshuadelisle awesome looking forward to the vids! Cheers :)
No music thank you! I hate having to turn the volume off for a video
Very informative. Music ok but at a lower volume
The cooling fan on the laser doubles as air assist.
Great information. On average, how long does the diode laser last and what are the replacement costs?
Thank you. I'm not sure exactly but if used at 100% power it will drasticly deteriate down to 40% of its efficiency within 20 hours of use. However a CO2 laser can last 10,000 hours. I'll be exploring this in a video coming soon.
New sub here. I was just looking for reviews on Lazer cutters and printers. So glad I found you. I have bookmarked this machine for after Christmas. My wife wants one for doing leather, 2 to 4mm wood and the odd bit of hard plastics. Question do you think the 5w is okay or should I pop the extra 150$ and go dual. Also is the bag a needed item or are the lazer saftey glasses enough?
Hi. Thank you. For cutting I believe a 10w is the minimum you want. It will also degrade and loose power over time especially if used at 100% power. If you get a 10w and only use 5w of power it will last much longer. The bag (cover) is a good idea to vent away fumes/smoke using extraction. The correct shade Glasses are a must with lasers as they are very harmful to your eyes. The lasers have a wave frequency that should be counteracted with the correct shade of glasses, you may need to check a chart for better ones that what are supplied. I hope that helps. Cheers J
@@joshuadelisle great advice. I am going Bing watch your stuff now :)
@@HeritageStacking you're very kind. Cheers J
@@joshuadelisle I am not a professional but I need to build a workshop for me and the wife. I have a 40 Foot shipping container. I was thinking of building on to its side. Going out 20' and the full length of 40. So with the container and a 48 inch door into it the size would be 40x38. What kind of internal ventilation system would be good. Do you have videos on that's stuff?
@@HeritageStacking well done. I originally wanted the exact same setup but I was denied permission so I built a lean-to instead. Just some ducting and in inline fan to suck and blow the containments out side is enough. I spent £80 on the same thing to duct hot air from my wood burner to rooms at the other side of my house. Cheers J
So I’m about to receive an xTool D1 10w setup. I don’t remember if what I ordered has the air assist or not. My question is regarding this air assist. Is it really helpful? Is it stoking the burn created by the laser or clearing ash? Would an inert shielding gas( like used in heli-arc/TIG)Argon, CO2, etc work better in the “air” assist?? Any wisdom, knowledge or thoughts will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!! Keep the music!!
It's essential for keeping the laser lens clean and the diodes cool and to blow away chard debris. Oxygen is probably best for cutting. Cheers J
Cover thing is good idea. 👍🏻If it fits lol
Yes it's handy especially if you want to work next to it. Cheers J
if have laser cutter can made own cover top of machine no need buy anythin waste parts or waste money, only need crap or new material buy and have cheap etc, 3mm plywood. and windows can buy laser safe acryl .
Music is OK, BUT, not too loud :-) Most of the time BIGGER/MORE POWER IS "BETTER", but for a beginner, would you recommend the Z1? Enough power? Thanks for a good review and your reply....
Thank you. If you're not in a rush the Z1 is fine for learning and making a few things. You'll want more power once you've tried the more powerful models though. Personally now that I've used 40w+ models there's no way I would have anything less because I'm impatient. But the budget is what will determine the power I would choose. Cheers J
I am very interested in these types of machines. I am a hobby woodworker with quit a hang to scrollsawing. Boxes, baskets a.s.o. Are very popular and are valued for practical use. What holds me back is the burning of the edges, lasercutting is so recognisable. Is it possible to get rid of the burning on a machine as this? It would be used with 3/4 mm ply or even thick veneer hardwood.
Hi Nico. you can make the tabs 1mm bigger and then sand them down after or use a flush router bit. these work great on 3/4mm ply and can be used for fine inlay work. cheers J
Is there a little laser like that good for marking fr4 copper clad before being etched? Burning off the uvresist maybe. A decent desktop mill even. Nothing super elaborate.
I haven't tried it yet but I'll give it a go. I have a mini cnc router just a generic cheapy and I've used it to mill aluminum name plates. Cheers J
First time seeing your stuff Josh and? Nice, to the point, worthwhile, got my sub! Dig this, I spent a few years producing live events, streaming them, managing the whole ball of wax. So, with that in mind, here’s my two cents. You nailed this one. The music, was on the BRoll. The rest, was your very useful inf and? I’m a tech head, a makerr, an artist, a creator. I don’t want background music when someone is digging into the meat, of something I’m learning / considering. It’s insanely distracting, too much work to get your levels right (music vs narration) and lastly? I was going to be a Rock Star years ago, so I of course, killed my ears. Have a hard time hearing when there is multiple layers of audio…. ANYWAY! NAILED IT! Put your tunes on the opening, the closing, and broll! Nothing but your words when your sharing the tech!!!! THANKS!
Thank you so much Jack. I appreciate that. cheers J
@@joshuadelisle Thank you Josh! I turned off the TV some years ago and starting digging in further to my interests. To sit and watch a movie or be completely passive at this point is maddening! Would rather be doing, creating, experiencing. The stuff you share is useful and well delivered. Adding, the amount of work to record, edit, present it at a level like this? Damn fine work sir. Happy Holidays to you and yours!
@@TheJacklwilliams thank you Jack. You're very kind. Hopefully lots more to come. Cheers J
for the extra note for the wifi, it is dangerous to use cheap (never-will-upgrade) wifi gadgets on your network if its not separated from the main network.
Would you recommend the Comgrow Z1 10W or the Creality Falcon 10W? Right now, I could get the Z1 for $60 cheaper when both kits include air assist.
If it's a 10w I would go for the Z1. Cheers J
Can u laser plexiglas with this and what type of software u need other than an illustration software like illustrator thanks great demo
Hi Tedz. you can cut opaque acrylic with this but not clear plexiglas. you can either use GRBL laser software or Lightburn to turn drawings into the machine movement. for drawing I use CAD software and inkskape. cheers J
Hello Sr, new to this me!!!! PCBs, how can I use that (or better) machine to make them? Great exp/demo, one of the 👌, and believe you me I have watched 100s, this is one of the very best!!!. Any suggestions? $500 up to $1000. Best regards from 🇨🇦, KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!!!
No feedback 😢
Hi . I'm not sure I've not tried PCBs yet. cheers J
The possibility of upgrading to a custom size be has me leaning towards the comgrow with its dual motor system but the screen on the longer ray 5 is pulling me in the other direction is it possible to make the longer ray 5 into a custom bed also?
Yes it can. The Longer would be my choice but you'll need to account for the Y axis linkage or add a second stepper motor like the comgrow if you want a wider X axis. Cheers J
Thanks.
Nice box though!
Thank you. cheers J
No music 👍
Cool. That seems to be the majority so far. Or most vocal minority.... Either way I think I'll definitely reduce the music. Cheers J
No music please! Another great video though
Thank you. I'll definitely consider reducing the music from now on. Cheers J
Thanks for the video. My wife has a small busines doing leatherwork and I was thinking of buying this engrave her logo and any letters the customers want to the leather. Do you think this would work for small business and small use?? Thanks
Thank you. It would work fine for that. Just make sure to get a cover and extraction as leather engraving can be very smelly. Cheers J
I really wish I saw this before I bought a different 5w laser for about the same price.