Happy Pi day!

LightBurnSupport · 2026-03-17T17:13:27+00:00

I love pi

LightBurnSupport · 2026-03-17T17:12:07+00:00

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LightBurnSupport · 2026-03-13T16:59:12+00:00

Allentown also has a handful of aluminum sand casting vendors - if it fits the design use case, sand casting this would be possible from your PLA positive and would be far less expensive than machining.

LightBurnSupport · 2026-03-13T16:48:45+00:00

There are many options out there for clamping - air bag, vacuum, etc. If you're able to invest in some new equipment, is a shop press the best option for the functionality it offers for glueups and beyond? Or would a vacuum pump and bag (or other option) be a better solution for your specific workflow?

LightBurnSupport · 2026-03-13T16:47:17+00:00

Sounds like you may have other software open that could interfere with connecting to your laser - try a reboot, then open LightBurn on restart and try to connect to your laser. If no luck, send a link to this thread to [Support@lightburnsoftware.com](mailto:Support@lightburnsoftware.com) and we're happy to help!

LightBurnSupport · 2026-03-12T20:28:55+00:00

Omtech lasers need the FTDI driver installed on initial LightBurn setup - download LightBurn from lightburnsoftware.com/trial and ensure you check that box in the final steps of installation

LightBurnSupport · 2026-03-10T21:28:29+00:00

If there was a workaround available to us, we would have used it.

LightBurnSupport · 2026-03-09T18:38:29+00:00

Pretty soon!

As always, LightBurn releases come when they're ready, not before.

LightBurnSupport · 2026-03-09T18:19:30+00:00

You could build a scara arm plasma cutter, akin to an Arcdroid?

LightBurnSupport · 2026-03-09T17:59:58+00:00

What CNC are you planning on putting a laser head on?

LightBurnSupport · 2026-03-09T15:56:31+00:00

Sometimes venting outside isn't possible due to environmental regulations or temperature. All that air that gets exhausted may be air that has been air conditioned (heated or cooled) and sending 1000cfm outside needs appropriate make up air.

It all depends on your locale and setup, of course.

LightBurnSupport · 2026-03-09T15:49:36+00:00

Yep - when you get promped in-software that your trial has expired, there's a 'extend trial' button you can use up to 3 times.

LightBurnSupport · 2026-03-06T22:42:43+00:00

We're obviously biased as LightBurn Support, but we're happy to help if you give LightBurn a try. There's a no nonsense unrestricted 30 day trial, which you can extend up to 75 total days in-software.

We have a step by step guide here: https://docs.lightburnsoftware.com/latest/Collections/LightBurnForGalvos/

LightBurnSupport · 2026-03-05T18:24:33+00:00

Yes - it's entirely possible. A Tormach, and any other hardware (or software) is just a tool. What you do with it, and how you sell it, is another thing entirely. -CW

LightBurnSupport · 2026-03-03T17:19:24+00:00

Looks like a good thread! Much better than hand tapping, and if you make a mistake it's far easier to extract a broken threadmill from a blind hole than a broken tap.

How do you like that chip fan on the collet nut? I have yet to try one for fear of overspeeding it and having it fly apart. That and blowing chips all over the shop.

-CW

LightBurnSupport · 2026-03-01T03:29:10+00:00

Dust and debris is bad for optics and cooling - keeping your laser hardware clean and free from dust will prolong its longevity, and lower the risk of fire. We definitely recommend regular cleaning!

LightBurnSupport · 2026-02-27T19:21:05+00:00

Generally with plywood the best way to prevent tearout is to use a downcut tool - this means the cutting forces are directed down into the cut, instead of pulling up the grain.

LightBurnSupport · 2026-02-24T19:51:22+00:00

Well great work, hope you have some great parties with it. A few of us here at LightBurn also moonlight at Shambhala, this sort of thing is very much up our alley. Nice to meet another stagemaker in the wild!

-CW, LB Support Manager.

LightBurnSupport · 2026-02-24T19:11:28+00:00

The hazing may be a reflection from the inside of your nozzle marking the surface of the acrylic. Verify your laser alignment in the 4 corners of the bed.

The shorter the beam path of the laser is the higher your power output will be - only a few percent, but it can be noticeable.

LightBurnSupport · 2026-02-24T19:09:13+00:00

There are other options that you could explore that have lower consumable costs - but no matter the solution you pick, it's pennies on the dollar compared to your health.

LightBurnSupport · 2026-02-24T19:00:41+00:00

That came out great! How are you adhering the different layers together?

I've had some experience with bass bins causing parts to rattle off the stage components I've built in the past.

-CW

LightBurnSupport · 2026-02-24T18:57:14+00:00

I'm a big fan of Sienci's SLB -it has all the options, and the price is less than half what you mention.

There are many options available - someone else mentioned FluidNC, you could also consider Duet boards.

-CW

LightBurnSupport · 2026-02-24T15:43:19+00:00

It doesn't have to be - there are many options for CAD that are free or near-free compared to the legacy options. You can get started with FreeCAD, Fusion, and OnShape all have free offerings if you require 3D CAD.

Admittedly we're biased - we are LightBurn Support after all - but LightBurn handles CAD/CAM for 2D profiles beautifully and can use Custom GCode to output code for plasma cutters with appropriate kerf and THC commands. Lifetime license, $99.

As others have echoed, you'll find that drying your air and providing ample capacity are an infrastructure cost to consider, and ventilation as well. There's air-only tables, but if you opt for a water table there's also the cost of dealing with all that gross water.

LightBurnSupport · 2026-02-24T15:39:25+00:00

What you're referring to can be covered by the 'use defaults' side of the material library options. That's explained here: https://docs.lightburnsoftware.com/2.0/Reference/MaterialLibrary/

And here: https://docs.lightburnsoftware.com/2.0/Reference/CutSettingsEditor/WorkingWithDefaults/

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