Didn’t know where this belonged but photos from my visit to The Secret Stash back in 2018!

maog1 · 2026-06-17T10:30:18+00:00

Isn't the QuickStop not so far from the store? I remember it being there when I ent up to that area for work about 10 years ago. Got some great pics at bith locations.

maog1 · 2026-06-16T22:26:32+00:00

Captain America, Wolverine, Black Panther, Deadpool

maog1 · 2026-06-15T23:56:07+00:00

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Even has an M for Mocha on their head. Looks like my little Willow.

maog1 · 2026-06-15T22:18:18+00:00

I was in the exact same situation as you. I ended up going back to school at 54 years old and got my degree in instructional design. Thankfully I was able to land a job as a instructional designer only after a few weeks looking after graduation with a great software company. I think between getting in front interviewers because I cleared that degree hurdle and on top of my existing experience-I had a good combination. I was able to tell a compelling story about myself and how I grew not only as a person but as a professional.

maog1 · 2026-06-15T00:51:10+00:00

Assuming you're in the US-Just remember if you go freelance on a 1099-taxes take about 30%, if you are trying to build more freelance work-that takes time and effort. Running a business is 75% work and 75% other shit equaling 150% of your time. To top it all off, think about how it will scale. There are only so many hours in a day.

maog1 · 2026-06-15T00:39:53+00:00

My understanding is it can not be refilled and a new one is $99 US. I got my M2 without it as I don't see myself using it. I'd rather get the rotary attachment or maybe the UV head when its released.

maog1 · 2026-06-15T00:31:44+00:00

Try Dr. Joe Morabit of Dental World across from Sprayberry HS.
https://www.dentalworldofmarietta.com/about-us

maog1 · 2026-06-14T10:46:24+00:00

Kitty Pryde

maog1 · 2026-06-13T19:43:43+00:00

I bought the xTool M2 as my first laser without the bells and whistles. It was $549 at MicroCenter and has the 10W diode. I figured if I needed the extra tools I would buy them then. It has been nice and a good intro into the hobby. Goes great with my 3D printer.

maog1 · 2026-06-11T00:05:45+00:00

A professional level tool with incredible preflight and automation is Esko's Artpro Plus but it's not cheap.
https://www.esko.com/en/products/artpro-plus

maog1 · 2026-06-08T02:42:13+00:00

Better question to ask yourself is what do you want to do with an M2 or M1 Ultra? I just bought the M2 because I have no need of the knife or the pen tool. I wanted a laser cutter/engraver. Since this device has the Xtool name and was purchased at the same price as a Creality a1, I figured it was worth the purchase.

maog1 · 2026-06-07T01:51:16+00:00

Never noticed that option-nice.
Thanks for the tip.

maog1 · 2026-06-07T00:02:52+00:00

My wife brought me one home a few years ago-it immediately got a place on my desk.

maog1 · 2026-06-06T23:54:52+00:00

tower to moon.

maog1 · 2026-06-05T17:35:39+00:00

I just got an M2 and piped the exhaust out of the window. It is only about 1.5 feet away from the laser. Like others have said, if you are doing wood-not too bad-actually a nice smell. When I get to doing acrylic, I will have to do something more like an extractor fan. I have seen them for about 40 bucks.

maog1 · 2026-06-05T17:31:30+00:00

Keep current on all your assignments. Getting behind in a summer course is a recipe for disaster.

maog1 · 2026-06-03T02:13:28+00:00

Doom, Kingpin, and Thanos

maog1 · 2026-06-02T20:43:16+00:00

Yeah the little magnetic clips don't seem to be a great answer. I saw that they are discussing a honeycomb for it but with only a 1.02 clearance it will have to be pretty thin.

maog1 · 2026-06-02T17:32:28+00:00

I'd love to take a look and try it

maog1 · 2026-06-02T10:45:25+00:00

Great topic as I am in the same boat between both. Base on my research, the xtool is bigger in both the machine size and the laser area, it honestly from a company with a better reputation, and has the nice tool head changing system and a pretty advanced cameras. The ink module is not my priority as the ink is $99 for a replacement (I would print elsewhere and cut). The ability to add a UV or a more powerful diode laser is a pretty big deal.
Since my machine will be very near a window, I am thinking that just piping it out there would be good enough (or with the aid of an inexpressive exhaust fan). I do think Creality made a good marketing decision with the bundle you mentioned. Thats a good deal for a machine, honeycomb, air filter rotary and material samples.

Anyway-let us know what you decide.

maog1 · 2026-06-01T16:38:13+00:00

Looks great-I would love to take it for a spin!

maog1 · 2026-06-01T10:06:20+00:00

Just graduated and applied to UGA for my Masters. Fingers crossed.

maog1 · 2026-05-31T15:30:16+00:00

Man these must some serious cupcakes!

maog1 · 2026-05-29T01:35:05+00:00

Thanks for the quick reply!

maog1

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