# DIY Diode Laser not working properly **URL:** \ **Category:** Community Laser Talk\ **Created:** [November 7, 2026, 7:21pm UTC](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/t/diy-diode-laser-not-working-properly/193804 "2026-11-07T19:21:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![DarioPat](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/user_avatar/forum.lightburnsoftware.com/dariopat/32/126610_2.png) [@DarioPat](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/u/DarioPat)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2026, 7:21pm UTC](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/t/diy-diode-laser-not-working-properly/193804/1 "2026-11-07T19:21:06Z")
Good evening everyone, my name is Dario and I’m from Italy, I’m using this post both as a greeting and an help request, for which I hope somebody can help me. My Dad and I built a DIY Diode Laser, putting together a Makerbase MKS DLC32 v2.1 and a diode laser by LaserTree (the 80-AA-PRO type). Once I discovered this software I immediately bought it, being it relatively easy for a noob like me. Since I started using it I have been having some problems with the X/Y motors and their drivers (the mb came with 3 TMC2209 already on it), which of course reflects on the print. As can be seen in the images attached, at relatively low speed (given the speed settings I have seen on the internet for these kind of lasers and machines) the motors seem to lose many steps. Question is: should I give up and print slower or there is something I can do to minimize these errors? Thanks to everyone who is willing to help me! Have a great night and greetings to all the users! [17940791674057011433117350340042|281x500](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/uploads/short-url/bPjzjEvaBPtC5JZzhQQhBa83Mff.jpeg) ![17940791849665405271225261605396](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/uploads/default/original/3X/a/6/a6247c97d56c960dcd29ce695c9a3322e9b997c2.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![MikeyH](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/m/43a26b/32.png) [@MikeyH](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/u/MikeyH)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2026, 7:55pm UTC](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/t/diy-diode-laser-not-working-properly/193804/2 "2026-11-07T19:55:53Z")
We are missing a lot of information, like is it a screw or belt drive. Skipping steps (“cogging”) can be due to 2 basic causes: [1] The belts are too tight, or [2] the stepper motor driver cannot supply enough current to the stepper motors. Less likely, but possible in your DIY, is that the acceleration value is too high and the motors do not have enough power move the trolley (Xaxis) and/or gantry (Yaxis) mass that fast. Welcome to the Forum and I hope I was able to get you started towards a solution. ---
**Author:** ![vincentw56](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/user_avatar/forum.lightburnsoftware.com/vincentw56/32/117465_2.png) [@vincentw56](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/u/vincentw56)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2026, 8:49pm UTC](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/t/diy-diode-laser-not-working-properly/193804/3 "2026-11-07T20:49:13Z")
I just had this happen to me. It was loose pully on the stepper motor. Try tightening the grub screws on the pully. ---
**Author:** ![MikeyH](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/m/43a26b/32.png) [@MikeyH](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/u/MikeyH)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2026, 9:26pm UTC](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/t/diy-diode-laser-not-working-properly/193804/4 "2026-11-07T21:26:28Z")
> [@vincentw56](#): > > Try tightening the grub screws on the pully. All of them, and couplings too. > [@But my set screw ( grub screw ) is tight!](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/t/but-my-set-screw-grub-screw-is-tight/187282): > > I often read that someone with a backlash problem says they tightened everything. When asked if they checked the set screws, they say, “yeah, those are tight too.” Sometimes they can feel tight when actually they are not. In the illustration below, the “B” image illustrates the proper position of the set screw in relation to the flat area on the shaft. Of course you cannot see this, so how are you supposed to know if yours is correct? If you try to tighten the screw in the “A” image, you will … ---
**Author:** ![DarioPat](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/user_avatar/forum.lightburnsoftware.com/dariopat/32/126610_2.png) [@DarioPat](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/u/DarioPat)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2026, 1:34pm UTC](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/t/diy-diode-laser-not-working-properly/193804/5 "2026-11-08T13:34:05Z")
Right, sorry about that. The machine is belt-driven, I experience the most cogging in the x axis, where the laser often has troubles maintaining a perpendicular line. Haven’t really checked the tightness of the belts, my dad took care of the hardware part on this machine, but if there is something specific you suggest I can start from, I’d be glad. If I remember correctly, the acceleration value on both the x and y axis is 500.000 mm/sec2. Should I lower it to 400.000? Or more? The stepper motor I’m using for the x axis is a NEMA17 Stepper Online 17he15, for the Y axis two NEMA 17 Redrex tech 42hd4043. Thanks for the help. ---
**Author:** ![DarioPat](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/user_avatar/forum.lightburnsoftware.com/dariopat/32/126610_2.png) [@DarioPat](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/u/DarioPat)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2026, 1:36pm UTC](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/t/diy-diode-laser-not-working-properly/193804/6 "2026-11-08T13:36:34Z")
Sorry but these terms are very specific to me, I believe you mean the tiny screw that can be found on the rotating part of the stepper motor, right? If you mean that, I already did. It was one of the first things that came to my mind. But as Mike mentioned it may be a false perception, so I’m going to check again, as to avoid any doubt. Thanks again. ---
**Author:** ![vincentw56](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/user_avatar/forum.lightburnsoftware.com/vincentw56/32/117465_2.png) [@vincentw56](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/u/vincentw56)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2026, 5:44pm UTC](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/t/diy-diode-laser-not-working-properly/193804/7 "2026-11-08T17:44:47Z")
Yes, those are grub screws. Make sure the screws land on the flat part of the stepper motor shaft. If it is on the curved part, it could still slip. ---
**Author:** ![DarioPat](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/user_avatar/forum.lightburnsoftware.com/dariopat/32/126610_2.png) [@DarioPat](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/u/DarioPat)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2026, 6:31pm UTC](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/t/diy-diode-laser-not-working-properly/193804/8 "2026-11-08T18:31:20Z")
Okay, just checked since I’m in my lab. I don’t know if it’s standard for every stepper motor, but in mine I have two sets of grub screws, one which goes to the curved part, and the other to the flat part. They are both tightened correctly ---
**Author:** ![vincentw56](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/user_avatar/forum.lightburnsoftware.com/vincentw56/32/117465_2.png) [@vincentw56](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/u/vincentw56)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2026, 6:49pm UTC](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/t/diy-diode-laser-not-working-properly/193804/9 "2026-11-08T18:49:32Z")
What are your speeds? Try this: Engrave a simple pattern: - A 20 mm square - A 20 mm circle - The letter “E” about 50 mm At **1000 mm/min and 20% power and fill mode**. If the ghosting is: - Horizontal only → likely X-axis issue - Vertical only → likely Y-axis issue - Around all edges → vibration, loose head, or frame issue Post the picture after. ---
**Author:** ![DarioPat](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/user_avatar/forum.lightburnsoftware.com/dariopat/32/126610_2.png) [@DarioPat](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/u/DarioPat)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2026, 7:13pm UTC](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/t/diy-diode-laser-not-working-properly/193804/10 "2026-11-08T19:13:19Z")
X axis acceleration: 400.000mm/sec2 (factory setting was set at 500.000mm/sec2 both for the X and Y axis) Y axis acceleration: 400.000mm/sec2 X axis maximum rate: 5000.000mm/min Y axis maximum rate: 6000.000mm/min The Laser is currently out of use because the plug coming from the psu melted, another little problem I had yesterday… I believe the problem there was that the cable was too small to provide enough current, so I switched cable for a bigger one and soldered it to the mb directly, bypassing the plug. I’m also printing an enclosure for a little switch which will be mounted on the side of the mb. Tomorrow everything will be ready, but I can already tell you that I obtain fairly good results with about 1200mm/min speed and 37,5% power when engraving. Thanks again! ---
**Author:** ![DarioPat](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/user_avatar/forum.lightburnsoftware.com/dariopat/32/126610_2.png) [@DarioPat](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/u/DarioPat)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2026, 7:19pm UTC](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/t/diy-diode-laser-not-working-properly/193804/11 "2026-11-09T19:19:01Z")
Hi all! Got the results of the little test @vincentw56 made me do. As can be seen in the attached photo, there is something wrong with the X axis, I believe. Maybe I engraved the wrong letter, but still if you zoom in there are some imperfections. ![WhatsApp Image 2026-11-09 at 20.15.07](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/uploads/default/original/3X/6/7/67c5b9853ba2a2b1268e9d04d9e2880559d388ea.jpeg) . Hope you can help me find a solution! Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![vincentw56](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/user_avatar/forum.lightburnsoftware.com/vincentw56/32/117465_2.png) [@vincentw56](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/u/vincentw56)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2026, 10:05pm UTC](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/t/diy-diode-laser-not-working-properly/193804/12 "2026-11-09T22:05:51Z")
That looks very minor. What happens when you run it again at the higher speeds you used before? Here are some suggestions: 1.Loose belt (most common) A belt can stretch slightly or a tensioner can loosen without being obvious. Check: - X-axis belt tension - Y-axis belt tension - Belt teeth for damage - Belt anchors where they clamp to the carriage A loose belt often creates a “double image” or shadow offset in one direction. ### 2. Loose pulley/grub screw The pulley on the stepper motor shaft may have partially loosened. Check: - Motor pulley set screws - One screw should typically be tightened against the flat spot on the motor shaft - Try holding the pulley and gently twisting the belt to see if there is any play This can suddenly appear and is a very common cause of ghosting. ### 3. V-wheel or roller play If the laser head can wiggle, you’ll get a shadow effect. With power off: - Grab the laser module. - Try moving it side-to-side independently of the gantry. - Check for loose eccentric nuts and worn wheels. ### 4. Mechanical vibration A new vibration source can cause ringing/ghosting. Check: - Laser module mounting screws - Frame screws - Extension kit joints - Work table stability ---
**Author:** ![MikeyH](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/m/43a26b/32.png) [@MikeyH](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/u/MikeyH)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2026, 3:03pm UTC](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/t/diy-diode-laser-not-working-properly/193804/13 "2026-11-10T15:03:22Z")
My vote is on backlash, item #2. ![Check Set Screws](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/uploads/default/original/3X/d/6/d67ee7344c160ea5c9437aa1cf3856a3b24b5811.jpeg) > [@But my set screw ( grub screw ) is tight!](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/t/but-my-set-screw-grub-screw-is-tight/187282): > > I often read that someone with a backlash problem says they tightened everything. When asked if they checked the set screws, they say, “yeah, those are tight too.” Sometimes they can feel tight when actually they are not. In the illustration below, the “B” image illustrates the proper position of the set screw in relation to the flat area on the shaft. Of course you cannot see this, so how are you supposed to know if yours is correct? If you try to tighten the screw in the “A” image, you will … ---
**Author:** ![DarioPat](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/user_avatar/forum.lightburnsoftware.com/dariopat/32/126610_2.png) [@DarioPat](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/u/DarioPat)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2026, 3:27pm UTC](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/t/diy-diode-laser-not-working-properly/193804/14 "2026-11-10T15:27:12Z")
Thanks for the suggestions. Yesterday I tightened the x axis belt; I have no model reference for such a procedure, so I tightened it the most I could and I’m now trying to engrave again the same test as before. I will post the picture after. If the results show the same errors as before, I’ll thoroughly check every single screw on the X axis motor, as I believe the Y axis does not show any defects. ---
**Author:** ![DarioPat](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/user_avatar/forum.lightburnsoftware.com/dariopat/32/126610_2.png) [@DarioPat](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/u/DarioPat)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2026, 3:33pm UTC](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/t/diy-diode-laser-not-working-properly/193804/15 "2026-11-10T15:33:08Z")
Adding a little information to the previous message: Other than tightening the belt, I also found out that the laser module wiggled a little bit if shaken, which at high speed may result in the errors shown in the previous photos. These are the adjustments I made as of now, I will post the photo of the results asap. Thanks!