Hi, I’m pretty new to laser engraving and only recently upgraded my machine to a somewhat larger CO2 laser rig, coming from a small diode laser machine.
Here are details of my current machine:
Machine: AlgoLaser DIT KIT MK2 10W
Controller: GRBL
LightBurn software: 1.7.08
Computer: Acer Laptop running on Windows 11
My issue is that when I start engraving, whether it is an image or text, the first few passes seem to overlap resulting to an incomplete or skewed result.
As you can see on the image, the bottom part is where this usually happens and the rest of the engraving is relatively fine. The engraving usually starts from the bottom left going right.
The problem you’re seeing is due to a loose setscrew somewhere in the Y axis drive train that allows the motor to turn without moving the laser head.
This guide is written for Sculpfun machines, but you’ll recognize most of the parts and going through the list will guide you to look at everything hiding those setscrews:
This test pattern helps identify mechanical problems:
Scale it to fit the platform and run it as fast as it will go in Line mode with optimizations turned off and power set to mark a sheet of cardboard. Any differences from the design will be informative; a photo will let us look over your shoulder.
Protip: Use cardboard / paper / whatever, rather than spendy stuff, until you’re certain you’ve found and fixed the problem.
