Need laser opinion, but not recommendation

LightBurn Hardware Compatibility GRBL
1

I know recommendations are not popular, but how about an opinion about a specific machine?

It is great is not what I am seeking. I want to know how much hassle there is setting it up.

  1. How plug-n-Burn is this machine? Does a “vendor setup file” have to be installed to make it run?
  2. Can all the GRBL $$ codes be updated using the LB console?
  3. Is a chuck rotary compatible with this laser? I wish to use the chuck type insead of the Sculpfun roller unit.
  4. Are there any known issues with using LB to control this laser?

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

2

Can’t speak to the build quality as I don’t have the machine but no specific vendor file is required for setup.

There are no restrictions for this on this model as far as I’m aware. Early sculpfun models restricted changes.

I’m not directly familiar but don’t see what would restrict this.

The one thing I’ve seen about these is that for some reason there tend to be a lot of bad firmware flashes or possibly just bad QC on either controller construction or possibly firmware management. From what I’ve seen a reflash will generally address the issue but I’ve seen more than one occurrence where a replacement controller was required. To their credit, it seems that replacements from Sculpfun are readily processed.

3

This is the kind of info I was looking for. With a separate laser, I convert my setup from either-CNC-or-laser to which one.

Thanks!

4

Now I am really hobby poor. I bought the Sculpfun S30 Pro and the xTool RA2 rotary chuck. Have not burned anything yet, but did activate it with Lightburn, because I need to totally revamp the cart I was using for the old machine. The first setup is always a prototype anyhow, right?

5

My notes on that (I’m known as a Sculpfun guy, so I’m biased :wink: )

  • Those machines are more or less plug-and-burn, but the mechanics is rather simple, so you need to do some tuning to get good results. It makes sense to check all screws and make sure everything is square. In my opinion, the simple mechanics is also a big plus because you can easily exchange parts and get everything from standard 3D printing equipment. Guide: Guide to mechanical adjustments and maintenance
  • Yes, the firmware is quite standard and open source. You can change it as you like and even put other firmwares like FluidNC onto it. Works fine. Guide: Firmware Update & Settings - Diode Laser Wiki
  • All rotaries are compatible with all lasers. So it will work fine. You need to to some adjustments like checking cables, but that’s all. Guide: Rotary roller - Diode Laser Wiki
  • The lasers are standard grbl machines and therefore there is no problem controlling them with LightBurn. Though, as already stated above, some users have problems with the factory firmware, though this has been reduced from batch to batch (but still happens regularly). Guide: Setting up the software - Diode Laser Wiki

I really like the machines and especially the great user support, they exchange nearly instantly every broken part. Finally, some overview of this series: Sculpfun S30 Series - Diode Laser Wiki

6

Thanks for the additional info on this machine. I am not expecting much grief but will save your links just in case.

What really surprised me was the quality of the manufacturing and packaging. Everything went together easily and was well marked. The rails were anodized, even in the threaded holes. Cables had shrink markers on both ends. Definately much better than what I am accustomed to seeing from China.

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