The market for laser engravers has also developed a lot in recent years. One sign of this is that you can now buy quite good ones in the hobby category. But just how good is good really is the question I’m trying to answer with the Makibes X1 beginner’s solution. I’d happily spend over $1000 on a laser engraver, but trying to make it work for my own purposes and still have it work in terms of quality has been a real challenge for a long time. That’s why today I’m telling you about my first laser engraver.
Disclaimer: This unit was sent for testing by Geekbuyer. If you like my description and are interested in the best deals then use my link to the Geekbuyer site:
Coupon code available at time of writing for additional discount: MAKIBESX1
On receipt, it immediately becomes clear that we have to put it together, but fortunately it won’t be that much work. When unpacking it, it’s a good idea to start on a big table, see what you want and where you want it, and then you can create it on the same table:
Interestingly, there are some bugs in the description and in the package. For example, the description is poor, incomplete and some of it is so tiny and therefore unreadable. But with a little tinkering it can be solved. The screws in the package are packed separately which is great to follow the steps, only the numbers sometimes get lost…
That number 4 wanted to be a two, but he pushed himself backwards in lack of confidence at the end of the printing process… 🙂
Suggestions for assembly that would have been better read in the original annex:
- the small opening on the legs is for the straps, it will soon become clear, but I thought I’d write it down
- threading this through the rollers is a pain, but can be done with some patience
- the attachment on the bottom of the laser module is magnetic, don’t look for the screw
- no information for cables, but the size of the connectors tells you everything immediately
Even with full layman’s power, it was done in 20 minutes, 1/3 of which was spent routing the straps on both sides.
Before first use, a short manual adjustment will be required, place the supplied test sheet on the table and adjust the laser head to a height where they just touch. Tighten the mounting screw and you’re ready to go.
A few technical details that are good to know:
- 400 x 400mm useful area
- Electric Power: 50W
- Laser power: 5.5W
- Wavelength: 455±5nm
- Shield: yes, magnetic
- Laser beam spot size: 0,07×0,08mm
IMPORTANT: Don’t have your precious dining table under the trial sheet, in case you get a bit further and start cutting into it.
IMPORTANT 2: Test it in a place where there is ventilation, because we burn and it will smoke and smell. I also keep a small fire extinguisher nearby…don’t leave it to chance!
The Makibes X1 supports LaserGRBL and LightBurn software, the former free but with limited features, the latter offering only a one-month free trial, but later with subscription fees, but basically you can do almost anything with it.
Before you start engraving, you need to set two things: speed and power.
Speed can be faster at lower power for less “deep” engraving, or faster at higher power for more detailed results. This is worth trying out with a test card on the material.
Ok, we’d like to try it now, but what are some of the things you can do with the Makibes X1 laser engraver? With its 5.5W maximum power, the 450nm laser module equipped is good for wood, medium density fibreboard, leather and 304 stainless steel. It can also engrave white ceramics or clear plastic, but it must be painted black and the paint must be washed off after engraving. Here is an example of a “detail” test piece:
But what if you want to make beautiful cuts and even decorative or playful results? The Makibes X1 is capable of cutting through 3-5mm wood in its basic state and for the money you shouldn’t be surprised. However, at this price it is a great starter option as a hobby business or for making toys and decorative items for your own use.
So far so good, but what makes it so cheap? Let’s start with the obvious,
- Need to assemble it from scratch
- “Only” a 5.5W laser module
- There are no end sensors, so you need to be careful when setting up the corners
- Manually adjust the height of the laser module if we change the base material.
My opinion: For me, as a beginner laser engraver, it’s absolutely perfect. It has to be mentioned that there are some obvious shortcomings, but these can be overcome and some can be solved with a 3d printer.
If you like my description and are interested in the best deals then use my link to the Geekbuyer site:
