Ever since I tried my first "consumer" version of a laser etcher, I have had a vision that there is a whole world of new and exciting things that can be done in woodworking with a machine of this type while still relying on traditional methods and craftsmanship. I envisioned something easy to use, that didn't need to be assembled from parts and that was powerful and speedy enough to actually woodworking elements.
Well that day has finally arrived for me. My impatience in trying to learn "new electronics technology" has been a hinderance. I admire all those who have gone before me and taken the time to learn the older cumbersome systems and helped to modernize to where we are now and where we can get to in the future.
When Xtool contacted me to try out there latest laser machine, the P2 Laser Machine, I initially turned them down, then they contacted me again later (thankfully) and this time I took a serious look at the machine and decided that this machine appeared to be what I have been looking for for many years. An all in one machine with most of the built in features I wanted, that was fast, powerful and hopefully ... easy to use, but I would only know that by using it.
When the machine arrived, I was stunned how large the box was, but everything I needed was inside, already assembled and little to do to set it up. The first thing I did was read the install instructions, and you should too, incase there are any new improvements from the version I have (which often there are).
This machine uses a high intensity light source that needs to be water cooled, so first thing that needs to be done is to add distilled water and a portion of glycol (antifreeze) so that the water will not freeze if the unit is stored in below freezing location. All that is required here is to remove the screws that hold on the back top cover, only a few minutes work and it's done.
Next you need to remove any packing inside, which might include some metal "T" braces underneath the right and left side of the gantry, slide your hand under the gantry (gantry is that middle arm that moves front to back) and if you feel thumb nuts, those need to come off along with the braces. Now you can install all the slats and the machine should be ready to go, turn it on the the machine will "home" itself.
Next I downloaded and installed the XCS (Xtool Creative Space) software on to my computer and connected the computer to the P2 laser machine. The XCS is a form of graphics drawing and modifying program that also drives the P2 laser. With this program you can create or download plans of things you want to create on the P2 which in turn are downloaded onto the laser an etched, cut of burned as required.
There are other things in the XCS you need to identify for the P2, such as what kind of material you will be using, wood, leather, carboards, metal etc. You also need to tell the machine how thick the material is so that the machine can position the head of the laser the proper distance above the material to get the best results. You may also need to adjust the power and speed of the machine but you will learn more about that as you go.
One of the first things I wanted to try was making a "buttefly" or "bowtie" as some call it, a wooden insert that fits in a pocket often to fix a lose knot or knot hole, or to prevent the end of a board from cracking wider.
Making the template from 1/4" MDF is tedious and not very accurate, but in just a few minutes it's easy to cut out an accurate template from Acrylic (or plastic, or wood), that can be resized to fit your specific needs.
Here are a couple of my old plywood and MDF templales
Below are an example of the acrylic or plastic version, super accurate, and only takes a couple of minutes to make.
This video and article are NOT designed to train or educate you on how to use the machine, there are many people who are much better and more knowledgeable than me for that, my only purpose here is to help educate people like myself who are wondering about these new technologies and who they can fit into the world of woodworking.
But there tons more that I want to work on, like making door panels for cabinet doors, customized with images or even carved.
And even some signage, like one of my favorite quotes from the speech Jack Nicholson made in the movie "A Few Good Men" ...
In the coming months I too will be working woodworking projects, some new, using the laser machine, some old style woodworking projects by using the laser machine to enhance or modify them because I see many areas where new ideas can evolve and I'm anxious to see what other woodworkers can come up with too.
As I said in the video, my only goal was the wet the appetite for a few woodworkers, who like me, have an interest in amalgamating new technology with old to see what the next version of woodworkers can come up with
Copyright Colin Knecht