Chuck

Just a quick note from admin...
 
What Mr Frisoli did was grounds for being banned from this site.  You cant pretend to be someone else and play games like that on this forum.   So a quick warning to Tom....dont  get cute.   He knew what he was doing.   I personally think the laser cutter is well overpriced for what it is.  You can alter  it and work for days adding new parts like Mark did on any Chinese machine bought on Ebay for $750.   When you spend $2000 for one that performs the same way and needs just as much attention there is definitely an issue.  But I will give you the benefit of the doubt so you can try and help these good folks who read on your site that they just needed to "plug it in and start cutting".  
 
That is clearly not the case....and it still says this on your site.  I find that very misleading since you just admitted as much and so did old Mama bear 
 
"But, as with using any delicate instrument, and as Mr. Taylor pointed out, a bit of technical savvy goes a long way toward achieving early success.
 
Now . . . I'll kid you not. To develop use of the machine to its full potential, you're going to have to spend some time with it, and learn the various techniques and tips and tricks"
 
Tom, if you are serious about being fair and straight with your customers,  I would expect you state the same on your website and in your catalog.  But I am not holding my breath.  So please be respectful to our members unlike Mr Frisoli.  I own a much better machine which actually did work straight out of the box with no replacement parts and in one hour I was cutting parts.....and I will recommend to all folks that they should consider another machine.  It might cost you more but they are proven machines....also wait for more reviews of this MicroMark Laser knife machine and tales of success or hardship before you dive in.  The research is key here.
 
Chuck
MSW Papa bear

Yes I agree with that...Half of its original width at the butt end.  If it was thinner it would defeat the purpose of doing it that way.   
 
Primary sources are key including contemporary models.
 
Its like the outboard planking around the ports...
 
You rarely see it illustrated and talked about in books like Robert's or Mondfeld.   But the methods are shown on contemporary drafts and texts and building contracts....
 
Like this detail outboard of the planking on top of and below the ports...you will never find it in Monfeld  If you want raise the level of accuracy always try and get your hands on some primary sources.
 

Just a quick note from admin...
 
What Mr Frisoli did was grounds for being banned from this site.  You cant pretend to be someone else and play games like that on this forum.   So a quick warning to Tom....dont  get cute.   He knew what he was doing.   I personally think the laser cutter is well overpriced for what it is.  You can alter  it and work for days adding new parts like Mark did on any Chinese machine bought on Ebay for $750.   When you spend $2000 for one that performs the same way and needs just as much attention there is definitely an issue.  But I will give you the benefit of the doubt so you can try and help these good folks who read on your site that they just needed to "plug it in and start cutting".  
 
That is clearly not the case....and it still says this on your site.  I find that very misleading since you just admitted as much and so did old Mama bear 
 
"But, as with using any delicate instrument, and as Mr. Taylor pointed out, a bit of technical savvy goes a long way toward achieving early success.
 
Now . . . I'll kid you not. To develop use of the machine to its full potential, you're going to have to spend some time with it, and learn the various techniques and tips and tricks"
 
Tom, if you are serious about being fair and straight with your customers,  I would expect you state the same on your website and in your catalog.  But I am not holding my breath.  So please be respectful to our members unlike Mr Frisoli.  I own a much better machine which actually did work straight out of the box with no replacement parts and in one hour I was cutting parts.....and I will recommend to all folks that they should consider another machine.  It might cost you more but they are proven machines....also wait for more reviews of this MicroMark Laser knife machine and tales of success or hardship before you dive in.  The research is key here.
 
Chuck
MSW Papa bear

Just a quick note from admin...
 
What Mr Frisoli did was grounds for being banned from this site.  You cant pretend to be someone else and play games like that on this forum.   So a quick warning to Tom....dont  get cute.   He knew what he was doing.   I personally think the laser cutter is well overpriced for what it is.  You can alter  it and work for days adding new parts like Mark did on any Chinese machine bought on Ebay for $750.   When you spend $2000 for one that performs the same way and needs just as much attention there is definitely an issue.  But I will give you the benefit of the doubt so you can try and help these good folks who read on your site that they just needed to "plug it in and start cutting".  
 
That is clearly not the case....and it still says this on your site.  I find that very misleading since you just admitted as much and so did old Mama bear 
 
"But, as with using any delicate instrument, and as Mr. Taylor pointed out, a bit of technical savvy goes a long way toward achieving early success.
 
Now . . . I'll kid you not. To develop use of the machine to its full potential, you're going to have to spend some time with it, and learn the various techniques and tips and tricks"
 
Tom, if you are serious about being fair and straight with your customers,  I would expect you state the same on your website and in your catalog.  But I am not holding my breath.  So please be respectful to our members unlike Mr Frisoli.  I own a much better machine which actually did work straight out of the box with no replacement parts and in one hour I was cutting parts.....and I will recommend to all folks that they should consider another machine.  It might cost you more but they are proven machines....also wait for more reviews of this MicroMark Laser knife machine and tales of success or hardship before you dive in.  The research is key here.
 
Chuck
MSW Papa bear

Just a quick note from admin...
 
What Mr Frisoli did was grounds for being banned from this site.  You cant pretend to be someone else and play games like that on this forum.   So a quick warning to Tom....dont  get cute.   He knew what he was doing.   I personally think the laser cutter is well overpriced for what it is.  You can alter  it and work for days adding new parts like Mark did on any Chinese machine bought on Ebay for $750.   When you spend $2000 for one that performs the same way and needs just as much attention there is definitely an issue.  But I will give you the benefit of the doubt so you can try and help these good folks who read on your site that they just needed to "plug it in and start cutting".  
 
That is clearly not the case....and it still says this on your site.  I find that very misleading since you just admitted as much and so did old Mama bear 
 
"But, as with using any delicate instrument, and as Mr. Taylor pointed out, a bit of technical savvy goes a long way toward achieving early success.
 
Now . . . I'll kid you not. To develop use of the machine to its full potential, you're going to have to spend some time with it, and learn the various techniques and tips and tricks"
 
Tom, if you are serious about being fair and straight with your customers,  I would expect you state the same on your website and in your catalog.  But I am not holding my breath.  So please be respectful to our members unlike Mr Frisoli.  I own a much better machine which actually did work straight out of the box with no replacement parts and in one hour I was cutting parts.....and I will recommend to all folks that they should consider another machine.  It might cost you more but they are proven machines....also wait for more reviews of this MicroMark Laser knife machine and tales of success or hardship before you dive in.  The research is key here.
 
Chuck
MSW Papa bear

Just a quick note from admin...
 
What Mr Frisoli did was grounds for being banned from this site.  You cant pretend to be someone else and play games like that on this forum.   So a quick warning to Tom....dont  get cute.   He knew what he was doing.   I personally think the laser cutter is well overpriced for what it is.  You can alter  it and work for days adding new parts like Mark did on any Chinese machine bought on Ebay for $750.   When you spend $2000 for one that performs the same way and needs just as much attention there is definitely an issue.  But I will give you the benefit of the doubt so you can try and help these good folks who read on your site that they just needed to "plug it in and start cutting".  
 
That is clearly not the case....and it still says this on your site.  I find that very misleading since you just admitted as much and so did old Mama bear 
 
"But, as with using any delicate instrument, and as Mr. Taylor pointed out, a bit of technical savvy goes a long way toward achieving early success.
 
Now . . . I'll kid you not. To develop use of the machine to its full potential, you're going to have to spend some time with it, and learn the various techniques and tips and tricks"
 
Tom, if you are serious about being fair and straight with your customers,  I would expect you state the same on your website and in your catalog.  But I am not holding my breath.  So please be respectful to our members unlike Mr Frisoli.  I own a much better machine which actually did work straight out of the box with no replacement parts and in one hour I was cutting parts.....and I will recommend to all folks that they should consider another machine.  It might cost you more but they are proven machines....also wait for more reviews of this MicroMark Laser knife machine and tales of success or hardship before you dive in.  The research is key here.
 
Chuck
MSW Papa bear

George you are kind of correct...
 
 
The Frisoli's  actually own MicroMark.  John is the president and owner.  So he isnt exactly being fair and truthful....Yes he does own a MicroMark Laser Cutter  .....or you might say he owns them all   ,  until they sell one of those inferior machines to someone else.  He just left that part out of the post.....
 
Link below.
 
https://www.linkedin.com/pub/john-frisoli/35/a7/8a1
 
Chuck

Just a quick note from admin...
 
What Mr Frisoli did was grounds for being banned from this site.  You cant pretend to be someone else and play games like that on this forum.   So a quick warning to Tom....dont  get cute.   He knew what he was doing.   I personally think the laser cutter is well overpriced for what it is.  You can alter  it and work for days adding new parts like Mark did on any Chinese machine bought on Ebay for $750.   When you spend $2000 for one that performs the same way and needs just as much attention there is definitely an issue.  But I will give you the benefit of the doubt so you can try and help these good folks who read on your site that they just needed to "plug it in and start cutting".  
 
That is clearly not the case....and it still says this on your site.  I find that very misleading since you just admitted as much and so did old Mama bear 
 
"But, as with using any delicate instrument, and as Mr. Taylor pointed out, a bit of technical savvy goes a long way toward achieving early success.
 
Now . . . I'll kid you not. To develop use of the machine to its full potential, you're going to have to spend some time with it, and learn the various techniques and tips and tricks"
 
Tom, if you are serious about being fair and straight with your customers,  I would expect you state the same on your website and in your catalog.  But I am not holding my breath.  So please be respectful to our members unlike Mr Frisoli.  I own a much better machine which actually did work straight out of the box with no replacement parts and in one hour I was cutting parts.....and I will recommend to all folks that they should consider another machine.  It might cost you more but they are proven machines....also wait for more reviews of this MicroMark Laser knife machine and tales of success or hardship before you dive in.  The research is key here.
 
Chuck
MSW Papa bear

Just a quick note from admin...
 
What Mr Frisoli did was grounds for being banned from this site.  You cant pretend to be someone else and play games like that on this forum.   So a quick warning to Tom....dont  get cute.   He knew what he was doing.   I personally think the laser cutter is well overpriced for what it is.  You can alter  it and work for days adding new parts like Mark did on any Chinese machine bought on Ebay for $750.   When you spend $2000 for one that performs the same way and needs just as much attention there is definitely an issue.  But I will give you the benefit of the doubt so you can try and help these good folks who read on your site that they just needed to "plug it in and start cutting".  
 
That is clearly not the case....and it still says this on your site.  I find that very misleading since you just admitted as much and so did old Mama bear 
 
"But, as with using any delicate instrument, and as Mr. Taylor pointed out, a bit of technical savvy goes a long way toward achieving early success.
 
Now . . . I'll kid you not. To develop use of the machine to its full potential, you're going to have to spend some time with it, and learn the various techniques and tips and tricks"
 
Tom, if you are serious about being fair and straight with your customers,  I would expect you state the same on your website and in your catalog.  But I am not holding my breath.  So please be respectful to our members unlike Mr Frisoli.  I own a much better machine which actually did work straight out of the box with no replacement parts and in one hour I was cutting parts.....and I will recommend to all folks that they should consider another machine.  It might cost you more but they are proven machines....also wait for more reviews of this MicroMark Laser knife machine and tales of success or hardship before you dive in.  The research is key here.
 
Chuck
MSW Papa bear

Just a quick note from admin...
 
What Mr Frisoli did was grounds for being banned from this site.  You cant pretend to be someone else and play games like that on this forum.   So a quick warning to Tom....dont  get cute.   He knew what he was doing.   I personally think the laser cutter is well overpriced for what it is.  You can alter  it and work for days adding new parts like Mark did on any Chinese machine bought on Ebay for $750.   When you spend $2000 for one that performs the same way and needs just as much attention there is definitely an issue.  But I will give you the benefit of the doubt so you can try and help these good folks who read on your site that they just needed to "plug it in and start cutting".  
 
That is clearly not the case....and it still says this on your site.  I find that very misleading since you just admitted as much and so did old Mama bear 
 
"But, as with using any delicate instrument, and as Mr. Taylor pointed out, a bit of technical savvy goes a long way toward achieving early success.
 
Now . . . I'll kid you not. To develop use of the machine to its full potential, you're going to have to spend some time with it, and learn the various techniques and tips and tricks"
 
Tom, if you are serious about being fair and straight with your customers,  I would expect you state the same on your website and in your catalog.  But I am not holding my breath.  So please be respectful to our members unlike Mr Frisoli.  I own a much better machine which actually did work straight out of the box with no replacement parts and in one hour I was cutting parts.....and I will recommend to all folks that they should consider another machine.  It might cost you more but they are proven machines....also wait for more reviews of this MicroMark Laser knife machine and tales of success or hardship before you dive in.  The research is key here.
 
Chuck
MSW Papa bear

Transom fixed and making progress! On to the side planking ...

(And yes, that's Chuck's Serv-o-Matic in the background, sanded and ready to polycoat.)

Very nice work...its looking great.  

George you are kind of correct...
 
 
The Frisoli's  actually own MicroMark.  John is the president and owner.  So he isnt exactly being fair and truthful....Yes he does own a MicroMark Laser Cutter  .....or you might say he owns them all   ,  until they sell one of those inferior machines to someone else.  He just left that part out of the post.....
 
Link below.
 
https://www.linkedin.com/pub/john-frisoli/35/a7/8a1
 
Chuck

My boat isn't perfect by any means, but I do feel good about a lot of things I've learned with this build. I'll probably give it another coat of red paint, it's slowly coming along.

George you are kind of correct...
 
 
The Frisoli's  actually own MicroMark.  John is the president and owner.  So he isnt exactly being fair and truthful....Yes he does own a MicroMark Laser Cutter  .....or you might say he owns them all   ,  until they sell one of those inferior machines to someone else.  He just left that part out of the post.....
 
Link below.
 
https://www.linkedin.com/pub/john-frisoli/35/a7/8a1
 
Chuck

George you are kind of correct...
 
 
The Frisoli's  actually own MicroMark.  John is the president and owner.  So he isnt exactly being fair and truthful....Yes he does own a MicroMark Laser Cutter  .....or you might say he owns them all   ,  until they sell one of those inferior machines to someone else.  He just left that part out of the post.....
 
Link below.
 
https://www.linkedin.com/pub/john-frisoli/35/a7/8a1
 
Chuck

Final Adjustments and Conclusions 
 
This should be my final review post on this cutter.   There's two images attached showing the progression of things.   This is with Euro Boxwood and these are either tiny, or detailed and are items that I couldn't cut out of a sheet of with a scroll saw to save my soul.  Euro box is even harder and a bit oilier than Castello.   By the way, just an observation, Euro does char but it's more like a glaze than a soft ash from Castello. 
 
I realize I'm pushing this thing to it's limit and while there might be some more in it, I need to get back to my build.  For the record, I'm keeping this machine.  It will meet my needs and there are upgrade parts out there much like any complex tool to increase versatility. 
 
I replaced the lens with a high-quality lens from the Internet and also the lens holder (about $100 total and some choice language during the swap which required some serious fiddling).  There was some slop in the factory lens tube which I thought might be creating some issues.  I had to adjust for this and it took some time to sort out.  But the kerf is now down to 0.02 inches or less after comparing cuts with the factory lens and new lens.  They're straighter and almost no taper and will probably get better as I fine adjust the speed and power settings.  Yeah... I just blew the warranty. 
 
I realize that the photos may not show a big difference but when I stick them under magnification for carving, the differences become obvious to me.
 
The first photo is the nameplate.   Tiny, not very complex but the lettering is the important part.  These will be bas-relief carved.  The final one is the bottom.  I could do some better spacing on the lettering but I can live with it.  The kerf is narrower and while I had the power setting a tad too high, I like the less charring I'm seeing on the cut.

 
The second is the Arms of France for the stern (again bas-relief carving needed) and are approximately 3 inches wide.  Again, Euro box and it's probably the most complex piece I'll ever have to cut.  I'm happiest with the bottom one which is what I cut tonight.  The kerf was straight, less charring.  A bit more definition to the relief lines to guide the carving.

 
My thoughts are that if I can do these detailed cuts, I can do the bigger stuff like framing futtocks without a hitch.  I do need to adjust my drawings for the kerf but again that's learning.  Also the different woods we use... ebony is a no go.. it turns to charcoal at the drop of a hat.  Holly... I tried some 1/32" and it flamed even at low power that didn't completely cut through the wood.  Cherry, pear, Swiss pear, and Castello seem to work best. I've not tried basswood as I don't use it except for prototyping or making jigs.
 
I realize I've got the first version and I see on the website that they're making updates as they go. I do hope there's some focus on the quality control at the Chinese end, but I guess I'm jaded and have come to expect that any tech I get from China is iffy at best quality control wise.  I also realize there's a pretty steep learning curve with any new tech. 
 
I guess one more consideration... I'm working at 1:64 which allows (or demands) thinner wood and smaller parts than 1:48.  I realize that 3/16" thick hardwood is pushing the limit.  1/4" is, without upping the laser tube power, really pushing it and it may not give the results one wants as it takes two passes and the kerf is a V-shape because of it.  At this point, from 1/32" up to 3/16" I'm now cutting all pieces with a single pass and not pushing the power limit which will help with tube life.  When the tube dies, I'll probably replace it with a more powerful tube and a case extender and I'll still be under the cost of the next higher price machine.  I've double and triple checked the specs and the power supply should handle it nicely.
 
Last observation.. I don't think it has the workspace for many of the 1:48 scale pieces, notably in the stem, keel, and keelson areas as they are quite a bit larger than the same pieces at 1:64.
 
I won't say "buy it" and I won't say, "don't buy it".  I've got almost a month at 6-8 hours a day learning, working and tweaking at this point.  It will require perhaps more time and effort than you're willing to put into it or maybe you like challenges.  I guess I do, otherwise I wouldn't be trying to scratchbuild a relatively unknown frigate.  Shipbuilding is a rather unique hobby as we do go outside the normal of things.
 
Thanks for joining me on this voyage of sometimes frustrating and sometimes rewarding exploration.  Let's go build some ships now, shall we?

George you are kind of correct...
 
 
The Frisoli's  actually own MicroMark.  John is the president and owner.  So he isnt exactly being fair and truthful....Yes he does own a MicroMark Laser Cutter  .....or you might say he owns them all   ,  until they sell one of those inferior machines to someone else.  He just left that part out of the post.....
 
Link below.
 
https://www.linkedin.com/pub/john-frisoli/35/a7/8a1
 
Chuck

I think I owe a response... however, taking the criticism at face value in spite of the obvious troll, I'll shoot for the high road.
 
a) I did not view the videos at the time as Flash had been removed from our PC's.  There are/were vulnerabilities from Flash and we had several attempts to exploit them.   Ok. my bad on that.  Googling part numbers did clear it up. 
 
2) I followed the printed manual to the letter.  alignment isn't mentioned until well after where I aligned it.  The manual instructions are devoid of any meaningful explanation on how to accomplish this.  I had to use Google and research it.
 
As for the manual and your site, it's as simple as 1-2-3...  Set it up, run the cut and engrave parts  which I did, and go.  Note again in the process where I started the alignment it was right after the go and a "let's see what this thing will do". 
 
3)  In searching alignment procedures, I did find out that the Chinese do often install the lenses upside down.  The proper way is curved side up, flat to the bottom.  Mine was curved side down, flat to the top.  Numerous sites (including various optic sites discuss this).
 
4) There is always a learning curve.   If you had read the entire topic you would have seen the journey.
 
5) Why shouldn't I test it with boxwood?  It's very common around this particular hobby as is pear, apple, cherry, and ebony.  For the record, no laser will cut ebony cleanly.. the oil in the wood burns too easily.
 
6) I'm still figuring out how to use it and still learning.  Which applies to any tool.  I've already started the process if "upgrading" and getting it to work.
 
You'll also note, that I do not recommend it  "unless you are tech savvy"... and that the tech is "isn't mature".  I notice that the specs have changed for the next machines coming in... so it's obviously not mature.
 
Also, Chinese quality control sucks, quite frankly.  From the lens being upside down, to several screws stripped (and replaced) to the lens tube being drilled off center and at an angle which I corrected thanks to advice on the internet.  According to sources across the web, the tube isn't a "true" 40W but a "peak 40W" which is a 35W tube.  The true, continous 40W tube is about 100mm longer.
 
Much of the last 30 days has been spent on testing and tweaking.  I've been advised to bag it and send it back and buy a better machine.  But I'm a tad stubborn.  So follow along if you like.. I'll take actual advice instead of a beating.  It's a journey, not a destination.

George you are kind of correct...
 
 
The Frisoli's  actually own MicroMark.  John is the president and owner.  So he isnt exactly being fair and truthful....Yes he does own a MicroMark Laser Cutter  .....or you might say he owns them all   ,  until they sell one of those inferior machines to someone else.  He just left that part out of the post.....
 
Link below.
 
https://www.linkedin.com/pub/john-frisoli/35/a7/8a1
 
Chuck

George you are kind of correct...
 
 
The Frisoli's  actually own MicroMark.  John is the president and owner.  So he isnt exactly being fair and truthful....Yes he does own a MicroMark Laser Cutter  .....or you might say he owns them all   ,  until they sell one of those inferior machines to someone else.  He just left that part out of the post.....
 
Link below.
 
https://www.linkedin.com/pub/john-frisoli/35/a7/8a1
 
Chuck

George you are kind of correct...
 
 
The Frisoli's  actually own MicroMark.  John is the president and owner.  So he isnt exactly being fair and truthful....Yes he does own a MicroMark Laser Cutter  .....or you might say he owns them all   ,  until they sell one of those inferior machines to someone else.  He just left that part out of the post.....
 
Link below.
 
https://www.linkedin.com/pub/john-frisoli/35/a7/8a1
 
Chuck

George you are kind of correct...
 
 
The Frisoli's  actually own MicroMark.  John is the president and owner.  So he isnt exactly being fair and truthful....Yes he does own a MicroMark Laser Cutter  .....or you might say he owns them all   ,  until they sell one of those inferior machines to someone else.  He just left that part out of the post.....
 
Link below.
 
https://www.linkedin.com/pub/john-frisoli/35/a7/8a1
 
Chuck

George you are kind of correct...
 
 
The Frisoli's  actually own MicroMark.  John is the president and owner.  So he isnt exactly being fair and truthful....Yes he does own a MicroMark Laser Cutter  .....or you might say he owns them all   ,  until they sell one of those inferior machines to someone else.  He just left that part out of the post.....
 
Link below.
 
https://www.linkedin.com/pub/john-frisoli/35/a7/8a1
 
Chuck

George you are kind of correct...
 
 
The Frisoli's  actually own MicroMark.  John is the president and owner.  So he isnt exactly being fair and truthful....Yes he does own a MicroMark Laser Cutter  .....or you might say he owns them all   ,  until they sell one of those inferior machines to someone else.  He just left that part out of the post.....
 
Link below.
 
https://www.linkedin.com/pub/john-frisoli/35/a7/8a1
 
Chuck