Review on ATOMSTACK Engraving Machine Engraver Acrylic by Kristen Reid

This is a great laser engraver/cutting machine but I am a little disappointed with the single screw laser height adjustment system. You can scroll to the bottom of this review for details. I have a 20 watt Atomstack A5 engraver that works well, so I ordered a more powerful 30 watt machine, assuming it would work better. I haven't used it extensively, but it's certainly more powerful. The laser is very easy to set up and use. For an hour I engraved and carved many objects. Still a beginner, most of what I do is experimentation and not everything I do is quality. This is not a device error; Rather, it has to do with the fact that there is so much to learn about using laser equipment and setting it up that it will take time to get every setting right. The engraver comes with everything you need to engrave except for a connected computer and laser software (which is free). There are even samples of wood and acrylic parts that you can use to test the machine. The instructions provided are for assembly only. There is a QR code at the end of the manual that will take you to detailed instructions on how to use the LaserGRBL with the Atomstack engraver. If you are new and want to use LaserGRBL, this guide is a must. Assembly is a little tricky, but the manufacturer has made assembly as painless as possible. Instructions are clear and each stage of assembly uses its own separate package of fittings. This is one of the most laborious build processes I've ever encountered. It is important that the screws are tightened, but not too tightly, otherwise they will break. The frame is aluminum so be careful. The only tricky step was installing the two X-axis timing belts. While these belts can be installed with just one person, it's much easier if you have a second person holding tension on the two belts, since you make sure each side has equal tension and that both sides are properly aligned. You don't want them to be unbalanced or affect the quality of your prints. I attached one end of each strap to the frame, threaded the straps through the mechanism, then another person pulled on the loose ends of the two straps while I adjusted the straps on the gears to make sure they were the same. I maintained the tension and attached the other end of each strap. In order for the laser to work, a program must be installed that creates the actual program code that controls the laser. I used LaserGRBL, a free Windows program recommended by Atomstack. The previously mentioned guide does a great job of walking you through the steps to create an engraving with the software and provides recommended initial settings to use depending on the material to be engraved. It is important to note that engraving and cutting is not always easy. There are many device settings and parameters which must be set correctly in order to achieve the best result. Quality engraving (and cutting) is a delicate balance between image quality, material used, laser speed and laser intensity. It takes a lot of trial and error to get great results. I suggest you take the time to watch online videos to learn more about the software and how to use lasers in general. I love that this laser has built in eye protection. Lasers can be extremely harmful if used incorrectly. Just as welders use a welding helmet to protect their eyes, most lasers require safety goggles to be worn. This device has solid sides and a green screen on the front, which extends from the laser to the workpiece and serves the same purpose. It's important to note that lasers can ricochet off surfaces and do as much damage as they can, so use caution when engraving metal or other reflective objects. Goggles are included for those who want maximum protection. This laser has a fixed focus laser that requires no optical adjustments like most other lasers do. As long as the laser is set at the correct distance from the workpiece with the included acrylic spacer, it will work properly. I like that there is a built-in fan that blows smoke out of the workpiece. The smoke breaks the laser, causing the intensity to fluctuate, so blowing it out of the way helps. Now for the positioning knob. Disappointment number one: I thought based on the listing that the laser would be set up so that when the knob is turned the laser would move up or down. It is not. Image, The representation of a system with one button is misleading. The handle is really just a screw that tightens onto a mounting plate to hold the laser in place. While the single handle sounds like an upgrade from the two-bolt system on my 20-watt engraver, I'm not sure it's any better. Frustration number two: The screw creates indentations in the aluminum backplate that interfere with laser positioning. For example, when trying to fine-tune the position of the laser, these gaps result in that the screw slips in, slightly disturbing the alignment. In addition, there are several holes drilled in the back panel that do the same thing. Perhaps the backplate should be steel so it's less likely to be damaged. I don't think I'm over-tightening the screw, but enough to hold the laser in place. I think the two bolt system my 20 watt engraver has will be better in the long run. Aside from the failure of the mounting/adjustment system, I am very happy with the performance of this engraver. It's very easy to use, which is great for beginners, but seems just as effective as any other mid-level laser engraver. Perhaps the backplate should be steel so it's less likely to be damaged. I don't think I'm over-tightening the screw, but enough to hold the laser in place. I think the two bolt system my 20 watt engraver has will be better in the long run. Aside from the failure of the mounting/adjustment system, I am very happy with the performance of this engraver. It's very easy to use, which is great for beginners, but seems just as effective as any other mid-level laser engraver. Perhaps the backplate should be steel so it's less likely to be damaged. I don't think I'm over-tightening the screw, but enough to hold the laser in place. I think the two bolt system my 20 watt engraver has will be better in the long run. Aside from the failure of the mounting/adjustment system, I am very happy with the performance of this engraver. It's very easy to use, which is great for beginners, but seems just as effective as any other mid-level laser engraver. will be better in the long run. Aside from the failure of the mounting/adjustment system, I am very happy with the performance of this engraver. It's very easy to use, which is great for beginners, but seems just as effective as any other mid-level laser engraver. will be better in the long run. Aside from the failure of the mounting/adjustment system, I am very happy with the performance of this engraver. It's very easy to use, which is great for beginners, but seems just as effective as any other mid-level laser engraver.