17
HONEYCOMB BED
When the laser finally punches through the
material during cutting, it hits whatever the
material was sitting on. If it’s a material that
burns, then smoke or stains may accrue on the
bottom of the workpiece. Honeycomb is one way to
address parts of the problem by providing a deck
that is largely open under the workpiece. If the
base under the honeycomb is closed, the smoke
that collects in the cells can ignite and add oddly
patterned char, so it’s not perfect for all materials.
• Price: $18, ROI: 5
• Ease of installation: 7
• Link to part: etsy.com/listing/924015043/
aluminum-honeycomb-plate-300x200x10mm
• Recommendation: NICE TO DO
18
Z-AXIS TABLE
An adjustable-height table that evenly raises
and lowers the deck while keeping it level is a
big enhancement. Thingiverse has a number of
models for both stepper-motor and manually
driven tables.
• Price: Varies, ROI: 8
• Ease of installation: 4
• Link to part: Search “K40 table” (there are
dozens) on Thingiverse or your favorite 3D
repository. Add assorted nuts, bolts, shafts, etc.
as directed.
• Recommendation: NICE TO DO
19
GRAPHIC LCD
This is an external display and knob/button
that provides the same kind of on-machine
information and control that you get on newer
3D printers.
• Price: $45, ROI: 4
• Ease of installation: 9
• Link to part: cohesion3d.com/shop/peripherals/
graphic-lcd-control-panel-with-adapter
• Instructions: cohesion3d.com/knowledgebase/
graphic-lcd-overview
• Recommendation: NICE TO DO
SUMMARY
I paid $454 for the OMTech K40, and $1,203 for
the upgrades. Including sales tax in Austin, Texas,
my final cost for this whole system was $1,794.
I was skeptical that a 40W laser cutter/
engraver would be a practical tool. But despite its
limited workspace (12"×8", or about 300mm×
200mm) the range of materials it works with
combined with the ease of setup and use has
made my K40 a go-to tool, especially for creative
projects, in my shop. Plus, it was tons of fun to
mod and upgrade!
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make.co
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SrFerrete - youtube.com/user/ferrete
M81_114-19_K40upgrades_F1.indd 119M81_114-19_K40upgrades_F1.indd 119 4/12/22 12:58 PM4/12/22 12:58 PM
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