• Price: $25, ROI: 7
• Ease of installation: 9
• Link to part: smile.amazon.com/gp/product/
B01DP2HMPK
• Instructions: youtube.com/watch?v=5AptkbV-v6E
• Recommendation: SHOULD DO
14
MIRRORS
Drop-in replacements for the stock mirrors that
have better coatings and performance.
• Price: $33, ROI: 7
• Ease of installation: 9
• Link to part: smile.amazon.com/gp/product/
B01DP2HV5Q
• Instructions: youtube.com/watch?v=5AptkbV-v6E
• Recommendation: SHOULD DO
15
CW 5200 WATER CHILLER
The CO
2
laser tube is water cooled. Operating it
above its desired temperature (around 77°F/25°C)
rapidly degrades its performance and longevity.
Routing the water through buckets of ice water
is a cheap option, but difficult to maintain in hot
climates for long runs. I opted for a significantly
oversized active water cooler since my shop gets
close to 100°F/38°C in the summer. Be careful
of cheaper thermolysis-type “coolers” that only
pass the water through a radiator with a fan,
limiting the cooling ability depending on ambient
temperatures.
• Price: $450, ROI: 6
• Ease of installation: 8
• Link to part: ebay.com/itm/254957802153?v
ar=554846117300
• Recommendation: MUST DO (something for
cooling); NICE TO DO (active chiller)
16
DIY ROTARY AXIS
The K40 has a very limited Z-axis space. Most
commercial rotary axis tools (that allow you to
engrave or cut on cylindrical objects) will not fit
inside and still keep your workpiece at or below
the necessary focal height. A 3D printed, low-
profile rotary axis is a fun project and can be the
best use of space in the tool.
• Price: $35, ROI: 6
• Ease of installation: 4
• Link to part: thingiverse.com/thing:3174149
• Recommendation: NICE TO DO
SKILL BUILDER: K40 Upgrades
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