Robert Fredenburg

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Robert Fredenburg
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Apr 14, 2022
Location: Pattersonville
Country: United States
Nickname: Bobby32x
Laser Machine Make or Type: Omtech MF2028-100
Laser Power: 100w
Laser Bed Size: 26"x30"
Home Position: TR
Control Software: LIGHTBURN
RDWorks Version: 8.01.18
Ruida Controller: RDC6442
Windows Version: 11
Accessories: Chiller
Soon to be (bed camera)

Hello all,
New to lasers and already a pro! No, but seriously, I am new to lasers and each day I become more and more confused. This laser bug bit me pretty hard. about a month ago, I bought an Ortur Laser Master 2 Pro (diode) and here it is a month fast forward and I am burning on an OMTech 100w as I type this. Being new and not doing enough research, my purchasing decision was based on this "my diode was a 1.6w (output) and it just took for ever to get anything burnt on it. So... POWER :P ..... I have come to learn really fast that bigger is not always better. Do I get faster burns? sure!, do I have no idea what the ideal settings are? Couldn't be further from knowing right from wrong yet. I am super intrigued, this thing has my full attention and I intend to learn every aspect of it and how to use it to my benefit.
Today I watched the Russ Sadler video on dot management and I cant wait to download his tests an try to figure my machine out a little better.

Thanks for allowing me to join
Pete Cyr
Posts: 1964
Joined: Sun Nov 27, 2016
Location: Suffolk Virginia
Country: United States
Laser Machine Make or Type: Boss 1630
Laser Power: 100w
Laser Bed Size: 16"x30"
Home Position: TR
Control Software: RDWORKS
RDWorks Version: v8.01.18
Ruida Controller: RDC6442
Windows Version: Win 10
Accessories: roller rotary attachment

Welcome Bobby - be sure to back up your vendor settings.
What material are burning?
Location - VA
Equipment - Boss Laser 1630
Power - 100W
Laser Bed Size - 16" x 30"
Home Position - TR
Full RDWorks Version - v8.01.18
First name - Pete
User avatar
Ian Bell
Posts: 163
Joined: Sat Nov 19, 2016
Location: Bangor, N. Ireland

Hi Robert,

One of the best things I did when learning at the start was to create a set of cut and engrave templates using a sample provided by a very helpful forum member.

There are 3 cut and 3 engrave templates, I created a set for acrylic and a set for 5mm ply, my preferred materials at the time. I used them as a visual guide when planning a new job and found them invaluable.

I did a search on here but didn't find the originals so I've attached mine, hope they are useful, you may need to tweak/mod to suit.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Location: Bangor
Country: N. Ireland
Nickname: Ian
Laser Machine: Red/Blk Chinese import (Redsail clone ?)
Power: 80w
Bed Size: 500x700mm
Home: TR
Status: operational
RDWorks Version: V8.01.22
Windows Version: 10
Robert Fredenburg
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Apr 14, 2022
Location: Pattersonville
Country: United States
Nickname: Bobby32x
Laser Machine Make or Type: Omtech MF2028-100
Laser Power: 100w
Laser Bed Size: 26"x30"
Home Position: TR
Control Software: LIGHTBURN
RDWorks Version: 8.01.18
Ruida Controller: RDC6442
Windows Version: 11
Accessories: Chiller
Soon to be (bed camera)

Cutting all materials that are possible. This is a hobby and I know there are a handful of materials you avoid. Especially ones with chlorine in them
Robert Fredenburg
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Apr 14, 2022
Location: Pattersonville
Country: United States
Nickname: Bobby32x
Laser Machine Make or Type: Omtech MF2028-100
Laser Power: 100w
Laser Bed Size: 26"x30"
Home Position: TR
Control Software: LIGHTBURN
RDWorks Version: 8.01.18
Ruida Controller: RDC6442
Windows Version: 11
Accessories: Chiller
Soon to be (bed camera)

Ian Bell. These files are rdl files. do you know how I can open them? my computer is trying to download programs in order to view them
User avatar
Gene Uselman
Posts: 2181
Joined: Thu Jul 07, 2016
Location: Suburban Minneapolis, Minnesota, US
Country: USA
Nickname: Gene
Laser Machine Make or Type: QC
Laser Power: 130W
Laser Bed Size: 900x1300
Home Position: TR
Control Software: LIGHTBURN
RDWorks Version: RDw .19 & Lightburn
LightBurn Version: Latest
Ruida Controller: RDC6442
Windows Version: Win 10 Pro
Accessories: I have a combining lenses, pin tables [homebuilt], honeycomb tables , wireless remote, Modifed Ultimate Air Assist, home built non-powered rotary device, PrusaMK4 and Mini Prusa printers.

The RDL files are opened with the native program language for Ruida laser controllers, which most here use. A lot of us have moved on to Lightburn software which has turned into a great alternative but it requires learning a new program. Ian still uses RDworks, I believe. Some use both but I believe slowly swing toward LB as it becomes more familiar. RDworks is a free download from Ruida or perhaps someone who still uses both would convert that format to the LB format.

More info here- viewtopic.php?f=107&t=3485
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Robert Fredenburg
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Apr 14, 2022
Location: Pattersonville
Country: United States
Nickname: Bobby32x
Laser Machine Make or Type: Omtech MF2028-100
Laser Power: 100w
Laser Bed Size: 26"x30"
Home Position: TR
Control Software: LIGHTBURN
RDWorks Version: 8.01.18
Ruida Controller: RDC6442
Windows Version: 11
Accessories: Chiller
Soon to be (bed camera)

Yes, I have both and lean toward lightburn, thanks for the info
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