1:06:27

S04:E41 Nov 24, 2025

[LS191] Glowforge’s Big Problem

This week’s episode drifts through the realities of year-end laser work — juggling ornament season, balancing what your time is worth, and knowing when to say no. The guys catch up on the November Coin Challenge, talk through design quirks like eyeballs and portal concepts, and debate community expectations versus personal bandwidth. Things shift into industry news as they unpack the Glowforge situation, the risks of cloud-locked machines, and how consumer tolerance has changed now that the market is crowded with alternatives. Mixed in are jokes, tech speculation, and some honest shop-talk about evolving the podcast format for Season 5. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

1:01:50

S04:E40 Nov 18, 2025

[LS190] The Mira 5S Arrives: Unboxing & First Impressions

Episode 190 centers on the new Aeon Mira 5S landing in the shop and the crew digging into what makes the machine different. The conversation hits the build quality, the RF tube, why the form factor matters, and the engineering decisions Aeon got right. From there they branch into practical business thoughts about timing big purchases at the end of the year, sponsorship perks finally figured out, and getting the podcast’s audio backlog fully caught up. The Mira’s early quirks, a possible coil-whine mystery, and some fun community chatter round it out. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

1:10:52

S04:E39 Nov 13, 2025

[LS189] The Pre-Holiday Review Dump

The guys talk through a wave of long-delayed laser reviews, what’s surprising them this season, and why some budget machines are genuinely excellent while others belong in a landfill. They drift into fourth-quarter production habits, rotary headaches, tumbler tricks, pattern-making wizardry, and the realities of prepping for holiday stock before everything goes out of stock. There’s plenty of joking, gear talk, shared failures and wins, and a ton of practical advice hidden behind the chaos. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

2:31:53

S04:E38 Nov 13, 2025

[LS188] Do We Need to Change Everything?

Alex, Kyle, and Anthony get brutally honest about the future of Laser Everything and what it means to run a deep-dive, education-first channel in a shorts-driven, review-obsessed YouTube world. They talk about the constant pressure to “sell out” with surface-level reviews, the financial reality of depending on the LMA and community support, and how soul-filling projects (like slow-mo fiber footage and passion builds) often flop with the algorithm. Along the way they wrestle with burnout, gating content behind memberships, whether to narrow or expand the niche, how to use shorts without becoming a shorts channel, and how to reach new laser owners without abandoning the die-hard learners. It’s a raw, vulnerable episode that doubles as an open brainstorming session with the community about what Laser Everything should be in 2025 and beyond. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

1:06:47

S04:E37 Nov 13, 2025

[LS187] Titanium Dioxide: JPPlus Aquires LBT

The crew digs into a wave of new updates in the laser world, including Johnson Plastics Plus buying LBT and what that means for titanium-dioxide marking supplies. Alex walks through a day of CO₂ testing hell with tumblers that refuse to bond, pint glasses that behave better, and how small coatings can derail a whole project. The discussion circles around metal marking fundamentals, why delivery method matters, and how easy it is to overpower TO₂ before it even activates. There’s also talk about diode vs IR modules, first-show lessons from the community, and whether some of these hybrid CO₂/diode/galvo machines are worth the hype. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

1:09:52

S04:E36 Nov 13, 2025

[LS186] Ghosts, Glitches & Diode Drama

This episode drifts between Halloween energy and hardware frustration as Alex unpacks the chaotic reality of the Ortur R2’s repeatability issues, mis-homing behavior, and undercooked software ecosystem. From talk of ghosts and “Jesus Chicken” to real-world testing pain, the crew breaks down why great diode modules are wasted when the supporting hardware can’t keep up. They contrast that with a genuinely impressive update to the WeCreat Lumos, swap war stories about engraving expensive mugs, and share business-season advice as the holiday rush kicks in. The show ends with a candid discussion about YouTube’s recent algorithm shift and how creators are struggling to adapt. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

1:04:33

S04:E35 Nov 13, 2025

[LS185] New Clients, Old Memes, and Holiday Panic

The crew bounces between business wins, new opportunities, and absolute nonsense. Matt shares a potential high value school job and recurring sports team contracts, which kicks off a broader talk about outreach, steady clients, and using the slow season wisely. From there the conversation spirals into seasonal gifting panic, merch nostalgia, Discord memes that cannot be unseen, and a quick look at Amazon deal traps. It is equal parts laser talk, community updates, and chaotic friendship energy. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

1:00:10

S04:E34 Nov 13, 2025

[LS184] Little Tykes Lasers & the Race to the Bottom

The trio digs into a bigger question behind the week’s chaos: when does “affordable” turn into “too cheap?” Alex’s hands-on with a $200 Ortur R1 sparks a real conversation about safety, false confidence, race-to-the-bottom engineering, and where the hobby line crosses into becoming a liability. They compare the R1 to sturdier entry-level machines, talk about modules, ecosystems, software limitations, and why some companies listen and others don’t. Along the way the guys hit vendor ecosystems, Xtool debates, business planning for Q4, school orders, and the fast-growing MakeArmy app overhaul. It’s part gear talk, part business talk, part existential “what even is a laser anymore?” discussion. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

1:06:39

S04:E33 Nov 13, 2025

[LS183] Finding Your Laser (with the Laser Finder)

The team unveils the brand-new Laser Finder tool on MakeArmy.io — a guided quiz that helps beginners figure out which type of laser suits their work without sales fluff or brand bias. They walk through how it works, how it connects to the growing community settings database, and what’s next for expanding it. The conversation drifts into real shop talk: adding UV and diode options, fixing bugs, and the chaos of community feedback. From there, they preview the new “Ultimate Guide to Laser Processing” series, talk about upcoming projects (golf balls, hat patches, and unboxing the Ortur R1), and riff on new machines and the eternal challenge of making shorter, more watchable videos. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

1:12:40

S04:E32 Nov 13, 2025

[LS182] WeCreat Fixes the Lumos (Finally)

The crew celebrates Matt’s birthday with a mix of good-natured chaos and real laser talk. Alex breaks news that WeCreat finally pushed a long-overdue software update adding bidirectional scanning to the Lumos — prompting rants, rewrites, and a little redemption. From there, conversation swings through teardown photos for the Ultimate Guide to Laser Processing, building a universal laser test bench, the pros and cons of diode galvos, and even cutting aluminum on a fiber. Between tech tangents and trash talk, they manage to land on something deeper: using the right laser for the job, taking safety seriously, and remembering why maker education matters. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

1:05:12

S04:E31 Nov 12, 2025

[LS181] Material Safety 101: Research Before You Roast It

The crew digs into the messy truth about material safety—how to really research what’s safe to laser and what can gas you (or your machine). Alex walks through the process step-by-step: using CAS registry numbers, reading modern SDS sheets, and understanding decomposition products instead of online hearsay. They talk about why “no data available” isn’t the same as “safe,” how to tell when a material’s dangerous even without a fire, and how to talk to customers who bring in mystery items. Between the chemistry talk, they also update listeners on Laser Everything’s channel lineup, the Ultimate Guide to Laser Processing series, and a fresh CO₂ Galvo material library update. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

1:15:19

S04:E30 Nov 12, 2025

[LS180] The Ultimate Laser Processing Guide

Alex and Kyle reveal the next evolution of Laser Everything’s educational content: the Ultimate Laser Processing Guide. They discuss why it’s replacing the original LightBurn Crash Course, what new topics it covers—from safety and workspace prep to identifying your laser source—and how they’re rebuilding it into 126 short, focused lessons. The conversation expands into practical talk about beam alignment, dot size, and why short videos beat hour-long deep dives. Plus, they demo the new MakeArmy.io SVG nesting tool and tackle audience questions about UV lasers, photo engraving, and beam expanders. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

1:03:52

S04:E29 Nov 12, 2025

[LS179] New Gear, JP+ Fest & LightBurn 2.0 Plans

Between sickness, chaos, and way too many lasers on the way, Alex, Kyle, and Rheannon hold down the fort for a laid-back but productive episode. Rhiannon teases her new travel-accessory video featuring Johnson Plastics Plus leatherette gear (with a Dragonite passport cover for Japan), Alex previews his upcoming community-building talk for JP+ Fest, and the crew outlines their next major project: LightBurn Crash Course 2.0. They dive into the flood of new machines arriving for review, talk shop about the Index X rotary setup, and debate the terrifying joy of using UV lasers. It’s an episode packed with updates, planning, and the usual dose of maker mayhem. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

1:10:36

S04:E28 Nov 12, 2025

[LS178] Holiday Prep & FREE Background Remover

The guys kick back for a fun, tool-packed episode full of maker updates and new toys. Between sick kids, glass jobs, and holiday prep chaos, they dive into easy-win UV products, quick-selling ornaments, and the classic “make something for the school principal” marketing trick. Alex shows off the all-new Laser Toolkit—a collection of shop calculators for overlap, pulse width, and job timing—plus the debut of a web-based background remover that’s free, fast, and wildly useful for photo engraving. It’s equal parts community catch-up and nerdy deep dive, wrapped in real shop talk and a lot of laughs. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

1:09:27

S04:E27 Nov 12, 2025

[LS177] Kickstarter Beasts and the Monport Reno

The guys dive into one of the wildest “why does this even exist?” releases yet — a massive 4×8-foot hybrid diode/CNC machine from ER that’s equal parts intriguing and absurd. They break down why multi-purpose machines rarely excel at any one task, how scale turns convenience into chaos, and what kind of maker could actually use something that big. That leads into a grounded comparison with the new Monport Reno 65 W CO₂ laser Alex just uncrated - a reminder that sometimes “simple and fixable” beats “feature-stuffed and fragile.” Along the way: real-world CO₂ vs diode fire safety, frame rigidity, Kickstarter red flags, and a few laughs about girthy gear, winches, and cabinet engraving no one asked for. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

1:04:36

S04:E26 Nov 12, 2025

[LS176] Rotary Failures, Crazy Clients & The Pixie Laser

Alex spends the week wrestling with an impossible rotary setup—wrong pins, hot glue, and a $700 lesson in EasyCAD board compatibility—while the crew swaps their own horror stories about problem clients, endless revisions, and knowing when to walk away. Between broken boards and champagne-flute drama, they talk deposits, boundaries, and time management as small shop owners. Things lighten up with a look at the surprisingly powerful new Algo Laser Pixie, and how tiny, travel-ready lasers might change how makers sell on the go. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

1:01:32

S04:E25 Nov 12, 2025

[LS175] The WeCreate Love Letter (and Intervention)

The guys catch up after travel, cat rescues, and kid chaos before diving into a deep (and sometimes teeth-on-wire) discussion about WeCreate’s new Lumos laser. It’s gorgeous, powerful, and loaded with features - but hamstrung by missing bi-directional scanning. What follows is equal parts love letter and intervention as Alex and Kyle break down why half-speed engraving matters, how galvo timing really works, and what WeCreate could fix in one update. They also hit on event safety, live-engraving rules, and when an LLC actually makes sense for small laser businesses. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

1:12:22

S04:E24 Nov 12, 2025

[LS174] Cleaning, Cooling & Condensation

Alex and Kyle go deep on the unglamorous but essential side of running lasers: keeping them clean and cool. From the brand-new Laser Everything Buying Guide launch to the split of the Laser Source YouTube channel, they roll into a hands-on chat about airflow, dust, humidity, condensation, and why every laser deserves maintenance love. The conversation ranges from practical shop tips to UV and CO₂ quirks, blown-out chillers, unsafe enclosures, and some tortilla-filled PlayStation chaos—plus updates on new episodes, database tools, and why an enclosure isn’t just for fumes but for safety. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

35:52

S04:E23 Nov 12, 2025

[LS173] $9 Summit, Fresh Start

This week is all about two things: a practical invite to the Maker’s Momentum Summit and a clear plan for the Laser Source podcast edits moving to their own YouTube channel. We explain why the split helps your feed make sense again, what you get for nine dollars, when VIP access is worth it, and how our community talk fits into the summit’s bigger lineup. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

1:06:24

S04:E22 Nov 12, 2025

[LS172] AI Monkeys, Toxic Basketballs & Amazon Laser Deals

This week’s show jumps between chaos and good shop talk in true Laser Source fashion. The crew starts joking about AI monkey photos and cats pulling lasers, then moves into serious ground—why “leather” basketballs are dangerously toxic to engrave, when not to trust “genuine” labels, and why safety beats experimentation. From there, the conversation widens to deal-hunting, from Amazon Prime Day steals on engravers and Brilliance inks to CO₂ Galvo vs gantry pros and cons. Between laughs, they cover wiring fires, glass engraving myths, and the ever-growing LE material safety database - plus some community ideas that might reshape the site. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

1:10:18

S04:E21 Nov 12, 2025

[LS171] Balancing Family, Hustle & Lasers

Anthony’s back, and with big life changes. The crew dives into what happens when family priorities collide with small-business grind: closing a shop, moving back home, and finding new balance without losing momentum. They talk about working from a garage, rebuilding client trust, and rediscovering purpose through family and community. Matt’s kids get their first taste of entrepreneurship with a summer street-fair booth made entirely from scrap, Kyle updates his home-shop setup, and everyone swaps notes on staying flexible when life throws curveballs. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

1:04:07

S04:E20 Nov 12, 2025

[LS170] AI, Etsy, and the End of Original Art

The crew takes an unexpectedly deep dive into AI, creativity, and the shifting maker landscape. What starts as banter about bamboo projects, new glasses, and 3D scanning coins turns into a full-blown discussion about Etsy’s new design policies, AI art legality, and whether “real art” still matters when anyone can prompt an image. Between laughs, they touch on using AI as a tool vs. a crutch, small-shop marketing, and planning efficient workspaces without losing your sanity - or your ventilation. A surprisingly thoughtful episode about how makers adapt when the tools change faster than the rules. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

1:09:33

S04:E19 Nov 12, 2025

[LS169] Flying Galvos or Fiber Fantasy - The ACCELaser Hype

Michael Mullins (Laser Engraving 911) joins the crew to break down the new ACCELaser - a hybrid fiber/diode system that’s got the maker world buzzing. They dig into how it blends fiber-laser speed with gantry precision, what makes its “no-stitch” flying-galvo tech different, and how its partnership with LightBurn could redefine usability for complex jobs. The talk expands into production realities: batch work, shop automation, and what kinds of engravers this machine is (and isn’t) for. Plus, a look at Kickstarter pricing, market competition, and why transparency between developers and LightBurn might finally make “flying galvos” viable for everyday users. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

1:09:00

S04:E18 Nov 12, 2025

[LS168] The Multi-Machine Juggle

Between new gear, half-finished edits, and a six-foot plywood Bigfoot, the team juggles a busy week in the shop. Alex talks about carving the massive Yeti stencil in sections on the Mira 9, testing a 3D scanner for an upcoming review, and helping Rheannon film the Ultimate Guide to Engraving Bamboo—including a gorgeous 55-minute UV run no one will ever replicate for profit. They trade lessons about learning curves, flood-fill mishaps, and why every laser library is just a starting point. The conversation drifts into what makes a good next machine, whether combo lasers ever make sense, and how to price bulk orders without hating yourself by the end. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

1:08:08

S04:E17 Nov 12, 2025

[LS167] The JPPlus Playbook - What Actually Sells in 2025 (feat. Aaron Stout)

JPPlus’ Aaron Stout joins the crew to connect apparel roots with laser work, then maps out what is selling right now. The talk lands on tri-layer patches, signage that survives the elements, why the Rowmark swatch book closes deals, and how free appointment-based support helps small shops move faster. The team also breaks down CO2, UV, and sublimation acrylic in plain terms, with realistic starter paths like Epson F170 or F570 and where Flux machines fit. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

58:52

S04:E16 Nov 12, 2025

[LS166] Better Cuts, Better Settings & The New Projects Hub

Alex breaks down why “percent speed” is useless without the real mm/s behind it, and how converting those numbers makes shared settings actually work. Rhiannon’s shortcuts video lands its first thousand views, and the crew shows off new database upgrades—cleaner settings pages, quick filters, multi-fill support, and the rebuilt projects library with simple, one-click downloads. Live questions turn into a mini-lesson on making one-piece word cuts that don’t fall apart, whether you’re in LightBurn or Inkscape. They wrap with a teaser for a compact 3D scanner that could help turn real objects into grayscale engraves and printable fixtures. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

1:03:13

S04:E15 Nov 12, 2025

[LS165] Materials You Should Never Engrave (and Why)

This episode centers on material safety and the debut of our community material database. We demonstrate the new status system, hazard tags, and search, then dig into why vinyl/PVC is a hard no, why some woods are not as harmless as they seem, and how coatings change the risk profile. We talk practical shop safety, ventilation that actually works, what “caution vs dangerous vs critical” really means, and how overrides are used for widely accepted materials like acrylic. We also preview how the materials database will tie into settings, lasers, and coatings so you can research safety and then jump straight to usable parameters. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

1:04:00

S04:E14 Nov 12, 2025

[LS164] BRAND NEW UV Library Out Now

The teaser sets the tone: if you are still bouncing back to EZCAD, stop. LightBurn now covers the entire galvo workflow so you never need to reinstall drivers or juggle two apps. From there the crew drops a beta release of the UV parameter library, then gets practical about why UV sources behave so differently, how pulse width direction can invert between INGU and JPT, and why lens size matters far less than you think. Expect frank talk about safe materials, community contributions for 10-watt conversions, alignment tricks for glass and photos, and when a fiber or a big CO₂ gantry still beats UV. Sponsor shout to Johnson Plastics Plus, a bamboo engraving sneak peek, and a quick tour of the in-progress materials hazard database and the revived Buying Guide. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

1:06:02

S04:E13 Nov 8, 2025

[LS163] The Sasquatch

Alex is trying to pee in peace when someone yells “Laser guy!” from the hallway. A painter’s assistant wants a nine-foot plywood Sasquatch cut out on the spot, and that launches the entire episode into a chaos spiral of shop stories, sick-day confessions, and sunburn complaints. From there the crew catches up on Q&A success from the golf-club training episode, how simple coaching questions can save weeks of trial-and-error, and why Max’s 6,000-pass deep engraving shocked everyone. They unpack strategies for faster turnaround, talk through when to adjust power or speed, and explain how UV settings are nearly ready for the community database. Disc golf awards, broken lenses, Bigfoot yard ornaments, projectors vs jigsaws, and a whole lot of banter fill out the runtime. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

57:34

S04:E12 Nov 8, 2025

[LS162] Autofocus Isn’t Broken - Your Lens Is Lying

The teaser opens with Anthony dropping a small revelation about F-theta lenses: the number printed on the lens is a theoretical value, and in real life your focal height is often wildly different. That sparks a full discussion about what F-values actually mean and why autofocus often lands nowhere near the measurement stamped on the glass. From there the guys jump into a huge pile of new blanks from Johnson Plastics Plus, the upcoming “Bamboo Ultimate Guide,” and whether fire is guaranteed when defocusing a fiber onto butcher-block boards. There’s coaching talk, golf clubs, saw blades that refuse to black-mark, and the surprise win of a memorial stone that engraved bright blue using the UV. They wrap with listener Q&A, shop updates, filming tips, and a look at Bronson’s clean new engraving website. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

59:37

S04:E11 Nov 8, 2025

[LS161] 104% - How Makers Pivot When Prices Double

The teaser clip sets the tone: this is where the pros separate from the churn-and-burn crowd. Once the show kicks in, the crew jumps straight into the breaking news of 104% tariffs on Chinese goods and how that hits every maker in the United States. They steer past doom-scroll panic and start laying out real strategies: buying used inventory, tapping secondhand wholesale groups, bartering with other small businesses, leveraging local woodworkers and shops, and reframing products with reclaimed storytelling that customers actually care about. There’s heavy talk about sourcing, scams, custom duties, Amazon warehouse realities, sublimation as a low-cost add-on, and why emotional value beats cheap volume. The entire conversation is a blueprint for surviving a painful pricing cycle without sacrificing creativity, quality, or profit. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

52:54

S04:E10 Nov 8, 2025

[LS160] Consumer Machines vs Pro Equipment

The team opens with chaos, April Fool’s jokes, and a fresh upload about ColorShop Woods that shows cutting techniques across multiple CO₂, diode, UV and fiber machines. That turns into a deeper chat about how color-drenched the material really is, why it’s better suited for cutting than marking, and how layered projects get their contrast. From there the conversation shifts to client work: Walnut watch boxes, depth vs anneal on expensive watches, and a 60-piece run of tiny keepsake knives that raises the question of how to do repetitive jobs without huge fixtures. Listeners get practical advice on fences, pegs, jigs, and why sometimes simplicity is better than a rotary table. The second half goes full Q&A: buying mistakes with tiny “portable” fiber lasers, lens compatibility traps, how to get a bright white on slate with a 100W MOPA, and when coated slate behaves differently than raw. Kyle closes the show teasing a video series about setting up his new shop and asks viewers what they want to see while he builds it from scratch. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

1:06:23

S04:E09 Nov 8, 2025

[LS159] The L Piece

The crew starts with pudding-pack chaos and sponsor jokes before sliding into real shop talk. Everyone admits they hoard leftover material, especially those dreaded “L” pieces of acrylic and Romark, and they compare how scraps constantly bail out last-minute jobs. That leads into practical advice about engraving coins, good sources for quality blanks, why cheap “poo-tier” zinc coins are best for alignment practice, and how fiber marking black acrylic can save time and labor. Toward the end the conversation shifts into UV laser marking on enamel, MOPA vs non-MOPA deep engraving, pulse-width physics, reflection safety, EasyCAD 3 frustrations, and why the Laser Everything community is the best place for help. There is also an update on the UV parameter library and a reminder that the MakeArmy Wiki has a detailed article on laser heat and power density. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

1:05:06

S04:E08 Nov 8, 2025

[LS158] Why Small Test Grid Squares LIE

This episode starts with the crew comparing beam combiner setups before Alex admits he’s officially done aligning red dots and is moving to SPT TR tubes with built-in combiners. Matt works on brass nameplates live and breaks down his batching workflow - why repeatable templates, grouping, and frame previews save hours. From there, the group dives deep into ammo can engraving (CO₂ vs fiber, smoke management, respirators), then pivots into material settings: scan offset adjustment, power scaling on corners, why small test squares lie, and how min/max power affects burn when machines accelerate or slow down. Several viewer questions lead to discussions of engraving plastics, circles vs squares for tuning, test grids, and pricing small design work - plus why quoting government jobs can become a nightmare of revisions. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

1:07:12

S04:E07 Nov 8, 2025

[LS157] You Can Always Add But You Can't Take Away

The crew checks in after a brutal dad-day at the trampoline park, which leads into a surprisingly deep small-business segment about profitable micro-orders - leatherette flasks, real-brass name badges, flexi-brass plastics, and margin stacking on fast, shippable work. From there: the slow winter slump finally breaking, slate video reactions, a teaser for the upcoming ColorShop Wood experiment, and a full mini-class on lens swapping, focal lengths, and why staying stuck on one lens is leaving money on the table. The second half becomes a powder-coat masterclass - CO₂ galvo vs fiber, why batch variation matters, what to charge, and why you never trust “mystery leatherette” from Amazon. Wrapped with Q&A on chrome, golf ball markers, tumbler pricing, and the golden rule: “lasering is like cooking - you can always add, but you can’t take away.” Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

53:41

S04:E06 Nov 8, 2025

[LS156] When Clients DIY (…and Regret It) + Public Maker Space Etiquette

The crew opens with some light chaos (cat talk and missing-Matt jokes) before digging into a real small-business dilemma: a client cuts a bulk engraving order in half after finding a public maker space. They debate how to handle contracts, bulk pricing, and keeping relationships intact when customers try to DIY - and why many eventually come back. That rolls into a bigger conversation about maker spaces (especially publicly funded ones), fair-use and time-abuse, and who should enforce limits. From there: shop moves and how to avoid disaster (alignment, bubbles, Z-gantry checks, leaky hoses), a quick take on xTool’s “are they doing everything?” strategy and the rumored cutter/welder, the monthly Coin Challenge (’90s horror!), and a teaser for a community UV laser parameter library - plus reminders about the LE fediverse sites and community database. Learn to Laser Everything™ with new episodes of the Laser Source Podcast EVERY WEEK. We cover laser parameters, settings, techniques and more for CO2, Fiber, Diode and UV Lasers! We believe in free and open maker resources. Check out some of ours below: Check out the NEW MakeArmy Maker Dashboard! It includes community parameters, material and coating safety databases, community project database, our comprehensive laser source database and SO MUCH MORE, ALL FREE! The Laser Database: https://makearmy.io Even more of our FREE resources: Buying Guide: https://makearmy.io/buying-guide Podcast: https://podcast.makearmy.io Matrix: https://matrix.makearmy.io Discord: https://discord.gg/TBjNKXdFAm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lasereverything Starter Settings Packs: https://masters.lasereverything.net Support Our Show, Sites, Services, and Videos: LMA: https://masters.lasereverything.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LaserEverything Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lasereverything LiberaPay: https://liberapay.com/LaserEverything

59:41

S04:E05 Aug 21, 2025

[LS155] Everything Resin (feat. Cheryl, Resin Dragon Studios)

In this episode, we sit down with Cheryl from Resin Dragon to dive deep into the world of resin printing, molding, and 3D printing. From beginner tips to advanced techniques, Cheryl shares her experience, insights, and advice for makers looking to explore the resin side of the creative world. Whether you’re just curious or already experimenting with resin, this episode is packed with valuable info and inspiration.

1:03:23

S04:E04 Jul 15, 2025

[LS154] Boyce Returns to Laser Source

In this episode, we’re answering questions and catching up with Boyce, who drops in for a chat! We dive into some fun topics, including getting black on steel, creative Easter project ideas, and troubleshooting inconsistent engravings on acrylic. Plus, we break down how to set your line interval correctly and answer a question about where to find the best laser settings—whether on Patreon or the LMA, both great resources! Join us for a laid-back Q&A session full of tips, tricks, and good conversation. Got more questions? Drop them in the comments or join us on the next episode of the Laser Source Podcast, happening every Tuesday.

1:17:56

S04:E03 Jul 14, 2025

[LS153] Engraving Glass the RIGHT Way vs Getting By with Fiber

In this episode, we break down why UV lasers are the best choice for engraving glass (even though fiber technically works), dive into the latest drama with Bamboo 3D printers and their software, and troubleshoot why your rotary engravings might be coming out a little… squished. Plus, we chat about UV resin printing, rusting issues, and answer a ton of your burning laser questions. All this and more on today’s episode of the Laser Source Podcast!

1:12:10

S04:E02 Jul 12, 2025

[LS152] Engraving Prices, Inflation & Exploding Bottles

In this episode, we tackle several laser questions, dive into the effects of inflation and tariffs, and debate the real value of tumbler engravings—how much should you charge? Plus, what’s causing Champagne bottles to explode while being engraved, and how can you prevent it? And to top it all off, Alex has a chat with ChatGPT! All this and more on today’s episode of the Laser Source Podcast!

56:20

S04:E01 Jul 11, 2025

[LS151] Why UV Lasers Are Better Than Ever

In this episode, Anthony shares that he’s in the process of making a deep-dive video on lenses, we talk about catching up on editing and posting Podcast episodes, and we break down why UV lasers—like the ComMarker Omni 1—may be the best choice for any laser shop and are now more affordable than ever! Plus, learn how to order shapes or objects by priority in LightBurn. All this and more on today’s episode of the Laser Source Podcast!