I've been fortunate to have both the Aeon Laser US Mira 9 90w laser cutter and the OMTech Orion Motors 60w laser cutter in my shop.  I made a video comparing the two lasers and seeing if the Aeon Laser Mira 9 is worth the thousands extra that it costs over the OMTech 60w.  

*I'll be updating this post in the future with MUCH more info.  For now, enjoy the video!*

If you've been following me on YouTube or social media, you've seen me us a bunch of lasers, most specifically, the black and yellow OMTech 60w.  While it's been a great laser, it's on the lower end of the features and price range for a co2 laser.  It was time for an upgrade to a more powerful laser with more features.  This is when I found Aeon Lasers!  Aeon Laser USA is located in Melbourne, FL. With over 12 years of experience, they provide an incredible amount information and training.  They care that each customer gets up and running and know how to use their laser.

Some other key features included a dedicated rotary port, large open window for viewing with a safety switch, full led lighting, motorized z, auto focus of z, faster engraving speed, built in WIFI, and incredible customer support, training, and online instruction.
So far, I'm extremely happy I've made the upgrade.  When considering a CO2 or Fiber laser, take a serious look at Aeon Laser US as a contender!

​Ever wanted a fancy custom door mat on your own front door or for a gift?! We'll, it's easy with a co2 laser! Just a few minutes of programming and one mat and you have a priceless gift that you cannot buy!  It's easy, unique and fast to make!  Also, I've placed free, helpful files at the end of this post to get you started!

The first thing you'll need is a bank mat.  I've used a couple different ones but this PLUS Haven Pure Coco Coir Doormat seems to be the one everyone likes and it gives the best results!  They run about $19 on amazon and the ship in a nice compact box you can use to ship right back to the customer!  Click the read more for the rest of this tutorial and free files!

*You must RIGHT CLICK, SAVE AS to download the file.*

Do you have a 7w Jtech laser and are using Lightburn with it?  This is a premade library of cutting speeds and power for various woods, plastics, and other materials.  This setup works perfect for setup that include the Onefinity woodworker or machinist cnc, shapeoko  3 cnc, inventables xcarve cnc, and other hobby cnc machines and 3d printers. 
Just open Lightburn and click on the libraries tab at the bottom right.  Click on import and select the file below that you just downloaded.  Now you'll no longer have to guess at what settings you'll need to use on your material!

​*You must RIGHT CLICK, SAVE AS to download the file.*

You remember my big black and yellow co2 laser right?  Remember this video?

There's now a little bit more to the purchase power when buying their machine.  They have a good selection of training and installation videos on their site.  They also have tech support in the USA and will help you get the machine up and running.  It's great to see a company step up and provide after purchase care to their customers.  They also have a great amount of accessories on their site as well.  Check them out today.

With all the crazyiness going on in the world during the corona virus, covid-19, I love the fact that people are hiding bears around their homes for children to 'hunt' for during walks and bike rides.  I designed a very simple file that can be used on a cnc, laser cutter, 3d printer, vinyl cutter or just a regular everyday home printer that you can print out on paper for kids to color.
Please feel free to use these files as you'd like.  Please tag me, email me, or leave a comment on the socials so I can see what you do with the, @myerswoodshop.
We're in this together!  Let's bring a smile to the faces of children.
​-Ben

*This is a ZIP file.  You will need to 'unzip' the file to access the files*

I LOVE the video game Astroneer.  Ever since i found this little obscure game on Game Preview via XBOX in prealpha state I've been a fan.  I'm not even sure how I found it, but I'm glad I did.  With each update I dive back in always in wonder by what new things there is to do.  A game where I'm not shooting someone?!  How can it be?!
I'm also fortunate to have a good friend who likes it as much as I do.  The unfortunate thing is that he live 3500 miles from me in Alaska.  We met at college while playing lacrosse.  This game is what keeps us close 8 years later.  XBOX chat is our version of talking on the phone.

I designed the box from scratch.  Then used my 60w laser to cut it out.  I then bought some foam from hobby lobby and tried cutting it out on the laser cutter.  I went to slow and caught it on fire!  I tried some floor tile mats from harbor freight.  These worked great.  Only problem I ran into with them is that they aren't as thick.  I ended up doing 3 layers on the bottom and one layer on the top with the cut outs of the figurine.
The words around the lid are the planets and type, the gases, and the elements in the game.  They are only 2mm in height so they are very tiny.  I decided to do some of the larger element symbols around the outside of the box.  FosterScotch is my friends gamertag.
I liked the wanderers update picture because of the artwork and the good contrast in it.  That makes for a pretty decent lasering using jarvis etching on the laser.  I used the model that Spencer created.  It's great Spencer!  Now, can you model the other suits?!  (Here's a link to his file)  I printed it out .1 on the Prusa SLA resin 3D printer, the SL1.  It came out great!  This was my first time painting anything printed.  I got some Testors model paint and their cheap paint brushes.  I learned the hard way that vigorously mixing the paint is a must.  If you look at the red and the blue you can see they kind of bleed.  It was pretty watery consistency.  Then I realized I needed to shake the fire out of the bottles before painting.  The other colors turned out much better.  I still hate painting.
The magnets are the coolest part of this figure.  It's just like how it all snaps together in the game.  They are REALLY tiny, but oh so satisfying.
At the bottom of this post I attached a video of the box closed and opening the box, taking out the Astro man and assembling them together. 
I think it turned out really cool!  Hopefully it makes it to Alaska in one piece!  Let me know what you think in the comments!
Happy Making!
Ben