This is a high quality product. I highly recommend it. The Atomstack A5 M40 is very easy to use right out of the box. Take about 30 minutes at a slow pace to get everything right.
This A5 M40 laser engraver adopts advanced compressed laser spot technology, which helps to make the laser beam more focused, with a spot size of 0.16 x 0.19 mm, which is smaller than other laser engravers on the market today. In addition, this engraver has a more focused, high-density laser that allows users to easily cut 6mm acrylic and thick wood, as well as engrave smooth-grained stainless steel and ceramics.
In terms of design, the Atomstack A5 M40 adopts an all-metal body structure, which provides the machine with a strong and stable structure, which is essential for precise laser engraving processes. What's more, this router can be set up in 10 to 20 minutes. This product uses a more advanced one-piece lead screw for an integrated stepper motor, which makes the laser movement extremely smooth and precise.
The Atomstack A5 M40 laser engraving machine is currently on sale at Atom-stack.com for a discounted price of $229.99.
The A5 M40 is very easy to use right out of the box. Take about 30 minutes at a slow pace to get everything right. What's great is that all the tools needed for assembly are included. One issue I had was when I installed the belt for the x-axis, one track was slightly ahead of the other, causing one side of the guide arm to tilt, so the laser head hit the far end rail on arrival. Zero stops. Basically the x-axis and y-axis are not perpendicular to each other. I was able to fix this by loosening the screw on the compression fitting that held the rod through from the stepper motor and allowed the rod to rotate. This allowed me to balance the sides and align the tracks better.
LaserGRBL is very easy to install and the laser connects directly in Windows. Just make sure to follow the instructions to install the driver and restart the software.
I find it easiest to place the workpiece in the cutting or engraving area and manually move the laser to the edge or center of the workpiece. Use Ctrl Z to set the origin, then use Perimeter Tracking to see where the edge of the engraving is. Adjust the workpiece as desired and repeat the process.
One of the things I did was cut a 3/4 piece of hardwood plywood for the base and carved a grid into it to help align the pieces. You can create your own or find some downloads in online groups.
Overall, this is probably one of the best entry-level laser engravers. I've found that it's great for carving wood and other materials, but can't really cut through plywood as thin as 4mm. Works great if most of what you're going to be doing is sculpting like me!