hi iam new to this world , i want to buy a lowrider v3 full setup kit , my question is , i see that there are some guys in the forum use it also as a laser engraving machine , and not only a cnc router , my question is how this happend , can i switch it from cnc to laser in couple minutes ? or this is a long story , please can someone who use the lw3 as a cnc and also as a laser in the same time , can help me with my questoin
Yes, all you need to do is swap the tool head and you are ready to go with the next operation. I hope some others will chime in that do this often. One you wire it up and set your firmware the change is trivial.
Both machines are just CNC machines, lasers are typically smaller less robust machines that move really fast, CNC Routers are typically more rigid and tend to be a little slower. So you will not have the same top speed but it is not really needed now that “overcut” is standard in laser software.
iam really lost , i dont really understand the idea of how this is work , is there a full guiede or a long video that show from A to Z how to setup the lowrider v3 and what really need and what not , and also explain the config process and how it works ?
There is good Docs on it right here - LR3 Docs
And you can start you a build thread on here and ask any and all questions you need. There is usually someone around that can help you a ton!
I don’t even remove the router, I just mount and remove the laser, it’s attached by 2 thumbscrews to a sliding dovetail mount.
Funny thing about the firmware - I have 2 config.yaml one with the laser part enabled one without.
I recently forgot to change back to the non-laser one and ran a standard router job and… it worked fine. So I’ve left it and don’t even change anymore.
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Nice , Can you explain how you change the control to the laser when you want to make a laser engraving, and how to get it back to the router
Changjng the configuration on a jackpot is covered in the documentation, that’s what I use.
What is better , Jackpot CNC Controller or SKR pro
“Better” is in the eye of the beholder…
The Jackpot works great, so does the SKR Pro if that’s the path you take.
The biggest difference lies in how you interact with the machine.
The SKR Pro uses a TFT screen mounted at the machine, but it is running Marlin and the interface is geared towards 3D Printers. Still, people use it and have no issues with it.
The Jackpot has a web interface that you have to have a separate computer/tablet to connect to it. It is running a firmware that was built specifically for CNCs, and is actively developed and improved.
In my opinion, the Jackpot is a better path, and I have no problem using a separate device to connect. It’s a non-starter for some others.
With the Jackpot, there are some options like the FluidDial however, if you need some in-hand control
There no absolute answer to that, just opinion but having used both I prefer the jackpot.
I am using a hardware pendant (fluid dial) as well rather than a phone/tablet though.
Used the SKR for years, now that I have a Jackpot I much prefer the Jackpot. I have a cheap amazon fire tablet I run mine from
If you are wanting to use a laser and a router the Jackpot is a clear winner. The laser performance is much better and the coning changes are much easier to do, (notepad).
As for how it actually works. One time change requires enabling a laser control pin. After that you simply use it or not (you can leave it on, or take it off (taking it off keeps the optics clean unless you have a cap).
We can help you with the edits but you kinda need the laser first.
With all that said. I highly recommend you learn to do some regular CNC routing before you start adding stuff, using lightburn, and editing firmware. Almost any CNC should be able to do this, we are not special other than we are here to help and have a lot of laser users.