Ramp Test and Optimal Focus for Co2 Laser

The ramp test is an essential test when setting up any Co2 laser. This helps to identify the optimal focus for you specific machine. The only thing that is needed is some scrap material long enough to make a ramp and a sharp eye.

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[HVEngraving]

"Ramp test for dummies"
I love this, thank you so much, this is so well explained and so useful!! I'm so ready to have fun with my new OMTech

[joegutierrez]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I've had my 90 watt FS Laser for about 15 years and have never been real happy with the cuts. I've always used the measuring tool that came with the laser. I've made several calls to customer service. They're friendly but, I've never been able to sharpen my cuts. After following your instructions, my cuts are sharp and I'm using about half the power as I usually do! Thanks again!!! Blessings!!! P.S. I'm now your newest sub!!!

[josephculbertson]

MAN....Thanks for that video. I just got a 80 watt laser similar to the one in your video and could not figure out why the cut line was so thick. You were right 100%. The focal length tool they have with it was not correct at all. After doing your ramp test I got her dialed in big time. THANKS MUCH. You got a viewer for life.

[xeontis]

To see the cutting profile of the beam I take a 1/4 clear acrylic piece 2" wide by 1/2" tall lay it on it's side and pulse the laser through the middle you will see the full cone shape and from that you can see the maximum cutting depth with out any deformation. I've also made that little step tool you have and pulsed a beam at each interval to show the cone shape, helps when doing stuff slightly out of focus for special cases.

[Mad_Dog_Moments]

Spent about 3 weeks on alignment… turns out the head on that holds the lens was bent a bit and we had to shim it out. Ready to try this next, thanks for the video.

[kimadams]

Oh my gosh. This is key. I had my mirrors aligned and was getting tons of char and fire and the ramp test totally fixed it! Thanks so much!

[_desertwalker_]

Thank you from Western Australia. I appreciate your time on this.

[terrybrockhoff]

Wow, watched your video, then went down to my shed, started up the laser and did the ramp test.
What a difference it made to cutting acrylic and ply, at least 20% less power now to cut through the same material. Thankyou for the informative video.

[InnovativeDshop]

Great video. You have a knack providing simple easy to follow solutions. Thank you.

[topgun]

Thanks for this. I have not unboxed my OMtech. Because this machine is scaring me. I had a FSL 90w pro and never never had to do any of the set up test that I see I have to do with this OM machine. Thanks again

[mcsam]

Pretty smart to use the hex tools to measure it! Great video, nice, simple, and straight to the point.

[kenpeck]

Thanks very much for this video. I fired up my new 80w laser yesterday for the first time, and had trouble cutting 3mm plywood, very similar to the final scene. I'll be doing a ramp test today!

[evilutionltd]

I'm new to all of this although I have had my Omtech 60W CO2 for nearly 2 years and never used it. I worked some stuff out with trial and error but focusing was the thing I was stuck on. This method is genius and so much better than the comparison that I was trying.

[TroyBengford]

Love the tip measuring by allen wrench!

[CountryTraditions]

Great video! I hust assumed the spacer that came with the machine was fine

[jbb]

Great video, definitely saving for when my CO2 laser arrives. One suggestion, to get an even more accurate value between the nozzle and material during the ramp test, get a set of automotive feeler gauges to really dial in the gap distance.

[SipDIY]

Very informative & very helpful....really need that little tool you made.

[MineMountModels]

Thanks for this easy explanation. Headed right to the laser and found out the supplied gauge was way off. Now it’s cutting better than ever. I had a suspicion it wasn’t right. Thanks

[retrogazele]

Nice one ..thanks . You could do 2 pieces side by side and see underneath one of them where it penetrated.

[MattStehouwer]

That's for the video. Very helpful for me. I just got my laser this weekend and tuning it in. I already created a video on how to make the air pump quiet.