Correct Focusing

I Have a Falcon 22W laser. This is a bit of a newbie question but I am really struggling getting the head to focus properly using the supplied guide. Is there another method I can use ?

Hi @neil_baillie

The focus tool is taylored for this device, so there is no real other way than using it.
This being said, make sure you checked that your Falcon laser module is perpendicular to the work surface, there are no loose parts, the frame is square and the arm on which the laser module is parallel to the front of the frame.
There are a couple posts on this forum that cover all this.
Once you validated all these, you should be able to use the focus tool properly.
In summary, you should:

  • Ensure your frame is square
  • Ensure there are no loose belts/screws/…
  • Ensure the arm holding the laser module is parallel to the front panel or perpendicular to the sides
  • Ensure your laser module is perpendicular to the work surface

That should get you started on the right setup.

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Why do you think the laser is not focusing correctly?
Here are the steps I follow:

  1. I put the item (ie. wood/acrylic) I want to cut/engrave under the laser module
  2. I place the metal calibration focusing tool on the item and under the laser module
  3. I loosen the 2 screws on the side of the laser module so that it lowers to rest on the part that is the thickness of the item to be lasered (ie. if the wood is 6mm thick then the module will rest on the 6mm “step”
  4. I tighten the 2 screws of the laser module and remove the metal calibration step
  5. Laser has now been focused
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As a matter of fact, focussing is not that critical. I sometimes forget to focus and all went fine. However that applies for my Falcon Pro2 40W. I also have an A1 10W and focussing is more critical but also the focussing on the A1 is ‘forgiving’

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Honestly the topic of laser focusing isn’t completely clear to me either…

In my mind it seems logical that laser focusing varies depending on the material you’re working with, but according to the guide and the impression I’m getting from the comments, is that the focusing is determined by the thickness of the material alone, which gives the impression that it’s not so much about the intensity of the laser but more about temperature buildup in the material… (thinner materials, more distance to avoid temperature buildup and vice versa)…?

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It is not that confusing:
The material itself is not important for focussing. That said, important is if you want to engrave or cut. In case of engraving, focussing is always done using the highest step of the tool you use for focussing. In case of cutting, the thickness of the material depends which step of the tool you need to use. Hope that this will bring some clarity

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Thank you for the very simple and straightforward answer and explanation…

Why they don’t include simple but essential info like this in the manuals etc is beyond me… but now I know…