Comgrow Z1 Laser Engraver 10W Output Power, 24V Desktop Laser Cutter and Engraving Machine with Eye Protection Compressed Laser Spot 0.08mm, 10000mm/min Diode Laser Cutting for Metal Wood

These are my thoughts about the Comgrow Z1 laser engraving machine from the time it arrived, to me writing about it. I do not know why, but I was expecting a larger box, but I am glad it was not too big because there is less trash to throw away.AssemblyThe assembly was simply especially with the bags of screw that were clearly labeled, BUT ignore the STEP NUMBER, because it does not reflect the same steps in the manual. I am not a big fan of reading the manual, so I went directly to YouTube and followed a video instead. After assembling it, I made some minor adjustment to the eccentric nut on the laser module gantry (X axis), because there was a little bit of play on it. If you look behind the lower POM wheel you will see a hex nut, slowly turn it with the wrench that was included with the kit to either direction and the POM wheel will either get tighter or loose. These are offset nut, so you do know which direction you turn until you try it. So, turn slowly and you can see the X axis will get tighter or looser.SoftwareI am using a Windows 10/11 Machine, so I installed all the drives as it was included on the Micro SD card. Then I installed the software Laser GRBL v4.4.1 (also included on the SD card). This software is limited to what you can do, but still works as intended and it is FREE. I did all the cutting and engraving as shown in the pictures in my review with this software. I am planning to use the free trial version of LightBurn soon. Initially I has trouble connecting because I previously used this same software with a different laser engraver but it and user error on my part. I was connecting with the wrong baud rate, make sure you select 230400 when connecting to it. Like with all software, once you figure out how to use it, Laser GRBL is simple to operate.Cutting/EngravingNear the end of the user manual v1.6 there is a page called “Engraving Parameter,” I find it a good starting point when setting up your machine. Based on the material you are working on, you will need to pick the correct speed and power. Make sure you adjust the height of your laser will the included clear/frosted plastic tool (flat plate that is 2mm thick). The laser needs to be a specific distance from the top of the material you or working on to have the optimal focus. From the very bottom of the laser (clear red plastic guard) you need a 2mm gap from the material. Once that is set, you should be able to start cutting or engraving. Make sure you use the include safety google to protect your eyes! That is it, so far the machine is working great for me.Pros:Large working area with dual Y motors.Included Riser and a large adjustability on the laser module. Why this is important? Because if you work with different size material, you do NOT need to physically prop your machine higher to accommodate it. Especially, if you plan to use a rotary roller.Compatible to other Laser modules, Rotary roller, Air assist air pump, and Honeycomb working Table. They are using parts that are universal to many other brands, so it is easy to share accessories, so you and not limited to only their brands.The laser is Compressed Spot, so it has a fine and more focused compared to other 5w lasers. Just for fun I mounted a 10w laser from a different company and it worked flawlessly. It was just plug and play.It even has Wi-Fi, so you can control it with your phone. But currently, I do not plan to use this feature. I did download the app and connected to it, but that was pretty much the extent of me using this feature.This machine is a big step up from the previous engraver that I had, so it is difficult to find any negatives. Everything so far has been positive, but if anything changes, I will post an update to my review.ConsIf I had to say something bad, I will say they should update the labels on the packaging for the screws, so the “Steps #” are the same as shown on the manual. And it would be nice if the allen wrench included in the kit was a little longer. It would have made the assembly a bit quicker and easier.

This was my purchase to break into the world of laser engraving. I was not the biggest fan of the software lasergrbl that comes with it just due to tye fact that it ONLY controls the laser, any sort of manipulation has to be done in a different program, BUT it is cool how it specifically shows you what part it's on when looking at the computer screen. I have had great results with this machine. It is a large learning curve but easy for beginners.

If you come from 3D printing, you know what I mean by the title. This laser engraver is the Ender 3 of the engraving world. It’s simple, no-nonsense approach is honestly refreshing when compared to some of the more complex units I have used in the past. If you are looking for a simple machine, with minimal excess fodder and function, and you just want to flip a switch and hit "Go", this is the one for you. I will list out my pros and cons below.Pros:Excellent valueSimple assemblyIncludes everything you need to get started, including a few sample pieces of wood to practice onWorks right out of the box, without the need to fumble around with firmware updatesMany parts are common off the shelf components, so maintenance and repairs should be easy down the roadCons:Instruction book, while nicely detailed, was missing a few critical "Common Sense" steps that MIGHT confuse new or inexperienced usersCutout for SD card on the main board housing, without an actual SD card slot present ON the board struck me as a bit odd and confusingTolerances for the toolhead laser holder and thumb screws are a tad loose, meaning you really have to torque down the thumb screws to get the laser tool head levelConclusion:This is an incredible value machine. If you come in to this with an open mind and a little patience, you will be satisfied for the price-to-performance you get out of it. I know I was. Now I just have to find more time to use it in this busy age we live in!