Thread: MOSHIDRAW KEEPS DRAWING A BOX!

I have a cheap 40w Chinese laser engraver running Moshidraw 2013. I've been completely cutting out letters from 1/8" acrylic plastic sheets with not too much problem. I create the letters as a hairline outline with no fill in Corel and then export as a plt. But now I want to engrave the letters. I've changed the letters to a bitmap and then export as a black and white bmp into Moshidraw. When I go to output I get a square box. Sometimes I get letters, sometimes not. Why does Moshidraw insist on engraving a box? I don't want a box. I want the letter characters cut out from the acrylic sheet so I can then fill them with some paint I have. In other words, I want to make a sign. There must be something simple I'm missing.

Thanks for any info or suggestions.

- Steve

I'm following along as I hate that software and got fed up with it and it sits there un-used now. Wish someone made better software for it.

Hi there
I know this story and many others too that's why the most convert to a DSP.
but moshidraw tends to be stuck somewhere or loos something, the best way is to uninstall the software manually delete the rest from the program folder then empty the recycle basket restart the computer and make a new installation. mostly helps till the next time.
the only way to get a realy workable machine is to convert to a DSP.
greetings
waltfl

I get how bad this Moshidraw is just from folks comments. What I don't understand is why the solution is another Chinese product like these DSP controllers.
A laser is basically a two axis machine with another axis or output used to fire the laser. If you read posts all over this site they are mostly working with full three axis machines, some with two drives powering one axis. Some with rotary axis.
Why is it so complicated for folks who own these machines to simply strip out all the controls up to the steppers and replace them with common stepper drives? Then instead of drawing stuff up in Coral, use a cam program with Mach3. What can a DSP controller do that a standard drive can't do that you are willing to shell out around 500 usd? Or does it seem way to complicated to work with cam to Mach3?

I've thought about doing that actually, but haven't figured out how to fire the laser correctly

By the time you have bought a Mach 3 license, breakout board, a USB controller (if using a laptop), cam software license etc. you will have spent at least as much as a DSP controller. You also have a solution that requires a lot more knowledge about CAD/CAM. The DSP controllers do the job and IMHO Lasercut 5.3 does the job of getting my CAD drawings onto the laser with a minumum of fuss. The Mach solution is for people who like to tinker. If you are runnning a business there may not be time to muck about with non-standard solutions.

you are absolutely right. but if you use the DSP AW608 you get the newest software lasercut 6.71 and all the update for free and you can use corel, autocad, and just send it over to the laser and you are done. this all will cost you about $ 500 plus S&H and you have a system where you really run a business
greetings
waltfl

Fine... I just ordered one

So your telling me that you purchased a 40W laser from China that runs Moshidraw for your business and all you have to do is purchase a DSP controller and everything runs smooth? Aren't these machine in the <1000 range? and you are going to buy a controller and they are perfect for your business?
I'm thinking that you need to be in 3K range as least to get a DSP setup and 50W and linear slide bearing ways and better optics ect.
So have you really taken one of the moshidraw machines, put a DSP controller, bought corel, had no issues with that controller or machine?.... great
If cost is the concern then list all cost to convert a moshidraw using DSP. I will then estimate what the mach3 version would be.

hi there
yes that's what I tell you. the cost including a K40 machine for about $ 800 and the conversion kit for $ 560 that's it means a total of $1300. most people don't have to buy the corel software because they come with a new computer and the DSP works with all of corel from X4 to X6.
and my machine for instance runs pretty much 7 days a week for 5 to 6 hr and this since 1 year and 1/2. the only I had to replace was 1 40W tube for $ 170 including shipping.
I can cut up to 5mm ply with speed 6mm/s, acryl 6mm with 10mm/s.
greetings
waltfl

I bought a DSP kit, should have it going in a week or two, I'll post findings and pics.

Not bad. I'm impressed that you are able to get that much out of a K40
Lets say others aren't as lucky as you and had a buy a 130 copy of Corel. So lets say the DSP route is about 690
I'll give you my setup using Mach3. Mach3 for 175, G540 w/PS 300, Smooth stepper 170, copy of cambam for 150, electronics for ~25 and I can't do photo engraving but this setup can cut and engrave vector passes. say about 820. Plus a 17 stepper if the machine only comes with two steppers. I know there are cheaper 3 channel drive solutions. This also assumes that you can't use any of the existing drives that come with the K40. Basically throw everything out in front of the steppers. I also don't know if the laser PS on a K40 is anything like the PS I'm using, but assume they are similar. Anyway there are alternatives to DSP.

I still don't understand why people spend so much money upgrading a K-40. You just end up with a poorly constructed machine with better electronics. It's still not up to doing any serious production work.

What you can afford, is what you can afford....

I there
what I don't understand is why you are so passionate go against this fellows??? do you get commission from a higher prized manufacturer?
maybe you don't understand the mentality if someone wana start going in the laser engraving or cutting then this is the optimal setup because
first it needs to be learned the whole laser technic and the working together with other programs like corel draw , photo paint etc.
and if they wana go in real business they can make the money what they eventually need for a better mechanical machine.
but I telling you I drive one of this converted K40 since 3 years now and there is nothing what I can not do better then machine for $3 ort 5%K
I even can do sub 3D or profile.
just my 2 cent
greetings
waltfl

I'm not on a commision and you are right: I don't understand the mentality of starting out the hard way. If you are new to this then surely it would be better to start off with a machine that actually works out of the box? But then laser cutting is a business for me so I don't have time to muck about with equipment that doesn't do the job. If you are doing it purely as a hobby it's a different matter of course. The way I distinguish between the two is: It's a business if it is your livelihood and you are dependent on the machine to work. If you have a job and do a bit of cutting/engraving on the side it's a hobby that might earn you a bit of pocket money. You would not go hungry if you have machine downtime.

You only have to look at the countless messages on this forum to realise that the K-40 machines being flogged cheaply on Ebay are not very good and a lot of people give up on them in frustration. They are also down right dangerous with no air assist and inadequate extraction. Despite all the advice given here people seem to think that they will somehow be alright and won't experience problems. Rose tinted glasses perhaps?

Coming from the perspective of its not my only business but for side work or a hobby, it more fun to take something that is substandard and make it premium. Its no fun to just pay for something that works. What would you learn from that? Whats the challenge? What do you brag about?
When you built it or modify it you can't complain to some company who doesn't care. You just fix it or make it worse. Either way you are learning and are in control.

Let me know if anyone is interested in how I am able to control the laser with my setup.

hi there
if you wana use complains then you should differentiate . 95 who have complained about the original K40 machines complain not about the mechanical part of the machine they complain about the software and motherboard.
like I said I am running the little machines after conversion to DSP pretty much 8hour a day, 6 days a week since more then 2 years now and I have a hard time to make time for the required maintenance what every machine needs.
this is a much cheaper machine solution then what you wana recommend.
here a few sample
greetings
waltfl

My DSP should be here Friday.

Originally Posted by BAMCNC.COM

My DSP should be here Friday.

What laser do you have? i'll have to bug you sometime about this; I have a need..