Best Diode Podcasts (2025)

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[LS186] Ghosts, Glitches & Diode Drama 1:09:52

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12d ago1:09:52

1:09:52

This episode drifts between Halloween energy and hardware frustration as Alex unpacks the chaotic reality of the Ortur R2’s repeatability issues, mis-homing behavior, and undercooked software ecosystem. From talk of ghosts and “Jesus Chicken” to real-world testing pain, the crew breaks down why great diode modules are wasted when the supporting har…

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[LS191] Glowforge’s Big Problem 1:06:34

5h ago1:06:34

1:06:34

This week’s episode drifts through the realities of year-end laser work — juggling ornament season, balancing what your time is worth, and knowing when to say no. The guys catch up on the November Coin Challenge, talk through design quirks like eyeballs and portal concepts, and debate community expectations versus personal bandwidth. Things shift i…

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[LS190] The Mira 5S Arrives: Unboxing & First Impressions 1:01:51

1h ago1:01:51

1:01:51

Episode 190 centers on the new Aeon Mira 5S landing in the shop and the crew digging into what makes the machine different. The conversation hits the build quality, the RF tube, why the form factor matters, and the engineering decisions Aeon got right. From there they branch into practical business thoughts about timing big purchases at the end of …

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[LS189] The Pre-Holiday Review Dump 1:10:53

9d ago1:10:53

1:10:53

The guys talk through a wave of long-delayed laser reviews, what’s surprising them this season, and why some budget machines are genuinely excellent while others belong in a landfill. They drift into fourth-quarter production habits, rotary headaches, tumbler tricks, pattern-making wizardry, and the realities of prepping for holiday stock before ev…

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[LS188] Do We Need to Change Everything? 2:31:53

12d ago2:31:53

2:31:53

Alex, Kyle, and Anthony get brutally honest about the future of Laser Everything and what it means to run a deep-dive, education-first channel in a shorts-driven, review-obsessed YouTube world. They talk about the constant pressure to “sell out” with surface-level reviews, the financial reality of depending on the LMA and community support, and how…

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[LS187] Titanium Dioxide: JPPlus Aquires LBT 1:06:48

6d ago1:06:48

1:06:48

The crew digs into a wave of new updates in the laser world, including Johnson Plastics Plus buying LBT and what that means for titanium-dioxide marking supplies. Alex walks through a day of CO₂ testing hell with tumblers that refuse to bond, pint glasses that behave better, and how small coatings can derail a whole project. The discussion circles …

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[LS185] New Clients, Old Memes, and Holiday Panic 1:04:33

4h ago1:04:33

1:04:33

The crew bounces between business wins, new opportunities, and absolute nonsense. Matt shares a potential high value school job and recurring sports team contracts, which kicks off a broader talk about outreach, steady clients, and using the slow season wisely. From there the conversation spirals into seasonal gifting panic, merch nostalgia, Discor…

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[LS184] Little Tykes Lasers & the Race to the Bottom 1:00:11

4h ago1:00:11

1:00:11

The trio digs into a bigger question behind the week’s chaos: when does “affordable” turn into “too cheap?” Alex’s hands-on with a $200 Ortur R1 sparks a real conversation about safety, false confidence, race-to-the-bottom engineering, and where the hobby line crosses into becoming a liability. They compare the R1 to sturdier entry-level machines, …

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[LS183] Finding Your Laser (with the Laser Finder) 1:06:39

4h ago1:06:39

1:06:39

The team unveils the brand-new Laser Finder tool on MakeArmy.io — a guided quiz that helps beginners figure out which type of laser suits their work without sales fluff or brand bias. They walk through how it works, how it connects to the growing community settings database, and what’s next for expanding it. The conversation drifts into real shop t…

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[LS182] WeCreat Fixes the Lumos (Finally) 1:12:41

4h ago1:12:41

1:12:41

The crew celebrates Matt’s birthday with a mix of good-natured chaos and real laser talk. Alex breaks news that WeCreat finally pushed a long-overdue software update adding bidirectional scanning to the Lumos — prompting rants, rewrites, and a little redemption. From there, conversation swings through teardown photos for the Ultimate Guide to Laser…

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[LS181] Material Safety 101: Research Before You Roast It 1:05:13

4h ago1:05:13

1:05:13

The crew digs into the messy truth about material safety—how to really research what’s safe to laser and what can gas you (or your machine). Alex walks through the process step-by-step: using CAS registry numbers, reading modern SDS sheets, and understanding decomposition products instead of online hearsay. They talk about why “no data available” i…

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[LS180] The Ultimate Laser Processing Guide 1:15:19

6d ago1:15:19

1:15:19

Alex and Kyle reveal the next evolution of Laser Everything’s educational content: the Ultimate Laser Processing Guide. They discuss why it’s replacing the original LightBurn Crash Course, what new topics it covers—from safety and workspace prep to identifying your laser source—and how they’re rebuilding it into 126 short, focused lessons. The conv…

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[LS179] New Gear, JP+ Fest & LightBurn 2.0 Plans 1:03:53

8h ago1:03:53

1:03:53

Between sickness, chaos, and way too many lasers on the way, Alex, Kyle, and Rheannon hold down the fort for a laid-back but productive episode. Rhiannon teases her new travel-accessory video featuring Johnson Plastics Plus leatherette gear (with a Dragonite passport cover for Japan), Alex previews his upcoming community-building talk for JP+ Fest,…

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[LS178] Holiday Prep & FREE Background Remover 1:10:36

1d ago1:10:36

1:10:36

The guys kick back for a fun, tool-packed episode full of maker updates and new toys. Between sick kids, glass jobs, and holiday prep chaos, they dive into easy-win UV products, quick-selling ornaments, and the classic “make something for the school principal” marketing trick. Alex shows off the all-new Laser Toolkit—a collection of shop calculator…

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[LS177] Kickstarter Beasts and the Monport Reno 1:09:28

9d ago1:09:28

1:09:28

The guys dive into one of the wildest “why does this even exist?” releases yet — a massive 4×8-foot hybrid diode/CNC machine from ER that’s equal parts intriguing and absurd. They break down why multi-purpose machines rarely excel at any one task, how scale turns convenience into chaos, and what kind of maker could actually use something that big. …

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[LS176] Rotary Failures, Crazy Clients & The Pixie Laser 1:04:36

10d ago1:04:36

1:04:36

Alex spends the week wrestling with an impossible rotary setup—wrong pins, hot glue, and a $700 lesson in EasyCAD board compatibility—while the crew swaps their own horror stories about problem clients, endless revisions, and knowing when to walk away. Between broken boards and champagne-flute drama, they talk deposits, boundaries, and time managem…

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[LS175] The WeCreate Love Letter (and Intervention) 1:01:33

4d ago1:01:33

1:01:33

The guys catch up after travel, cat rescues, and kid chaos before diving into a deep (and sometimes teeth-on-wire) discussion about WeCreate’s new Lumos laser. It’s gorgeous, powerful, and loaded with features - but hamstrung by missing bi-directional scanning. What follows is equal parts love letter and intervention as Alex and Kyle break down why…

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[LS174] Cleaning, Cooling & Condensation 1:12:22

6d ago1:12:22

1:12:22

Alex and Kyle go deep on the unglamorous but essential side of running lasers: keeping them clean and cool. From the brand-new Laser Everything Buying Guide launch to the split of the Laser Source YouTube channel, they roll into a hands-on chat about airflow, dust, humidity, condensation, and why every laser deserves maintenance love. The conversat…

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[LS173] $9 Summit, Fresh Start 35:52

1d ago35:52

35:52

This week is all about two things: a practical invite to the Maker’s Momentum Summit and a clear plan for the Laser Source podcast edits moving to their own YouTube channel. We explain why the split helps your feed make sense again, what you get for nine dollars, when VIP access is worth it, and how our community talk fits into the summit’s bigger …

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[LS172] AI Monkeys, Toxic Basketballs & Amazon Laser Deals 1:06:25

4h ago1:06:25

1:06:25

This week’s show jumps between chaos and good shop talk in true Laser Source fashion. The crew starts joking about AI monkey photos and cats pulling lasers, then moves into serious ground—why “leather” basketballs are dangerously toxic to engrave, when not to trust “genuine” labels, and why safety beats experimentation. From there, the conversation…

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[LS171] Balancing Family, Hustle & Lasers 1:10:19

10d ago1:10:19

1:10:19

Anthony’s back, and with big life changes. The crew dives into what happens when family priorities collide with small-business grind: closing a shop, moving back home, and finding new balance without losing momentum. They talk about working from a garage, rebuilding client trust, and rediscovering purpose through family and community. Matt’s kids g…

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[LS170] AI, Etsy, and the End of Original Art 1:04:08

10d ago1:04:08

1:04:08

The crew takes an unexpectedly deep dive into AI, creativity, and the shifting maker landscape. What starts as banter about bamboo projects, new glasses, and 3D scanning coins turns into a full-blown discussion about Etsy’s new design policies, AI art legality, and whether “real art” still matters when anyone can prompt an image. Between laughs, th…

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[LS169] Flying Galvos or Fiber Fantasy - The ACCELaser Hype 1:09:33

3h ago1:09:33

1:09:33

Michael Mullins (Laser Engraving 911) joins the crew to break down the new ACCELaser - a hybrid fiber/diode system that’s got the maker world buzzing. They dig into how it blends fiber-laser speed with gantry precision, what makes its “no-stitch” flying-galvo tech different, and how its partnership with LightBurn could redefine usability for comple…

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[LS168] The Multi-Machine Juggle 1:09:00

10d ago1:09:00

1:09:00

Between new gear, half-finished edits, and a six-foot plywood Bigfoot, the team juggles a busy week in the shop. Alex talks about carving the massive Yeti stencil in sections on the Mira 9, testing a 3D scanner for an upcoming review, and helping Rheannon film the Ultimate Guide to Engraving Bamboo—including a gorgeous 55-minute UV run no one will …

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[LS167] The JPPlus Playbook - What Actually Sells in 2025 (feat. Aaron Stout) 1:08:08

10d ago1:08:08

1:08:08

JPPlus’ Aaron Stout joins the crew to connect apparel roots with laser work, then maps out what is selling right now. The talk lands on tri-layer patches, signage that survives the elements, why the Rowmark swatch book closes deals, and how free appointment-based support helps small shops move faster. The team also breaks down CO2, UV, and sublimat…

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[LS166] Better Cuts, Better Settings & The New Projects Hub 58:52

10d ago58:52

58:52

Alex breaks down why “percent speed” is useless without the real mm/s behind it, and how converting those numbers makes shared settings actually work. Rhiannon’s shortcuts video lands its first thousand views, and the crew shows off new database upgrades—cleaner settings pages, quick filters, multi-fill support, and the rebuilt projects library wit…

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[LS165] Materials You Should Never Engrave (and Why) 1:03:13

10d ago1:03:13

1:03:13

This episode centers on material safety and the debut of our community material database. We demonstrate the new status system, hazard tags, and search, then dig into why vinyl/PVC is a hard no, why some woods are not as harmless as they seem, and how coatings change the risk profile. We talk practical shop safety, ventilation that actually works, …

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[LS164] BRAND NEW UV Library Out Now 1:04:01

4h ago1:04:01

1:04:01

The teaser sets the tone: if you are still bouncing back to EZCAD, stop. LightBurn now covers the entire galvo workflow so you never need to reinstall drivers or juggle two apps. From there the crew drops a beta release of the UV parameter library, then gets practical about why UV sources behave so differently, how pulse width direction can invert …

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[LS163] The Sasquatch 1:06:02

4d ago1:06:02

1:06:02

Alex is trying to pee in peace when someone yells “Laser guy!” from the hallway. A painter’s assistant wants a nine-foot plywood Sasquatch cut out on the spot, and that launches the entire episode into a chaos spiral of shop stories, sick-day confessions, and sunburn complaints. From there the crew catches up on Q&A success from the golf-club train…

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[LS162] Autofocus Isn’t Broken - Your Lens Is Lying 57:35

17d ago57:35

57:35

The teaser opens with Anthony dropping a small revelation about F-theta lenses: the number printed on the lens is a theoretical value, and in real life your focal height is often wildly different. That sparks a full discussion about what F-values actually mean and why autofocus often lands nowhere near the measurement stamped on the glass. From the…

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[LS161] 104% - How Makers Pivot When Prices Double 59:38

13d ago59:38

59:38

The teaser clip sets the tone: this is where the pros separate from the churn-and-burn crowd. Once the show kicks in, the crew jumps straight into the breaking news of 104% tariffs on Chinese goods and how that hits every maker in the United States. They steer past doom-scroll panic and start laying out real strategies: buying used inventory, tappi…

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[LS160] Consumer Machines vs Pro Equipment 52:55

13d ago52:55

52:55

The team opens with chaos, April Fool’s jokes, and a fresh upload about ColorShop Woods that shows cutting techniques across multiple CO₂, diode, UV and fiber machines. That turns into a deeper chat about how color-drenched the material really is, why it’s better suited for cutting than marking, and how layered projects get their contrast. From the…

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[LS159] The L Piece 1:06:24

17d ago1:06:24

1:06:24

The crew starts with pudding-pack chaos and sponsor jokes before sliding into real shop talk. Everyone admits they hoard leftover material, especially those dreaded “L” pieces of acrylic and Romark, and they compare how scraps constantly bail out last-minute jobs. That leads into practical advice about engraving coins, good sources for quality blan…

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[LS158] Why Small Test Grid Squares LIE 1:05:07

13d ago1:05:07

1:05:07

This episode starts with the crew comparing beam combiner setups before Alex admits he’s officially done aligning red dots and is moving to SPT TR tubes with built-in combiners. Matt works on brass nameplates live and breaks down his batching workflow - why repeatable templates, grouping, and frame previews save hours. From there, the group dives d…

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[LS157] You Can Always Add But You Can't Take Away 1:07:13

3d ago1:07:13

1:07:13

The crew checks in after a brutal dad-day at the trampoline park, which leads into a surprisingly deep small-business segment about profitable micro-orders - leatherette flasks, real-brass name badges, flexi-brass plastics, and margin stacking on fast, shippable work. From there: the slow winter slump finally breaking, slate video reactions, a teas…

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[LS156] When Clients DIY (…and Regret It) + Public Maker Space Etiquette 53:41

1d ago53:41

53:41

The crew opens with some light chaos (cat talk and missing-Matt jokes) before digging into a real small-business dilemma: a client cuts a bulk engraving order in half after finding a public maker space. They debate how to handle contracts, bulk pricing, and keeping relationships intact when customers try to DIY - and why many eventually come back. …

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[LS155] Everything Resin (feat. Cheryl, Resin Dragon Studios) 59:42

3M ago59:42

59:42

In this episode, we sit down with Cheryl from Resin Dragon to dive deep into the world of resin printing, molding, and 3D printing. From beginner tips to advanced techniques, Cheryl shares her experience, insights, and advice for makers looking to explore the resin side of the creative world. Whether you’re just curious or already experimenting wit…

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[LS154] Boyce Returns to Laser Source 1:03:24

4M ago1:03:24

1:03:24

In this episode, we’re answering questions and catching up with Boyce, who drops in for a chat! We dive into some fun topics, including getting black on steel, creative Easter project ideas, and troubleshooting inconsistent engravings on acrylic. Plus, we break down how to set your line interval correctly and answer a question about where to find t…

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[LS153] Engraving Glass the RIGHT Way vs Getting By with Fiber 1:17:57

4M ago1:17:57

1:17:57

In this episode, we break down why UV lasers are the best choice for engraving glass (even though fiber technically works), dive into the latest drama with Bamboo 3D printers and their software, and troubleshoot why your rotary engravings might be coming out a little… squished. Plus, we chat about UV resin printing, rusting issues, and answer a ton…

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[LS152] Engraving Prices, Inflation & Exploding Bottles 1:12:11

4M ago1:12:11

1:12:11

In this episode, we tackle several laser questions, dive into the effects of inflation and tariffs, and debate the real value of tumbler engravings—how much should you charge? Plus, what’s causing Champagne bottles to explode while being engraved, and how can you prevent it? And to top it all off, Alex has a chat with ChatGPT! All this and more on …

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[LS151] Why UV Lasers Are Better Than Ever 56:21

5M ago56:21

56:21

In this episode, Anthony shares that he’s in the process of making a deep-dive video on lenses, we talk about catching up on editing and posting Podcast episodes, and we break down why UV lasers—like the ComMarker Omni 1—may be the best choice for any laser shop and are now more affordable than ever! Plus, learn how to order shapes or objects by pr…

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[LS150] CO2 Galvo vs. Fiber Laser for Tumblers 1:10:41

4M ago1:10:41

1:10:41

There’s so much information out there about marking tumblers with a fiber laser, but if you had a choice between that and a CO2 galvo which would be better? (it’s a CO2 galvo btw - listen to find out why) PLUS: we’re over due for Emergency Stop, INFRARED CAMERAS and tumbler laser absorption. ALL of this and so much more on this episode of the Laser…

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[LS149] Laser Everything's FUTURE in the Laser Engraving Space? 1:21:54

5M ago1:21:54

1:21:54

Let’s talk about the past year, the year ahead and everything we hope to accomplish moving forward. Feels like year over year things change here. We’ve made amazing progress in some areas and completed things I never though possible. On the other hand some things have been shelved or moved to the backburners and left to collect dust. What did you e…

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[LS148] A Cool 3D Scanner… (We DIDNT Keep It) 1:18:50

5M ago1:18:50

1:18:50

A very surprising tool showed up in the mail—a 3D scanner we were supposed to review. In this episode, we brainstorm how it could potentially elevate or evolve our workflow, from engraving prep to design applications. But in the end, we later realized it was way too large-scale for what we do and ended up sending it back. Still, it was a cool piece…

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[LS147] OBEY and PURCHASE: HOT Amazon Picks You Shouldn't Skip for your Laser Shop 1:40:17

5M ago1:40:17

1:40:17

Not just blanks, lasers, laser accessories, shop accessories, tools, you name it - it’s on the list - because this is our Black Friday / Cyber Monday stream! Even if you’re here after the deals have ended listen up: there’s great stuff every engraver needs in their setups and shops in our list this episode so submit to the affiliate propaganda and …

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[LS146] Laser Business Real Talk: Clients, Margins, and Expectations 1:03:51

5M ago1:03:51

1:03:51

How do you balance customer expectations, profitability, and personal standards for your engraving work? Kyle shares his thoughts on getting that balance just right. We also talk about tariffs and their impact on the laser industry, coin engraving, and the challenge of accepting custom jobs. Plus, a look at UV spot sizes, custom engraving plates, a…

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[LS145] Everything You’re Doing Wrong With UV Lasers 1:21:37

5M ago1:21:37

1:21:37

Think UV lasers are always safe for plastics? Think again. In this episode of the Laser Source Podcast, we kick things off with a full Q&A session before diving into UV laser safety myths, the Longer Nano PRO, air vs. water cooling, and even cutting gold. We also give you a behind-the-scenes look at the shop’s latest updates—including a new POS sys…

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[LS144] The Brutal Truth About Running a Laser Job Shop 1:07:54

5M ago1:07:54

1:07:54

Ever feel like you’re running on fumes? You’re not alone. In this brutally honest episode of the Laser Source Podcast, we dive into the emotional and mental toll of running a laser engraving job shop. From rebuilding our Google My Business from the ground up to juggling customer projects, slat walls, websites, and content creation—we cover what it …

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[LS143] Not Just Lasers – Our Favorite Workshop Tools Revealed! 1:16:02

5M ago1:16:02

1:16:02

Not everything in a laser workshop is just about the laser! In this episode, we talk about some of our favorite non-engraving tools that make life easier—like calipers for precision, button batteries (handle with care!), and Anthony’s Beam It Up Laser Tape. Plus, Alex shares why he highly recommends the Elegoo Resin Printer. Whether it’s measuring,…

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[LS142] From Hat Clips to Community Tips (feat. Blake Sanborn – Great Lakes Laser Supply) 1:10:02

5M ago1:10:02

1:10:02

In this episode, we sit down with Blake Sanborn from Great Lakes Laser Supply to talk about his business, their community, and the awesome laser engraving products they offer. We cover everything from hat clips, expert advice, and how their group supports laser makers of all levels. If you’re looking for new blanks or just want to connect with a gr…