Longer Ray5 20W Complete Setup Guide: Assembly, LightBurn, Focus, and First Engrave
The Longer Ray5 20W is a quad-diode 450nm diode laser engraver/cutter with a 400x400mm work area. This guide covers assembly through your first successful project.
Safety First
- OD5+ 450nm laser safety glasses required whenever the laser could fire
- Never leave unattended during a job
- Fire extinguisher nearby at all times
- Use in a ventilated space or with a fume extractor
- Pets and children out of the room during operation
Assembly
- Attach X-axis rails to Y-axis frame with corner brackets and M4 bolts
- Slide X-carriage onto rails, connect stepper motor cables (colored, not interchangeable)
- Mount laser module to X-carriage with 4x M3 bolts, route cable through chain
- Connect control box via main cable bundle
- Connect air assist tube: module nozzle to pump, pump to controller air port
LightBurn Setup
LightBurn is the standard software for this machine.
- Devices → Create Manually → GRBL
- Connection: USB Serial (CH340 chip — install CH340 driver on Windows if not detected)
- Workspace: 400x400mm, origin: front-left, speed units: mm/min
- Optionally import the Longer Ray5 20W profile from LightBurn's device library
Setting Focus
The Ray5 20W has a fixed ~57mm focal length. Use the included acrylic focus spacer:
- Place material on work surface
- Loosen the laser module clamp screw
- Drop the focus spacer between module bottom and material surface
- Lower module until spacer is snug, tighten clamp, remove spacer
Frame Test Before Firing
Click Frame in LightBurn — the laser traces your job outline without firing. Confirm it clears material edges and any clamps before starting.
Baseline Material Settings
| Material | Speed (mm/min) | Power | Passes | Air Assist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balsa 3mm cut | 2000 | 80% | 1-2 | On |
| Plywood 3mm cut | 600 | 100% | 2-3 | On |
| Pine 6mm cut | 300 | 100% | 4-5 | On |
| Birch ply 4mm cut | 500 | 100% | 3 | On |
| Acrylic 3mm clear cut | 400 | 85% | 3 | Off |
| Acrylic 3mm colored engrave | 3000 | 40% | 1 | Off |
| Leather engrave | 4000 | 25% | 1 | On |
| Anodized aluminum mark | 600 | 100% | 2 | Off |
Maintenance
- Clean lens every 5-10 hours with IPA and a cotton swab — dirty lens kills power
- Check belt tension monthly — loose belts blur engraves
- Oil linear rails lightly every few months
Troubleshooting
Laser not firing: Check safety cover sensor. Verify PWM cable is fully seated.
Uneven burn depth: Focus is off, or material is warped — use honeycomb bed with pins.
Wavy lines in engrave: Loose belts — tension until they twang like a guitar string.
Slow cutting, many passes needed: Clean the lens first, then confirm air assist is flowing.