Posted by SainSmart on

Written by Kyle Martin

Hi, my name is Kyle Martin. I’m from a small town called Wallaceburg, Ontario. I’m an active firefighter, and I also work midnight shifts at Home Depot. Life is pretty busy for me with many things on the go, but one of my favorite hobbies has been laser engraving. My journey began years ago with a 5-watt diode laser I found on Amazon—a generic and inexpensive brand that sparked my interest in burning tiles and creating small projects for family and friends.

Transforming My Hobby with the Genmitsu L8

Back then, the laser I used had an open-air design, which meant my wife insisted I use it in the garage. Unfortunately, that setup came with its own challenges: unbearable heat in the summer and freezing temperatures in the winter. Fast forward to today, and everything has changed thanks to my recent purchase of the Genmitsu L8 20-watt laser engraver. This machine has completely transformed my hobby.

 Genmitsu L8 Laser Engraver

Unboxing and Assembly

The unboxing experience was one of the best I’ve ever had. The machine was exceptionally well-packaged, with every component placed carefully and thoughtfully. The attention to detail was remarkable, making the unboxing process almost as enjoyable as using the engraver itself.

Genmitsu L8 Unboxing

Genmitsu L8 Assembly

Genmitsu L8 Setup

Assembly was a breeze. The Genmitsu L8 arrived nearly pre-assembled, and all I had to do was install the laser head, which took less than two minutes, and plug everything into my computer. Removing the protective film from the acrylic case took longer than the actual setup! The fully enclosed design, built-in air assist, and integrated exhaust system mean I no longer have to endure the elements in my garage. All I had to do was hook up the exhaust hose and vent it out my window.

Seamless Integration with LightBurn Software

Setting up the Genmitsu L8 with LightBurn software was seamless. The standout feature? A built-in camera that provides an overlay of the item you’re working on. This feature has been a game-changer for project setup, making alignment and design placement incredibly easy. I honestly can’t imagine working without it now.

LightBurn Integration

Performance and Efficiency

I’ve been using the Genmitsu L8 primarily for creating ornaments, and it’s been a joy to work with. Cutting through 3mm basswood is fast and clean, with impressive efficiency. While I started with the 20-watt version, I was later sent the 40-watt model for review and showcasing at trade shows. This upgrade has been a game-changer in terms of speed and efficiency, significantly reducing project times and allowing me to increase cutting and engraving speeds even further.

For context, my older machines would take four hours to complete a large engraving. The Genmitsu L8 with the 40-watt module completes the same task in just 20 minutes at speeds of up to 40,000 mm/min. While the machine handles high speeds with minimal shaking, I’d recommend reducing speed for delicate text or smaller areas to avoid any wobbling caused by rapid movements.

 Genmitsu L8 PerformanceGenmitsu L8 Efficiency

Reliability and Customer Support

Reliability has been excellent overall. However, I did encounter one minor issue: the power meter display on the laser head stopped working within the first week. While it was a cool feature, it didn’t affect the machine’s performance. I contacted SainSmart’s support team, and within two days, Jamie from their team responded. After answering a few questions, they promptly sent out a replacement laser head. The new part arrived quickly and has been working flawlessly ever since.

SainSmart’s customer support deserves special recognition. In my experience, they are among the best in the industry. Faulty components can happen, but it’s how a company handles these situations that truly matters. Jamie’s swift and effective support ensured I could continue my projects without significant downtime. This level of service has earned SainSmart a permanent spot in my recommendations.

Promoting Genmitsu at Trade Shows

Given my positive experiences, I plan to promote the Genmitsu L8 and other SainSmart products at upcoming trade shows. Their commitment to customer satisfaction and product reliability is something I’m eager to share with others.

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering a laser engraver, I wholeheartedly recommend the Genmitsu L8. While some reviews mention customer service issues, I suspect these are often due to emails landing in spam folders. My experience has been nothing short of stellar, with prompt responses and effective resolutions to any issues.

Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, the Genmitsu L8 is a worthy investment. It’s efficient, reliable, and backed by a company that genuinely cares about its customers. I hope my experience helps make your decision easier—you won’t regret it.

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