I’ve been using diode lasers for a while, but the OMTech K40+ is our very first CO2 laser—and honestly, it’s on a whole new level. In this video I walk through my first impressions, what setup actually looks like, and the big differences I noticed straight away: speed, power, and the ability to engrave materials we’ve struggled with on diodes (like clear acrylic and glass). I also cover what comes in the box, the 8" x 12" work area, the honeycomb bed, and the removable tray that makes cleanup easier. Setup wasn’t as bad as I expected, but CO2 definitely adds complexity. You’ve got to deal with water cooling (and in our cold weather, even heating the water to at least 15°C), plus mirror alignment. I also explain the “laser current”/ammeter situation and why I chose to follow Louisiana Hobby Guy’s advice to keep it around 70% power (about 18 on the meter) instead of running it flat out. Then I run real tests—MDF and wood coasters, slate, a ceramic tile (my first successful one), clear and black acrylic, cutting 3mm MDF, and even a quick glass engraving. My takeaway: it’s a solid, entry-level CO2 that’s fast and capable, but heavy, a bit fiddly, and there’s a learning curve you need to be ready for.