Author Archives: John Hagensieker

TOOCAA L2 Laser Engraver Review

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TOOCAA L2 Laser Engraver Review

TOOCAA L2

TOOCAA L2 Desktop Laser Engraver

I was recently provided a Desktop Laser Engraver from TOOCAA.  TOOCAA stands for “Tool Can Create Amazing Art”.  The laser that showed up on my doorstep is the TOOCAA L2, 20 Watt diode laser ($999.00).

Desktop laser engravers have been roughly the same up until recently.  In the last year or so there has been an explosion of upgrades and safety features.  The TOOCAA L2 certainly is carrying that torch into the future.  Where it really shines is in the realm of safety.
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NIIMBOT M2 Thermal Transfer Label Maker Review

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NIIMBOT M2 Thermal Transfer Label Maker Review

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NIIMBOT is pushing the envelope in the battery powered, thermal label maker market.  They provided me their new NIIMBOT M2  ($89.99) to review.  As soon as I hit their web site and then subsequently opened the box I realized this was something special.

The NIIMBOT M2 is a COLOR label maker.

I can’t say as I know of any other label maker in this class that can print in color.  Also, the M2 is a full 2″ wide label maker that is slightly bigger than your hand.

It is also quite attractive, with nice fit and finish and a legible HD screen.
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XHDATA D-220 Review

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XHDATA D-220 Review

XHDATA D-220

XHDATA D-220

I’m a huge fan of XHDATA radios.  Recently, they reached out to me and asked me to review a couple of radios.  The best part is that one of them was yet unreleased.  Introducing the XHDATA D-220 (orange) available on Amazon for $15.98.  Additionally, you can get one in black, or green.

It looks like a pocket sized transistor radio.  And that is precisely what it is.  Radio enthusiasts these days want radios with bells and whistles and single sideband.  But guys like me still want, need, and use a pocket sized radio.

Case in point.  We are going to the beach tomorrow.   I am not about to take a $250 radio to the beach.  Also, I’m a bicycle rider. Having a pocket radio is perfect for grabbing the local rock station while I spin.   I’ve also been known to have a drink or two and sit on the back porch.  Small radios fit the bill in so many ways these days.  I also like to hike and camp.  This radio is so small and lightweight that it belongs in your backpack, your camper or your bug out bag.
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NIIMBOT D11 Label Maker Review

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NIIMBOT D11 Label Maker Review

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The great folks at NIIMBOT have done it again.  They have made another amazing 1/2″ label maker.  They have upped the game with a 300 dpi label maker called the NIIMBOT D11 ($27.99).  Also available at Amazon for $29.99

Their previous 1/2″ printer, the D110,  was a gem.  I reviewed it here.  There is a D110 upgraded for 2024 but this blog will focus on the new D11 for 2024.  Let’s talk about how cool of a label maker this is.
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XHDATA D-608WB Review

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XHDATA D-608WB Review

XHDATA

XHDATA D-608WB

I love radios.  I can’t even say how many radios and short wave radios I own because my wife reads this.   However, I was tickled to death to find out that XHDATA was sending me their new D-608WB Emergency Radio ($33) to review.   It can also be purchased from Amazon.

I also own the original XHDATA D-608 and reviewed it previously here.   Like I said, I own a lot of radios.

Also, I own a lot of radios that call themselves Emergency Radios. So let’s see how the D-608WB shakes out.
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Acrylic Sheet For Laser Cutting

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Acrylic Sheet For Laser Cutting

If you use a laser for your side hustle it won’t be long before you begin to dabble with Acrylic Sheet for laser cutting.  From signage to keychains and everything in between, acrylic sheets can produce projects suitable for sales.  One of the major issues with acrylic sheet for laser cutting is sourcing the material.

A quick trip to Lowe’s, Home Depot, or the Craft store won’t get you much, if any selection.  I have been buying clear cast sheets from Home Depot for some time only to see the source dry up.  Additionally, there are different types of acrylic sheets.  Some are best for engraving, and some are best for cutting.

I have also sourced material from several manufacturers but never found the “perfect” acrylic.  I found my sources from laser forum discussions.  Conversely,  I have been around the block a time or two as it relates to acrylic sheet material.  It is tough to find a good source.
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Laser Buying Guide 2024

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Laser Buying Guide 2024

Laser Buying Guide

Laser Buying Guide

Welcome to my Laser Buying Guide for 2024.  Selecting a laser engraver is harder than ever before.   There are several types of lasers and more than a few selections within each category.

Over the years I have assembled many lasers and have sold more than a few.  And I seem to get asked the same questions over and over by prospective buyers.

Most new, prospective laser purchasers probably find out too late what their new laser can and cannot do.  It is important to understand the differences in laser types BEFORE you purchase one.
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Harbor Freight Multi Tool

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Harbor Freight Multi Tool

Harbor Freight Multitool

Harbor Freight Multi Tool

I am a lover of Multi tools.  For years I have kept various types of Leatherman or Gerber’s nearby.  Currently the most popular Multi tool in the world is the Leatherman Wave+.  I actually own two of those.  Imagine my surprise when the Harbor Freight Multi Tool was released and priced at $39.99!

Can this $40 tool really compare to a $119.95 Wave +?

If so, this is going to be an amazing bargain.  Also, that would make it a perfect addition to your tool bag or center console in your vehicle.

Let’s find out if this thing stacks up to the Wave+.
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Creality Falcon 2 Pro Review

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Creality Falcon 2 Pro Review

Creality Falcon 2 Pro

Creality Falcon 2 Pro

I was recently provided a very cool laser to review from the innovators at Creality.  They are the Makers of excellent 3D printers and also desktop laser engravers.  I just got my hands on the Creality Falcon 2 Pro, 22 Watt Desktop Laser Engraver($1099).

I have to say this laser engraver has some very cool features not found in other desktop diode laser machines.  The list is quite substantial.

Buckle up for a cool laser ride.
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Makeblock mBot Ultimate Robot Kit Review

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Makeblock mBot Ultimate Robot Kit Review

Makeblock mBot

Makeblock mBot 10-in-1Robot Kit

A little over a month ago, the company Makeblock provided me their Makeblock mBot Ultimate 2.0, 10-in-1 robotics kit ($366.99) to review.  Originally, I was a bit trepidatious since the kit is designed to teach coding to teenagers or young adults.  While I am a techie, I am not a coder.

But I do love a challenge.  I have finally begun making some great progress with this kit.

Before I Begin

Before I dig in to this review I need to state something.  When I was about the age relevant to the kit recommendations I was exposed to electronics kits such as depicted below.
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