So this is going to be more a food for thought kind of thing, rather than full blown instructable due to the ease of the so called "project".

As many, i dreamed a long time ago about some kind of a CNC based machine, which would be precise and fun to use. So when i got the chance to test out NEJE DK 8 KZ, i was stoked. if you want to check out the engraver go to http://www.gearbest.com/3d-printers-3d-printer-kit... .

So long days have passed till i got my machine, and boy oh boy for such a simple purpose, it sure did made me happy, and busy at the same time, testing it trying to engrave each and every possible material to be carved with this 1000 mW laser.

So naturally one day i found my self in disbelief, when it suddenly stopped carving those precise pictures in to the materials which before it would attack with ease.

Tried what seems to me everything i could. I took the machine apart, tried to find some cold solder points. Why i don't know, since besides the fact that it would not leave a mark, everything else would function. But the DIY'er in me thought that maybe something is wrong there.

I cleaned the laser, thinking maybe the beam is not focused to the max, or it got dusty and greasy. But no... it did not help. I even got professional fiber optic cleaning kit from work, just to be really really sure. And no... it did not help.

All the google searches would lead to the same place... expensive laser fixing company for medical lasers... and thats it... maybe crystal got misaligned? Maybe, but my knowledge on the laser fixing ended up there.

Like a drowning man i tried to catch a last straw, maybe the lense somehow got damaged. So it is not focussing it properly? I ordered one... for couple of $ thinking it might be the magical solution.

Sadly, i did not....

By the way if you want to check out my initial review and tutorial how to get it going on the MAC check the video in this step, for the how i fixed it go to step 1 :)

Step 1: Step 1: Admitting You Have a Problem

So it comes with no surprise, that the only conclusion was to swap the laser with a new one :)

So short search online, and i ordered mine. Prices ranges from 16-20 $ and above for the same item. So it is your choice from where to get it. But in most cases it is going to be shipping from our beloved CHINA so don't hold you breath, you will have to wait :)

Replacing laser it is so straightforward and easy that i even feel silly explaining. But hey, sometimes it helps to know.

So to get access you need to remove top plate. Which is simple enough, you just have to remove 10 screws. Be careful, nuts are not glued in place, only friction held, so you can loose them. But anyway, take out 4 screws from the top, 2 from the back plate in the top corners, and 4 screws from the front plate two upper corner ones, and two below them. The last 2 are to loosen the front plate, so you can wigle the fixing noches out form the holes, ant take the top plate of. But don't throw it, it has button connected to the circuit board :D So after that it is as simple as taking tha plug out and removing laser from its housing, by unscrewing two bolts.

Replace new laser by going backwards in steps.

You are done :) Congrats you have a working laser again (I HOPE)

Step 2: Why to Make So Short Instructable?

So, i was wondering if to put it right here or not... But as some things, sometimes it is hard to realize the simplest solution. Which is just to replace some parts. In this case the major one, but non the less. I have seen people commenting and trying to find magic fix, like maybe it will fix it self after some time. Nope. sometimes you just have to spend some $ but be up and running again. OK. Hope the story helps you

Cheers :)