Introduction
The 3rd DIY Fiber Laser Competition is officially underway — and this year, the judging panel reflects exactly what this competition stands for: real builders, real engineers, and real industry experts.
This isn’t just a contest.
It’s a global DIY laser movement powered by people who build, test, weld, cut, and innovate every day.
If you’re considering joining, here’s who will be evaluating your machine.
Meet The Judges
Bruce (SkyFire)
Co-founder of SkyFire Laser & 10+ Years in Fiber Laser R&D
As co-founder of SkyFire, Bruce has spent more than a decade deeply involved in fiber laser research, system integration, and hands-on engineering. He understands not only how machines should perform — but how they are built from the ground up.
Bruce represents the technical backbone of the competition, ensuring performance, electrical design, and system integration meet real-world standards.
Big Sean
Renowned Maker & Laser Fabrication Specialist
Known in the maker community for pushing boundaries in fabrication, Big Sean brings a builder’s mindset to the judging panel. He values creativity, practical design, and innovation that works outside of theory.
If your machine shows originality and strong fabrication skills, he’ll notice.
Michael Barry
Former 2nd DIY Competition Contestant → Now Judge
Michael’s journey is exactly what this competition is about.
He competed in the previous DIY competition, proved his technical capability, and now returns — not as a participant, but as a judge. His presence demonstrates something powerful:
This community grows its own leaders.
He understands the challenges participants face because he has lived them.
Patrick Zhou
Precision Cutting Applications Veteran
With deep expertise in precision cutting, Patrick evaluates machines from an application-driven perspective. Cutting stability, accuracy, motion control performance — these are details he looks at carefully.
If your goal is industrial-grade cutting performance, Patrick’s review matters.
Richard Zhou
Laser Welding & Industrial Fabrication Expert
Richard brings extensive experience in laser welding and industrial workflow optimization. He understands how machines perform in real production environments — not just test scenarios.
Workflow logic, weld consistency, and practical usability are key aspects he evaluates.
Tamar Bar
CNC Creator & Laser Technology Specialist
Tamar Bar is the creator of the TAMAR Bar CNC channel on YouTube, where she shares projects and insights related to CNC machining and laser fabrication. Through her educational content, she helps makers better understand digital fabrication technologies and practical workshop applications.
Her experience in CNC and laser systems brings valuable maker-focused insights to the judging panel.
Travis Mitchell
Full-Time Maker & Small-Scale Manufacturing Advocate
After more than 20 years in art, design, and programming, Travis shifted his focus fully into engineering and small-scale manufacturing. Since 2024, he has been a full-time YouTuber documenting the process of building his prototyping workshop and helping DIY builders develop their own fiber laser cutting machines.
With hands-on experience in fiber laser cutting and engraving, CO₂ lasers, CNC milling and turning, 3D printing, injection molding, machine retrofitting, and electronics, Travis is passionate about pushing advanced manufacturing technologies into reach for small workshops and independent makers.
A Global Movement in Motion
In our official kickoff video on YouTube, the SkyFire team and international judges came together to welcome builders from around the world.
“The 3rd DIY Fiber Laser Competition has officially begun.
This is more than a competition — it’s a growing global DIY laser movement.”
Participants are already joining from different regions, representing their local maker communities and building real machines.
Ready to Join?
If you’re building — or planning to build — your own fiber laser machine, this is your stage.
Official competition page & registration details:
https://alleriastore.com/pages/skyfire-third-diy-fiber-laser-competition
Whether you are a professional builder or a first-time DIY maker, this competition is designed to challenge, connect, and elevate.
Join the Community
The competition doesn’t happen in isolation. Our global community is active every day:
- Discord Community: https://discord.gg/gRH9pE4p
- Facebook DIY Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/998602455597977
Inside, you’ll find builders sharing progress, solving technical issues, and supporting each other.
This Is More Than a Competition
It’s a platform where:
- Engineers become leaders
- Makers become mentors
- Ideas become real machines
And your project could be the next one that inspires the community.
We’re looking forward to seeing what you build.
