Laser Operation Class

Only Knox Makers members are allowed to use the laser cutter, and only after taking the Laser Cutter Workshop. You can look on our events calendar to see if any are scheduled, or talk to the Laser Cutting Czar. The cost of the class is $10 and lasts about 2 hours. This class provides an overview of the machine itself, a short tutorial in Inkscape, what materials you can and can't use, and basics of operation. It will also include a hands-on demo of how to power up and power down the machine. There are no prerequisites for taking this class.

Class Outline

• Laser Theory of Operation
• Laser Hardware
  • The safety equipment
  • How to arm and fire
• Inkscape Plug-in
  • How to install
  • Relevant G-Code
  • How to set up cutting/engraving
  • Custom values tab
• Laser Cutter Materials
  • Safe and approved materials
  • Some known materials that do not work
• Computer Control
  • User Account
  • Moving files
  • Where to keep G-Code Files
• LinuxCNC
  • Procedure for powering on and powering down machine

Checklist for machine usage

Each of these steps will be covered in the Laser Cutter Workshop. Only members who have taken the class are authorized to use the laser cutter.

1. Upload G-code to machine
2. Power on laser cutter
3. Power on filtration unit
4. Start LinuxCNC
5. Software E-Stop is off
6. Software Machine Power on
7. Machine Homed
8. Load G-Code into LinuxCNC
9. Align material
10. Make sure Laser is in auto mode
11. Make sure chiller is powered on
12. Make sure lid closed
13. Make sure E-stop is disengaged
14. Arm switch
15. Press play

Powering down machine

1. Disarm switch
2. Close LinuxCNC
3. Turn off filtration unit
4. Turn off power to laser cutter
5. Do not power down computer!