Loken: Create Crossbow page based on existing Laser Cutter Page; includes spots where information is needed

2026-08-18T01:58:37Z

Create Crossbow page based on existing Laser Cutter Page; includes spots where information is needed

New page

We have a <add type> laser on site at Knox Makers. It is capable of cutting, engraving, and marking a number of different materials quickly and accurately when driven from CAD software such as Inkscape.

== <add type> Laser ==

The <add type> Laser is an open source laser cutter/engraver. The cutting area is 150mm x 150mm. The machine uses a 100W CO<sub>2</sub> infrared laser to engrave/cut. Detailed information on it's operation is provided below, but the general theory of operation is as follows. Inside the laser cutter there is a very powerful CO<sub>2</sub> infrared laser that is bounced off of a few mirrors and is finally directed towards the material being cut or etched by a moving mirror and lens that focuses the coherent beam. These mirrors and lenses are gold coated to provide the best possible transmission of infrared energy. <Please check this section for accuracy>

There are two main variables that the laser uses to cut and etch: speed and power. When cutting, the laser power is increased and the speed is decreased so that the cutting beam spends a longer time hitting the material in order to cut though. While etching the speed is increased and/or the power reduced, this way the laser only removes a little material from the surface, leaving just the etching.

== Usage ==
You must take the [[Crossbow Laser Operation Class]] in order to have permission to use the laser cutter. The laser cutter is a very powerful, but also easy to break machine that requires some training to be able to use effectively and safely. Once you have taken the class, you will be added to the Knox Makers Laser Cutter Checkout List.

At this time, we do not plan to schedule the usage of the laser cutter. If usage is heavier than anticipated, we reserve the right to institute a scheduling system to be fair to other users.

If you see any troubles with the laser cutter, please submit a [https://knoxmakers.org/oops/ trouble ticket].

== Materials ==
There are a wide range of materials that the Crossbow can cut, etch or mark - but some simply don't work and some are extremely hazardous to either humans or the machine itself. It is therefore imperative that you check the list of [[Laser Cutter Materials]] before attempting to cut materials that you have not worked with before.

== Laser Cutter Settings ==
<Determine if this should be added to the Laser Cutter Settings or if this should be a separate page>
There has been some preliminary testing with common materials to generate a set of recommended values for speed and laser power: [[Laser Cutter Settings]]. These values have been included as defaults into our laser cutter Inkscape plug-in. The values should be acceptable for the listed materials, and can serve as a starting point for testing for other materials. The laser settings are internally limited to prevent damaging the laser, so feel free to experiment. Over time, these settings might need adjusting, so if the defaults you see on Linux CNC differ from the values in the Laser Cutter Settings page, please update the wiki.

Beyond changing speed and laser power, do not attempt to change the configuration of the laser cutter. These settings are calibrated regularly by our [https://knoxmakers.org/area-czars/ Laser Cutting Czar] and are not intended for users to change. Doing this messes up other people's work and it's NOT COOL. As with everything in the space, when you're done, leave things better than they were when you started. Changing settings could mean the laser is not right when the next person comes to use the machine.

== Theory: How it Works ==

See separate Wiki article: [[Laser Cutter Theory]]

== Making drawings for the Laser Cutter ==
'''''See Also: [[Using Inkscape with the Laser Cutter]]'''''

The recommended software path is to design your drawing in Inkscape, use the KMLaser bundle to export your drawing into gcode, then import the gcode to LinuxCNC which drives our laser cutter.

However, these are only conventions. The only requirements is that your design ends in gcode that is understood by our configuration of LinuxCNC. [[Laser Cutter Settings]] is a good reference with explanations of the values you will need to set in your gcode.

== Raster Engraving ==

This is how you would engrave an image instead of a drawing. See separate Wiki article: [[Raster Engraving]]

==Thanks==
A very special thanks to ATX Hackerspace, whose hard work was the source and inspiration for a lot of the material included in our local wiki.

Crossbow Laser Cutter - Revision history

Loken: Create Crossbow page based on existing Laser Cutter Page; includes spots where information is needed