Table of Contents
LASER CUTTER
Quelab is pleased to offer to its members access to a 80 watt CO2 infrared laser cutter.
Authorized Users
This is a RED level tool, and requires additional training, and is available to members-only
Only authorized users are permitted to use the laser! To become an authorized user, you must be trained by one of the Authorized Trainers (restricted to logged in members only).
Operation
Head over to Laser Operations for laser usage and procedures.
If you like the “how-to” small posters on the laser cutter room walls, you can download that PDF here.
Scheduling Time on the Laser Cutters
We use a shared Google Calendar to reserve time on the cutter. See Laser Cutter Reservations for detailed information.
Links/Resources
- LightBurn documentation:
https://lightburnsoftware.com/pages/lightburn-documentation - Web Apps & plugins that can help:
- Box Maker: boxmaker.connectionlab.org
- Automatic lasercut notched six-sided box generator. A little primitive, but if you don't have – or want to spend – the time figuring out all the notches for a simple box, this can be pretty nifty. It let's you plug in material thickness and basic notch parameters. It's also a neat way to see how this technique looks if it's a new method for you.
- Box Maker extension for Inkscape. Has versions for both version .48 & .91 - http://www.keppel.demon.co.uk/111000/111000.html
- That link is now dead; here is a zip file from the unofficial source, https://github.com/hellerbarde/inkscape-boxmake
- http://www.makercase.com/ another box maker. This one can do flat edges, finger joints or T-Slot edges!
- Member Margaret showed me another box maker web app: MakeABox.io
- http://climbers.net/sbc/make-laser-cut-case-elastic-clips/ has a laser cut box with CLIPS that can latch the box shut!
- https://productrealization.stanford.edu/resources/processes/laser-cutting - this page has some nice sample projects to cut - a T-Rex to get started with, a basic box demonstrating tabbed box construction, and a teeny led lamp showing curving materials with a series of slits, as well as using captured nuts with screws for joinery.