Laser Cutters - Revision history

Jschrempp: /* Working with Inkscape and the Epilog Helix */

2025-11-25T23:35:11Z

Working with Inkscape and the Epilog Helix

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:35, 25 November 2025
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	This web site shows a technique to create nice 3D chess pieces. He cuts the front profile then a bounding box. Then he rotates the piece 90 degrees to cut the other profiles. The results are very interesting. [http://imgur.com/a/Rt8kz http://imgur.com/a/Rt8kz]   Thanks to Bruce for finding this.		This web site shows a technique to create nice 3D chess pieces. He cuts the front profile then a bounding box. Then he rotates the piece 90 degrees to cut the other profiles. The results are very interesting. [http://imgur.com/a/Rt8kz http://imgur.com/a/Rt8kz]   Thanks to Bruce for finding this.

	== ~~Working with~~ Inkscape ~~and the Epilog Helix~~ ==		== Inkscape ==

	=== The basics ===		=== Inkscape and Lightburn ===

			If you find that .svg files imported from Inscape to LightBurn have the wrong size (specifically 133%), here's the solution: In Inkscape, you need to change your "Document Properties". Set the "Front Page Format" to either "mm" or "in" (Inch), but not "px", because if you do then the resulting .svg file doesn't include the dpi, and Inkscape and LightBurn assume different dpi (96 vs 72). You can set this for every new document by creating a new document, changing your size and selecting "File/Save Template" and then setting it as default. Note that .svg line drawings have no need for dpi (as there are no dots). It the "canvas" size that determines the scale.

			=== Inkscape and the Epilog Helix ===

			==== The basics ====
	* "Objects" in Inkscape can be created in several forms:		* "Objects" in Inkscape can be created in several forms:
	# Object "primitives" (my term) -- the objects that you can draw using the tools on the left hand side of the Inkscape window -- these include rectangles, ovals, polygons, and text strings;		# Object "primitives" (my term) -- the objects that you can draw using the tools on the left hand side of the Inkscape window -- these include rectangles, ovals, polygons, and text strings;
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	** After converting all of your objects to paths, use "Object \| Fill and Stroke" to designate vector cutting/engraving (no fill, stroke line width = 0.001") or raster engraving (fill the object with black color and no stroke or stroke greater than 0.001").		** After converting all of your objects to paths, use "Object \| Fill and Stroke" to designate vector cutting/engraving (no fill, stroke line width = 0.001") or raster engraving (fill the object with black color and no stroke or stroke greater than 0.001").

	=== Techniques ===		==== Techniques ====

	'''To vector cut/engrave''' an object or text: place the object in the workspace. Select the object with the arrow pointer. Then: "Path \| Object to Path". Next, select "Fill and Stroke" and make sure that there is no fill and that lines are solid and 0.001" wide. The difference between vector cutting and vector engraving is in the driver settings and not the Inkscape file.		'''To vector cut/engrave''' an object or text: place the object in the workspace. Select the object with the arrow pointer. Then: "Path \| Object to Path". Next, select "Fill and Stroke" and make sure that there is no fill and that lines are solid and 0.001" wide. The difference between vector cutting and vector engraving is in the driver settings and not the Inkscape file.
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	* Vector cutting: vector speed = 20%, vector power = 90%, vector frequency = 2500 Hz.		* Vector cutting: vector speed = 20%, vector power = 90%, vector frequency = 2500 Hz.


	'''Making a box''' with the Inkscape TABBED BOX extension.		'''Making a box''' with the Inkscape TABBED BOX extension.
	See the document on the MN Member Google Drive, at:		See the document on the MN Member Google Drive, at:
	https://drive.google.com/file/d/1btpuTFqOBQuDYE213z-sIyOjfjcpTbVC/view?usp=sharing		https://drive.google.com/file/d/1btpuTFqOBQuDYE213z-sIyOjfjcpTbVC/view?usp=sharing

			== Adobe Illustrator ==

			When importing from AI into Lightburn your image might come in at the wrong size. You can change the File settings in Lightburn from "96 DPI - InkScape (default)" to "72 DPI - Illustrator"

	== Air Assist ==		== Air Assist ==

Amylee at 03:49, 17 September 2025

2025-09-17T03:49:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:49, 16 September 2025
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	= Supplies =		= Supplies =

	Also see the general [[Supply Sources and Services]] page.		Also see the general [[Supply Sources for Materials and Services]] page.

	== LaserBits ==		== LaserBits ==

Amylee at 03:49, 17 September 2025

2025-09-17T03:49:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:49, 16 September 2025
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	* Never cut a material you aren't absolutely sure about.		* Never cut a material you aren't absolutely sure about.
	** Ordering cheap materials through online stores sometimes results in them sending you a material that looks like what you wanted but is actually made of things we don't allow.		** Ordering cheap materials through online stores sometimes results in them sending you a material that looks like what you wanted but is actually made of things we don't allow.
	** Check the [[Supply Sources and Services]] page for reputable suppliers		** Check the [[Supply Sources for Materials and Services]] page for reputable suppliers
	* Never cut painted materials since those plastics and pigments can release toxic gasses.		* Never cut painted materials since those plastics and pigments can release toxic gasses.
	* Don't cut glue. MDF is mostly glue!		* Don't cut glue. MDF is mostly glue!

Amylee at 16:43, 27 May 2025

2025-05-27T16:43:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:43, 27 May 2025
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	* Never cut a material you aren't absolutely sure about.		* Never cut a material you aren't absolutely sure about.
	** Ordering cheap materials through online stores sometimes results in them sending you a material that looks like what you wanted but is actually made of things we don't allow.		** Ordering cheap materials through online stores sometimes results in them sending you a material that looks like what you wanted but is actually made of things we don't allow.
	** Check the [[Supply Sources]] page for reputable suppliers		** Check the [[Supply Sources and Services]] page for reputable suppliers
	* Never cut painted materials since those plastics and pigments can release toxic gasses.		* Never cut painted materials since those plastics and pigments can release toxic gasses.
	* Don't cut glue. MDF is mostly glue!		* Don't cut glue. MDF is mostly glue!

Amylee at 16:43, 27 May 2025

2025-05-27T16:43:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:43, 27 May 2025
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	= Supplies =		= Supplies =

	Also see the general [[Supply Sources]] page.		Also see the general [[Supply Sources and Services]] page.

	== LaserBits ==		== LaserBits ==

Amylee at 19:18, 7 March 2025

2025-03-07T19:18:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:18, 7 March 2025
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	** Failing that, grab the emergency smothering blanket and throw it over the whole bed to snuff the flames.		** Failing that, grab the emergency smothering blanket and throw it over the whole bed to snuff the flames.
	** Failing that, grab the fire extinguisher, pull the pin, shoot the base of the fire (not the flame part).		** Failing that, grab the fire extinguisher, pull the pin, shoot the base of the fire (not the flame part).
	** In all cases where the flame became large, immediately contact the [[~~Maker on Duty\|~~MOD]]!		** In all cases where the flame became large, immediately contact the [[MOD]]!

	== Hazards from smoke ==		== Hazards from smoke ==

Amylee at 20:34, 4 March 2025

2025-03-04T20:34:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:34, 4 March 2025
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	= Safety considerations =		= Safety considerations =

	There are more safety considerations than what's listed here. But these are some things we have learned:		There are more [https://makernexuswiki.com/wiki/MN_Safety safety considerations] than what's listed here. But these are some things we have learned:

	== In general ==		== In general ==

Amylee: /* In general */

2025-03-02T17:49:11Z

In general

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:49, 2 March 2025
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	== In general ==		== In general ==

	* '''Safety is should be the most important priority.''' Always look at the machines and the work area. Don't distract people when they are actively cutting. If something doesn't feel right, stop. If you need help, ask someone or a staff member.		* '''Safety should be the most important priority.''' Always look at the machines and the work area. Don't distract people when they are actively cutting. If something doesn't feel right, stop. If you need help, ask someone or a staff member.
	* '''Do not walk away from an active cut.''' If a machine is running, stay close to it.		* '''Do not walk away from an active cut.''' If a machine is running, stay close to it.
	* '''Fires happen very fast.''' Always have the spray bottle of water near your hands, and know how to pause/cancel the job. Don't play with your phone or turn your back on the laser.		* '''Fires happen very fast.''' Always have the spray bottle of water near your hands, and know how to pause/cancel the job. Don't play with your phone or turn your back on the laser.

Amylee: /* Safety considerations */

2025-03-02T17:47:30Z

Safety considerations

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:47, 2 March 2025
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	= Safety considerations =		= Safety considerations =

			There are more safety considerations than what's listed here. But these are some things we have learned:

	== In general ==		== In general ==

	* '''Safety is ~~our~~ most important priority.''' Always look at the machines and the work area. Don't distract people when they are actively cutting. If something doesn't feel right, stop. If you need help, ask someone or a staff member.		* '''Safety is should be the most important priority.''' Always look at the machines and the work area. Don't distract people when they are actively cutting. If something doesn't feel right, stop. If you need help, ask someone or a staff member.
	* '''Do not walk away from an active cut.''' If a machine is running, stay close to it.		* '''Do not walk away from an active cut.''' If a machine is running, stay close to it.
	* '''Fires happen very fast.''' Always have the spray bottle of water near your hands, and know how to pause/cancel the job. Don't play with your phone or turn your back on the laser.		* '''Fires happen very fast.''' Always have the spray bottle of water near your hands, and know how to pause/cancel the job. Don't play with your phone or turn your back on the laser.

Amylee at 07:37, 2 March 2025

2025-03-02T07:37:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:37, 2 March 2025
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	The laser head can literally crash into the bed rails. Be sure to focus and align the laser beams, which usually keeps a good gap off of your materials. If the head does run into the rails it can bend the mechanisms or damage the bed.		The laser head can literally crash into the bed rails. Be sure to focus and align the laser beams, which usually keeps a good gap off of your materials. If the head does run into the rails it can bend the mechanisms or damage the bed.

			[[File:laser-with-weight.jpeg\|thumb\|Laser over plywood with a metal weight]]

	== Hazards from non-flat materials ==		== Hazards from non-flat materials ==