View source for Laser Manual

{{lasercutter}}
{{blackbox}}You are staring at the massive Kaitian CM1309 100W laser cutter that is one of Noisebridge's mightiest [[resources]]. [[File:Laser water estop.jpg|200px|right]] 

'''EXITS:''' [[Hackitorium]]
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Noisebridge has a powerful but dangerous laser cutter. The Laser Cutter Guild maintains laser cutters and trains people to use them safely.  The laser is one of the only pieces of equipment at Noisebridge that requires training to use it, with no exceptions.  What this means practically is that people take better care of the machine, it stays less broken, and that it is used with the safety of the user and the people around them in mind.  Be kind.  Be patient. Be safe. 

* '''RESOURCES:''' The [[Laser Manual]] listing trainers and how to use laser cutters.
* '''MAINTAINERS:''' {{:Laser/Maintainers}}
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Check out the '''[[Laser_Gallery]]''' for photos of some projects and cutting tests.

The laser cutter model is a [[Laser_Cutter/Kaitian_CM1309|Kaitian CM1309]].

[[Image:Laser_water_estop.jpg|thumb|right|upright=3|alt=Laser cutter]]


== Contact list ==

=== Trainers ===

* [[User:PangalacticGB | Paolo]] (@PangalacticGB)
* David G (@broccoli)
* [[User:Ruthgrace | Ruth Grace Wong]] (@ruthgrace)
* [[User:Gaardn | Nicole Borgaard]] (@gaardn)
* JD (@jd)
* [[User:Jen | Jen Fox]] (@jenfox)

== Who can use the laser cutter ==

Only people who have been trained by an official trainer can use the laser cutter, in order to prevent unintended damage to the machine, operator, and Noisebridge.

Full list: [[Laser_Manual/Who_can_use_the_laser_cutter]]

== How to get trained to use the laser cutter ==


# Laser safety training classes are posted on our [https://www.meetup.com/noisebridge Meetup]. Size is limited to 3 students, so that everyone can see how to operate the laser.
# Get trained
# Get your name on the list of users before the first time you use the machine

The laser training class is pay-what-you-can, and the recommended minimum donation is $20.

== Basic Safety ==

See '''[[Laser_Manual/Basic_Safety]]''' for safety guidelines!


When we moved to 272 Capp Street we switched to using a professional air purifier instead of venting toxic fumes to the outdoors.  This is the only difference between the laser setup at 2169 Mission and it's new home, however, it is a significant enough change to warrant knowledge of how to turn it on, how to verify that it is working, and how to make sure that we keep it maintained.  This is important because both the user and others in the building re-breathe the air.  See [link:'https://purexinc.com/products/digital/model-1500i/'] to the purex 1500i website.  
[[Image:laser-air-purifier.png|thumb|400px|right|Air purifier]]

== Care of the machine ==

'''Please don't perform any maintenance on the machine (including cleaning lenses/mirrors or aligning mirrors) unless you've specifically trained on it.'''

The laser cutter is finely calibrated piece of machinery. Please close the lid gently, and do not push or jar the machine at any time.  Do not lean or press on the tray - it's fragile, and needs to be perfectly flat for the laser cutter to cut properly.  If you take the honeycomb bed or slats out, please be ULTRA CAREFUL with them - put them somewhere where they won't get damaged or warped.

== Paying for your laser time ==

The laser cutter has parts that wear out over time, which can be quite costly to replace, especially the laser tube.  A new tube costs several thousand dollars.  Thus, we require people to pay for the time on the laser they use, so we can pay for new parts. '''The cost for using the laser cutter is $5 per hour of cutting time.'''

To figure out how much time your job takes, press the File button, select your file, and then select Work Time from the menu.  It will tell you in hours:minutes.seconds.

There is a laser cutter donation box on the wall of the Sparkle Forge room. Please pay for the cutting time you actually use, even if you end up running your job multiple times.

== Workflow and software ==

See '''[[Laser_Manual/Workflows]]''' for software and usage details.


== Materials and power settings ==

See '''[[Laser_Manual/Materials]]''' for approved materials and power settings.