Laser cutter/Rotary Tool

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Revision as of 12:02, 22 January 2015 by Robert (talk | contribs)
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The rotary tool allows cylindrical objects to be etched on the laser such as acrylic rods, glassware etc.

Setup

The rotary tool effective replaces the Y-Axis of the machine.

NOTE: This how-to is a work in progress, I will update with more detail and pictures soon.

  1. Ensure the laser is powered off, then disconnect the Y-Axis motor located to the right of the laser bed (pictures to follow).
  2. Connect the Rotary tool to the vacant Y-Axis socket, and align the rotary tool parallel to the Y-axis carriage, with the chuck to the left.
  3. Power up the laser-cutter and drop the Z-axis so that the rotary tool chuck is clear of the laser cutting head.
  4. Mount your workpiece in the Rotary Tool Chuck, and check it is straight by rotating the Y-Axis.
  5. Gently pull the Y-Axis carriage until the laser cutter head is above the Rotary Tool.
  6. In laser-cut, adjust the settings (more details to be added here, without lasercut in front of me I can't remember the options that need adjusting)
  7. With the Z-Axis still dropped so that the laser cutting head is above the rotary tool chuck, test the cut area with the laser cutter lid open. Ensure you are ready with the emergency stop.
  8. If the laser head does not run the risk of approaching the Rotary Tool chuck, raise the Z-axis so that the laser is focused on the piece.
  9. Again, test the cut with the lid open and your hand over the emergency stop.
  10. If it all looks good, go ahead and close the lid and start the cut.