Laser cutter/Inductions
Induction on the laser Cutter/Engraver
A team of people will be conducting induction sessions for Nottinghack members on the laser cutter/engraver at Nottingham Hackspace. The instructors will be undertaking these sessions in their own spare time, so it cannot be guaranteed that someone will always be available.
Laser inductions are one-on-one sessions. You may bring a small laser project if you wish though you must check that your materials are suitable for a laser cutting or etching. Otherwise your instructor will talk you through a few techniques, to demonstrate the process whilst determining that you can safely operate the laser. Inductions cost £20 and as of Tuesday 1st July 2014 apply to all inductees. To book an induction please fill in this form
If you get chance it would be worth installing and becoming familiar with the LaserCut software; you can use the demo and Inkscape to create projects before you do an induction.
Induction Program
If you have a small project in mind we can use it as part of the induction but please check that the materials you have in mind are suitable for use in the laser - the wrong materials can cause noxious fumes that can permanently damage the mirrors or extraction system (or you); running the tube too hot drastically shortens it's lifespan. The induction is primarily to make sure that the laser is operated safely, to keep costs low. A spare laser tube costs in the region of £400, a new set of mirrors £250 - the hackspace can't afford to be replacing these every month!
The induction will include:
- Setting up and switching on safely
- Testing alignment of the laser
- Introduction to the cutting software
- Setting up your XY axis, placing your work piece and checking the draw frame
- Engraving
- Cutting
- Suitable file types and how to convert them
- Shutting down
For inductors: Induction Program
Laser Instructors
Please do not contact people on this list directly, please fill in this form. One of the inductors will contact you to arrange a date and time, but it would help if you say when you are/are not available. Inductors do not have access to the hackspace database for sensible reasons - so if you don't email they won't be able to contact you. Pledgers will take priority and have been sent the relevant information.
People who are authorised to give inductions:
- James Fowkes - Flexible (evenings and weekends)
- David Spence - Flexible (daytime, evening and weekends okay)
- Matt Little - Flexible (daytime and evening okay), no weekends
- James Hayward - Evenings in advance (5:30PM onwards), weekends (except Sunday lunchtime)
- Jake Howe - First Monday of the month (12AM-8PM), other Monday of the month, 12 noon-4PM Wednesday
- Andrew Armstrong - by arrangement
- Michelle Strickland - Various evenings (7PM - 11PM)
- Ian Dickinson
- Dominic Morrow - No longer available
Laser Induction Sign-Ups
A team of people will be conducting induction sessions for Nottinghack members on the laser cutter/engraver at Nottingham Hackspace. The instructors will be undertaking these sessions in their own spare time, so it cannot be guaranteed that someone will always be available.
Laser inductions are one-on-one sessions. You may bring a small laser project if you wish though you must check that your materials are suitable for a laser cutting or etching. Otherwise your instructor will talk you through a few techniques, to demonstrate the process whilst determining that you can safely operate the laser. Inductions cost £20 and as of Tuesday 1st July 2014 apply to all inductees. To book an induction please fill in this form