Laser cutter/Inductions
Induction on the laser Cutter/Engraver
A small team of people will be conducting induction sessions on the new laser cutter /engraver at Nottingham Hackspace. At time of writing (19th May 2014) this team is being trained by Dominic, a member of Just Add Sharks from whom the laser was purchased. Once training is complete, laser instructors will begin organising inductions for hackspace members, with priority to the members who contributed to the pledge drive. 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.
Currently there is a charge of £1 for 10 minutes use. This charge applies to the total time spent using both the laser and it's accompanying laptop; this is to encourage users to prepare their files in advance to keep the unit as free as possible. Money paid will contribute towards the provision of laser-related supplies.
Laser Costs
| # | ITEM | COST |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10 MINS | £1 |
| 2 | 30 MINS | £3 |
| 3 | 1 HOUR | £6 |
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 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. For example, a spare laser tube can cost in the region of £400 and 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
- Etching
- Cutting
- Suitable file types and how to convert them
- Shutting down
Laser Instructors
People who are authorised to give inductions. Please either speak to an instructor in person, via email or post on the google group to arrange an induction.
- Dominic Morrow - James Hayward - Jake Howe (TRAIN THE TRAINER TBA) - Michelle Stickland - James Fowkes - Andrew Armstrong - Matt Little
Laser Induction Sign-Ups
This list has been cleared to allow for inductions to be arranged. Inductions on the original A4 (red) laser are NOT valid on the new laser cutter but can be converted (CON) please indicate below.
| Name | Pledger | Paid | Date of induction | CON/IND | Instructor | Complete |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Bloggs | Yes | No | 1st June 2014 | CON | Jack Daniels | No |
| Iain Sharp | No | No | TBA | CON | TBA | No |
| Ben Crowe | Yes | No | 27th May? | IND | TBA | No |