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.
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
- Engraving
- Cutting
- Suitable file types and how to convert them
- Shutting down
Laser Instructors
While Dominic Morrow is contactable by email, the other instructors are still learning the laser and will be arranging the method of contact shortly. Note all priority of using the laser cutter is for inductions or instructor learning/documenting. - Andrew.
People who are authorised to give inductions:
- Dominic Morrow
- James Hayward
- Jake Howe
- Andrew Armstrong
(TRAIN THE TRAINER TBA)
- Michelle Stickland
- James Fowkes
- Matt Little
Laser Induction Sign-Ups
This list has been cleared to allow for inductions (IND) and Conversions (CON) to be arranged. Inductions on the original A4 (red) laser are NOT valid on the new laser cutter but experienced users can be converted. Please indicate which session you require.
| Name | Pledger | Paid | Date of induction | CON/IND | Instructor | Complete |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iain Sharp | No | No | TBA | CON | TBA | No |
| Ben Crowe | Yes | No | 27th May? | IND | TBA | No |
| Ric Briney | Yes | No | TBA | CON | TBA | No |
| Declan Merry | No | No | TBA | IND | TBA | No |
| Matt Spandex | Yes | No | TBA | CON | TBA | No |
| Chris Cain | Yes | No | TBA | CON | TBA | No |
| Steve Barnett | Yes | No | TBA | CON | TBA | No |
| Mouse | Yes | No | TBA | CON | TBA | No |
| Matt Pritchard | Yes | No | TBA | CON | TBA | No |
| Ed Raisin | Yes | Yes - recently had small laser induction | 23-27th any time? - thanks | CON | TBA | No |
| Mark Cambridge | No | No | TBA | IND | TBA | No |
| Ian Dickinson | Yes | No | TBA | CON | TBA | No |
| Adam Cooper | No | No | TBA | CON | TBA | No |