Laser cutter/Rotary Tool
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Warning: Incorrect usage of this tool can seriously damage the laser and it's control electronics! |
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.
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Warning: Never disconnect the Y-Axis motor or the rotary tool whilst the laser cutter is powered on, this will damage the control electronics in the machine. |
NOTE: This how-to is a work in progress, I will update with more detail and pictures soon.
- Ensure the laser is powered off, then disconnect the Y-Axis motor located to the right of the laser bed (pictures to follow).
- 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.
- Power up the laser-cutter and drop the Z-axis so that the rotary tool chuck is clear of the laser cutting head.
- Mount your workpiece in the Rotary Tool Chuck, and check it is straight by rotating the Y-Axis.
- Gently pull the Y-Axis carriage until the laser cutter head is above the Rotary Tool.
- In laser-cut, adjust the settings.
- A single rotation of the rotary tool chuck is equivalent to a 48mm y-axis height in the lasercut software.
- You can confirm this by drawing a 48mm vertical line in lasercut and running the job. The chuck should go through a single rotation.
- 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.
- 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.
- Again, test the cut with the lid open and your hand over the emergency stop.
- If it all looks good, go ahead and close the lid and start the cut.