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Difference between revisions of "Big red laser cutter"
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→Operation Instructions
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== | == General Info == | ||
The big red laser cutter is a no-name model using a Ruida 644XG control board. Its bed dimensions are about 730mm wide by 500mm deep. It looks like a 100 W CO2 laser. | The big red laser cutter is a no-name model using a Ruida 644XG control board. Its bed dimensions are about 730mm wide by 500mm deep. It looks like a 100 W CO2 laser. | ||
The Melbourne Makerspace has the same laser and have a [https://wiki.melbournemakerspace.org/Laser%20Cutter nicely written wiki page on it]. | The Melbourne Makerspace has the same laser and have a [https://wiki.melbournemakerspace.org/Laser%20Cutter nicely written wiki page on it]. | ||
''Be aware:'' lasers are very dangerous, particularly to eyes. Review these [https://ehs.mit.edu/workplace-safety-program/laser-cutter-safety/ safety guidelines], use eye protection, and carry an appropriate level of fear of the laser at all times. | |||
== Operation Instructions == | == Operation Instructions == | ||
=== Preparing Material === | |||
# Put LASER SAFE Material on the bed | |||
# Put laser head above your material | |||
# Move the bed up and down until the laser at correct focus height above your material | |||
=== Turning on the laser === | === Turning on the laser === | ||
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# Open Lightburn | # Open Lightburn | ||
# Import or draw the image | # Import or draw the image | ||
# Adjust settings | # Adjust settings. Use this chart [[Big red laser cutter settings]] | ||
# Send it to the laser | # Send it to the laser | ||
# Click “Send” | # Click “Send” | ||
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# Wait for the file to send. | # Wait for the file to send. | ||
Open a DXF | Open a DXF, PDF or other vector file to create a path to cut along. You can compose projects in Lightburn or in other programs (see below) and then open them in Lightburn, import them, or copy and paste contents over. Set the color of items to define how you want them cut or printed, then double click the colors in the pane on the right to set the laser speed, power, and other features associated with that color. Black can be used to cut and red to etch, for instance. Look up the recommended speed and power for a given material and thickness, then test as necessary to figure out a good balance. Select "absolute coordinates" to define the placement relative to the bed. Select "user origin" to set the placement on the bed manually. The device should be set to ttyUSB0, Ruida664GX. | ||
When you're read to cut, click "Send" and a box will open asking for a name. If the name exists, it will ask for confirmation to overwrite. | When you're read to cut, click "Send" and a box will open asking for a name. If the name exists, it will ask for confirmation to overwrite. | ||
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# Press “Start”. | # Press “Start”. | ||
=== Having Trouble Setting the Origin? === | |||
If you are using Lightburn to compose your project, be sure to use the setting "Current Position".<br> | |||
Otherwise, Lightburn may override any origin you set at the laser cutter. | |||
Setting the origin on the laser cutter is easy.<br> | |||
On the front panel there are 4 arrow keys. You can use these to move the "head" around. | |||
Pressing the "Origin" button sets that spot to be the origin of where cutting starts. Typically, this is the upper left | |||
of the bounding rectangle around your artwork. | |||
You may find that moving the "head" is much easier than moving the material placed on the bed! | |||
== other software == | == other software == | ||