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Difference between revisions of "Big red laser cutter"
Update, breakout Cleaning into its own section, cleanup
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== Operation Instructions == | == Operation Instructions == | ||
# First turn on the laser cutter control switch, located on the right side of the machine. | # First turn on the laser cutter control switch, located on the right side of the machine. | ||
[[File:Laser_control_switch.jpg|showing laser control switch on|thumb]] | [[File:Laser_control_switch.jpg|showing laser control switch on|thumb|upright=0.75]] | ||
=== Preparing Material === | === Preparing Material === | ||
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# Once laser head above material, use the knob inside the laser cutter to move the bed up and down. The correct height is about 3/4" '''(UPDATE: use 17mm block)''' above your material. You can use the "laser focus height" tool as reference. | # Once laser head above material, use the knob inside the laser cutter to move the bed up and down. The correct height is about 3/4" '''(UPDATE: use 17mm block)''' above your material. You can use the "laser focus height" tool as reference. | ||
[[File:Laser_bed_z_adjust.jpg|showing where Z adjust height is for laser|frameless]] | [[File:Laser_bed_z_adjust.jpg|showing where Z adjust height is for laser|frameless|upright=0.75]] | ||
[[File:Laser_bed_correct_bed_height.jpg|showing correct bed height for laser|frameless]] | [[File:Laser_bed_correct_bed_height.jpg|showing correct bed height for laser|frameless|upright=0.75]] | ||
[[File:Laser_bed_correct_bed_height_with_tool.jpg|showing correct bed height for laser with tool|frameless]] | [[File:Laser_bed_correct_bed_height_with_tool.jpg|showing correct bed height for laser with tool|frameless|upright=0.75]] | ||
=== Turning on the laser and exhaust === | === Turning on the laser and exhaust === | ||
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# Enable the laser by turning on the laser switch on the left side of the machine, and turning the key on the front of the machine. | # Enable the laser by turning on the laser switch on the left side of the machine, and turning the key on the front of the machine. | ||
[[File:Laser_exhaust_fan.jpg|exhaust fan for laser cutter|thumb]] | [[File:Laser_exhaust_fan.jpg|exhaust fan for laser cutter|thumb|upright=0.75]] | ||
[[File: | [[File:Laser_switch.jpg|showing laser switch on|thumb|upright=0.75]] <!-- This is redundant --> | ||
[[File: | [[File:Laser_key_switch.jpg|showing laser key switch on|thumb|upright=0.75]] | ||
[[File: | === Preparing the file === | ||
[[File:Lightburn layer tips.png|frameless|LightBurn layer settings]] | |||
The following steps should be done on the computer near the laser cutter, which has LightBurn installed on it. | The following steps should be done on the computer near the laser cutter, which has LightBurn installed on it. | ||
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# Import a vector file (svg, dxf, pdf, etc.), raster image, or create a design in LightBurn. | # Import a vector file (svg, dxf, pdf, etc.), raster image, or create a design in LightBurn. | ||
# Set the color of items to define how you want them cut or engraved, 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. Use this chart to get a ballpark reference for speed and power settings: '''[[Big red laser cutter settings]]'''. It is recommended to do a "test cut" before cutting out a large file to be sure your speed and power settings are good. | # Set the color of items to define how you want them cut or engraved, 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. Use this chart to get a ballpark reference for speed and power settings: '''[[Big red laser cutter settings]]'''. It is recommended to do a "test cut" before cutting out a large file to be sure your speed and power settings are good. | ||
# 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. | # 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. | ||
# Once happy with design, click “Send” | # Once happy with design, click “Send” | ||
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of the bounding rectangle around your artwork. | 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! | You may find that moving the "head" is much easier than moving the material placed on the bed! | ||
== Cleaning == | |||
Clean the lens and mirrors monthly. | |||
If the exhaust fan is not working well, it might need to be cleaned. | |||
To clean, detach the fan and base from the laser cutter. The area circled in the below picture is where you need to get access. | |||
[[File:Laser_fan_detach.jpg|showing where to detach laser exhaust fan|frameless]] | |||
This is what the fan looks like detached | |||
[[File:Laser_fan_detached.png|detached laser exhaust fan|frameless]] | |||
This is dirty and needs to be cleaned, ''an N95 mask is recommended''. | |||
[[File:Laser_fan_dirty.jpg|dirty laser exhaust fan|frameless]] | |||
Use a vacuum and toothbrush/wire brush to clean. | |||
[[File:Laser_fan_clean.jpg|clean laser exhaust fan|frameless]] | |||
== Other software == | == Other software == | ||
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== Ventilation ducting == | == Ventilation ducting == | ||
=== History === | === History === | ||