This class will show you how to safely operate our laser cutter. Members must take this class for unsupervised use of the laser.
This ROOT class is part of an ongoing safety series for members to become proficient in operating machinery at Root Access. It's an excellent opportunity to learn best practices to effectively laser cut materials for your projects.
Classes at Root Access are open to the public, though members enjoy the perk of discounted class fees.
We'll be using the Boss Laser LS1630, a 100-watt CO2 laser cutter with a Ruida controller. You'll go home with a laser engraved trinket.
What we'll cover:
- Basic laser safety
- Best practices
- Power, chiller, compressor, and how these work with the laser
- Introduction to Lightburn, laser design and control software
- Cutting techniques such as vector cuts and raster engraving
Lightburn is highly regarded in the laser cutting industry and is what we primarily use for our laser, though vector design tools like Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape also work. Lightburn is free to try and requires a paid license for continued use. Members of Root Access are eligible for a 75% discount on a Lightburn license.
This class fulfills the prerequisite to our ROOT Laser Rotary Attachment Class.
What to Bring
A laptop running Windows, Mac, or Linux (optional, but recommended).