Tools/Laser Cutter - Revision history

HacksburgJoshua: /* Safety Info */

2026-02-20T16:11:49Z

Safety Info

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:11, 20 February 2026
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	\|}		\|}

	* Only cut known,acceptable materials (untreated/unstained)
	* Certain materials give off extremely toxic fumes - For example, PVC, Vinyl, Chrome-tanned leather, and several other materials give off chlorine gas which can cause severe long-term health effects.
	* Always turn off laser before opening lid		* Always turn off laser before opening lid
	* Wear safety glasses if viewing laser through gaps in side of lid		* Wear safety glasses if viewing laser through gaps in side of lid
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	=== Material Safety ===		=== Material Safety ===
	'''Make sure you have looked up your specific material as being laser cutter compatible.'''		'''Make sure you have looked up your specific material as being laser cutter compatible.'''
			* Only cut known,acceptable materials (untreated/unstained)
			* Certain materials give off extremely toxic fumes - For example, PVC, Vinyl, Chrome-tanned leather, and several other materials give off chlorine gas which can cause severe long-term health effects.
	* '''NEVER''':		* '''NEVER''':
	**chlorinated plastics (PVC, CPVC, vinyl, etc.)		**chlorinated plastics (PVC, CPVC, vinyl, etc.)
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	** oil-tanned or dyed leathers		** oil-tanned or dyed leathers
	** metals except in extremely thin films, make sure all layers are laser cutter safe		** metals except in extremely thin films, make sure all layers are laser cutter safe
	* Suggested for cutting and engraving:		* '''Suggested for cutting and engraving''':
	** Acrylic plastic (cell-cast is better than extruded, but either will work)		** Acrylic plastic (cell-cast is better than extruded, but either will work)
	** PMMA, also known as acrylic or acrylic glass as well as by the trade names Crylux, Plexiglas, Acrylite, Lucite, and Perspex		** PMMA, also known as acrylic or acrylic glass as well as by the trade names Crylux, Plexiglas, Acrylite, Lucite, and Perspex
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	** Paper, cardstock, cardboard, etc.		** Paper, cardstock, cardboard, etc.
	** Foam-core		** Foam-core
	* Suggested for engraving or frosting only:		* '''Suggested for engraving or frosting only''':
	** Glass (ordinary cheap (soda-lime, untempered) glass is best)		** Glass (ordinary cheap (soda-lime, untempered) glass is best)
	** Stone (flat, polished; granite or limestone supposedly are good choices)		** Stone (flat, polished; granite or limestone supposedly are good choices)

HacksburgJoshua: /* Material Safety */

2026-02-20T16:09:29Z

Material Safety

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:09, 20 February 2026
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	=== Material Safety ===		=== Material Safety ===
	* TO DO: better list, but for now, make sure you have looked up your specific material as being laser cutter compatible.		'''Make sure you have looked up your specific material as being laser cutter compatible.'''
	** [http://discourse.fablabelpaso.org/t/choosing-the-right-type-of-plywood/45 Tips for Plywood]
	* '''NEVER''':		* '''NEVER''':
	**chlorinated plastics (PVC, CPVC, vinyl, etc.)		**chlorinated plastics (PVC, CPVC, vinyl, etc.)
	** chrome tanned leathers		** chrome tanned leathers
			** plywood that contains Urea-Formaldehyde (UF) or Phenol-Formaldehyde (PF) adhesives
			*** [https://www.1laser.com/blogs/topic/laser-cutting-plywood#:~:text=A:%20Yes%2C%20a%20laser%20cutter%20is%20perfectly,lasers%20being%20more%20efficient%20for%20thicker%20sheets. Plywood Tips]
	** unknown plastics; if you're not sure what it is, it doesn't go in the machine		** unknown plastics; if you're not sure what it is, it doesn't go in the machine
			** unknown plywood with unknown glues
	* '''AVOID''':		* '''AVOID''':
	** polycarbonate plastics (Lexan)		** polycarbonate plastics (Lexan)
	** high-density ~~polyethelyne~~ (HDPE)		** high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
	** oil-tanned or dyed leathers		** oil-tanned or dyed leathers
	** unknown plywoods with unknown glues		** metals except in extremely thin films, make sure all layers are laser cutter safe
	*** metals except in ~~extremly~~ thin films, make sure all layers are laser cutter safe
	* Suggested for cutting and engraving:		* Suggested for cutting and engraving:
	** Acrylic plastic (cell-cast is better than extruded, but either will work)		** Acrylic plastic (cell-cast is better than extruded, but either will work)

HacksburgJoshua: /* Material Safety */

2026-02-20T16:05:22Z

Material Safety

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:05, 20 February 2026
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	* TO DO: better list, but for now, make sure you have looked up your specific material as being laser cutter compatible.		* TO DO: better list, but for now, make sure you have looked up your specific material as being laser cutter compatible.
	** [http://discourse.fablabelpaso.org/t/choosing-the-right-type-of-plywood/45 Tips for Plywood]		** [http://discourse.fablabelpaso.org/t/choosing-the-right-type-of-plywood/45 Tips for Plywood]
	* '''NEVER''' chlorinated plastics (PVC, CPVC, vinyl, etc.)		* '''NEVER''':
	* ~~'''NEVER'''~~ chrome tanned leathers		**chlorinated plastics (PVC, CPVC, vinyl, etc.)
	* ~~'''NEVER'''~~ unknown plastics; if you're not sure what it is, it doesn't go in the machine		** chrome tanned leathers
	* '''AVOID''' polycarbonate plastics (Lexan)		** unknown plastics; if you're not sure what it is, it doesn't go in the machine
	* ~~'''AVOID'''~~ high-density polyethelyne (HDPE)		* '''AVOID''':
	* ~~'''AVOID'''~~ oil-tanned or dyed leathers		** polycarbonate plastics (Lexan)
	* ~~'''AVOID'''~~ unknown plywoods with unknown glues		** high-density polyethelyne (HDPE)
	* ~~'''AVOID'''~~ metals except in extremly thin films, make sure all layers are laser cutter safe		** oil-tanned or dyed leathers
			** unknown plywoods with unknown glues
			*** metals except in extremly thin films, make sure all layers are laser cutter safe
	* Suggested for cutting and engraving:		* Suggested for cutting and engraving:
	** Acrylic plastic (cell-cast is better than extruded, but either will work)		** Acrylic plastic (cell-cast is better than extruded, but either will work)

HacksburgJoshua: /* Shutdown Procedure */

2024-02-11T18:54:51Z

Shutdown Procedure

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:54, 11 February 2024
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	# When done for the day:		# When done for the day:
	# Remove and return guides, alignment blocks, jigs, etc. to the yellow Laser Guides bin or other proper storage location		# Remove and return guides, alignment blocks, jigs, etc. to the yellow Laser Guides bin or other proper storage location
	# ~~<s>~~Rotate laser potentiometer to 0 (fully CCW)~~</s> '''Feb 2023: Laser potentiometer is broken, please do not touch'''~~		# Rotate laser potentiometer to 0 (fully CCW)
	# Turn off air pump (middle red rocker switch right side of laser cutter)		# Turn off air pump (middle red rocker switch right side of laser cutter)
	# Turn off fume filter (cordless remote on top of main laser unit)		# Turn off fume filter (cordless remote on top of main laser unit)

HacksburgJoshua: /* Startup and Operation Procedure */

2024-02-11T18:54:09Z

Startup and Operation Procedure

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:54, 11 February 2024
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	# Fume filter on if not already (cordless remote stored on top of laser cutter)		# Fume filter on if not already (cordless remote stored on top of laser cutter)
	# When ready, push white circular Laser Power On/Off button in (lights up white)		# When ready, push white circular Laser Power On/Off button in (lights up white)
	# ~~<s>~~Adjust laser power potentiometer (knob labeled "Laser 1") to desired power~~</s> '''Feb 2023: Laser potentiometer is broken, please do not touch'''~~		# Adjust laser power potentiometer (knob labeled "Laser 1") to desired power
	#* Current recommendation is to program your settings with the potentiometer at 100%, so that you can use laser full power and most reliable repeatability.		#* Current recommendation is to program your settings with the potentiometer at 100%, so that you can use laser full power and most reliable repeatability.
	#* Relationship between the power settings in Lightburn and the dial seems largely multiplicative. e.g. 50% in software and 50% on potentiometer approximately equals 25% power		#* Relationship between the power settings in Lightburn and the dial seems largely multiplicative. e.g. 50% in software and 50% on potentiometer approximately equals 25% power

HacksburgJoshua: /* Startup and Operation Procedure */

2024-02-11T18:53:34Z

Startup and Operation Procedure

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:53, 11 February 2024
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	#** Unless you are sure what you are doing, Positioning Mode in LightBurn should be set to "Absolute Coordinates", and the upper right of your file should be aligned with the upper right of the work area (and the 0,0 of the laser cutter)		#** Unless you are sure what you are doing, Positioning Mode in LightBurn should be set to "Absolute Coordinates", and the upper right of your file should be aligned with the upper right of the work area (and the 0,0 of the laser cutter)
	# Ensure that the water in the chiller fully covers the metal coil (the lid for the water level is underneath the power conditioner on the top of the chiller). If not, top it up from the jug of '''distilled''' water (usually found under the table)		# Ensure that the water in the chiller fully covers the metal coil (the lid for the water level is underneath the power conditioner on the top of the chiller). If not, top it up from the jug of '''distilled''' water (usually found under the table)
	# ~~<s>~~Rotate laser potentiometer to 0 (fully CCW)~~</s> '''Feb 2023: Laser potentiometer is broken, please do not touch'''~~		# Rotate laser potentiometer to 0 (fully CCW)
	[[File:Laser control potentiometer.jpg\|thumb\|Location of potentiometer]]		[[File:Laser control potentiometer.jpg\|thumb\|Location of potentiometer]]
	# <li value="10"> CamFive voltage regulator on (flip up red switch on regulator, box on the back left corner of laser cutter) </li>		# <li value="10"> CamFive voltage regulator on (flip up red switch on regulator, box on the back left corner of laser cutter) </li>

John at 21:11, 10 August 2023

2023-08-10T21:11:08Z

John at 18:44, 17 February 2023

2023-02-17T18:44:43Z

John at 18:00, 20 November 2022

2022-11-20T18:00:26Z

Show changes

Btipton: Added image showing location of major components

2021-03-23T14:39:50Z

Added image showing location of major components

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:39, 23 March 2021
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	==Startup and Operation Procedure==		==Startup and Operation Procedure==
			[[File:Laser component location.jpg\|thumb\|Overview of component locations]]
	# Check your materials before approaching cutter		# Check your materials before approaching cutter
	#* TO DO: better list, but for now, make sure you have looked up your specific material as being laser cutter compatible.		#* TO DO: better list, but for now, make sure you have looked up your specific material as being laser cutter compatible.

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:11, 10 August 2023
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	#* In the software, press "Frame" button under the laser tab		#* In the software, press "Frame" button under the laser tab
	#* Watch the laser trace the bounding box of the job. Note that the red laser pointer is only an approximation of where the invisible IR cutting laser will go.		#* Watch the laser trace the bounding box of the job. Note that the red laser pointer is only an approximation of where the invisible IR cutting laser will go.
	# ~~Open ventilation window fully~~		# Fume filter on if not already (cordless remote stored on top of laser cutter)
	~~#* Pull the window open from outside approximately 45 degrees. Ensure the window is not blocking the vent louvers from opening.~~
	~~# Exhaust fan~~ on if not already (~~foot pedal at bottom right~~ of ~~main~~ laser ~~unit~~)
	# When ready, push white circular Laser Power On/Off button in (lights up white)		# When ready, push white circular Laser Power On/Off button in (lights up white)
	# <s>Adjust laser power potentiometer (knob labeled "Laser 1") to desired power</s> '''Feb 2023: Laser potentiometer is broken, please do not touch'''		# <s>Adjust laser power potentiometer (knob labeled "Laser 1") to desired power</s> '''Feb 2023: Laser potentiometer is broken, please do not touch'''
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	#* Relationship between the power settings in Lightburn and the dial seems largely multiplicative. e.g. 50% in software and 50% on potentiometer approximately equals 25% power		#* Relationship between the power settings in Lightburn and the dial seems largely multiplicative. e.g. 50% in software and 50% on potentiometer approximately equals 25% power
	#* A minimum of approximately 20% power is required for the laser to turn on		#* A minimum of approximately 20% power is required for the laser to turn on
	# Before clicking start, double check that chiller, air-pump, and ~~exhaust blower~~ are running, window is open, and laser lid is closed		# Before clicking start, double check that chiller, air-pump, and fume filter are running, window is open, and laser lid is closed
	# In the laser software, press Start button (under "Laser" tab in Lightburn, bottom right)		# In the laser software, press Start button (under "Laser" tab in Lightburn, bottom right)
	# Watch your job progress through the tinted front or top window of the laser cutter. If there are problems, use the Pause or Stop buttons in the laser cutter software as a first choice, the Start/Pause button on the laser control panel as a second choice. If the Emergency Stop button is used, you should reboot the unit after correcting the problem.		# Watch your job progress through the tinted front or top window of the laser cutter. If there are problems, use the Pause or Stop buttons in the laser cutter software as a first choice, the Start/Pause button on the laser control panel as a second choice. If the Emergency Stop button is used, you should reboot the unit after correcting the problem.
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	#* It may be helpful to lift the lid just slightly to suck in room air from the front over your media.		#* It may be helpful to lift the lid just slightly to suck in room air from the front over your media.
	# Lift cover and unload your media; remove any debris remaining from cutting; close cover		# Lift cover and unload your media; remove any debris remaining from cutting; close cover
	# If you will be using it again soon, you can temporarily turn the exhaust fan off (~~foot pedal at bottom right~~ of ~~main~~ laser ~~unit~~) to reduce background noise while you edit. Remember to turn the exhaust fan back on before starting again!		# If you will be using it again soon, you can temporarily turn the exhaust fan off (cordless remote on top of laser cutter) to reduce background noise while you edit. Remember to turn the exhaust fan back on before starting again!
	# When done for the day:		# When done for the day:
	# Remove and return guides, alignment blocks, jigs, etc. to the yellow Laser Guides bin or other proper storage location		# Remove and return guides, alignment blocks, jigs, etc. to the yellow Laser Guides bin or other proper storage location
	# <s>Rotate laser potentiometer to 0 (fully CCW)</s> '''Feb 2023: Laser potentiometer is broken, please do not touch'''		# <s>Rotate laser potentiometer to 0 (fully CCW)</s> '''Feb 2023: Laser potentiometer is broken, please do not touch'''
	# Turn off air pump (middle red rocker switch right side of laser cutter)		# Turn off air pump (middle red rocker switch right side of laser cutter)
	# Turn off ~~exhaust blower~~ (~~foot pedal at bottom right~~ of main laser unit)		# Turn off fume filter (cordless remote on top of main laser unit)
			#* If there is a strong smell in the room, allow the fume filter to run longer
	# Put the water chiller in standby mode (press the power button on the front panel, screen should read "Standby")		# Put the water chiller in standby mode (press the power button on the front panel, screen should read "Standby")
	#* '''The chiller must be put in standby before powering off or permanent damage may occur'''		#* '''The chiller must be put in standby before powering off or permanent damage may occur'''
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	# Laser main power off (flip down blue power switch on right side of unit)		# Laser main power off (flip down blue power switch on right side of unit)
	# CamFive voltage regulator off (flip down red switch on front of voltage regulator)		# CamFive voltage regulator off (flip down red switch on front of voltage regulator)
	~~# '''Close ventilation window'''~~
	# Make sure any files are cleaned off the PC, or put in your userfiles folder under Hacksburg's "My Documents"		# Make sure any files are cleaned off the PC, or put in your userfiles folder under Hacksburg's "My Documents"
	#* e.g. C:\Users\Hacksburg\My Documents\userfiles\//yourname//		#* e.g. C:\Users\Hacksburg\My Documents\userfiles\//yourname//

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:44, 17 February 2023
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	# Check cutter and accessories for obvious damage or malfunction - if something looks damaged stop and contact [mailto:board@hacksburg.org board@hacksburg.org]		# Check cutter and accessories for obvious damage or malfunction - if something looks damaged stop and contact [mailto:board@hacksburg.org board@hacksburg.org]
	# PC monitor on if not already (push button under bottom edge to right of center)		# PC monitor on if not already (push button under bottom edge to right of center)
	# PC on if not already (~~push button above Dell logo~~)		# PC on if not already (need to open hinged door on front of tower)
	# Log into Hacksburg account on PC		# Log into Hacksburg account on PC (no password)
	# Start LightBurn software on PC		# Start LightBurn software on PC
	#* ~~You may see a pop~~-~~up dialog asking if you want to allow LightBurn from an unknown publisher to modify files. Say Yes. TO DO: Fix permissions so it doesn't do this.(May require installing outside of Program Files?)~~		#* Red dragon-shaped icon on desktop or task bar
	# Create or load, import, adjust files etc.		# Create or load, import, adjust files etc.
	#* See documentation elsewhere (pending) on compatible file formats, layer standards, etc.		#* See documentation elsewhere (pending) on compatible file formats, layer standards, etc.
	#* You will need to ~~manually~~ set the intensity and speed for any layer you use. See [[Tools/Laser_Cutter/Cutting Parameters\|Cutting Parameters]] page for more info.		#* You will need to set the intensity and speed for any layer you use. See [[Tools/Laser_Cutter/Cutting Parameters\|Cutting Parameters]] page for more info.
	~~#* The factory-suggested default is that layers 1-10 are for cutting, layers 11-14 are for fill, and layers 15-256 are for engraving~~.		#** Note that the software appears to process layers in numerical order. Layers should be configured so that the cuts will happen after the engraving.
	#** Note that the ~~cutter~~ appears to process layers in numerical order. ~~Thus, if you follow the default suggestions,~~ the cuts will happen ~~before~~ the engraving~~.This may not be what you want.~~		#** Depending on the last user, some layers may start turned off. Click the toggle under the "Output" column to turn them back on (and, if needed, the toggle under "Show". The "Air" toggle has no effect).
	#** The problem with the factory suggestions is that it is annoying to set up and proof, and ends up cutting before engraving.For simple files without fill, using 1 (blue) and 2 (green) for engraving, and 3 (red) for cutting, is easy to set up, proof, and use.		#** Unless you are sure what you are doing, Positioning Mode in LightBurn should be set to "Absolute Coordinates", and the upper right of your file should be aligned with the upper right of the work area (and the 0,0 of the laser cutter)
	#** Depending on the last user, some layers may start turned off.~~Double click~~ the "No" ~~under the Process~~ column to ~~toggle~~ them back on (and, if needed, the No under ~~Visible~~).
	#** Unless you are sure what you are doing, Positioning Mode in LightBurn should be set to ~~Mechanical Origin~~, and ~~you should use the "Put Graph to Origin" function in LightBurn to align~~ the upper right of your file with the upper right of the work area (and the 0,0 of the laser cutter)
	# Ensure that the water in the chiller fully covers the metal coil (the lid for the water level is underneath the power conditioner on the top of the chiller). If not, top it up from the jug of '''distilled''' water (usually found under the table)		# Ensure that the water in the chiller fully covers the metal coil (the lid for the water level is underneath the power conditioner on the top of the chiller). If not, top it up from the jug of '''distilled''' water (usually found under the table)
	# Rotate laser potentiometer to 0 (fully CCW)		# <s>Rotate laser potentiometer to 0 (fully CCW)</s> '''Feb 2023: Laser potentiometer is broken, please do not touch'''
	[[File:Laser control potentiometer.jpg\|thumb\|Location of potentiometer]]		[[File:Laser control potentiometer.jpg\|thumb\|Location of potentiometer]]
	# <li value="10"> CamFive voltage regulator on (flip up red switch on regulator, left corner of ~~room~~) </li>		# <li value="10"> CamFive voltage regulator on (flip up red switch on regulator, box on the back left corner of laser cutter) </li>
	# Check that ~~white~~ output power bar is on		# Check that regulator output power bar is on
	#* Push in blue button if red light is not lit		#* Push in blue button if red light is not lit
	[[File:Laser power strip button.jpg\|thumb\|Power Strip]]		[[File:Laser power strip button.jpg\|thumb\|Power Strip]]
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	#** Note: The red dot alignment pointer, while technically a laser, is not what actually does the cutting and is harmless.References to "laser" in this document refer to the main 80W IR (invisble) laser, not the red dot.		#** Note: The red dot alignment pointer, while technically a laser, is not what actually does the cutting and is harmless.References to "laser" in this document refer to the main 80W IR (invisble) laser, not the red dot.
	# Check laser display screen for any error messages or problems		# Check laser display screen for any error messages or problems
	# Lift cover and load your media; secure if needed~~; close cover~~		# Lift cover and load your media; secure if needed
	#* The usable (writable) area is 600 mm x 400 mm, or about 24" x 16"		#* The usable (writable) area is 600 mm x 400 mm, or about 24" x 16"
	#* The honeycomb part of the bed is about 25 3/8" x 17 1/4"		#* The honeycomb part of the bed is about 25 3/8" x 17 1/4"
	#* If everything is set correctly, the "~~Mechanical Origin~~" 0,0 point is in the upper right of the usable area		#* If everything is set correctly, the "Absolute Coordinates" 0,0 point is in the upper right of the usable area
	#* Approximate offset of 0,0 from the upper right edge of the honeycomb is 22.25 mm from right, 27.75 mm from top		#* Approximate offset of 0,0 from the upper right edge of the honeycomb is 22.25 mm from right, 27.75 mm from top
	#* Check the ~~blue~~ Laser Guides bin for jigs; use the ones labeled 22.5 mm Right and 28 mm Top as needed		#* Check the yellow Laser Guides bin for jigs; use the ones labeled 22.5 mm Right and 28 mm Top as needed
	# Turn on Air Pump (middle red switch on right side of main laser unit)		# Turn on Air Pump (middle red switch on right side of main laser unit)
	# Adjust laser vertical clearance and focus		# Adjust laser vertical clearance and focus
			#* Use the laser controls to move the laser head over the middle of the material. Ensure that the tip will not collide with the material, raise if needed.
	#* Find "Laser Vertical Calibration Guide" (thick clear tile that should be in the blue Laser Guides bin, on or near the laser cutter)		#* Find "Laser Vertical Calibration Guide" (thick clear tile that should be in the blue Laser Guides bin, on or near the laser cutter)
	#* Place block on material, slide to near laser output nozzle		#* Place block on material, slide to near laser output nozzle
	#* While supporting the lower head with one hand, loosen the brass vertical adjust knob (turn CCW to loosen)		#* While supporting the lower head with one hand, loosen the brass vertical adjust knob (turn CCW to loosen)
	#** Note: This is the horizontal knurled brass knob that sticks out straight to the right, with a green rubber cover		#** Note: This is the horizontal knurled brass knob that sticks out straight to the right, '''with a green rubber cover'''
	#** ~~TO DO: Find a way to better distinguish~~ this ~~knob from others that should not be touched~~		#** '''Do not touch any other knobs on the laser head, as this may change the alignment'''
	#* Slide calibration block under nozzle (while on top of your media)		#* Slide calibration block under nozzle (while on top of your media)
	#* Gently lower the nozzle until it is nearly but not quite touching the calibration block		#* Gently lower the nozzle until it is nearly but not quite touching the calibration block
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	#* Check that laser cover is fully closed		#* Check that laser cover is fully closed
	#* Check that laser power is still Off (white button is up and not illuminated)		#* Check that laser power is still Off (white button is up and not illuminated)
	#* In the software, check that positioning mode is set to ~~Mechanical Origin~~ (unless you are deliberately using Current ~~Point~~ mode)		#* In the software, check that positioning mode is set to Absolute Coordinates (unless you are deliberately using Current Position mode)
	#* In the software, press ~~Start~~ button under ~~Process~~		#* In the software, press "Frame" button under the laser tab
	#* Watch the laser ~~head go through your~~ job. Note that the red laser pointer is only an approximation of where the invisible IR cutting laser will go.		#* Watch the laser trace the bounding box of the job. Note that the red laser pointer is only an approximation of where the invisible IR cutting laser will go.
	# Open ventilation window fully		# Open ventilation window fully
	#* ~~Unlatch two handles (rotate 1/4 turn CW each) and push out~~		#* Pull the window open from outside approximately 45 degrees. Ensure the window is not blocking the vent louvers from opening.
	# Exhaust fan on if not already (foot pedal at bottom right of main laser unit)		# Exhaust fan on if not already (foot pedal at bottom right of main laser unit)
	~~#* Check that no precipitation (rain, snow) is blowing in. If the wind is strong from the wrong direction it may not be suitable to operate the laser.~~
	# When ready, push white circular Laser Power On/Off button in (lights up white)		# When ready, push white circular Laser Power On/Off button in (lights up white)
	# Adjust laser power potentiometer (knob labeled "Laser 1") to desired power		# <s>Adjust laser power potentiometer (knob labeled "Laser 1") to desired power</s> '''Feb 2023: Laser potentiometer is broken, please do not touch'''
	#* Current recommendation is to program your settings with the potentiometer at 100%, so that you can use laser full power and most reliable repeatability.		#* Current recommendation is to program your settings with the potentiometer at 100%, so that you can use laser full power and most reliable repeatability.
	#* Relationship between the power settings in Lightburn and the dial seems largely multiplicative. e.g. 50% in software and 50% on potentiometer approximately equals 25% power		#* Relationship between the power settings in Lightburn and the dial seems largely multiplicative. e.g. 50% in software and 50% on potentiometer approximately equals 25% power
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	# Before clicking start, double check that chiller, air-pump, and exhaust blower are running, window is open, and laser lid is closed		# Before clicking start, double check that chiller, air-pump, and exhaust blower are running, window is open, and laser lid is closed
	# In the laser software, press Start button (under "Laser" tab in Lightburn, bottom right)		# In the laser software, press Start button (under "Laser" tab in Lightburn, bottom right)
	# Watch your job progress through the tinted front or top window of the laser cutter. If there are problems, use the ~~Suspend~~ or Stop buttons in the laser cutter software as a first choice, the Start/Pause button on the laser control panel as a second choice. If the Emergency Stop button is used, you should reboot the unit after correcting the problem.		# Watch your job progress through the tinted front or top window of the laser cutter. If there are problems, use the Pause or Stop buttons in the laser cutter software as a first choice, the Start/Pause button on the laser control panel as a second choice. If the Emergency Stop button is used, you should reboot the unit after correcting the problem.
	#* In case of minor flare-ups, once the laser is stopped use the green spray bottle of water .Try not to get water onto any of the optical or mechanical components, and make sure everything is fully dry before continuing.		#* In case of minor fire flare-ups, once the laser is stopped use the green spray bottle of water .Try not to get water onto any of the optical or mechanical components, and make sure everything is fully dry before continuing.

	==Shutdown Procedure==		==Shutdown Procedure==
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	# If you will be using it again soon, you can temporarily turn the exhaust fan off (foot pedal at bottom right of main laser unit) to reduce background noise while you edit. Remember to turn the exhaust fan back on before starting again!		# If you will be using it again soon, you can temporarily turn the exhaust fan off (foot pedal at bottom right of main laser unit) to reduce background noise while you edit. Remember to turn the exhaust fan back on before starting again!
	# When done for the day:		# When done for the day:
	# Remove and return guides, alignment blocks, jigs, etc. to the ~~blue~~ Laser Guides bin or other proper storage location		# Remove and return guides, alignment blocks, jigs, etc. to the yellow Laser Guides bin or other proper storage location
	# Rotate laser potentiometer to 0 (fully CCW)		# <s>Rotate laser potentiometer to 0 (fully CCW)</s> '''Feb 2023: Laser potentiometer is broken, please do not touch'''
	# Turn off air pump (middle red rocker switch right side of laser cutter)		# Turn off air pump (middle red rocker switch right side of laser cutter)
	# Turn off exhaust blower (foot pedal at bottom right of main laser unit)		# Turn off exhaust blower (foot pedal at bottom right of main laser unit)