How to Use a Laser Cutter - Basics Tutorial 

this is an exquisite example on how to use this

Love the laser cutter as it was the first machine I learned at the local maker space (that sadly closed down). Also one of the easiest to prep and use out of the machines they had. The only thing is you have watch it (or grab someone to watch it while you run off to the bathroom during a big etch). For cool projects, um... very few that I have pictures of, but the masters for the coaster(s) I showed you at SVCC 2017 were laser cut. Also made (somewhat) cheap birthday gifts. Implied, but it might be useful to mention why etching is first (if the machine doesn't do this automatically), and that for some materials might even want to design ... whatever those CNC tabs are called that are cut out/off later if for some reason the material is at risk of settling/moving during the cut. Also, ABS is on the no-cut list. Both (it and PVC) were almost hilariously terrifying to read the posted warning sign (and of course the ones I tell people at parties).

Really helpful video! Clear and to the point, too! Thanks!

I don't have a laser cutter but it's amazing how interesting and informative you made this. It was a pleasure to watch. Thanks!

Looking forward to more Laser Cut project!!

Thank you!! Excellent tutorial! You are a great teacher!!

Been waiting for this one. Thanks

Oh damn, I just realized you're using a Full Spectrum Laser CNC. They make those in Vegas where I live. Awesome!

Lasers have come along way since 1990 when they fit in your garage and you had to spend 125K on it and it table that went back and forth like Laser Machining Inc in Somerset WI Epilog and Universal pretty much put them out of business... Thank you for sharing The biggest rule of thumb with any laser is exhaust that is absolutely key and never cut anything that would give you a headache like Resin I.e. Corian or Solid Surface Material etc

nice video! Thanks!

Great video, I have the same Full Spectrum Laser as you. I would love to see more videos on the laser, other projects and some tips and tricks. Thanks and keep up the good work.

Hey Bill, just wanted to say i love ur work. Keep it up :D With the things ive learned from ur vids im going to make links master sword for my cosplay.(for iberanime)

Just got my Glowforge! And my Prusa I3 MK3! Making up a storm : ) MORE LAZORS!!!

I don't own a laser, but I'm looking into getting something soon. I was surprised to see that your SFLaser does not separately enclose/shield the laser tube or the electronics from all the smoke generated inside. Your laser tube (and most likely the insides of the high-voltage power supply) are coated with smoke.

love the shout out to glow forge. Just got my unit and loving it.

Thanks for the vid. I did end up buying a amazon blue laser and it works rather well. Ill have to send you a pic on twitter once I get the video out. Thanks again

Not at all related to the subject but that last song in the vid was superb 👌 lol Very useful information though

At one of my old jobs I used to run laser cutters in vegas. We made all the artwork for slot machines. I would run 5 lasers at a time. If you want any tips let me know. Awesome video!

Thank you so much!!!!

One important thing, when cutting out holes in your pattern do the holes on a different layer/colour so that you can cut them out before you cut the outline

I like to save the power and speed settings in the file name so it's quick to remake parts.

#notificationsquadd ! Thank you for always creating these videos and inspiring so many people ❤️❤️

Thanks to this channel, I already wanted a 3D printer and a CNC. Now I have to add laser cutter to the list too. Dang it.

I could watch timelapse laser cutters all day

Im doing a commander cullen costume so would there be any tips for him?

For the rastor cut you left it at 100% power, why didn't it cut through the material like the vector cut?

can you use with leather ?

Which button you pushed to find that material is enough at 6:28

Thank you for this! There's an artist called "EngraversDungeonArt" that makes beautiful laser engraved items. I'm so curious what type of laser they use. Any guess?

Do laser cutters work on metal? Like aluminum or steel?

The first thing you should know about lasers is that they are hella rad and make "pew pew" noises.

The future is now!

Work in a public space with laser cutters, 3D printers, and cnc machines. it's free to use for the public and we even provide training, weirdly we have next to 0 foot traffic, we're in mid sized town, but it's very hard to get the word out. wondering if anyone has had any similar experience with their own maker spaces/FabLabs and if you have any advice to give.

LOL, not in Alaska. :) We are sooooo behind everyone.

Bill commented that PVC in a laser is bad! But why is it bad, and can you check material for PVC before cutting it? Yes, you can! Check out this quick video about the dangers of cutting PVC in a laser! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-3QBn8UIJ1oU.html

Is it easy to use files like pepakura files to use as templates for cutting Eva foam using a laser cutter?

hello from Sweden, i fallow your videos genius!!!. i have a laser cuter 50kw, do you think it´s possible to cut 10mm acrylic? tanks

Hi are you going to be at san jose Comic Con teaching foam work? I took my son last year we missed your foam class by a day..i think it was you,the guy looked like you had the same hat.

Awesome video... Will you be downloading the project file anytime soon?

Hi can you cut CD's and DVD's please

Even tho I don't nor will ever get a laser cutter. I still kinda think this was helpful!

How do you know how to control the power of the laser, the speed of the movement and how many times has to go over certain material that maybe its too thick to cut?

Any tips on adjusting settings? Also, I have had problems with thin EVA setting on fire / totally melting away. Any suggestions?

Do you recommend the Full Spectrum or have you run into problems and "wish" you had a different cutter?

I’ve noticed that in some laser cut wood pieces have a noticeable burn cut and others don’t. What is the variable to cut right through but leave a minimum burn mark.

What do think of the $500. buck 40 watt china laser cutters for hobby use ?

This is the video i needed lol

Thank you so so so so so so so so so so much this video helped me vigorously pass my GCSEs you are an absolute queen!!! :)

you can cut pvc you just need to vent the fumes

Bill what was the company that you said that can do the cuts?

Oh yeah and while I'm here, what would be a good place to start for building something like, say, the power armor from Starcraft? Kinda jumping in at the deep end, I know, but man does it look like a fun thing to make

Okay can anyone teach me on how do use a laser. Its for cutting wood my ex boyfriend just got it but we r learning this together and honestly i dont know the first thing about it. We only have the lazer part like what does it attach to looks like a computer or something. I know i may sound dumb in this department because i am .

Hi :) it is great :) u mentioned illustrator for vectors ,i am working with illustrator but there no options for laser export ,would you if this is ok with you recommend me some laser cut software like illustrator ,Autodesk ets program so that i proceed with laser cutting after i draw the vectors :)Thank you :)

Thanks Bill! Please add something in about eye protection! For you and your friends that came over to ooh and aah! ;-)

Whats the difference between Laser cutters and laser engravers? Can laser engravers just engrave things or can they cut through the material as well?

What about the acrylic viewing window? is it true that it is enough to protect your eyes? are laser safety glasses needed for these machines?

Quite a lot of time has passed this you put out this video. I'm currently looking into to laser cutters for EVA foam. Do you have any experience with Ortur (low cost) cutters? (I'm looking at the Master Pro 2, would you recommend them for EVA Foam? Unfortunately Ortur, does not specifically state their cutters work for EVA Foam, so I'm a bit apprehensive. If you do not recommend Orthur, what low cost laser cutter do you recommend?

Is there an iPad equivalent of Inkscape, as I haven’t touched a pc in well over a year.

What is the power of this laser? What kind of computer will work with that machine...or does it come with it?

I got job offer from CNC laser cutting machine operator but I have some eye issues can I accept that offer?any one please guide me

FOOKIN' LASER SIGHTS

could the laser be used in place of a vinyl cutter???

Just curious ... aren't laser cutters more expensive than 3D printers?

But Bill! I don't have a laser cutter! Any reason not to buy the $500 eBay cutters?

so can you cut steal

Fooken laser sights

What is the problem with PVC???

Ok

Ur name is litteraly “BILL Doran/ BUILD oran” build!!!

Whats poopiter?

dangerous if the laser reflect from your metal bar!!

Since your laser cutter does not have a material catalogue, then I would suggest you check out this thing: www.thingiverse.com/thing:728579 I designed it to help with that exact problem 😀

This is kind of off topic,but how can I persuade people in my area that a maker space could benefit the community? I have spoken with several city council members,but it seems like they are equating maker spaces to art shows or trade school. I know there is an interest in the community,but I don't have the right sales pitch.

But Bill, what if I can't buy beer?? (I can, but hypothetically)

u say dont cut x materials but dont say why :(

How about leather?

*Raster* ;)

fokin laser sights

Frankly, a bad "all the basics you need to know". 1.- You don't mention consumables: Lenses and mirrors can and will degrade over time, especially if you don't mention "2". 2.- Lens and mirror cleaning. Unless your laser uses Molibdenum mirrors, most lasers use gold coated ones, wich can scratch with just your breath, so to speak. Good lenses also have coatings in them, wich will also scratch easily. Dust and material vaporization will find their way into them, and while under power, stick and burn in the surfaces, ruining them. A good cleaning from time to time is mandatory. 3.- Air assist is not, altough it does, for "putting out fires", but to increase O2 concentration to better cut, and in part, to refrigerate the area. 4.- Lasers are "dimensionally acurate" if you take your time and measure the kerf size (the "diameter" of of material the laser vaporizes) AND the kerf angle (the laser is not a perfect and straight light beam, but, exaggerating, a hourglass shape, wich has it's smallest diameter at the focal point. If you aim it at the surface of the material, it will leave undercut (the base will be smaller than the top), like you do with the foam. If you aim at the bottom of the piece, it will leave a slope, wich might be desirable sometimes. 5.- The PVC info, short at best: Why you SHOULD NOT Cut PVC? It will release CHLORINE, wich will degrade your machine, if not worse. It is not advisable, unless you know it's components, to use it like a vinyl cutter. Vinyl material family can be multiple materials, but in case of doubt, they can contain PVC too.

make something from fortnite.

I guess those who think laser cutters are cheating, would call them....LAAAZY cutters...... -_- I'll see myself out >_>