How to Use a Laser Cutter - Basics Tutorial
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- Опубліковано 17 жов 2024
- A laser cutter is an invaluable tool for any shop, especially our prop and costume making workshop. Bill goes over the basic techniques needed to cut out a variety of materials like EVA foam, wood, and plastics on a hobby sized laser cutter.
Links:
Join the Extra Credit Club! punishedprops....
Laser Cutter Materials Information
t.co/HLbMLkp4f...
Inkscape Premium Tutorial Video
punishedprops.c...
Inkscape
inkscape.org/en/
Laser Cutting at Ponoko
www.ponoko.com
Tools & Materials:
Full Spectrum 5th Gen Hobby Laser
fslaser.com/Pr...
EVA Foam
tntcosplaysuppl...
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#PunishedProps
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!
You’re welcome!
Instablaster
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!!! :)
ikr it saved my life i would've lost my job and ended up homeless if it wasn't for him
this is an exquisite example on how to use this
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! ua-cam.com/video/3QBn8UIJ1oU/v-deo.html
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).
Oh damn, I just realized you're using a Full Spectrum Laser CNC. They make those in Vegas where I live. Awesome!
It's fantastic!
I like to save the power and speed settings in the file name so it's quick to remake parts.
That's a really great idea!
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.
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!
That’s fantastic!
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
Good advice!
Webmaster Blackraven this sounds like it comes from painful experience
Possibly, quite possibly in fact
I like it
Really helpful video! Clear and to the point, too! Thanks!
love the shout out to glow forge. Just got my unit and loving it.
It's pretty neat!
Punished Props Academy so glowforge doesn’t do software like your laser does. How would I create an image with score cut and engrave within Inkscape to send to glowforge? It sure if you would know this.
Thank you!! Excellent tutorial! You are a great teacher!!
You're welcome!
Just got my Glowforge! And my Prusa I3 MK3! Making up a storm : ) MORE LAZORS!!!
That's a really great combo!
Been waiting for this one. Thanks
You're most welcome!
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
That's 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
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.
Sorry I won't be at that convention this year.
Looking forward to more Laser Cut project!!
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?
Which button you pushed to find that material is enough at 6:28
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.
You're welcome! =D
i know youre on the spectrum
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?
The only cutter I have experience with is this one, the Spectrum Hobbby Laser. I think for foam most lasers are probably fine but I don't know enough to offer a full recommendation
@@punishedprops Thanks
Do you recommend the Full Spectrum or have you run into problems and "wish" you had a different cutter?
I recommend it. They have a new machine that's even better, the Muse. fslaser.com/Muse
I could watch timelapse laser cutters all day
We could too. Real satisfying stuff.
Awesome video... Will you be downloading the project file anytime soon?
Do you mean make the files used in this video available for use? I don't have plans to do that any time soon, no.
@@punishedprops thanks for your response... the world needs lots of poopiteer badges... just sayin!!!
nice video! Thanks!
Do laser cutters work on metal? Like aluminum or steel?
Im doing a commander cullen costume so would there be any tips for him?
The first thing you should know about lasers is that they are hella rad and make "pew pew" noises.
you are not funny
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.
Ssssssorry?
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?
It takes practice and testing on samples to figure out what's going to work best.
Whats the difference between Laser cutters and laser engravers? Can laser engravers just engrave things or can they cut through the material as well?
It's a matter of whether or not the beam is strong enough to pierce all the way through the material. A lot of cheaper "engravers" use low power diode lasers that don't get hot enough to cut through most materials.
What is the power of this laser? What kind of computer will work with that machine...or does it come with it?
Link to the laser in the video description
Is it easy to use files like pepakura files to use as templates for cutting Eva foam using a laser cutter?
Not at all related to the subject but that last song in the vid was superb 👌 lol
Very useful information though
What do think of the $500. buck 40 watt china laser cutters for hobby use ?
I've never used one, so I don't have any opinion on them.
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.
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?
Eye safety is always a good idea! The viewing window is generally enough to protect your eyes for short periods though.
@@punishedprops thank you, just bought a machine myself, some of this info is not always easy find :)
Any tips on adjusting settings? Also, I have had problems with thin EVA setting on fire / totally melting away. Any suggestions?
It’s all been trial and error for me. For really thin foam I use the fastest settings and just enough power to cut through. If it’s still too meaty, lower the power and do a couple passes.
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.
That depends entirely on the type of wood, how soft it is, how hot your laser is, and how fast it's moving. It's always worth doing tests before deciding on a material so you can figure out the best way to work with it!
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
I would check with the manufacturer to see what thicknesses they recommend. I only have experience with my 45 watt laser.
For the rastor cut you left it at 100% power, why didn't it cut through the material like the vector cut?
Thank you so much!!!!
We're happy to help!
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)
Fantastic! Share what you make with us on Twitter: twitter.com/chinbeard
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
I'm sorry but I don't know enough about that to advise you - you'll want to speak to a medical professional.
Bill what was the company that you said that can do the cuts?
Ponoko, link in the description.
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 .
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
That would be super fun. If it's your first costume project, maybe start with something a tiny bit less ambitious. =)
that seems reasonable yeah
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 :)
I use Inkscape to draw my cut paths and then the Full Spectrum Laser software that came with my laser uses those paths to make the cut. Any vector file should work. I think Illustrator can export an SVG file.
Thank you :) superb :)
Is there an iPad equivalent of Inkscape, as I haven’t touched a pc in well over a year.
It looks like there's an iPad app called "Always On PC" that allows you to use programs like Inkscape on your tablet, but I'm not sure how viable it is. Might be worth looking into? A quick google search would likely get you some good info.
- Paige
Punished Props Academy ahh Cheers I’ll have a look 🙂
can you use with leather ?
Even tho I don't nor will ever get a laser cutter. I still kinda think this was helpful!
Yeah! It's handy to know processes even if you won't implement them yourself. Having that knowledge can really help inform that way you work!
- Paige
But Bill! I don't have a laser cutter! Any reason not to buy the $500 eBay cutters?
I don't have any experience with those types of laser. I can say you want to make sure it's strong enough to actually cut through material. Mine is 45 watts, good for .25" material. Cheaper lasers may be too weak to cut and are only good for etching.
Just curious ... aren't laser cutters more expensive than 3D printers?
Depends on the laser cutter or 3D printer. There are price points all over the place for both types of machines.
This is the video i needed lol
Fantastic! We're so happy we could help!
@@punishedprops by the way I'm having a single cosplay crisis involving trying to make rings. Under the pauldrons of the winged dragon of ra (yugioh) there are these rings to be made and I'm not really sure the best way to go about it.... also the back halo is a problem lol do you happen to have any videos in your mental library that i could watch and try to solve this problem???
#notificationsquadd ! Thank you for always creating these videos and inspiring so many people ❤️❤️
You're welcome!
you can cut pvc you just need to vent the fumes
LOL, not in Alaska. :) We are sooooo behind everyone.
could the laser be used in place of a vinyl cutter???
No, from my understanding using a laser cutter to cut vinyl produces some extremely toxic fumes.
vinyl and pvc will create chlorine gas which will wreck your machine and also is extremely toxic. vinyl cutters that use a drag knife are better and cheaper than lasers
Nope, laser cutting vinyl produces toxic gasses. =(
FOOKIN' LASER SIGHTS
The future is now!
Thanks Bill! Please add something in about eye protection! For you and your friends that came over to ooh and aah! ;-)
What is the problem with PVC???
Hot PVC releases bad gasses!
@@punishedprops Yeah true BUT a fume extraction is needed anyway even plywood has glue between the layers and that also not healthy :-) even burning wood fume is not healthy and foam PVC is a great material cheap, light and relatively strong...
Hi can you cut CD's and DVD's please
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.
Respond with $$$
Show how it can be profitable. Additionally get the community to invest in it by starting small. You got to spend money to get the equipment, space, and hire people to run it.
I tried the whole profitability,job creation,and attraction to our town pitch to no avail. I could supply my own woodworking tools,but I feel like it would just be me and my tools in a different building.
Brandon Newell, firstly I wish you the best of luck with your endevours. As beneficial as a maker space can be to a community, it will never have a chance to prove it's worth without someone like yourself who is prepared to put in the hard yards at the beginning to get the project off the ground.
Perhaps compare the benefits of a maker space to an already established organisation like the Mens Shed organisation, and highlight the already proven community benefits that way. Speaking of the Mens Shed organisation, maybe look at their programmes and objectives for some ideas for your pitch. Food for thought.
Good luck with it Brandon, getting council members to listen can sometimes be like getting blood out of a stone, but don't give up, you'll get through to them eventually 👍
so can you cut steal
Not with a 45 watt hobby laser like mine. You would need a much more powerful laser to cut metal.
Fooken laser sights
Ur name is litteraly “BILL Doran/ BUILD oran” build!!!
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 WONDERFUL. Thanks!
But Bill, what if I can't buy beer?? (I can, but hypothetically)
Artisinal soda could be an adequate backup. =)
I'll keep that in mind 👌🏻👌🏻 (I also realize this is appropriate for other situations as well, like they don't like/can't have beer)
dangerous if the laser reflect from your metal bar!!
The metal bar isn't reflective enough to do anything serious. It would just absorb all of the heat from the laser. I'm willing to bet that even a mirror wouldn't be too dangerous, since the beam has such a tight focus and would be scattered by being reflected. That's just a guess about the mirror though.
Whats poopiter?
just after Jupiter :)
It's the smelliest planet.
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.
Thanks for the additional information!
You're welcome!
Also, love your props!
Complaining about incomplete information you did that too. Chlorine itself doesn't harm mirrors and lenses, but whe PVC is superheated/vaporized (what laser does) it becomes hydrochloric acid, and that is very corrosive, and therefor harm lenses and mirrors -and much more.
Note: This video is a good starting point for those who aren't familiar with lasers at all, and from here they should -and must- continue digging on the information about them.
Hey Troll, he was doing a basics video not a proper care and feeding video.
Honestly I have searched so much to try to figure out how to use a laser machine and the programs that come with it. This is the first video I have seen that has broken the barrier between me and laser cutting and understanding software and the like. I haven't even gotten through the whole video yet.
Definitely this comment has overwhelmed me, and has mentioned things I have no idea about that I would be shocked if they were to be mentioned in a basics video.
Title: BASICS
If you (troll), were to make a video called basics, you would probably lose 85% of your viewers. Seriously.
Ok
u say dont cut x materials but dont say why :(
I linked to a list of materials you should and shouldn't cut. It's worth reading the entire list. Link is in the description.
fokin laser sights
I was waiting for this comment
*Raster* ;)
How about leather?
You can definitely cut or etch leather. Be prepared for a pretty terrible smell though.
:D
make something from fortnite.
I guess those who think laser cutters are cheating, would call them....LAAAZY cutters...... -_- I'll see myself out >_>
ZING
I always wonder where you draw the line on tools. I mean, do these people hand forge their xacto blades? If not, that is being lazy!