Laser engraving and cutting is a fascinating crafting method. While the equipment is quiet uncommon, they are surprisingly beginner friendly. For our first workshop, we were priveleged to have William Davis share his xTool F1 Laser with us.
Over the two hour workshop, William taught the 15 attendees how laser engravers work and how to operate them safely, navigating the software and finally a hands-on session where everyone could pick from a set of materials and be guided through cutting and/or engraving their very own masterpiece.
The xTool F1 is a galvo laser - instead of a motorized gantry, spinning mirrors direct the laser beam through a lens onto the target material. This makes them very fast and compact, but limits its working surface area to about 10x10cm. It has both a 10W blue diode and 1.5W IR laser, allowing it to cut / mark paper, wood, dark acrylics, slate and coated metals.
As a Class 1 enclosed engraver, the F1 has a green visor which covers the working area during operation to filter out the laser's wavelengths making it safe to operate without everyone wearing goggles. It has a separate but interconnected exhaust filter - very important when using indoors to remove and purify smoke and fumes.
The xTool software let users place bitmap images, text or svg drawings on the work area, then select the power and speed at which it is engraved, scored or cut. With this we crafted celtic designs on slate coasters, wooden earings and custom metal business cards.
Thank you to our volunteers Aisling & Liam, our wonderful instructor William and all attendees who came along to learn something new. We look forward to more H91 MakerSpace events with you all.