SECTION 4
Running the System
Step by Step
In this section we will cover how to completely use the laser system to create a product from start to finish. From powering on everything to removing the finished product from the system, we will cover the entire process step by step. As an example, let’s engrave and cut out a key chain from a 2 by 4 inch, 1/8 inch thick piece of hardwood.
Before continuing, please ensure that you have completely read and understood the entire manual up to this point. It is essential that you know how to safely operate the laser system before you actually engrave or cut any material.
Powering Up
We recommend that you turn on your computer first and let it boot up completely before powering up the laser system. This will prevent any garbage information that might have traveled out the printer port from entering the laser system during power up. This common practice should be utilized for all output devices whether it is a laser printer or a laser engraver. If you happen to power up the laser system first and then power up your computer afterwards, there is a possibility that some garbage information gets transmitted to the laser system. If you then send down a file to print, that garbage may confuse the laser system and cause it to engrave erroneously which could damage your material. This is why we recommend turning on your computer first before the laser system as a safe practice.
Loading and Positioning the Material
The next step is to load and position the wood on top of the engraving table inside the laser system. Open the top door and position the piece of wood into the upper left hand corner of the table against the rulers as the diagram below indicates.