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Leicester Hackspace has a Piranha Ruida CO2 laser which was donated after it was seriously damaged by a fire caused by unattended cutting of acrylic. Members have coaxed it back into use. It has a number of idiosyncrasies as a result, so it is important that m...

Members who have been trained and authorised to use the laser are known as pilots. Pilots are able to assist other members of the Hackspace to use the laser. You will need to book the laser and pilot by contacting them directly, usually through the laser chann...

Members who wish to become pilots need to be trained first. Members who are pilot trainers: Divja Pujara

Laser use is charged at £10 per hour of contact time. Contact time is defined as from turning on the laser to turning it off at the end of the job. The fee is also due for the contact time during training. Training time depends on the experience the member alr...

As well as energy costs, the Hackspace needs to cover the cost of maintenance and repairs. Example costs for information are: Lens replacement  Tube replacement Cleaning materials

The laser uses RDWorks v8 software. As users are charged by contact time, it is suggested that you download the software to your own computer and become familiar with it prior to starting to use the laser. You should prepare your design in advance of your lase...

The extraction system for the laser is adequate, but not brilliant. Some members at the Hackspace are sensitive to the smoke and fumes created by cutting some materials, so the following rules are in place: Before cutting Check the air quality monitor behind t...

Remember that there is only a laser in the space due to a fire caused by inattention. Any material that the laser will cut through presents an inherent risk of catching fire. Before you use the laser Make sure you know what you are cutting is safe to use - see...

The laser beam and reflected light are invisible and will damage unprotected eyes. Whilst the lid is down, the laser light is contained. Until a leather skirt is attached to the lid, there is a possibility of reflected laser light escaping from under it, so us...

These materials are 'safe' to laser, but are still to be considered a fire risk. Please follow individual guidance for the material to reduce this risk. Wood-based materials Cutting these items will leave a sooty edge in most cases, which will wipe off with a ...

There are some materials that, whilst not on the banned list, are problematic in other ways and should be avoided: Oily or resinous wood Pine, cedar, eucalyptus or teak woods have a high resin or oil content and will char excessively. They may ignite easily. U...

These materials should never be used in the laser. This is not an exhaustive list. If you are not sure, don't use it and find out. PVC, vinyl, neoprene, pleather, PTFE (Teflon) When heated, these materials release chlorine or similar gases. This is a respirato...

These suppliers have been recommended by members: laserply.co.uk kitronik.co.uk hobarts.co.uk

Turn on the plug near the computer area The cooler should beep as it powers up. If it does not, check that the unit is switched on before proceeding. Check the temperature displayed on the cooler behind the laser; it should be higher than (currently) 15°C. If ...

Ensure the bed is clear of debris Ensure the blades and bed are clean to reduce flashback* Check the air quality monitor is green (see health and safety guidance) Check that nothing is obstructing the extraction vents at the rear of the laser bed Check that th...

Make sure the red lens focus tube is raised and fixed in place. Don't forget that the tightener screws the opposite way to normal, and that you must support the bottom part of the tube so that it doesn't drop out. On the laser panel, press the yellow home butt...