LaserUser.com Forum (formerly RDWorksLab)

Hello RDworkslab community, and thank you for providing such a tool for newbies like myself and others.

I have been following the teachings of our Local Mr. Sadler way before I even got my 60W Amazon laser.

So far the learning curve with a physical unit has been steep and frustrating but I am enjoying the new hobby.

I didn't really think of the amount of smoke I'd be producing making my laser calibration programs (Will provide pictures of my trials for critiques or suggestions) - and am curious for those in a residential area, how are you governing your smoke and or containing it? I found that engraving at night in the cold was good because nobody is up and nobody has their windows open, but makes for some late nights.

Suggestions?

Again, thank you for this community, I hope to contribute where possible =)



(Yes this is a picture in Lightburn as I am having issues with RDworks currently, will not play nice when trying to do exactly what my test shows)

I also noticed that when I was doing my first test on the clear example, my focus was at 10.5mm, having forgot to change it from my previous material,
I might be crazy, well... definitely, but it appears to be that 10.5mm focus with my set up actually made for much cleaner lines, and the 6mm focus (the little stick they provided me) was way more choppy and looks like it was Top/bottom engraving, but was all Left Right.... however, with the 10.5mm focus the lines around the outside are too big, and the Zero's are wonky and not very round...

Hi Bryce

I've a Purex filter system in-line with my machine and it really cuts down smoke and smells. Luckily it was part of the package deal for the laser cutter as I think they're quite pricey. Well worth considering if your budget can stretch to it though. One caveat though that I discovered to my cost - the pre- and main filters really do not like MDF residue and gum up quickly - it cost me £400 to replace them after maybe 15-20 hours of cutting MDF! Now I remove the filters and, like you, do stuff like that early or late and evacuate to air.