Laser Cutters at Loveland CreatorSpace

Loveland CreatorSpace operates two CO₂ laser cutters for engraving and cutting wood, acrylic, and other approved materials. This page outlines the equipment available, required training, safety expectations, and best practices for using the laser cutters responsibly.

1. Overview

Our laser cutting area supports:

• Wood engraving and cutting

• Acrylic cutting

• Leather engraving

• Paper and cardboard prototyping

• Raster engraving on approved materials

• Precision fabrication for makerspace projects

Each laser has its own dedicated computer with LightBurn installed.

Frequently Asked Questions are here.

2. Available Laser Cutters

We operate two CO₂ laser cutters, each with a unique name for easy identification:

Blue Laser — “Blue”

• Bed Size: 48" × 33"

• Power: Higher‑power machine (best for thicker materials)

• Use Cases:

  • Cutting thicker acrylic

  • Cutting thicker wood

  • Larger projects

  • High‑speed engraving

• Dedicated Computer: Yes

• Software: LightBurn

Green Laser — “Green”

• Manufacturer: Hurricane Lasers

• Category: Ivan Category 2

• Power: Lower than Blue

• Use Cases:

  • Engraving

  • Cutting thin materials

  • Precision detail work

• Dedicated Computer: Yes

• Software: LightBurn

Both machines are capable, but Blue is the more powerful cutter, while Green excels at fine engraving and thin‑material work.

3. Required Training

Before using any laser cutter, members must:

• Complete the Laser Cutter Orientation

• Demonstrate safe operation of LightBurn

• Understand material safety and approved materials

• Learn proper focusing, bed leveling, and air assist usage

• Know how to start, pause, and stop a job safely

• Understand fume extraction and ventilation procedures

Laser cutters are restricted tools — authorization is required.

4. Safety Rules

General Laser Safety

• Never leave a laser cutter unattended while running.

• Keep the lid closed during operation.

• Ensure fume extraction is running before starting a job.

• Do not cut unknown or unapproved materials.

• Watch for flare‑ups or smoke buildup.

• Stop the job immediately if you see flames or excessive smoke.

• Keep the area around the laser clear of clutter.

Material Safety

Approved materials:

• Wood (unfinished or lightly finished)

• Acrylic (cast preferred)

• Cardboard

• Paper

• Leather

  • Veg-tanned leather is preferred. Chrome and oil-tanned leathers are iffy and produce nasty fumes and stick residues. 

• Some rubbers (laser‑safe only)

NOT approved:

• PVC (produces chlorine gas)

• Vinyl

• ABS

• Polycarbonate

• Fiberglass

• Unknown plastics

• Metals (except anodized aluminum for engraving only)

If you’re unsure about a material, ask an area lead.

5. Software: LightBurn

Each laser has a dedicated workstation with LightBurn installed.   Please see the Lightburn MakerSpace Installation instructions for a discounted version of Lightburn.

Workflow

1. Import or create your design in LightBurn.

2. Select the correct laser profile (Blue or Green).

3. Set speed, power, and number of passes.

4. Preview the toolpath.

5. Frame the job to verify alignment.

6. Start the job and monitor closely.

Tips

• Use lower power for engraving.

• Use multiple passes for thick materials.

• Test cuts on scrap material first.

• Keep your design within the bed size of the laser you’re using.

6. Reserving a Laser

To help everyone share the lasers fairly, please post a quick message in Slack → #laser_cutters when you begin a job.

Include:

• Which laser you’re using (Blue or Green)

• How long you expect your job to run

Example:

“Using Blue — job will run about 45 minutes.”

This helps other members plan their time and avoid conflicts.

7. Starting a Job

1. Turn on the laser and ventilation system.

2. Verify the bed is clear and clean.

3. Place and secure your material.

4. Focus the laser using the correct method for that machine.

5. Frame the job in LightBurn.

6. Start the job and stay with the machine.

8. After Your Job

• Allow the machine to finish completely before opening the lid.

• Remove your material and scraps.

• Clean the bed and honeycomb - remove all plastic hold-downs.

• Vacuum any debris from below the tray.

• Brush the vacuum intake in the tray.

• Wipe down the area if needed.

• Turn off the laser and ventilation system.

• Leave the workstation clean for the next member.

• Replace the fabric cover.

• Christian will handle cleaning the mirrors and lenses

9. Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• Poor engraving quality → Adjust focus, reduce speed, increase power

• Material not cutting through → Increase power, reduce speed, add passes

• Flare‑ups → Check air assist, reduce power, use masking

• Smoke buildup → Verify ventilation is running

• Misalignment → Re‑frame job, check material placement

• In case the laser is misbehaving

  • Verify compressed air is set at 40psi

  • De-press the ESTOP switch (set to up position)

  • Turn key on

  • Press laser power button on RFID reader

  • Check chillers to be on

• If display shows messages

  • “Machine Protected” - No FOB, Lid not fully closed. Check to see if the fabric cover is jamming the lid.

  • “Water error 1” - No compressed air

  • Continuous beep - Chiller off, weather hose pinched, low water level

If you cannot resolve an issue, stop the job and notify an area lead.

10. Respecting Shared Equipment

• Do not monopolize lasers for multi‑hour jobs without communication.

• Follow the Ask Before You Touch policy.

• Report lens damage, bed warping, or ventilation issues.

• Treat the lasers with care — repairs are expensive.

11. Need Help?

Contact the Laser Cutter Area Lead or ask in Slack (#laser_cutters) for assistance, training, or troubleshooting.