Laser Cutter Orientation Checklist

Loveland CreatorSpace — Member Onboarding

1. General Expectations

• Wear required PPE: safety glasses

• Tie back long hair; avoid loose clothing

• Know where fire extinguishers and first‑aid kit are located

• Understand “Ask Before You Touch” policy

• Identify Laser Area Lead and how to contact them (#laser-engraving Slack channel)

2. Laser Area Overview

• Identify Blue Laser (larger, higher‑power)

• Identify Green Laser (Hurricane Lasers, engraving‑focused)

• Identify dedicated LightBurn computers

• Identify fume extraction system and ventilation controls

• Identify approved material storage

• Identify scrap bin and test‑cut materials

3. Required Training

• Laser Cutter Orientation

• LightBurn basics

• Material safety and approved materials

• Focusing and bed leveling

• Air assist operation

• Starting, pausing, and stopping a job

• Ventilation and fire‑watch procedures

4. Approved vs. Prohibited Materials

Approved

• Wood (unfinished or lightly finished)

• Acrylic (cast preferred)

• Cardboard

• Paper

• Leather

• Laser‑safe rubber

• Anodized aluminum (engraving only)

Prohibited

• PVC

• Vinyl

• ABS

• Polycarbonate

• Fiberglass

• Unknown plastics

• Metals (cutting)

• Anything producing chlorine gas or toxic fumes

5. Pre‑Use Inspection

• Verify fume extraction is ON

• Check that the laser bed is clean and clear

• Confirm correct focus tool is available

• Inspect lens and mirrors for debris

• Ensure air assist is functioning

• Verify LightBurn is connected to the correct laser

• Confirm material is flat and properly placed

6. Workholding and Material Placement

• Place material flat on honeycomb bed

• Use magnets or weights only if needed

• Ensure material does not warp upward

• Keep material within bed boundaries

• Avoid placing material over bed gaps or uneven surfaces

7. LightBurn Setup

• Import or create design

• Set correct device (Blue or Green)

• Assign layers for cut, engrave, score

• Set speed, power, and passes

• Use Preview to verify toolpath

• Frame job to confirm alignment

• Check for clamp or magnet interference

8. Focusing the Laser

• Use correct focus tool for the machine

• Lower or raise bed until focus gauge fits correctly

• Verify focus at multiple points if material is large

• Ensure head clearance is adequate

9. Starting a Job

• Turn on ventilation

• Turn on air assist

• Close lid completely

• Start job in LightBurn

• Remain at the machine — never leave a laser unattended

• Watch for flare‑ups, smoke buildup, or material shift

10. During the Job

• Monitor flame or excessive smoke

• Pause job if material shifts

• Stop job immediately if fire occurs

• Keep lid closed during operation

• Do not adjust focus or move material mid‑cut

11. After the Job

• Wait for laser to finish completely

• Open lid only when motion stops

• Remove material and scraps

• Clean honeycomb bed

• Wipe down area if needed

• Turn off air assist

• Turn off ventilation if no one else is using lasers

• Save LightBurn file if needed

• Close LightBurn and shut down computer if last user

12. Cleanup and Shutdown

• Remove debris from bed

• Clean lens only if trained

• Return focus tool to its holder

• Leave workstation clean for next member

• Report issues in #laser-engraving Slack channel

• Do not attempt repairs without authorization

13. Final Orientation Sign‑Off

• Member completed walkthrough

• Member understands approved materials

• Member understands LightBurn basics

• Member knows how to focus and frame

• Member knows fire‑watch expectations

• Member knows how to report issues

• Member approved for laser cutter access