Cheat Sheets

Downloadables of the cheat sheets are available at the bottom of the page.

Cheat Sheet Checklist: Laser Cutter, MakerBots, Cameo Vinyl Cutter

Laser Cutter

First Job of the Day

Power on the surge protector behind laptop-this powers compressor & laser cutter

Turn on the Laser Cutter by turning Red Power Button

Home the laser using House Button

Power on Air Filter by pushing Green Button

Open RetinaEngrave and connect laser by refreshing connection or Specifying IP

When Using New Material, or Changing Material

Focus the laser with the silver cylinder. If material is scorching, the laser is too close

Leave the paper/plastic on the acrylic to protect it from undesirable and excessive melting

Software Notes

Open Inkscape to preview files and RetinaEngrave for setting up the job

In Inkscape: File > Print > Full Spectrum Engineering Driver

Confirm Raster Speed & Power. Confirm Vector Speed & Power. Confirm Vector Passes -- often the black passes can be set to 0, or set much lower for an engrave effect which won’t cut through.

Between jobs, Vector settings revert to default, please be attentive for a successful job!

End of the Day

Press Red Power Button.

Power off the surge protectors (behind laptop)

MakerBots

First Job of the Day

Check spool for tangles.

When Using

If nothing comes out of the extruder, it may be a clog, or the plate is too close to the extruder. Use Utilities on the MakerBot to Change Filament or to level the platform. The MakerBot provides instructions.

Software Notes

Open MakerWare. Add object (.OBJ, .STL). Check scale/size. When positioned right, Export to SD card in X3G format. Modify print settings as needed. Remember, a finer print takes longer. Use Raft or Support as needed.

End of the Day

Power off switch in back on the right.

Cameo

First Job of the Day

Power on

When Using

Check needle/cut setting. Fabric requires a different needle. Check mat size. Vinyl may be loaded with or without mat depending on output size.

Software Notes

Prepare image in Inkscape. Save as DXF. Open SilhouetteStudio. File > Open. When you don’t see your file, change Silhouette’s default to “All Files” instead of .STUDIO files.

Check Trace lines. Lines should not cross. If you use text in your design, remember to Path > Object to Path, or the text will not appear.

End of the Day

Power off

CPL Maker Lab Pricing Structure

Downloading a 3d Printable file from Thingiverse & preparing it in MakerWare

Once you have created your own awesome designs (or remixed ones that others created) you can upload them to sites like Thingiverse for people all over the world to use and remix. To get you started, here are instructions on how to download 3d printable files from Thingiverse.

Finding a file

Go to thingiverse.com

Browse categories such as Art, Fashion, Gadgets, etc.

Or:

Enter a search term such as “gears” in the search box near the top of the page and hit “enter”

Click on a result such as “Nautilus Gears”

There will be different graphics of the parts, sometimes pictures of the built object, and sometimes videos of moving parts.

In the right hand column under “Made” there may be pictures of prints of the object that people have printed (this is good, it shows that it will probably work for you, too).

There may also be pictures of remixes that others have done, sometimes these are cooler than the original.

Downloading a file

At the top of the right hand column is the “Download This Thing” button. Go ahead, press it, you know you want to.

This opens a window with the files listed for download, you are going to need .STL format files.

You could hit the “Download All Files” button, but there may be some different formats or other ones you don’t need. So pick out the ones you actually need and click on their name to download them.

Preparing the file for print

Once the download has completed you can open the file from the open dialog in MakerWare:

Click “File” menu, then click “Open”.

If not already there, click on “Downloads” folder in the left column.

Click on the file, and click the “Open” button.

MakerWare will ask if you want to put the object on the platform, do so by clicking “Move to platform”

The model will appear on the platform.

If the file looks good, you’ll hit “M: Make” and export your file in the X3G format to an SD card (we use SD cards attached to USB adapters).

Printing Notes:

• • Usually we use the Low Setting

  • The MakerBot Replicator 2 prints at 100 microns (.1mm), 200 microns (.2mm), 270 microns (.27mm) and 300 microns (.3mm).

  • The MakerBot Replicator 2 prints in one color filament at a time.

  • In the lab, we charge $1/30 minutes. Expect the print to take longer than anticipated.

Try to level up from Downloading and Messing Around to Making and Sharing by creating your own Thingiverse account and uploading your remixed and original designs.

Digital Toolbox Introduction to the Lab Script

Digital Toolbox Script

Please see Digital Toolbox Handout for actual instructions.

I. Welcome to the CPL Maker Lab

We offer guided workshops, and open shop for self-directed projects. You can find all of our events on the library website.

At the end of class we’ll ask you to fill out a quick survey that helps us improve what we offer.

II. We use free or open source software, which means you don't have to buy it to use it at home.

Have you used any design software before?

You can often find tutorials on YOUtube and other places. You’ll find you’re always learning something new because the software might get updated, or you’re trying to make something new.

III.We have 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, a desktop mill, sewing machines, and a knitting machine

Our classes walk you through designing things for different machines. Staff run the machines, and we’ll explain what we’re doing and why. There are small fees for use during Open Shop.

IV. Chicago has a thriving maker community

This includes upcyling, recycling, blacksmithing, ceramics, welding, woodshops, prototyping, and much more. One we always like to mention is Free Geek Chicago (http://freegeekchicago.org/) because it’s a great way to learn about computers by volunteering, buying a refurbished computer, or keeping a computer out of landfill by donating it. MeetUp.com connects people by interest, which often includes developing new skills (http://meetup.com/) And Dabble (http://dabble.co/) connect you to local fee-based classes.

V. Let's get started!

Please introduce yourself and tell us what brought you here, what you like to make or do, or if it is your first time here.

Begin instruction

When appropriate, discuss fair use and copyright

Remind patrons about survey.

So you want to cut with lasers?

The settings below are a starting point.

You may vary power and speed up and down for different effects.

• • Raster Engrave produces an etched, on-the-surface effect.

  • Vector Engrave produces an outline effect for any image/letter forms (which is why the power is much lower).

  • Vector Cut is the outline of your design and any additional holes/locking pieces you have added to the design (picture a puzzle).

  • Leave the protective paper/plastic ON YOUR MATERIAL to prevent melt lines.

Our acrylic is mostly 1/8 in thick. You can always check the sticker or use the digital calipers if you aren’t sure.

If you do not see your material and thickness here, visit the website below.

We do not cut polycarbonate. It produces too much smoke.

We will cut materials purchased from Inventables. Please leave the product sticker affixed and bring your receipt.

Full Spectrum Hobby Laser: 20” x 12”

Source: Inventables Blog: http://blog.inventables.com/2013/08/introducing-laser-cutter-settings.html 

Laser Cutting Set Up Instructions by Francesca Slade (more images to be added)

See instructions here.