DallasMakerspace

So laser has 15k in the bank for laser

10:54 PM

What options are we looking at for this kind of stuff

Sharks?

I was thinking more lasers before we put them on sharks.

10:57 PM

Could get a better epilog. Or another thunder.

10:58 PM

Should probably get spare tubes for the machines we have

Are epilogs significantly more expensive than thunder? Dont think we have the funds for that yet.

1:35 AM

Since we just decided to put money into the saur I'd prefer to get spare tubes and parts, improve the area more, and continue to save up for a while longer for a new laser

yeah spare tube for sure

3:14 AM

epilogs are very expensive, we could probabyl get one a bit larger than the zzing for like 15k

One luke or alex and I were looking at online was like 45k

3:16 AM

Think it was like 2x3. Long way to go to save up for that

yeah thats a big one

3:24 AM

they are far better at rasters and high dpi though

Last year I backed this kickstarter. Codex Silenda. This is my next laser project https://www.codexsilenda.com/gallery

codex-silenda

That was definitely cool when I saw it. Would be awesome to make

They've finally finished the final final set of files. I'm going to give it ago in a few weeks.

I may be asking for a Zing mentor soon. I thought Saur would be the hardest machine, but for whatever reason, I'm not getting a print from Zing. I was hoping to try the linoleum stamp thing this week. Is there a Zing master out there that would let me watch the next time they cut something? I could probably pick up enough by watching to figure out what I'm doing wrong.

whats your file type?

PDF. But I think the problem is that I'm not using vector to draw before saving. I'm taking John's Inkscape class tomorrow. I know not to print from Inkscape on Zing, but it will help to understand vector drawing better. I managed to raster a couple of things today, but could not do it a second time. Something in the print sequence, I think. One was from Acrobat, another from AI. It's definitely new territory for me.

you cant print direct from inkscape. have to go the convoluted route. ie inkscape >pdf>adobe reader> print to zing

Yes it sounds like file type and path errors. Your paths have to be a certain stroke size for the zing to recognize it. I can't remember the number.... 0.01 inches maybe? It's in the book and in the laser class info book on the wiki but unfortunately dont have time to look it up right now

0.001 for a cut.

it REALLY doesnt like inkscape files

It sounds like John's class will be really helpful for these kinds of questions

5:53 PM

And thanks, couldnt remember how many zeros

I'll get there. It will take longer than I expected. Should be a sign posted everywhere at DMS.

i have created "roles" for the individual lasers. this will allow people to get pinged for specific machines for help instead of all at once. if you would like to be added to a role for a machine let me know which ones you feel proficient in ie zing, thunder or saur

5:54 PM

this is kind of a test bed for the roles

Such a great idea. Thanks for your effort. Same idea was shot down on Talk a few days ago. I think it makes a lot of sense, though. You can put me to sewing if you move to other areas.

Looking for feedback... The other day John suggested installing RDWorks on the Zing computer since it is used less than Thunder so people can work on settings while waiting in queue. I have my thoughts on this but wanted to query the group. Good idea or no?

6:02 PM

Will post in the hangout too since we're in transition

cant hurt but could hinder use on the zing,

6:04 PM

the computers arent for designing

6:04 PM

we put rdworks on the jump right? they could use their personal computer to prep files

That's my thought too. I dont want to encourage people to hog the computers, because that's already kind of a problem as it is

yes

Ok thanks for the feedback! Unless somebody makes a compelling argument, I'm saying no

@lukeiamyourfather one of us. one of us.

Yeah yeah yeah

ill win this fight somehow

I'm with ya. I'm really liking everything in one place not mixed in with my personal hangout chats

Speaking of the Zing, it feels cramped I'm doing something on the Zing itself and when someone is working at the Thunder computer. What if the Zing and its computer were swapped? May not be any better, but what if the Zing were on the left end of the table?

merissa was talking about changing the layout up some

Yes, I want to do that asap but will be out of state for a week and a half starting next week

7:11 PM

I'd like to have a laser area workday on maybe April 30th

7:11 PM

Would people be available to help that day?

probably

I can after 2pm.

Thanks Cindy!

9:47 PM

Asking people on the hangout too, and will put it on the calendar soon

Get those holdouts in here

9:51 PM

Wear cloths that can get dirty, bring gloves, .Aybe a respirator

9:51 PM

The lasers are dirty. Moving them will not be clean

The cleaning lady told me today that she really wanted to organize the stuff behind Saur for the scrap pile. I told her that the pile(s) were our problem; we'd handle it. That said, we kind of need to handle it soon. I'm the queen of that particular scrap pile having scavenged from it greatly the last couple of weeks. Mind if I take it on tomorrow?

The scrap pile is a point of frustration for me as it gets so full and hard to be usable without getting stabbed by a sharp corner of something

9:55 PM

So I'd be very appreciative if you want to organize/clean it up

9:56 PM

I do occasionally but it's hard to keep up with

I figure anything more narrow than a couple of inches isn't going to be of use. I'd also like to separate it between wood, acrylic, and cardboard.

Yes! That would be great! Thank you!

Will do.

9:58 PM

When we reorganize I'd like to shrink it down some

Girl power in play here. I have a couple of ideas that might sync with yours.

Awesome :) if you want to share before the 30th let me know

We'll see how well I pull it off tomorrow. Let you know after that.

Sounds good :)

We used to have a rule that scrap that wasn't 4x4 inch or had 16² inches of usability wasn't supposed to go on the shelf

10:34 PM

But no one fucking breaks up the tiny end parts on the large stuff so the pile is full of huge holes

I like it! Time to reinstate!

10:34 PM

Yes that's what drives me nuts

I was going to suggest we make a 4x4 clear acrylic square and engrave it with the rule

10:35 PM

Then hang it with some Paracord so you can hold it over the scrap to check

10:35 PM

Scrap should be covered in the class too...

I like it, and having separate spots for different materialz

Yeah I was thinking about making more dividers and some lables

10:42 PM

Maybe more shelves for the horizontal so it doesn't get so heavy

Maybe crazy idea... What about shallow bins you could pull out from the bottom shelf under the work table

10:45 PM

Thinking something smaller so people have to break the pieces down to just what's usable

Could try to fit bins into the big table

10:46 PM

It's more engineering than the slats I was going to make for the current shelf

10:46 PM

What do you want to do with the stuff under the table currently?

First figure out what all of it is

The big question is does it fit any of our current lasers

Good poont

10:54 PM

*point

10:55 PM

And need a better way to lock up lenses and stuff we dont want walking off

10:56 PM

Would prefer to have something like this instead of the toolboxes https://www.amazon.com/Seville-Classics-UltraHD-Rolling-UHD20205B/dp/B001E91SQQ

I was thinking of labeling vertical storage between foam (added that), cardboard, acrylic, and wood. Then I think it makes sense to divide the horizontal storage (maybe leaving out cardboard) for smaller pieces. The one thing I've not been able to come up with is something to cut with that helps tame all those jagged edges before you put something to the bin. (Maybe a hanging utility knife?) Also, perhaps an understanding that if you shelve something for free material, you need to grab a lesser quality piece and put it to the trash? Definitely a little maker hoarder thinking going on for those shelves. I totally understand (see also fabric), but it does become impractical after a while.

All that sounds good to me and I truly appreciate the effort, but just fyi it could change in a few weeks. So if you're ok with that I am too :) On the work day on the 30th I want to figure out a smaller scrap shelf option in hopes of it being more usable.

Sure. It won't take long. I'm just going to hand-write labels.

8:14 AM

Might be a good test to see if it even holds before coming up with something more specific

Done. Looks darn good, but I doubt it stays that way. Took about 45 minutes. I'd propose a few drawers/bins for smaller pieces, but I know change is coming, so it's best to let it wait.

Yay!

3:55 PM

Hmm was about to ask for pics but will be there tonight anyways :)

3:55 PM

Let's hope it can stay clean that long!

3:57 PM

Will probably make a talk post encouraging people to be more excellent and clean up after themselves

There's a new heatsink by the lasersaur computer with a label on it

11:46 PM

I meant to install it but won't be able to in the near future

11:46 PM

Anyone feel free to do it if you have the time

Is there paste in electronics?

9:38 AM

Or do they still do that?

I don't think they would have thermal paste for PCs

My stash is in WI. I'll let myself off the hook with this one.

10:54 AM

Wish I could figure out the Infrastructure/committee division on the PCs, though. Rather confusing as to who does what.

I might have some from my last build. Usually the new CPU coolers have it pre applied because people are dumb as hell now days

Yeah. Like forgetting to peel the plastic. I'll check if it's still out next time I'm there.

Nevermind. That heatsink could take on Godzilla. Not gonna touch it. I'm a simple girl. Best to stick to simple tasks...

Don't they come with thermal tape stuff now on the bottom? (edited)

Hopefully

It did. I just wasn't up to pulling the motherboard. It's been a couple of years, and it's not my machine.

1

haha yeah thats why it didnt happen last night either

I have thermal paste i can do it when I come by tonight

3:16 PM

I'll forget so if you see me remind me

cindy said it had thermal stuff on it already, you just need to be ready to take the entire mobo off to do the swap

eww

3:26 PM

ok

3:26 PM

I did the other laser computer, I'm sure this one needs to be blown out too

bowing in gratitude I appreciate your effort.

5:44 PM

Worst computer I ever cleaned out was a daily pot smoker who also kept a rabbit and a cat as pets. Hazmat would have been useful if I'd thought ahead.

did he keep it on the floor too?

Oh yes.

perfect

Honestly. Defined my moment as the neighborhood computer geek. Almost topped the porn I picked off a girlfriend's unit, but not quite.

thats always awkward when a friend asks you to fix a pc. just click past it

I learned my lesson. Maybe that's why we keep such ridiculously small hard drives on PCs at the 'space?

5:51 PM

Less of an opportunity to store your favorites.

ahahahah im gonna jinx it but hard drives overflowing with porn hasnt been a problem at the space

1

Anyone know where the other lenses are for the thunder laser

10:48 PM

like the HD lens

All of the lens holders have been recovered

Fyi guys - I'm out if state with spotty cell service for the next week so if anything big comes up that I can't respond to timely I defer to Luke and Pearce

Have fun!

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/advice-fixing-emblazer/20487?u=lisaselk

Advice fixing Emblazer

We have a little Emblazer that was acquired for work and it's having issues moving on the gantry horizontally without a while lotta angry skipping that dislocates the belts and kills the tension. The bearings are definitely snagging Is there a certain kind of lube that must be used? If the lube doesn't fix it will someone advise on repair?

Got back in late tonight. Thanks to all who handled things in my absence

12:16 AM

@pearce it says I dont have access to the committee chairs chat

Is there news no one told me about?

Oops. Let me get online and sort out all the new chairs

12:35 AM

And yes.

Yes news?

sorry i forgot to add you to the other chairs group

No problem, thanks for fixing

@merissa sorry, you missed the acrylic and wood donation because I forgot to add the chairs role to you. That's where Alex gave chairs first dibs

9:59 AM

I did ask for some of the plywood so we could use it for the scrap shelf

That's ok. Thanks for getting some of it! Thinking towards area clean up would be good to make some wall mounted shelves to display lasered items to solve the issue of stuff floating around on top of the lasers

7:30 PM

Lasersaur motherboard from Austria

That metal case though

7:45 PM

TAKE THAT RF NOISE!

So the upgrade is on?

For the saur

yay!!!

1:48 AM

Lasersaur FTW

1:48 AM

Luke if you need help with the lasersaur let me know

Reminder guys - laser area work day this Sunday starting at 3pm

7:44 AM

Please come out and help maintain the lasers and clean up and organize our area

7:44 AM

Wear something you won't mind getting dirty!

I think @gbeauw @Lampy (Ken Purcell) and @pearce said they might be available. Anyone else?

Turns out I have Alton Brown that night so I might have to miss it

Holy crap! We're going to that this weekend too that I completely forgot about!

11:46 AM

Need to check which time we're going to...

Yeah it starts at 7

Ahh ok. We have tickets to the saturday afternoon show

I didn't know there were multiple times.

Yeah think it was an afternoon and evening show over both days

Do you want to keep the scrap shelf as it is? Or do we want to switch to the big table with bins? We could opt for storing spare parts and stuff on the pallet rack and 0 scrap on it

I'd like to try scrap bins under the white table but need to take measurements and find a bin to purchase

11:56 AM

Do we have enough spare parts to store that would deem keeping the pallet rack necessary?

11:57 AM

Or could we find a better option like a lockable storage cart

Well the tubes are nice to keep very high and out of reach

12:07 PM

And a spare for each machine wouldn't be hard to imagine

12:08 PM

Then we have stuff like spare ducting, air line, laser accessories like the tool kits, rotary, etc

Good to know. Part of what I want to do Sunday is inventory all spare stuff because I really don't have a clear picture of what all we have on hand

12:14 PM

Tagging others to see if yall will be available for the Sunday workday @lukeiamyourfather , @tomthm , dont think Gorman has discord... Any others?

On Sunday after I teach the CNC class I planned on getting rid of the Freeman group wood if it's not claimed by then. Please feel free to use as much as you need.

Thanks Alex!

12:23 PM

Do we know yet if that will become a recurring thing?

It will I'm just not sure how often.

Awesome

So far we've got Tom, Brandon, and I for Sunday. Any other helpers available? I really want to improve the space with input from as many people as possible.

Sunday is better

?

I thought cleaning day was Saturday

3:01 PM

I was thinking Saturday the 29th

3:01 PM

If it's Sunday I'm free

Ah, no Sunday the 30th at 3pm

That'll show me

Wohoo! More help!

Im teaching CNC from 2 to about 6. If stuff is still happening I can help then.

Thanks Alex! Always know we can count on you no matter what the task :)

One of the things I want to get out of the Sunday workday is feedback about reorganizing the area to use the space more efficiently.

9:24 PM

Since only a few have said they can come though, I drew up a sketch of my idea

9:25 PM

if anyone has thoughts please share them!

It looks like potentially better placement of the computers. What about the ventilation? Hard tubing like the Woodshop to direct it over the computers? Also, where will the replacement laser tubes and other larger stuff that may not work well stored under the table go? Just tossing out questions to consider, if not already done... I have no better solution off the top my head. Thanks for taking Laser on. :)

ventilation will be a hard thing to change. we would have to do it like lisa said, with hardlines (edited)

9:33 PM

and having the back of the machines exposed to walkways may cause problems with disconnects and crushed air tubes

hmm yeah was thinking it would maybe need a partial wall built behind it to protect it

9:34 PM

and yes hard ducting

i do like the pc being on the right side of the thunder, its closer to the control panel

yeah I thought that would be more convenient

saur might not need its own pc table

9:38 PM

that would allow the thunder to move in some and have a barrier wall

yeah, liked the idea of not using the saur table for a desk anymore since your knees get squished under the table, but would have more space without adding a desk

9:44 PM

maybe there we could add a locking cabinet for tubes and lenses?

9:48 PM

I'd really like to have an area to lock things up. Maybe a cabinet like this...

9:48 PM

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-36-in-x-72-in-Welded-Floor-Cabinet-KF3F361872-H9/204321513?cm_mmc=Shopping%7cTHD%7cG%7c0%7cG-BASE-PLA-D59-Storage&Organization%7c&gclid=Cj0KEQjwrYbIBRCgnY-OluOk89EBEiQAZER58i9NWiSN2Q60zRbzGUesL-2fuoZwCaTFN7LQ6WP370oaAtuc8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

Husky 36 in. x 72 in. Welded Floor Cabinet-KF3F361872-H9 - The Home Depot

Could get the ones from Sam's like CA has. Sticking to a brand would make the space look consistent

think the tubes would fit in one of the slim ones? https://www.samsclub.com/sams/locker-gear-cabinet-ultrahd/prod20301563.ip?xid=plp7040122-auto:product:1:12

10:10 PM

then have a smaller rolling cart for tools and lock up lenses? https://www.samsclub.com/sams/4-drawer-cabinet-hard-wood-top/prod13760146.ip?xid=plp:product:1:2

What about this?

10:31 PM

Oh dangit... I forgot to put the co2 tank back in.. pretend you see it between the lasers

10:35 PM

admittedly this config isn't much different than it is now - except cleaner storage (I was just guessing at the area the cabinets might take....), and the computer in a more convenient location for the Thunder.. plus have the zing and it's computer not be under the armpit of whoever might be using the Saur (since the Saur and Thunder are in reversed locations in this plan - to allow better placement of the computers...).

I like that too, a improvement but still bugged by the wasted space that collects dust between the lasers

is there any way to change the ducting so the lasers can be back to back?

no those two are on separate blowers so you cant combine them

10:39 PM

and you need some sort of back access

Thx n yeah the space between was intentional to allow them to be serviced relatively easily since it's probably best not to be trying to move them around any more than necessary.

sometimes i just pick them up and shake em

LOLLOLLOL

What's the logic in switching saur and thunder? That's basically the current arrangment, but putting a pc table to the back wall for saur. If there's not really a need to switch the two, then just do that.

6:25 AM

I like the idea of moving the saur pc, though. Had a guy land in my lap one afternoon when he missed the top step coming in the back door. No real harm. We were both a little embarassed, though.

I can help some on Sunday

I should be there Sunday

Awesome, thanks guys!

Re swapping the big lasers... location of the computer in relation to the control panel. Not critical ~ just an idea :)

I'll be there sunday for the logistics meeting so i'm free to help before / after

10:26 AM

I'll drop by

Sounds good!

11:09 AM

I definitely want to move the zing at least on Sunday in addition to clean up and inventory, then we'll continue talking about other ideas

Facebook reminded me of this picture of the Lasersuar 2 years ago

1

So far it's just me and Mike cleaning up. Anyone else on the way?

@merissa you might consider posting a reminder on TALK... I have stuff that I need to get done at home, so won't be able to get to the Space until later - if at all - today. Sorry.

@merissa I'm heading to DMS in a few min

Thanks Luke!

Our day is running late. We'll be up soon too (edited)

Damn forgot that was today. Stuck working on DMS finance.

1

Anyone know if these are still needed for rotary?

I don't think those are ours

4:43 PM

They could be stands for the rotary

Are they 3D printed? I know John Gorman has printed a few adapters for specific sized objects... You might send him a PM on TALK if he's not here (I don't see him here... I tried @talkers @john... @gorman)

Those are wood glue ups

Oh I was just going by the words "rotary adapters" (ha? ha?)

4:51 PM

I didn't expand the image to see that they were chunks of wood.. I thought it might be a box with the adapters that John printed in it...

Yeah no the 3d printed ones are in the small toolbox, these were up on one of the shelves above scrap

1

Made great progress

6:14 PM

Were working on the ducting for the zing now it'll be real professional when luke is done with it lol

Thanks to all who helped today! Looks a lot cleaner and the Zing is located much better now with hard ducting

5

12:01 AM

I only managed one photo before my phone went dead...

1

Ay! We made good today! And I didn't set anything on fire! No dumpster fire for you!

2

Lasersaur blower seems to have killed its starter cap

12:54 AM

12:55 AM

Bleedy

Here's what blew

1:04 AM

Here's the one on the one that we have as a "spare"

Wonder what it sounded like when it blew

Whiney

Tried new cap. Need to buy new blower

2:26 AM

Zing and saur are down

They have a hard life at the makerspace.

6:51 AM

thanks Pearce!

I think we need one of these: http://i.imgur.com/WoAaUOU.gifv

2

Holy shit. That's cool.

Yep. Seen those. So much want. (but not enough $$ or space, or justification...)

Lasers are back in operation

2

Woot!

Technically that is a run cap that creates an additional phase angle. While a motor won't start without it, unlike a start cap, the run cap is always connected. A start cap is added in parallel for motors that need high starting torque, and is disconnected after motor start by either a timer or mechanical switch.

9:05 AM

A start cap installed as a run cap will usually fail really quickly because they are only designed to run a few seconds for motor start, not the whole time the motor is on.

run cap is for filtering noise from the motor right?

1:35 PM

btw I got to check out the giant metal laser cutter at multicam, we definitely need one (it would take up the entire DMS laser area though.

1:35 PM

it's a fiber laser that can cut stainless really precisely

Cost?

For the HF blower? $210. Blower +2 year warranty.

2:42 PM

I'm totally down for them to replace the blowers with better one that have metal grates to protect the blades. I just wanted the 2 small lasers back up and running.

And with the warranty if either blower does, we can just take it back and swap it.

http://www.multicam.com/quantus-fiber-laser/

CNC Quantus Fiber Laser Cutting Machine - MultiCam

Increase your throughput with one of the most advanced, industrial grade and cost effective CNC fiber Laser cutting systems on the market.

3:08 PM

Probably well over $100k I'm guessing

They should give us one

Saur is back. Internet was unplugged

6:49 PM

Zing focuses fine. Not sure what to tell the person having issues

Thank you Pearce!

Replacement parts for the Zing are on their way, but please be on the look-out for a separate envelope that contains the screws to install the Guide Rails. They forgot to include them in the shipment so they are in a separate one.

4:51 PM

The packages should be addressed to Luke

I'm in desperate need of a software that will nest svgs, any idea?

@gbeauw I thought you had already gotten set up with discord?

Not on my phone apparently

Ahh

10:58 AM

Have you downloaded the app?

I'm good now

Awesome

(Sorry for the late/long response) Re: run caps: a brushless motor can't create torque on single phase power without doing something to create a field out of phase. A capacitor has this funny behavior on AC that current leads voltage, so connecting one on a 3rd winding of an AC motor allows it to create torque by having current out of phase from the primary feed. Much smaller motors create the phase angle other ways like shaded pole that use a secondary winding to pick up power off part of the armature and deliver it to another area of the armature to create the phase angle. Capacitors as noise filters is primarily for DC brushed motors, where the make and break of the brushes on the commutator creates voltage spikes that the capacitors pass through back to the motor.

Pew pew tools are in

Nice! That was fast. Were you going to install?

I can

6:55 PM

The rails don't actually look the same as what we have

6:56 PM

Why did we get new ones actually?

6:56 PM

They look fine

6:58 PM

I'm not going to do the rails. They are all fine as is. I'll let Beau do them

Sounds good. I think he said they had been damaged or something where replacement would be best

7:01 PM

If you'll just store them up on the shelf where Beau can find them that will work

7:02 PM

It's not letting me tag him for some reason

They are under the zing table @gbeauw

What are the sizes that we got quoted for the smaller thunder lasers?

8:42 PM

Did we get a quote on a new zing as well.

8:42 PM

I spoke for the committee at the membership meeting

Thanks Pearce

8:43 PM

Luke got a quote for 2 Nova 35 lasers

8:45 PM

2'x3' bed

8:46 PM

~$14,000 shipping included

8:47 PM

Don't know of a quote for a new zing

Does the committee want to meet to decide on getting new thunders to replace the saur, or just talk here?

I'm sure people would want a meeting for it

What about meeting next thursday evening?

Anything exciting happen at the member meeting?

Nope

Anyone good with a meeting next Thursday? Will go over potential new equipment purchases and will process payments in the box

The Zing Rails were worn and the graduations getting hard to read plus they were loose. I'll install the lens and rail this weekend.

Had a good call with Zing TS about focus. Have focus setup procedure. What we need for that is some anodized aluminum as a test material. Anyone have any?

I'm sure someone could find an old Mac book

Did any one find the envelop with the screws from Zing? They were sent separately.

Wasn't on the table

6:36 PM

Might be in the mail box?

Hmm no idea how often the mail is checked or by who... Anyone know?

Anyone at DMS right now. I have a Laser class starting now, and am still in Denton car trouble. I need to get word to the Purple Classroom that I can't make it

Not at the space but I'll post to Talk to get the word out

Didn't even think of Talk. Sheesh. Thank you.

Yw! Sorry about the car trouble, hope you arent stranded somewhere!!

Gonna grab some lunch then head to DMS to work on the Zing.

Zing is still not focusing. Focus probe is wrong length. Material should be 2" from bottom of lens but when set to 2", probe is 1/4" too high.

3:41 PM

Experimentation confirms the 2" distance. Sent email to Epilog TS asking why brand new probe is wrong length.

3:42 PM

No adjustment on the probe appears to be capable of adding the necessary 1/4".

3:43 PM

They also sent wrong rails. I have them and will arrange their return for correct rails.

not a particularly good deal but we may want to monitor the sale http://www.ebay.com/itm/Epilog-Helix-Model-8000-CO2-45-watt-Laser-Engraving-Machine-/272459659297?hash=item3f6fdc7821:g:W~gAAOSwo4pYNNmZ

Epilog Helix Model 8000 CO2 45 watt Laser Engraving Machine

The engraver is used and in good condition but does have minor scratches from typical usage. There are not any dents. Epilog diagnosed the issue as the control board. Epilog Helix Model 8000 CO2 45 watt Laser Engraving Machine with rolling stand. | eBay!

Ken, that one needs a controller board... and it seems it has already had one fail so it may have another undiagnosed issue.

I discussed that Helix Model 8000 with Epilog TS. They said there are two reason for a Controller Board Failure. 1) Unplugging Rotary Attachment with power still on the unit [BIG NO-NO]. 2) Dirty AC Power or Power Surges can cause premature failure of Controller Board. That's about all that can cause this according to them.

2:54 PM

Epilog TS is sending me replacement rails so we have the correct rails for the Honeycomb Box. (I'm to return the others at no charge in the same box.) They are also sending another Focus Probe.

2:57 PM

It seems that there is a trick to adjusting the Focus Probe that requires really strong fingers to grab and unscrew the 4-40 threaded rod from the spring to adjust its length. Either that, one must use Needle-Nose pliers very carefully so as to not damage threads.

2:59 PM

When the Rails of FP comes in, I'll install and adjust the length of the FP so that we can set the focus length (lens-to-material) to 2" using the FP.

Thanks Beau. I'll be at the space tomorrow night and can check for deliveries

I had them send it to my home address to avoid any possibilities of misplacement of mail.

Ahh ok

However, you can be on the lookout for the envelope of screws as well as the supposedly sent piece of anodized aluminum to use as a Focus test piece.

3:07 PM

Not sure the later was "really" ever sent but we'll see.

Ok, will let you know what I find

Did you see my note on the Epilog Helix 8000 Laser that some folks were considering?

3:10 PM

There were concerns about the Controller Boards having cronic failures but I think I identified the root causes of failures. That may mean it is worth considering. Controller board is $650 according to Epilog TS.

Price seems pretty steep for a small used laser. We recently got quotes for new thunder lasers that I want to discuss at a meeting.

3:27 PM

Thursday was a problem so I want to suggest to meet next Tuesday or Wednesday evening.

OK. I was just passing on what I learned in case we were interested.

Thank you for getting more info

@Raymond See my post about why that board fails. May be due to mishandling or bad power.

3:39 PM

FWIW, Epilog no longer makes the 45Watt. It is the 40Watt for $18,000 or 50Watt for $19,500 new so that actually might be a good price depending on the current laser power output.

3:40 PM

Not saying we "should" consider it. Just saying . . .

The screws did come in. The padded brown envelope was placed next to the Zing.

Thanks, Stan.

Thanks Beau

Thunder has the wiggles. But only on one side of my curve

Parts for Zing came today. I'll get them installed this weekend.

1

@pearce. Frank showed me that he was having that issue a while back so he tightened up the lense holder and it seemed better

4:10 PM

Is there something else going on we need to look into?

I'm not sure. I just slowed it down

Man I would love for the blowers to be quieter. We should try to move them up into the ceiling

Does the laser class still not teach that you don't have to download each and every file to the thunder? It would easily solve the frequent "file won't download" issue

Full spectrum Muse does the picture scanning thing that glowforged does

6:03 PM

Might be a decent 45w laser in addition to the zing

random question: is the tube in Thunder in good enough shape to cut 1/2" baltic birch plywood right now?

You'll probably have to lower your focus to the center of the wood

12:15 PM

I'd do a test first

6:00 PM

Someone put a fuck ton of polycarbonate that said "fiber glass" on the stickers

6:00 PM

Laser Committee meeting next Saturday at 3pm! Hope to see a bunch of folks there!

What is the bed size on the thunder ?

Wiki says 1600mm x 1000m (63” x 39.4”x 9.8”)

2

Hey folks, don't forget the meeting Saturday!

@merissa I'm sorry I forgot to stop by tonight!

No worries!! I had to work kind of late and didn't make it either

10:59 PM

Will be up tomorrow night and Saturday though

lasers are lasering. all is well in the white noise laden area we call home

wohoo

Yeah I'm unavailable until next week however I got approval from TLAR in Auto to put the RoboReel wherever, Just incase its next to the autoshelf or something

good deal

thank you for coordinating!

11:04 PM

I'll take a look at things to see if any particular spot looks best and mark it or send you a PM on talk

Awesome thanks

11:05 PM

Just so you know air will be two phase, I'll install the mounting bracket but I'll need help figuring out the air so it'll take a bit longer

Ok, I might be able to get Brandon to assist if it'd be helpful

11:09 PM

But no big rush, I understand there's the logistics to sort out

Tom doesn't care for the RoboReels, he would like one of the old style air reels mounted on the lift, on the upright that can service both bays. This will require relocating airlines.

Yeah that's what he told me. I asked him why he didn't like it and he said lack of pressure. Trying to figure that one out now

9:11 PM

He doesn't mind them being mounted though

That's a totally legit thought... but like I was saying last night, he needs flow, not pressure. Particularly for the pneumatic impacts that you use in an autoshop

9:21 PM

pressure is related, but not the be-all-end-all

9:22 PM

If Tom can feed a 1/2" rubber line off a 1 or 1.5" main, he'd have enough air to run the big boy toys

9:22 PM

or a 5/8" rubber line

I thought i saw a laser basics class scheduled for today. Was it cancelled or did i read the calendar wrong?

Hmm yeah, I saw it show up on the calendar for 2:30 today but now it's gone

12:48 PM

Were you signed up to take it?

There weren't any spots. Was going to try to 'fly standyby'

Ahh gotcha :(

12:54 PM

I'm not sure if the teacher (think it was Tom) had to cancel. I scheduled a committee meeting for 3pm which may have influenced things, so if it did I'm sorry about that.

12:54 PM

The meeting will be at 3 in the conference room though so we don't tie up the laser area

Yeah it was Tom. I'll just catch the next one. Thanks!

1

Tom had cancelled the class and emailed everyone that was registered.

Thanks Stan. I missed your message Merissa.

FedEX 690438255917 for the Lasersaur emergency stop button. Should be there tomorrow.

@lukeiamyourfather for the record your package arrived and someone put it on the saur

@lukeiamyourfather You there working on it tonight? Need any help?

I'm here

8:54 PM

@clone1018 join if you want

8:54 PM

Just got here

9:00 PM

@LukeStrickland about to start

Luke helping Luke, love it!!

Damned clones

1

random question but is anodized steel or anodized aluminum save to use with the lasers?

The lasers cant cut/etch metal. You'd have to use something like ceramark on top of the metal and laser onto that

12:00 PM

Would give you an effect like the writing on this

well the end goal is something like https://img0.etsystatic.com/178/0/13380382/il_570xN.1087702794_knec.jpg but with metal and acrylic infill but I guess ceremark might work if I can find the right white color

12:01 PM

only down side is the waste and costs

Yes unfortunately the stuff isnt cheap, and you'll have some trial and error to make sure your laser settings are right

guess I'll have to look into chemical etching then

12:11 PM

thanks @merissa

You might look at drag bit etching on the Cnc. You could spray paint a metal sheet blue and then etch down to the raw metal. Alternatively if you want white and blue, get a blue coated white base acrylic signboard acrylic, then etch off the blue like mentioned before.

1:01 PM

I don't know a lot about the process, but that also looks like the experiments coming out of the screen printing folks recently.

Maybe screen printing? That may be an awful suggestion, dont have much experience with it

1

I think screen printing would be the way to go

1:10 PM

Just use a high mesh screen and thin ink

wont be able to help with the 'saur until saturday, tonight is

Sorry all. I guess I'm losing my marbles. I got ANOTHER class time mixed up and didnt show up to teach at 10:30 AM today. I'll send an email to those that were signed up.

Why is there a brake rotor under the laser table

@pearce There were two brake rotors on the donation shelf yesterday

:(

8:27 AM

Yet another issue with the returned freebie shelf

8:27 AM

Can someone snap a picture?

The is how The Trouble With Tribbles started.

I like the idea of food and brake pads right next to each other (edited)

<Voice:Homer Simpson> Mmmmm. Brake pads. [Drools] </Voice>

9:17 AM

Left out tools and left over materials on the laser table. Constant problem. I guess some folks think that their Mother works at DMS.

@LukeStrickland make that 3 brake rotors. I just went to get that photo for Merissa, noticed another on top

11:50 AM

Thanks Mark! Did you see if there are there still any in the laser area?

I put the 3rd one on there from the laser table along with a bunch of other shit people left under there

11:59 AM

Also it looked like a new rotor?

I'd bet they fit a Toyota Prius

I always struggle with do we put random abandoned crap on the lost and found shelf or on the freebie shelf where it likely came from. If it's stuff just from people not cleaning up after themselves I toss it, but other stuff I put it on the lost and found shelf

Can't see anymore around laser

Awesome, appreciate it Mark :) sounds like Pearce got it all handled

If I came in with a design on Thursday night, would anyone mind looking over my shoulder to ensure I don't set anything on fire?

Communication Error... what's the fox for that again?

8:58 PM

Fox? Fix

Can someone whos trained on any of the lasers help me cut something for logistics :D?

Any time

Re leveled the bed on the zing.

Awesome. Thanks Pearce

@Pearce, So was one corner lower than the others?

Very and causing the table to bind up

Did you get adjustment instructions from Epilog TS or just figure out what needed to be tweaked?

I leveled it like a CNC machine

12:27 PM

It was also midnight

12:30 PM

The way it was set, it was binding and making itself worse. The bottom platform is bent it seems. It also ate a ton of my acrylic

Ill get a quote for the bottom shelf that the matrix box sits on as well add info how to remove and replace.

1:25 PM

as well as

I'm pretty sure I left my Anker battery plugged into the laser pc

12:08 AM

Put it in my personal storage box if found please

think its time to get some sleep. I just read that as ackbar battery

Bottoming out the zing is the reason it's going unlevel. People have to stop this shit

Hitting down until the bed makes a horrible grinding sound is not the correct way to lower the bed

Eek :(

gotta hook up an embarrassing alarm

I'll just stand by it and yell at people

Why has the zing decided to stop reading my pdfs correctly? They opened fine an hour ago

Any idea what happened to the zing between 2am and 8pm tonight? It went from solid rasters to garbage for the same files

9:47 PM

Those are supposed to be letters

I can review footage, but kind of hard to see what people are doing on the zing from the cam

It sounds like the belt is off now

9:52 PM

The lense was loose

9:52 PM

How's that happen

9:53 PM

Top mirror*

Disturbed by how many people I see not paying at the kiosk after laser time today

10:16 PM

Pearce it doesnt look like anyone used the zing after you

Yeah after the mirror went back in it looks like that was an issue I was having yesterday too

10:18 PM

It was just worse today

Ah ok

I hate how much I have to fix the laser surgery before I want to use them

Is there a way to correlate (is that the right word?) logins at a laser PC with payments? Someone can login without actually cutting, but...

No not like the printers

10:20 PM

Paper printers*

Yeah think best we can do is review footage. Can see that if someone is just sitting at the computer or using the laser

@pearce luke has thought of doing a laser maintenance class so more folks learn how to keep them running. Would you consider helping or doing some also? I know I need to learn more myself

Sure. I'm not sure how far to go with it though. And I don't have a reliable schedule for a while

Ok, thank you! I coerced Luke into looking at the lasersaur with me tonight, so I'll get more thoughts out of him about it

FYI - the lasersaur is realigned and back in service!

Can someone check the square kiosk in laser to see if it's working?

Should really be cleaning up if you are cutting this much tiny shit

:(

That's a fire hazard

7:53 PM

Specifically how one of the makerspace fires started

7:53 PM

Not ours*

We got a new laser tube?

yes

10:51 AM

according to stan

@pearce does the box look like this ?

11:10 AM

That was fast! Yes we ordered a back up tube

Holy shit that's probably not a good position for it

11:12 AM

Is that an spt tube for the thunder?

11:12 AM

We should test it's power soon in case we need to return it

11:13 AM

@lukeiamyourfather

I think Stan moved it inside

11:13 AM

"FedEx dropped it off at the back door with no signature. I put it in the laser area."

Wow that's an expensive drop off

Can someone lay it down next to the saur?

@lukeiamyourfather @pearce are yall free soon to check out the tube with me?

Sweet mother of pearl. The picture Pearce posted is many things, including frustrating, infuriating, and many more words ending in ing. Would it be futile or counter productive to post that very picture on a Wall of Shame, located in the laser area? If The Perp returns, they could see it every time. Y'all who've been here longer probably have heard of everything. Would that be effective, or would likely start a race to the top to get one's mess featured on the Wall of Shame?

@everyone i am asking if anyone would like to help me with an urgent project two friends of mine passed away on sunday during the plano shooting. i would like to make a simple engraved box for him so people can put notes and tokens in it. i would do it myself but i am currently helping his family with funeral arrangement. I will ofc pay anyone that would take on the project.(edited) Please @ me if you would like to take on this task. Thanks

For teaching. This is not acceptable scrap. This is trash

@Winters

Question, there's laser basics tomorrow at 2 anything we need to bring?

i didnt bring anything when i took it last week

Okay just checking

@merissa , @kimmie is bringing a video card up to upgrade the laser PC, can we get your approval to add it and have @StanSimmons run the driver updates for it?

Yeah I'm good with that

5:54 PM

Thanks Kimmie!

Done and updated

1

New Thunder lasers have been ordered! I'll post here when I know an ETA

1

Wooohooo!!!!

Exciting!! What model was purchased?

Nova35s, has a 2x3ft bed

Oh cool, the baby nova's! Did we get another rotary? Or just share the old one?

Will likely look to get another

Alright, sounds good.

Is there an ETA on new laser cutters?

Just got word that they'll be ready to ship out on Oct 9th. Waiting to hear confirmation of how long shipping will take.

10:46 PM

Coming from China takes a while though, so I appreciate everyone's patience as this is a slow process

Does anyone else get virus alerts with RDWorks? I uploaded it to Payload Security and it has very high confidence matching for malicious. https://www.hybrid-analysis.com/sample/cf3295ec4faab36e389a3c043aa5ca8d08a23e3d26fd03cc2aa87b9c4d39a55a?environmentId=100

11:36 PM

Gee the thunder is much smaller than I thought

11:37 PM

Laser parts in!

Thanks, that would be replacement belts for the Nova 63

Hello! Do you know if we're getting new rotary attachments too?

(edited)

@merissa howd the meeting go? i had previous plans and couldnt make it out

Small turnout but good discussion! I'm working on meeting notes to post right now.

10:06 PM

Oh and yall are stuck with me for a bit longer! No one opposed me for the chair spot

no complaints

10:08 PM

if we can get the proper belt settings from thunderlaser id be willing to re do them with the new ones

10:09 PM

I'll email them tonight

Sorry I missed the meeting. I didn't know about it. Was it announced here?

Sorry, not sure if I posted it here, but was on the calendar and Talk

I've been swamped with other stuff including transitioning to being retired. It would be helpful if you would post the notice here too.

10:13 PM

Then again you might have and I just missed it.

i meant to pin all of the meetings but its been stupid busy for me the past few weeks

Glad you Pearce and others having kept things going. Thanks. Hopefully my time will free up soon.

I think I forgot to, my apologies :( Hard to keep up with multiple locations when things get busy.

10:15 PM

Happy retirement though! That's exciting

Side note: My son joined DMS this week. He picks up his fob tomorrow.

One of the big things I need to improve on is routine maintenance. I'll be posting more about plans for getting more people "trained" on maintenance and setting a maintenance schedule

holy crap i got back from wasteland and came back to the thunder vent being 100% clogged

10:18 PM

can we buy a better shop vac for laser?

How about the compressed air outlet for blasting out lasers. Did we ever greet that?

10:21 PM

... get that

Can we use others at the space for a bit?.. I know it wouldnt be too pricey, but I dont want to commit to more spending until we finish with all the new laser purchases (computers, blowers, etc etc)

10:22 PM

And can see where our balance is truly at

im sure we could, id like to find the extensions on them. i have to crawl into the machine to get to the back

Ah yeah

10:25 PM

Beau, I've talked with logistics and infrastructure in the air line and they've agreed to install it... I think the reel is in the electrical room, but not yet installed. Not sure what the hold up is. I'll inquire about it again

10:25 PM

*about the air line

probably just volunteer time on that one

Post on talk forum asking if the thunder rotary is currently working

Thanks, replied.

11:48 AM

As an fyi to all, the rotary is still down as we wait for replacement parts to come in so repairs can be made

AFIK the motor driver is built into the rotary thing it the direction wasn't working so it only cuts one direction.

Hooooly crap the saur PC is slow

There's a package in the common room from Thunder laser

Thank you. That's probably the parts for the rotary! I'll let John know so he can take a look

@pearce Thunder sent me this link regarding replacing the belts and contact info for their tech person if we need more help

10:57 PM

http://www.thunderlaser.com/troubleshooting/how-to-replace-the-motor-and-adjust-the-belt-tension-of-the-motor.html

K

Laser area workday this Saturday, Nov 4th, starting at noon!

10:24 AM

Lots to do to get ready for the new lasers, so please come help

@merissa got uline shipment

Also we need someone with a truck to help move the saur offsite

Sorry @LukeStrickland for some reason your message just popped up. Thanks for letting me know! I wont be able to come up to the space tonight. Can it be put by the saur or somewhere out of the way for now?

Is it fine under the gantry or do you want it in laser? I'm fine keeping it where it is lol

5:58 PM

Aka under the gantry

That works! Just didnt want it to be a problem

Reminder! Laser workday tomorrow starting at noon. Wear something you dont mind getting dirty!

I cleaned out the thunder the other night

Awesome, thanks!

Should we wear our HazMat Suits.

Funds are looking good so probably going to pick up a new shop vac. @pearce think one of like kind to the others around the space would be best?

Just something bigger than the dinky one

Cool

5:04 PM

Haha couldnt hurt @gbeauw ;)

New blowers going in/on the roof?

So exactly what new lasers are we installing and which ones are going away (if any).

New smaller thunders

5:05 PM

Saur leaving

5:05 PM

Merissa typing book (edited)

Lasersaur out, two Thunder Nova 35s in its place

Never been too happy with saur. I guess I should look up Nova 35's on web.

Merissa type slow on phone

ha ha ha. The text-to-speech function uses some strange words to describe Emogies

The new thunders should arrive late next week, we'll be prepping the space ahead of their arrival tomorrow

Ok. As it stands now, I should be able to make it.

Awesome!

5:12 PM

Pearce we're also going to try and fix the relay on the current thunder to operate the blower

Awesome

So do we have room to put two Nova 35's where the LaserSaur is now? If not, do we have a tentative arrangement figured out?

Yes they will fit, desk will be behind, got the floor plan worked out and measured

So we have two new PC's for them I guess. (Or old saur PC plus one more.)

It might be a little tight, but I think the way we're planning is the best use of space

5:31 PM

Yes :) new computers will be installed tomorrow

OK. Great. Now I'm sorry I didn't make the last meeting. Guess I would have been up to speed on this if I had.

5:32 PM

Hopefully you can announce meetings here. I don't get on Talk unless I need to post something or search for something.

Hah it's no problem :) appreciate people asking, helps me not forget things

5:33 PM

I'll try to be better in the future so everyone is in the know

Forget what? I forgot what we are talking about.

Haha

But I have an excuss. I'm Officially an Old Fart now.

Would it help if I like to talk posts here, or do you just prefer not to use talk?

5:34 PM

Sorry, meant link to talk

I use Discord to keep up with what's happening on Lasers. Sends me alerts if there is a problem. Do you think depending on Discord is a problem?

No not at all. Just sometimes it slips my mind to post on both. Trying better now though!

OK. That's fine. See you tomorrow.

Yes see you then!

Do we have the blower for the zing? I could get it hooked up and the PC moved so people can use it

We plan to get it back online on saturday

8:35 PM

It's going to be connected to one of the computers on the back wall that needs to be added to the domain

Melissa would you please call me asap about Zing problem?

11:03 AM

@merissa my number is 972-679-4334

I'm sorry I'm in and out of work meetings all day

11:08 AM

Brandon looked at it more last night and thinks its an interlock issue for the door or the blower, but both of which are functioning fine

11:08 AM

I wont be freed up to call for another hour or so

The current blower setup is pumping smoke from the thunder into the zing.

Good lord...

Where's the zing PC to test?

Left one on the wall

The job manager isn't installed?

We installed the print driver and it sent jobs

Can one of you post a picture of the proposed new floor plan?

Oh we need the job manager too. Its actually useful for the zing

Ok we can do that

Brandon said there's a backdraft preventer, how much smoke is leaking through?

5:26 PM

Turn on zing blower for now if it's excessive?

It's enough to smell from the zing but not see

Any proposed solutions?

Standing PC wall looks good. Much better than the towers

5:29 PM

I'm not a vent guy. I'm going to talk to Tim about it. I just turned on the zing blower so I could work on it

Ok sounds good

Did we toss the old toggle boxes? I think this one is just wired wrong

Trying to get Brandon in here to discuss... Stuff is probably getting lost in translation with me

Wrong- has the wrong ends for me to test the trigger box with

I may have completly failed and wasted money on the backdraft preventer setup with shared vent, failed to anticipate the pressure in column and leakage of backdraft preventers. Anyone want to get a quote for remote mounted exhaust that does 2000 cfm @ 4 in wc?

Just noticed the blue tape could be leaking too. May have been that blowing at the zing and causing the smell

5:35 PM

Old zing toggle box is currently on the thunder.

So yeah, let's not say it's failed yet till we give the completed design a try

Right

Brandon where did thunder toggle switch go?

there is a backdraft preventer directly behind blue tape, you can feel air leaking past which is why I put tape on. Didn't know if leakage all the way back through blower and ducting into other lasers would be noticeable or not

Part of the issue

I rewired the zing toggle box and put it on thunder because it was first switch in pile I saw and needed a switch to control thunder blower since the auto on/off wasnt working reliably

The current relay box is missing a plug for it, I think that's the issue

5:41 PM

Is the zing blower 110v?

yeah

K

the switch needed for the zing grey relay box is not normal, it needs to short the hot and neutral lines

I just need the ends to fit into Kevin's control box

5:43 PM

Definitely smell burning leather from the elbow joint going directly into the zing

there are extra c13/c14 cables in bottom of tan /grey/plastic tub

I was going for not having to rewire, high voltage experiments are not my thing when it connects to machines I don't own

I can work on it later, but its not clear that the exhaust approach I created will work

Does a higher quality backdraft preventer exist?

there will be leaking noxious fumes back into the space through the backdraft preventers

I like this split, but it means we can't have different pressures for each machine

can switch to regulator per line

Can you do that after the universal fitting? That's cool

yeah the lines can handle shop air pressure, can put regulator on either side

5:48 PM

there are different brands of backdraft preventers, but all would have the same issue

We could try wrapping the rest of the elbow in tape but that doesn't stop it from coming out the zing vent

http://www.hoodfilters.com/2200-cfm-high-speed-direct-drive-upblast-exhaust-fan-with-15-75-wheel-75-hp-115-v.html

5:51 PM

but it says only 0.5" wc

5:52 PM

Short of completly different remote exhaust, have to go back to only a single blower per roof penetration / vent

5:52 PM

question is then how to duct 4 lasers with 2 blowers, where 3 are next to each other and 1 is 15 feet away

5:57 PM

Right now its unsafe to use thunder without zing blower also going. Will need to disconnect and block off 8" duct past where thunder is connecting and zing will down for rest of the week

Can they be set to operate at the same time?

5:58 PM

The blowers

Could do that yeah, control them both off the one switch on thunder

Would like to safely have as many lasers in operation as possible so members arent waiting for things to get back up and running

Could also do that long term, instead of redoing exhaust approach, have it so that when any one laser is on all 3 blowers are going

6:02 PM

if any blower didn't turn on exhaust would backflow through it

Can we minimize blowers too? How much can one blower handle?

one 2hp HF blower can exhaust 2 lasers

So not ideal, but can we vent the zing over to the second nova 35

6:03 PM

Basically going back to it was with the saur

yeah thats what I was thinking if we go back to one blower per roof vent (edited)

Let's gets some thoughts from Tim first though

6:06 PM

He might have thoughts on how to make this exhaust system work

@AGr did you rewire the zing switch that got moved to the thunder ? (edited)

yes, it can only be used on thunder right now

Damn

6:08 PM

It was set up to be one wire going in correct?

yes, zing switch needs single wire where switch connects black and white wires

You can get inline regulators that are supper small, we had them that fit pneumatic air tools. they were adjustables or presets.

Ok I got the switch going

6:29 PM

Now I just need to get the blower plugged into the box. Interlock lights are on

And we're back online

1

could splice together a cord, there are wire nuts in one of the cardboard boxes on table, putting splice inside some kind of box

Yeah I ended up making a cable so I didn't have to cut the end off the blower plug

@pearce do you know if that fixed the homing issue too?

I would assume so, it started a cut for me and did it where I set the xy to

8:32 PM

Not sure what the issue was

Awesome. Thank you!!

8:42 PM

@gbeauw it sounds like all is well now with the Zing. Thank you for calling Epilog and helping troubleshoot

Ok. Thanks to Pearce for all the great effort.

My next idea is attempt to run all 3 (nova 63, nova 35, zing) off a single 2hp hf blower going out the 8" vent. Its overrated manufacturer claim is 1500 cfm Each laser would have marginally acceptable airflow, but 100% of the air would be sent outside instead of the 3 blowers w/ backdraft preventers approach where it turns out some percentage of air gets blown to inside the space. Running 3 off 1 avoids having to run 20' of 4" duct (basically same as what the zing and saur shared previously). The Nova 35 not in the cluster would have its own blower going out the 6" duct. Could add automatic electric dampers (would be on suction side, so leaks would be space air entering vacuum) if expect only one of the 3 lasers to be firing at a time typically. Looking at other blowers rated in the 1500-2500 cfm range, looks like thye are all 240 volt, which I think we have had issues with in the past running on our 208 volts.

We have 4 lasers now though

11:31 PM

And 2 roof holes

11:31 PM

Oh I missed the odd one out (edited)

11:33 PM

If anything id think the bigger one should be on its own, because it has more to pull. And marginal means there's going to be more soot left inside the machines

Bad thing is the big one is in the middle

11:33 PM

Argh...

Could we use electric gates like the wood shop was looking into? And just have them open when the switch is turned on? (edited)

yeah we can, they are around $100 each for a normal duct style powered damper, https://www.amazon.com/Acme-Miami-95006-Motorized-Damper/dp/B005279G1K

12:09 AM

Can always fall back on running the zing and nova 35 left on a blower (w/ 20' of 4" duct) if the 3 lasers with 1 blower doesn't provide enough airflow. But that would still be a single blower for both nova 63 and a nova 35.

the e-gates may be the way to go to prevent the blowers from losing suction

Here are the laser counter pcs as they were configured on dell site: Dell Precision 3420 7th gen i5 7500 Win 10 Pro 240W power supply FirePro W4100 8GB DDR4 Non-ECC 128GB SSD $934

Short of getting a AC company quote for a roof top mounted 3,000 cfm @ 2-4" wc exhaust system, floor mounted dust collector type blowers are going to be loud. Could go up to a 3hp 240v 2300cfm single blower to exhaust 3 lasers w/ 1 blower, but would be getting nearly as loud as woodshop.

1:00 PM

Current 2hp hf blower is 70-75 db

Please don't use excessive force to tighten the mirrors into the laser mounts. We have to be able to remove them

Laser exhaust system was revised last night to address concerns about backdrafting. There's a common blower now so the lasers share the inlet side rather than the exhaust side of ducting

11:02 AM

Doesn't change anything procedurally for users

An electric blast gate to block exhausting zing is on order to increase airflow through thunder when zing is not in use

3:11 PM

Still haven't been able to get auto blower control working on thunder (so there is a switch to control it), tried installing RC snubber on contactor coil (to prevent potential voltage spike when turning off), but that did not change behavior of thunder where it fails to auto turn off blower after the set delay (it would keep running forever). Will see if same contactor works on new lasers to determine if its an issue with TL Timer board inside thunder

3:13 PM

Larger 30 amp contactor to replace the 5 amp relay inside zing electrical box is also on order, observed some odd behavior where if you turn on zing switch, then turn on thunder switch, then turn off thunder switch, occassionally the blower would turn off, which should not happen as the relay inside zing control box should still be powering it. My guess is the undersized relay doesn't like the load being pulled through it by the 2 hp blower.

3:17 PM

Ducting for placement of nova 35 left is installed, need some kind of coord management to run the 208 coord and air assist line all the way to source

NEW LASER UPDATE -- Things are moving much slower than they originally made it sound. The lasers cleared inspection on Friday, but it took till today for customs payment to be done by the shipper for customs to "release" them.

7:33 PM

It may be another day or two before they actually get moved onto a truck, and with the holiday I doubt we'll see them arrive till next week

7:34 PM

I'll post more details as I get them

7:36 PM

Wanted to still give a big thank you to Stan, Stephenie, David S, and Coul who offered to help with receiving them this week when we thought they'd arrive sooner

we seem to be the same boat with the one we odered at polyprinter

Thanks for the update Merissa.

Fuck we need the other lasers

Long queue?

Yep

4:10 PM

For stuff that's only like 12x16

1

Yeah. I can't wait, been here a couple hours for what's gonna be about 2 minutes of laser time.

People running long jobs or just not ready to fire when they get to the laser?

A little of column a, a little of column b, it seems.

Any update on delivery?

Ugh... The shipping company says they should arrive in Carrollton 12/5. I'm super frustrated with this and I know many of yall are as well. I've been contacting the shipper frequently to get status updates and maybe speed things along, but it hasn't seemed to help. (edited)

posted update to Talk.

Will be rebuilding zing control box (going to 30 amp contactor) and installing ivac pro auto blast gate this weekend, along with finalizing remaining wiring for when new lasers arrive. Would probably also be good to install the spare new tube into the nova 63 and clean / align mirrors this weekend (will be more difficult to access back once other lasers are there)

Are we seeing reduced laser power on the 63?

@AGr Sunday has Laser Basics at 1p...needs access to both lasers. Sunday has Rotary class at 3p...needs access to Thunder. So schedule around those, please.

1:51 PM

Also, what day/time are you scheduling this maintenance? I'm at the Space now and can post a physical sign. Keep our users happy-ish or at least informed.

Would this be the right time to move the Zing to the outside? It is difficult to teach in its current location. Only a couple of people can see at a time.

1:52 PM

It would also help with wheelchair access

Agreed. The Zing location is tough on classes. Its frustrating not to be able to see what the instructor is pointing to.

#stephenie can you put a sign up with the projected delivery date for those that don't check talk?

Got your back @pinewoodnut . Already done.

@pinewoodnut Can measure output before doing swap, it has a lot of time on it so I assume it wouldn't hurt since the new one is sitting there. Would of course keep existing on hand as the spare, would be less risk keeping old spare offsite vs keeping brand new tube offsite

1:56 PM

Would also be a good time to install new stepper belts and just generally tune it up

1:57 PM

Will be there Saturday late afternoon

@AGr Name a time. That'll give a deadline for the user to wrap up her/his work. (edited)

Lmk when you will be there and I'd like to help I'd like to help if you let me know when you'll be there

I should be avail too on Sat evening

1:15pm

That'll do. Thx.

I'm in.

2:11 PM

I can post it on the calendar. How much time do we think we want?

1

2 hours I would guess

Ok. I'll submit it

2:18 PM

Is the rotary working again?

Yes, the rotary is back up

2:31 PM

I submitted Laser Maintenance as an event to get it on the calendar.

Amusing that from what I can find this class of laser tube claims a 6-10k hour lifespan (4-6 years at 4 hours per day), but typically only carry a 6-10 month warranty. Not sure on if output over time is flat and then falls off rapidly at end of life or has a steady decline, will have to measure output of current tube.

@pinewoodnut beat me to adding it to the calendar, lol

Did we do any testing with this tube when it was installed?

@AGr @lukeiamyourfather it would be a great time to check the alignment of the tube, which is off a little bit

2:34 PM

We have a power meter to test current output

Just interested in any power output numbers we got when it was installed....... Graphs are coooooool (edited)

Blue tape "signs" up in multiple locations in Laser Area. Also added "New lasers ETA is Tues, 12/5. More downtime for install" just to prepare folks.

Catching up on discussion... Thanks yall for helping with communication!

It was measured at 130watts when we got it. That's what the new one should be as well

It will be interesting to see what it is at now

I've never used the meter to test output. Pearce could you be available on Saturday to show me and others some test/maint procedures?

Well people crank it to 100 all the time. The life is rated at lower usages

4:40 PM

Maybe. Let me make sure I'm not doing stuff with dani

1

I'm setting up the Polyprinter one

7:24 PM

New thunder lasers have an optical z now instead of the physical

The z travel limit switch is optical?

On the new one we got at Polyprinter yes. Hopefully the new ones for the space do too

8:50 PM

That way you can't crash the head into your work.

8:51 PM

Currently it's physically limited underneath the table. So if you have a tall piece you can easily crash it

Unpacking a new thunder has made me realize how much of a beating we put the nova 63 through (edited)

Let's hope that having 2 more will help to spread some of the load around...... But I won't be holding my breath

@merissa @AGr What's the plan for staging the crates? How long once they arrive before we uncrate? Begin install? Last I looked, the receiving dock still had items stored there. We're going to be taking up real estate.

plan is dissassemble crates and put lasers in laser area immediately

How long is time to turnkey? First laser class on Tuesday starts at 5:30p.

It's not very reasonable to make a plan for something we dont know how long will take and we dont know what time they'll arrive

7:46 PM

They might get there at 9am, or maybe it will be 5pm, just dont know

Agreed.

7:47 PM

Which means @john a gorman needs a Plan B for the classes. And automotive needs a heads up.

I don't see a laser class on Tuesday?

Nix the 5:30, that's a classroom class on Inkscape. 7p is Holiday Ornaments

Ack, ok yeah see it now

Holiday Ornaments = @pinewoodnut

7:49 PM

He needs a Plan B.

With how flakey the information the shipping company has given me, I hate to say cancel it

7:50 PM

But know we should have the new lasers up and running as quickly as possible

Wait until the day of to make a go/no-go decision on the class.

7:52 PM

Oh, I don't doubt the team will work like gangbusters to get them up and running pronto. I'm looking at keeping goodwill with our already frustrated users and staying on automotive's good side. Open communication about the process and temporary headaches will go a long way.

Understand. We need folks to be patient with us right now as the area is the best it can be at the moment. And sadly we're at the mercy of a timeline we can't control

The ornament class is a good one. Esp for Christmas

People just need to understand we aren't in charge of the postal service

7:56 PM

But that will never happen

1

We just set up the lasers Weds evening & Thursday

As for automotive, I don't see any planned activities there, but we can ask tom if he's ok with us using the non-lift bay during uncrating. I don't think we'll be in the way there for long. And we really need logistics to keep the loading dock clear. We cleared it before Thanksgiving, they need to keep from storing things there

7:58 PM

What do you mean John?

To work around the classes. I agree with you about using the 3rd Bay. I can message Tom if you wish

I'd say it's more important to move classes and get lasers up and running myself

Classes can't be moved

Class can be cancelled.

You have a laser class Wednesday night as well

They have to be cancelled and rescheduled for the 20+ people signed up. Diff on the install is 24 hrd

8:01 PM

My Weds class is classroom based

Wednesday, 8pm, making boxes

8:01 PM

thursday night is tours

8:02 PM

brandon and I are not available Thursday-Saturday as we'll be out of state

Not the noon and 6p rotary classes.

8:02 PM

Not classroom based.

Merissa, you are right. I was looking at the Tuesday class

8:05 PM

I'll be extremely upset if my classes are cancelled.

You want new lasers up and running right?

8:06 PM

I want to find a solution, but we need help and cooperation from everyone

8:07 PM

Like I said, we don't have an absolute time of delivery, so we'll have to wait and see

I can wait another week for the lasers

And you think other members would agree?

Do you and Brandon have to be there to install the new ones?

Nope, volunteers are free to help

Yes, I think people will wait an extra 24 hours, esp those signed up

Do we have qualified volunteers lined up?

As long as they get in by Friday, I'll help

define qualified

8:10 PM

I have no idea what qualified means

They know how to install these babies?

this is all learn as we go

LOL!

seriously, no one is a pro here

OK

I'm qualified, I read the manual

1

@pearce , @lukeiamyourfather , anyone else involved in the last thunder delivery?

Pretty easy setup. Did one last night, easy enough

how long would you say it took?

Main part is setup / prep we've been doing the past month, should just be plugging in and verifying alignment and functionality when they arrive

Yeah biggest part is unpacking

8:34 PM

It comes aligned. I had to move the red dot a bit

8:34 PM

But should check

So yes, the best thing will be to have help this weekend doing final prep so actual installation goes quickly and we don't impose on users/classes

8:36 PM

Saturday afternoon, think it's on the calendar as starting at 1:15

8:37 PM

come on out and help!

I read the manual AND watched the videos too, so I'm qualified :)

1

2

Y'all crack me up like an egg.

Is there a reason I can't do my class on Nova 63 while the small ones are being installed? Other than too many people in too small a space?

Ventilation disconnections

Ok....fair

T is already there for new Nova near counter, will just be connecting one section of semi rigid ducting to it

I can email all the people who are signed up for my class to see if they have an alternate time that works for everyone.

I think we can work around classes if they're not too big

10:31 PM

Might be a little distracting, but shouldn't have to take the 63 down

Is William on here? He expressed interest on Talk in helping

Not sure, but that would be great!

5:01 PM

Quick poll... Who's planning to come help on Saturday?

I was planning on being there in the evening. I'll try to make it by 1pm

1

Thunder got a lot of tlc today! Alignment, lense and mirrors cleaned, tube measured 125 watts! Should be performing great now

Will start documenting these maintenance events on the wiki

7:23 PM

Big thanks to David S and Stephenie for their hard work

Along with @AGr

7:24 PM

More work happening on the Zing after dinner

On way up now. Hitting home Depot on the way

Pearce are you there? Can you tell me the size of the co2 air hose?

Thank you @merissa @AGr @stephenie @pinewoodnut

8:38 PM

Are you thinking of checking the power output on the Zing?

Yes that's the plan to do next

Great. Thank you

1

Yay, didn't let any smoke out

New relay?

Adding blast gate and improving switch on zing

Ohhhh that looks fancy!

11:52 PM

I haven't seen it open. That would be a fun picture to share with the community

Zing power is at 30 watts

3:39 AM

Realized we left without strapping the CO2 bottle back to the Thunder desk after moving things. Can someone take care of that so it's more secure?

Sure

Done

Thanks! You're awesome!

12:28 PM

@merissa happened too soon

12:28 PM

Thankfully it was all clean stuff

Was it left or is somebody working on their auto stuff in laser?

Reviewing cam. Was left by someone driving a blue car who drove in at 8:15, and dropped the stuff after moving someone's things who was working in laser (edited)

12:47 PM

I'll be adding big obvious signage now I guess.

1

12:48 PM

It looks like the owner of the stuff is still there if you're willing to talk to the member about it @LukeStrickland

Yeah I can tell them about dirty stuff

12:49 PM

Who?

12:49 PM

Laser space is for laser work only

Well I think he might be cutting gaskets ?

12:50 PM

Which is technically laser work

ok

That's Ron the Fireman. Super nice guy

Thanks John. At first I thought the auto parts were just left behind, not part of a laser project. Not ideal to have auto parts on the table (something we feared by moving the table), but looks like he's doing it in a clean way.

1:19 PM

The first pic made me jump to conclusions

He does a lot of volunteer work restoring an old old fire engine. Neat stuff

1

Looks like you guys and gals are doing some great work.

1

1:23 PM

Glad the Zing is still doing 30 watts

1:24 PM

Sorry I couldn't be there this weekend.

All good, I was happy to see full power too!

1:27 PM

The mirrors in the left side housing were pretty dirty, so that might have been affecting performance

1:28 PM

Thinking of planning a January Laser Maintenance Day for Sunday, January 7th

1:29 PM

anyone have problems with that day?

That's great. Sundays are usually quieter than Saturdays.

1:43 PM

Just told Tommy that discord is picking up for comms. He will look into it again

January 7th will work for me

4:46 PM

?

air sensor got moved from the wall to the back of the thunder

4:47 PM

https://dallasmakerspace.org/air/

Dallas Makerspace

Dallas Makerspace is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, shared community workshop and laboratory. We are an organized group of local artists, engineers, makers, and thinkers who work together to provide tools and learning resources to the public.

It's a tracking bug to steal all of your laser files

1

Bah. Just go to my member drive

All of that auto junk is still on the laser table btw, 10 hours later (edited)

definitely not excellent to tie up workspace for that long, no matter if it's in laser or anywhere else. I'll be adding signage to the area saying keep workspaces clear

5:08 PM

from the cam looks like the member is waiting to use the laser though

5:08 PM

or just using the computers... can't tell

5:11 PM

FYI -- once the new lasers are here I'll be more strictly enforcing that the computers are for loading laser jobs only, not designing or web searching

I'll tell Ron. He's still here, working on the gasket design

thank you

What do you call a fitting like this, so I can have an air line solidly attached to sheet metal the air is passing through

12:25 AM

looks like bulkhead union / coupling, but what I drew is apparently not common, might just go with grommets and zipties instead

@AGr ask Tim. It's his world

Hmm looks like he's not on discord

1:22 PM

@pearce is the info I shared from Thunder on belt replacement procedure enough for us to get them changed out? (edited)

1:22 PM

They're in a box in the tool cabinet

Did we get the big ones?

Ummm I guess so... I requested replacement belts from thunder and they sent us some

1:27 PM

I wanted to do that Saturday but we were passed our scheduled down time and a queue was forming waiting to get on the thunder

By not common I mean not stocked at home depot, my requirement is what I can pick up in 20 minutes. Would be 4.64 each off mcmaster-carr (female instead of male npt that I drew), or 7.71 each for barbed male bulkhead/throughwall fittings

Let's wait for delivery for the others before removing the belts from the 63. It works currently if you don't use high speeds

1:36 PM

I'd hate to take it down when it's the only big one available

Good point :)

1:40 PM

David did a test of some of his snowflakes for us on Saturday after cleaning and alignment and they came out great, very sharp lines no wavy issues, so we were pleased

1:40 PM

Mostly yeah just need to find the right settings

John is describing a similar but separate issue

Anyone with a truck available to pick up a 4×8 pallet for us sometime this week?

My van is down

4:16 PM

But I could pull a small trailer

4:17 PM

What's on the pallet?

Will use it to ship the saur

So not heavy

Right would be an empty pallet to start :)

4:20 PM

Still figuring out how to buy a single pallet... Looks like they're usually sold in bulk

The thunders should show up on pallets

4:26 PM

PolyPrinter might still have the one ours came on. Asking.

Oh wow you're brilliant! I should have thought of that

4:27 PM

Waiting to ship the saur till new ones get in anyways just in case

They do come on pallets

4:29 PM

Poly still has it, but it was outside in the rain yesterday

Ok well I think we're good then. Just will make sure to tell folks to keep the pallet if I'm not there during uncrating

K

Are we still expecting the lasers on 12/5?

That's the latest info

The shipping agent didn't respond to my email requesting an update today, so I'm not optimistic

10:32 PM

typing up an email right now to thunder on the crappy shipping

They are about a month off the estimate

Yep. Made it to the states on the day they said they'd get to us, and now delay after delay to get them to Carrollton

10:34 PM

Really frustrated

@merissa don't sweat it. Everyone is excited. Yet everyone understands the delays. They are just looking forward

thanks John

just hate making everyone wait and the delivery being so out of our control

11:05 PM

I'll post as soon as I know something though

Everyone's cool about it. Happy they are coming in

And the whiteboard notification has been helpful. Spoke with two users who don't read Talk and were excited to be in the loop via the board. They do understand it is a moving target.

That's awesome, thanks for taking care of that mode of communication Stephenie!

Lots of people don't know about it at all. Maybe heard one is coming in...

I'll update it tomorrow if necessary.

sounds good

So when they hear a little, they are super thrilled

I saw your full color guidelines. Is that file on your member drive?

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that tomorrow someone says the truck with the lasers has magically shown up

(edited)

11:15 PM

Stephenie can you send a message to Tom (TLAR) about possibly blocking the left auto bay whenever the lasers get here and we work to uncrate?

11:16 PM

I don't think he uses discord

Done. Will let you know his response.

Perfect, thank you!

He writes that due to the late notice, probably not.

probably not what?

not able to block the bay

It's a loading zone and pretty unavoidable

11:35 PM

there really is no alternative

I thought the loading zone was the space between the roll up door and the bay

Right, I'm not saying we're going to roll them into auto and leave them there, but they are large crates that we have to move through that area, possibly into the part of auto nearest the dock, for however long it takes to uncrate

I hear you.

11:41 PM

We've waited until (possibly) 12-18 hrs before delivery to notify Tom.

I'm not going to debate something that is unavoidable, and as we discussed we wanted to give notification as a courtesy. If it becomes an issue for him he can discuss it with me or the board

There should be plenty of room on the loading dock.

11:45 PM

Everything else might get pushed into the 3rd Bay

yeah, just two big crates, were trying to just let auto know about the activity

11:45 PM

there is no third bay...?

Three auto bays. Lift, behind lift, left of lift.

there are only two bays and a loading zone

11:46 PM

semantics though

Luke S was going to working on clearing the loading zone. I didn't check tonight

It was pretty clear on saturday, just empty carts to move

11:47 PM

think he's monitoring it

Tom says automotive has a committee meeting tomorrow and they are bring a car into the left side bay during the mtg.

Properly placed, that car is about 12 feet from the garage door

I am just the messenger.

No notice of a meeting on the calendar or Talk

See above.

Huh

11:55 PM

Still, should not affect us

sorry you have to hear my frustration

11:57 PM

I'm done whining for the night

but like I said, I'll post the minute I hear anything about delivery

Sounds great. I'll monitor discord tomorrow with bated breath.

Well, I said I was done but I just got an email response from Thunder.

12:00 AM

Thunder talked with the shipper, says we will receive it "this week and before delivery they will call and confirm the time"

Oh. I was going that since we bought two, we got a third free?

The number they have is my cell, so I'll update

*hoping

haha I wish!

12:01 AM

throw in some free lenses maybe?

This week is still good. January bad.

haha yes very true

12:07 AM

so if they arrive tomorrow or Wednesday, Brandon and I will be there that evening to uncrate and install with whoever else is available

12:08 AM

We'll be in Nebraska Thursday through Saturday afternoon though, so if others can uncrate and move them if they arrive Thursday or Friday that'd be greatly appreciated!

12:09 AM

(all plans avoid interfering with classes)

I posted an update to the Delivery thread. Tagged Tom as a way to get a little cooperation.

good deal

I think Tom was thinking you were wanting the entire left bay. Both crates should fit mostly on the leveler and just beyond.

Yeah just might encroach for a short while

im pretty sure last time there wasnt a shelf in the way, but should be good

Sorry for the miscommunication on my part

I'm planning on being here for the delivery.

That's awesome! Thank you so much!

@merissa a delivery truck is here

11:29 AM

not sure if its lasers

11:29 AM

I'm going to head over just incase

I'll be by in just a bit but can't stay for long

11:35 AM

And back later for setup

john and I are here in the Lecture Hall.

False alarm

11:46 AM

Some member parked there

11:46 AM

Got him to move so we dont get rejected

11:46 AM

Cc @pearce false alarm

Booo I still have to swing by. Make sure we keep the pallets if y'all uncrate them early

Omg I got so excited for a sec!

me too

12:06 PM

stan's got it now so I'll show up some time after 5

Rhett got a box truck, I'm excited for him, but disappointed that there weren't lasers inside.

1

Talked with Merissa during maintenance day re: the wiki. Added a log of laser maintenance to preserve power history. Got her go-ahead to re-organize it without removing info, aka housekeeping and consolidation. Example: eliminating the redundancies between About and Purpose.

1

I added the bit about the zing maintenance to the new section

1

@StanSimmons more people blocking the loading dock....

1:05 PM

@merissa is this a specialty freight company or fedex/usps/ups?

I wish I knew :(

that knowledge will help calm my nerves

1:06 PM

fedex/usps/ups will just gtfo if someone is blocking

I can't get any specifics

ok thx

I hope they keep to their word that they will call me day of to let me know time (edited)

Re: wiki...do we really maintain the laser computers or did that move to infrastructure?

Um yeah I'd say just strike that comment

Anyone have issues homing the zing lately? It's been a while, so maybe I'm dumb. But when I disable xy, position the head and hit go it travels to one side in x, returns to the other side and then moves down a little in y and calls that home.

Not sure why it's going to it's reset switches to do that

1:31 PM

We saw it the other night and couldn't figure it out

Yeah it did that right after we moved it to its new spot and someone was able to fix it. @john a gorman was that you?

@LukeStrickland let's use the belt with the 2 posts by the laser work table to block off the ramp, if we don't have cones

1:52 PM

@merissa no. Not me. I can look at it late tonight.

1

Shipping agent emailed me back...

2:00 PM

"We had some complication with the warehouse for driver to arrange pickup. So sorry for the delay on responding as I is also having problem with our email server. The cargo actual pick up from the warehouse today in Los Angeles due to release issue at the warehouse. We had to pay storage charges, not bill to you as this was an error between China and their consolidator. We’re getting the pro# from Roadrunner. Once I have receive it, will on forward to you."

2:01 PM

So definitely can stand down for a couple days

wtf

someone needs to middleman this company and have a stock of lasers in the US lol

Thank you for keeping us up to date, @merissa . I'll update Talk.

I know really. Recommending to Thunder they choose a new shipping company

How much did we pay for shipping??

1

$2,500

2:13 PM

"Shipping cost to door"

They have a warehouse in LA that's where we got our laser from.

2:14 PM

We ordered weeks after laser did

2:14 PM

Something doesn't sound right

They didn't have 35s here so had to come from china is what I was told

Yeah

2:19 PM

They probably made it when we ordered

Yeah that's what they said, and sent a video when it was complete and getting crated

2:21 PM

I also got a quote for another 63 back then tjat we didnt pursue and shipping cost would have been the same

Donner and Blitzen (their new names). It feels like Santa has passed over DMS.

1

For parts seems like those come from a us warehouse and can get here quick

2:22 PM

The sleigh just got delayed

1

2:22 PM

We'll be ready for the last minute christmas gift makers

@StanSimmons posted on Talk (but merissa can't see it): "I wonder if contacting Thunder and asking for half price on a rotary tool would be appropriate compensation for the colossal cluster-*@#& that this shipment has been?"

Hah I'm not great with that kind of negotiation, would rather ask for partial refund on shipping, but if anyone else wants to try

Re rotary. The motor was rubbing against a pulley. Fixed it with Mike Churchill and Tim B. Also added a cable tie so the cord doesn't get pulled out

4:34 PM

I added an Ethernet cable to the Visio. The wifi was flakey for the Chromecast.

Someone else reported homing issue on Zing after move. I thought Pierce did something and it started working.

4:41 PM

Zing TS said sensors need cleaning. Has anyone taken sides off and used air to blast it clean lately?

Yes, we did a thorough cleaning on saturday

We just rolled with it homing incorrectly. I didn't actually get a test cut in after the power test

@merissa Did you take off the side covers when you cleaned it?

Yes

Hmmm. I'll have to get back with Epilog TS and see where to go from here.

5:59 PM

I'll call tomorrow.

Ok, well let's see if John has any luck tonight when he looks at it

These need to be inspected and cleaned in the Zing.

6:05 PM

Per Epilog TS: This will be found on the right side of the machine. You will have taken off the control panel and the keypad display to get rid of the panel. When you get access to this make sure that 1) the carriage assembly can reach the sensor. 2) Make sure the sensor is clean, you may use a dry Q-tip or compressed air to get rid of any excess debris.

6:08 PM

If John can get in there and inspect all the wires for loose connections and make sure these are clean and we still have the problem, I'll call Epilog TS tomorrow. Just let me know what happens tonight.

1

It goes and tags home but doesn't register the origin you wanted to set it to

@AGr is headed up to the space too, so maybe he can give it a try as well

We didn't take that side of the machine off

6:42 PM

Just blew it out and it's working now

1

@pearce awesome. Thank you

I finished consolidating the wiki. Grouped related material together. Created an outline format; previously all items carried the same weight, which made it hard to visually sort through, plus made the page very long. Checked all links; fixed two broken ones.

10:30 PM

Two subpages can be retired. I've kept the links on the main page until I get the go-ahead to delete the subpages. One page was just for the Thunders. All but 2 or 3 items on the page were repeated from the main page. Other page (https://dallasmakerspace.org/wiki/MakerSpace_Lasers) contained no new info.

MakerSpace Lasers)

Can we order a couple of USB hubs for the Donner and Thunder workstations? Put them on the desktop instead of reaching under for the ports on the machines.

There is a single usb port cord for each on the desktop

11:32 PM

Where the keyboard cord comes up

It's for people that use USB sticks

?

11:35 PM

Is what's there on the desk not sufficient?

To transfer image files. I recommend a 16 port hub for each. They fill up fast as people forget them

Have you tried what is there? Usb connector cord at each station?

Oh, I hear you. I hadn't seen it yet

11:36 PM

That would work

Great, just making sure we're all on the same page

✌

https://www.amazon.com/Allwood-Counter-Island-options-Routed/dp/B01N9LFD7Q

2:31 AM

Allwood 6/4" (1.5") x 18" x 84" Birch Table / Counter / Island Top

2:31 AM

is the counter that was used for the computers on the red wall

NEW LASER DELIVERY UPDATE! Now with actual tracking information!

1

1:12 PM

Delivery estimated for Monday 12/11/17

1:12 PM

http://tools.rrts.com/LTLTrack/?searchValues=449631977

1:13 PM

Roadrunner tracking Pro# 449631977

1:14 PM

I'll be checking the tracking page and will update if I see any changes

1:15 PM

@StanSimmons will you be around the space and available Monday?

I'm available Monday and only work a block away, I can at least accept it if needed

Wohoo! Thanks Luke! I'll keep you posted

@stephenie or @pinewoodnut can yall update Talk? Also need to update Tom on the delivery... It looks like Auto's toolbox is being delivered Monday too so hopefully that won't be a big problem

I'll be available

1

4:57 PM

I added a few little signs around the Space

Talk updated with date and link

2

Nice. Thanks!

Tom knows. He's more relaxed about the delivery now.

1

That's good news

I'm concerned about today's post: https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/laser-engrave-and-cut-1000-leather-keychains/29943. Guy's not a member. Has a large production job.

7:48 PM

I've asked Bill to add an option to the RFID queue that asks, "is any part of the laser work for profit?"

7:49 PM

Hoping we could get metrics on how production is impacting the queue, instead of just speculating.

Setting a max time if others are in que might be nec

fuck that

7:57 PM

we dont have a ban on people making stuff for production

We shouldn't

We could increase laser per minute cost

9:02 PM

Or an exponential rate to discourage long usage time, so it costs multiple hundreds to use all day

Another guy is there now doing a for-profit production run of 30sec jobs on stacks of wood blanks. Three people in queue. Next user has been waiting since 6p (3hrs). Prime time. We've got one laser for his type of job. He is only half way through the blanks. It's holiday time. There are people who want to make gifts for family, etc. Or just want to work on a hobby. It's a tough reality.

Will be interesting to see how lasers next week impact resource contention

Agreed. And I do want Bill to add that option where users indicate if the job is for-profit. I can give anecdotal evidence all day long. But it's not the same as metrics.

the other people could ask to get ahead of him,

1

Resource allocation in a first come first serve basis only is hard to manage as dms scales

One already has asked and was let in.

I like the keep buying more lasers if the new ones stay busy approach

1

its not hard, i used to do it all the time. the 2 new lasers will help with queue

I know @pearce.

increasing the cost isnt really the smartest, people are already sayinbg laser over charges

Supply and demand is one option, could increase supply by raising rates and driving people away to make lasers more available

1

People produce things for sale throughout DMS. The guy who posted was being very polite about it and offered to run jobs in batches to prevent hogging the machine. This is exactly what I'd like to see all members do if they have big jobs

2

The MakerSpace as a whole allows people to profit from their activity at the Space. This is a good thing. For them and us.

9:36 PM

It is a community of shared resources, so we need to help with the balance

I'm not in favor of a policy on limiting usage time, so I don't really see collecting data on "production jobs" as being beneficial

Judging and rating motives for projects is not a business I want to get into

2

Could develop dynamic pricing, just like the new toll roads, longer line = higher prices

Brandon's full of ideas

Toll roads are the high speed lanes. Other paths avail in that scenario. What's the equivalent in laser?

Just ignore him

But then he would install a digital coin op at 3am

1

Who redid the C0² air lines at the lasers? They look great. Nice to finally have hangers too. Thank you!

Brandon

9:19 AM

Will do the same on the new ones

1

Thank you @AGr

Actually there is a rule about commercial work and DMS can opt to charge for use of equipment. Charge whatever the commercial rate is if it is work being done during prime hours. If the person is stopping and allowing people to work that is one thing and being excellent - just tying it up for hours - that is differrent.

Where is this rule documented?

I'd like to know as well @David Kessinger

@David Kessinger you posted your replies on the wrong committee/chat room.

I thought the issue was commercial work on the laser?

@David Kessinger yes the laser, but you posted your replies under general_chatter.

David your interpretation of that rule is pretty different than what I got out of it when that rule came about in October 2016. At the time the discussion was all about using copy paper, supplies, breaking things, etc. Thanks for your thoughts though, I'll keep them in mind.

8:40 PM

Has that rule every been implemented before? We have members that cost the organization thousands of dollars in fees, have they been invoiced?

what fees?

not related to laser

OK. Still would like to know.

I'll talk with you about it next time I see you, not trying to derail discussion. Really wondering if the rule's ever been implemented at all.

1

Speaking of derailing: good things at Laser today. Will share once David is through...

1

Merrisa: You are the Chair of Laser, have you ever submitted anything to the BoD asking for commercial reimbursement?

no I have not, and I have never interpreted the rule that way. Hence my questions

8:56 PM

how do I quantify an expense to DMS for laser usage? If they are paying for their time there is no cost to the organization, it's just inconviencing other members who want to use the laser (edited)

If you belive it is a problem, you can submit it to the BoD, if you don't think it is problem, then don't submit it. The discretion is given to the chair: "Determination of excess to be submitted by Committee Chairs and the member billed by resolution of the Board. "

So is there a reason you won't answer my question?

8:58 PM

Trying to understand if there's a precedence here (edited)

DMS is not established as a cheap manufacturing source. When someone becomes a problem, which apparently it is becoming, then they can be billed if the Chair wants to take action. If you think it's alright for someone to have unlimited use for only $12/hr of run time and they deny usage to other members and don't believe that is a cost to members - that is your call as Chair. Just let the other members that can't get in to use it that it is just the way it is.

Should I stop asking if this rule has ever been implemented?

t hasn't that I know of. I believe some people that were becoming problems were talked to and it resolved. But the rule was clearly put there because there was a problem at some point. If people don't want to be reasonable then this is an option. Usage rules may be an issue that Laser committee wants address at their next meeting if it is becoming a problem. Reading this thread it appears it may be becoming so.

Thank you for your thoughts

If the rule hasn't been used (it hasn't that I know of) that doesn't prevent it from being implemented/used, the threat of it may be the deterrent that made it so it wasn't used. If it is now a problem, there is a rule empowering chairs with a way to deal with it. If you see me, Kris or any BoD member please speak to them also. I sincerely believe the BoD will support you, but at least for me personally, I prefer that chairs try to resolve it at their level, if it is then BoD action can be requested to support the Chairs. Having been a Chair, I preferred that the BoD have as light a touch as possible to permit maximum freedom. Only if I hear a lot of member complaints brought to me or other BoD members will it become a BoD issue. If you need support in formulating a policy I'm sure you committee and if requested, BoD members will attend if available to help.

Guess I need to go back to my original comment. People make things for sale throughout the space -- laser, woodshop, 3d fab, etc. If it's done in an a manner that is courteous to other members, it's not a problem.

9:42 PM

I don't think its feasible to correctly track why members are making things (personal or "commercial"/"production" jobs), so then it'd be limiting time used

9:43 PM

Which I've stated I'm not for, but if a future chair wants to pursue that I'd understand why

9:43 PM

I just don't want to create rules that we don't have a feasible way to implement

9:46 PM

@stephenie what was the good laser news?

Oh, goody! Hold on...

I agree. People make things here for sale. I don't have a problem with that as long as their usage doesn't become excessive to the point that members are complaining. It's at that point it becomes a problem. Idon't think we are in disagreement. I only mentioned it because it is a tool that can be used by Chairs, many are not aware of it.

1

Ah, It was added last year. Laser already charges per use.

It was a good afternoon in Laser today. Hobbyists making gifts. Queue moved. Everyone cheery, chatty and wanting to share their creations. I came in around noon(?), left around 3, came back because I forgot to pay (!!!!!!) and had to set things right, stayed until 6p-ish. So I had a good perspective on the day. Three people needed real help or they would have walked away unsuccessful and frustrated. They either had little experience on Inkscape/AI/RDWorks or the rotary. It was so nice to be there to lift them over whatever hump was in their way. You should have seen their faces. Relief co-mingled with success. Good day! Many happy users all around. So this got me thinking…

1

9:52 PM

...the new lasers may make “office hours” possible. Set aside a regular night (monthly, every other week, weekly – depending on volunteer availability), reserve one of the Thunders for a couple of hours during prime time, and staff it with an experienced Laser user(s). Advertise it as “Office Hours” for anyone stuck or “not stuck, but nervous” about using the machines. No big jobs allowed on that laser, though we could advise on the software side and those users could get in the queue for the open lasers. If there’s a low period where no one needs help, we could let anyone with a short job jump on the reserved Laser.

1

yes, not an expense to DMS unless we want to consider "commercial usage" at a different cost per minute. But I don't think we can successfully do that

9:55 PM

I like the idea Stephenie! The way I see it there is a huge need for more classes on design software (Inkscape, Adobe, etc) as that 's the big hurdle most people new to the lasers need to cross.

9:55 PM

But help on the lasers themselves would be great also. I do hear a lot that people have taken basics, but just want someone there to help guide them the first time or two they run a job

I should add that @pinewoodnut has been stopping in at night to help users. This would be more official and consistent.

What I'd like to see is Laser Basics get finished on the DMS Learn site, then there could be hands on training nights like you're thinking to help folks who aren't quite comfortable enough on their own (edited)

Who is working on the Learn class?

another member who isn't involved in the committee anymore started the framework for it. I've tried to get going on it but I don't really understand the format of creating content

9:59 PM

@AGr mentioned he could work on it

Get with Nancee @designcat. She's really helpful, knowledgeable, and great resource. She's helping Machine Shop

If anyone else wants to help we can make that happen. Previous chair Patrick made videos of the laser basics class with the intent of them being used for the online class. They should still be on the committee drive (edited)

While waiting for the online class, we could start out easy with once a month "Office Hours", first or second week of the month. I'd be willing to staff it once a month. Wait until the new year turns over.

That sounds good, but let's see how usage goes once all the lasers are up and running

Sure.

"Do or do not, there is no try". There is no could work on it, either online laser basics is already complete by someone or no one is working on it.

Nancee and Tommy have done some work on the moodle class. They restructured it. We talked about it last week, or the week before.

4:53 PM

If you ask on talk, you can probably get more video. A couple dozen folks have videoed me.

4:54 PM

Re hands on classes. That one of the main goals of my box and tumbler classes. Walking thru all the steps, and giving people some time to try it.

4:56 PM

Lots of folks take the class and are still intimidated. So "office hours" would be great. I help a lot of folks. It's great to see @stephenie and @pinewoodnut doing even more. @pearce continues to help too.

4:57 PM

With office hours, people know they can come with their questions and problems

4:58 PM

I'll work on some more project classes too. I have one planned for the Zing. Etching pens, dual layer plastic, and gift tags.

1

I'm thinking of doing a class about making jigs. I see a lot of people doing repetitive tasks that a could help with. Whether it's one off or a batch of things, they just save time and take very little effort to make

1

5:40 PM

I'd be happy to help with the office hour concept once we have the new Novas online

1

Jigs are a good idea. Troy mentioned making one for the rotary, for folks with multiple jobs.

12/10/2017 09:00 PM Trailer arrived at terminal in GRAND PRAIRIE, TX

12/11/2017 01:31 AM Trailer unloaded at terminal in GRAND PRAIRIE, TX

1:30am would have been a good time for delivery, lol

12/11/2017 09:13 AM Shipment out for delivery

Might be going to put on pants

9:30 AM

Might be time*

@StanSimmons there's a delivery

9:44 AM

doesnt look like anything we ordered lol

Lol

Flat packed lasers?

Are they completely disassembled lol ?

9:46 AM

whew

Hah dont think those are ours

Apparently it's cash on demand wood

Lots of deliveries today, I'm guessing thats the auto toolboxes in auto right now?

4x6 or smaller sections of cardboard could be placed on laser scrap shelf (bottom shelf of laser white cutting mat table next to rollup door)

@merissa I won't be there for delivery or set up. Nick's 16th birthday!

Oh how fun! 16 is exciting! Hope yall have lots of fun celebrating!

The lasers have landed

And uncrated. I hope someone is taking pictures!!!

1:56 PM

Can they stay somewhere out of the way until this evening? Need to stay at work a couple more hours

1:57 PM

Please keep the pallets too!

Yep, keeping pallets.

1

nice, looks like floor plan will work?

They are pushed into place

We can pull pics and vid from security

I put signs saying we are working on final setup.... No date/time was given

1

We have a few gallons of water for chillers at home (required to power up and start testing mirror alignment), otherwise everything should be there to hook them up.

Are we using the compressors that came with them or shop air?

2:44 PM

If shop air, do we have the 120v triggers?

2:46 PM

We should be using the thunders control board to turn on the compressed air and blower. I still see too many people forgetting to use the switch.

Hoping that control works properly on these new ones. We tried to get the blower on the big thunder back to being controlled by the control board... It would turn the blower on but then it would fail to shut it off after

2:49 PM

Testing the new ones will help troubleshoot the issue on the existing one

2:50 PM

Preference would be no switches, all auto

There is some water up here, but bring more. For now, I'm just unwrapping everything and staging stuff

1

Sounds great, thank you David!

2:57 PM

I have a few gallons of distilled water

I think there are about 2 gallons of distilled water here now

208v air solenoids to control shop air for air assist are already there and plumbed in for new lasers, everything should be automatically controlled assuming tl timer board works as expected on new lasers

Awesome

3:17 PM

Chillers take around 2 gals each

3:18 PM

Have to make sure the chiller is full after you turn it on and fill the laser tubes with water as well.

3:18 PM

I might not be able to make it until late tonight

I have four gallons and some bleach if we want to add some to prevent potential algal growth

Do we have any longer hoses for the chillers? The ones they sent are pretty short and I think the best place for the one by metal shop is by the co2 tank.

3:21 PM

Either way, we need a door stop so the metal shop for doesn't smack the laser

Chuck graf or @LukeStrickland should have the bits to drill into the ground to install a floor doorstop

Yeah we have several masonry bits

3:30 PM

and leftover studs

dont have any extra chiller tubing, can you see what size / kind it is?

3:31 PM

we could concrete anchor a 2x4 into the concrete, or we could stop by home depot and pick up one fo the 43 in stock door stops, https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-Satin-Chrome-Adjustable-Floor-Door-Stop-13559/203133718

Everbilt Satin Chrome Adjustable Floor Door Stop-13559 - The Home Depot

Visit The Home Depot to buy Everbilt Satin Chrome Adjustable Floor Doorstop 13559

3:32 PM

Aisle 70, Bay 010

We need to sort out power too. The main power cable is a standard 3 prong

thats annoying, was expecting c13 like other

3:43 PM

there are extra 5-15p female in table, can just cut off c13 end of cable and put on the 5-15p

Got some c14 to 5-15r adapters from altex, I'm assuming it won't draw 10 amps at 208v, adapters are 18awg

I was wrong. There is only about a half gallon of distilled here. The other is spring water

1

Check in Science

I should have enough that I'm bringing

First test cuts done

7:54 PM

On Blitzen... One nearest the back door. Checking switches on Donner

Is that a matte finish on the blue? Looks sexy

Think it's the same as before, just clean!!

Haha. What color do you want the vinyl? I'll cut it this week

These things are sparkly white inside

7:55 PM

I already cut some

Take pics!

7:55 PM

Excellent

Havent stuck in on yet, think this is where name will be placed though

7:57 PM

7:58 PM

Wonderful font

1

How goes the phew phew?!!

Blitzen is rocking, Donner is having issues

What kind of issues? @merissa

Wiring issues Brandon, Luke, and David are working on. Outside my realm of understanding to explain further

Anyone want to make us more focusing pucks?

Sure

11:42 PM

I prob still have the design in my member folder

11:42 PM

What a wonderful reason to need more

Wiring issues were fixed, so all lasers are operational! Trying to figure out how to set default settings in rdworks for new computers. Seems set to mirror images

X axis off

11:44 PM

Y axis on

11:44 PM

So much win! Thank you all

6mm not 5.5

K

12:03 AM

Do we have the High Def lens and the long throw now?

Not yet

12:08 AM

Mirroring thing fixed too. All good to go!

K

12:08 AM

Yay

12:09 AM

@stephenie or someone want to post on Talk?

12:09 AM

Just need them on the tool status board

You can pull the laser tracker off

12:10 AM

Great work everyone!

Oh haha! I forgot about that

Or leave it and brag

12:13 AM

@merissa I'll post.. Who helped tonight?

David, Brandon, and Luke, and Stan received

12:17 AM

(David Summers and Luke Olson)

Would be good to get feedback on if ventilation on each of lasers is good now, ie does it pull smoke out effectively

Some air monitors would be ideal

Is Donner set up and running?

Yes! All lasers are ready for use

Blowers start automatically on the new 35s, still have to use the switch on the big 63

I think there are network issues then. I can't login to the Thunder computer and Donnor computer doesbt have RDworks on desktop or internet

Eek. Sorry, might be my fault. I downloaded RDWorks to the computer yesterday thinking that would make it available for all, but maybe that only made it available for my login.

12:30 PM

Not sure why it wouldnt have internet/network connection though

12:30 PM

@StanSimmons are you available to check out the computer and see what's up?

I'm getting by by copying to disk and moving to memory

Looking to replace that computer with the same as the new ones since it seems to be the most troublesome

It cuts good though.

Wohoo!

An admin just needs to drag icon to public desktop on donner PC for icon to show up for everyone

Users could launch Rd works without icon by navigating to it's program files location and finding exe

Who could arrange getting electrician to install another light fixture in the corner of laser near red wall?

Laser pays for it?

3:35 PM

We can call the people who did the LED replacement

3:35 PM

I'll call them for you if that's what you want, let me know.

@merissa

Are we concerned that it's too dark for the Zing?

3:53 PM

Fyi...

3:54 PM

Laser is connected internally to the computer right?

3:54 PM

@AGr

3:55 PM

Could things have gotten disconnected after our test runs last night?

It's connected via USB (the dark grey cable going through floor conduit back around co2 cylinder then up into body), it looks unconnected because we unmounted usb b connector from face so that people cant unplug it. They should remove the ethernet

3:57 PM

rd works was already installed just without an icon on the desktop

I dont understand why it wouldnt be communicating with the pc

Looking at cam its really dark in corner above zing

Yeah, we need good lighting at the Zing.

I didnt have trouble operating it last night, but more light can't hurt

DavidS knows about settings in rd works to tell it to connect over usb, I didn't look at how that is setup, they might have altered it by reinstalling rd works

Might not have installed the USB driver with the install?

It was working, unknown what plugging network cable in did to either internal state of laser or what changes they made to rd works, an admin (@merissa or @pinewoodnut) will have to look at it

That's how we sent test jobs last night

4:07 PM

Seems like the network issues today caused confusion on the laser connection

4:09 PM

@LukeStrickland that would be great on lighting, can you let me know how much they quote?

Any rush on the service? He said he's running about a week out at the moment

Nope, that'll be fine

ok I'll get a quote for you

1

Can anyone respond to Troy on Talk regarding the usb connection that's in place on Donner? (edited)

4:13 PM

Can just copy and paste AGr's comment above

I posted my own but can change

To be clear, We want the Zing on the network so the other wheel chair accessible PCs can send jobs.

Will anyone be at the space tonight to take a look at things?

4:26 PM

Spent a lot of time last night making sure the wiring was all correct on that one, so sad that there's an issue

@pinewoodnut the desktop link to rd works needs to be copied to public desktop folder

4:28 PM

and we should unmount the ethernet jack from the panel to prevent people plugging things in

I'll be at the space in a little while and check on things

2

4:31 PM

I'll sort out the shortcut for rdworks.

I'll be there tomorrow if anything is needed

The computer from Donner wouldn't register the laser using USB past a single reboot. For now, I worked with Stan and we swapped out the PC for a new one he had.

1

9:14 PM

I got rdworks installed and tested it with a reboot and another user login. Everything went fine. Inkscape is installed, but we need to finish up the Illustrator install.

9:14 PM

Someone was using it went I left.

1

Sounds good. Thank you and Stan for working on it. We can see how that computer does and talk about keeping it or purchasing a new computer like the new ones we have

@merissa what font was used for the vinyl cut names?

I'm not sure... I'll have to check the file next time I'm up there ( probably Saturday)

1

@merissa I just saw that a Member Meeting is scheduled for tomorrow. Are you able to present on short notice? New business is re: classes and honorariums. Does Laser have a strong position on this issue?

Not sure yet if I can make it, will try. I have no comments/concerns on the honorarium topic. Anyone else have thoughts on this related to laser that need to be considered?

Not sure what laser specifically has to do with it

Me either, just checking though

2:58 PM

If I can attend I'll give a brief update on new lasers

2:58 PM

During committee reports

2:59 PM

Regarding Donner issues, we're using the same usb cables on Donner as Blitzen. We can try a new one though

3:01 PM

Now I'm wishing we had just replaced that computer from the start since that PC has always been problematic

I'm assuming today meant the newly installed computer david/stan setup last night?

3:04 PM

There are supplied a/b usb cables in the black/yellow toolboxes on white table

3:05 PM

couldnt hurt to make all the computers in laser the same, would only cost 2,000 out of ~7,000 laser balance

Yes I think Jorge was saying trouble happening today

3:07 PM

Anyone have objections to standardizing the laser PCs all to the small Dell form factors like the two at the wall mounted desk?

Best idea

also interesting to note that with increased laser availability I would estimate should generate over $2,000 / month in usage fees

Which is great because if for some reason one laser ever breaks, we should have a reserve of funds to replace it

3:54 PM

For now though more income can help buy more lenses and rotaries

1

Updated signs on bulletin board today. Posted new class schedule. Added a separate sign for the filepath to the virus-free RDWorks file on committee drive, plus words of encouragement to keep the queue moving by not designing on Laser computers. @john a gorman pointed out that Illustrator is available on computers in Digital Frontier and Creative Arts, so version 2.0 of that sign will include that info.

Standard PCs make maintenance much much easier

4:52 PM

Merissa does not need to be present for the membership meeting, but should submit a report. Attending the meeting though would be good. @merissa did well pushing for the new machines and organising the space

I'd like to be there to get any feedback members might have, so going to try to make it

1

I'm not seeing any issues with Donner at this point, but moving to a single standard PC would be great. Do we replace the PC for Thunder too? (edited)

5:42 PM

BTW,I thought we were keeping the 63 named thunder and zing named zing. The wiki is calling them Comet and Rudolph. Thoughts?

We had said Rudolph for the Zing during maintenance. Were we not serious about that? And I was proposing Comet, but that didn't get to Merissa in time. Let me go fix the wiki... (edited)

BTW, watching the camera today I never saw less than 2 Novas in use. Most of the time it was 3. For I while I saw all 3 AND Zing in use.

ditto. I was there when all was in use.

We do need someone to install Illustrator on the new PC for Donner

Removed the one instance of Comet in wiki. Do I remove Rudolph, too?

I edited the wiki earlier to show all the Nova with 130 watt tubes. I had a few questions about them being 100 watt......that was my mistake a few weeks ago

Let's not rename the original 2

5:49 PM

They are all 130w

So Rudolph goes back to Zing

I like giving the Nova 63 another name. Because we now have 3 Thunders. Comet works with the theme the team chose. Plus Comet is the baddest of all the crew.

All the lasers are being used right now!

6:05 PM

Woo

I thought the theme was thunder and lightning, not reindeer. As for the best reindeer, I'm not even getting into that debate.

Lol

@pinewoodnut Thanks for bumping up the Talk request to update Tool Status Board.

6:35 PM

Lisa's been quiet online lately, so I tagged Chris Marlow, too.

I labeled the big thunder "Thunder" just like the names on the new ones

6:36 PM

Since "zing" is really big right on the front of that one I didnt think it needed anything else

Loved that font!

Yay! I played around with a few before picking that one

I admit to spending hours I will never get back in chase of the right font.

Me too... Way too indecisive

Can we pick a date for the next laser committee meeting?

Maybe we can meet at the maintenance day?

Just what I was going to say

6:49 PM

I'll get it on the calendar tonight

I get lost in fonts

Finishing up at work

@LukeStrickland was someone doing something very dusty in main workshop 30 minutes ago? (6:15)

i wasnt there, was looking at cams

6:54 PM

I'll be there in 15ish

blower/lasers have been going constantly with no increase in particulate, then it spiked to abnormally high levels

6:56 PM

I'm gonna say yes

7:14 PM

Based on the smell

laser smell or what?

Can someone respond to Jorge on Talk that he can pay the next time he's at the space (and thank him for fessing up). We dont support paypal because the funds no longer make their way to the committee

Done.

8:01 PM

From Jorge : "Ok thanks. I feel like such a tool. I’m teaching Friday night so I’ll pay then. Thank you team laser!"

1

Thank you!!

We need to get a link to Square on the wiki

I thought we couldn't take remote/off-site payments?

We prefer immediate payments. But will settle for getting paid.

8:27 PM

PayPal goes into one big bucket. It's not broken out by dept

8:28 PM

Square is supposedly set to by committee and item

8:28 PM

We should be able to up how much was paid for the Thunder vs zing for example

8:29 PM

And even see how much was paid per day/week/month

That would give us another usage metric.

8:30 PM

How do we get that data?

Robert runs our square account

Yes. That should be opened up more. But even finance has much access to it

@merissa, if you are not interested in digging into data and want to give me the OK, I'll approach Robert and/or finance for access.

What is planned to use the data for?

9:07 PM

Brandon has been brainstorming a better laser firing time tracker

Knowledge. How often machines are used, demand patterns.

9:08 PM

That works, too.

What came of the log in info from infra?

we had one on the saur that measured high voltage time (edited)

Nothing from Stan yet.

9:09 PM

I've not been up to the Space for any significant time recently. Busy season.

and i think rdworks may log time. i do know it knows the difference between laser time and total time

Just leaving now. I've heard and seen members having issues with Thunder today. They run a job fine and then it won't run the next job. Loses the connection to the laser until you reboot the PC. I couldn't find anything specific, but a reboot worked. It will work fine for quite a while, then need to reboot between jobs. Then it starts working fine again.

On the 63?

See how confusing it is to call it Thunder?

9:22 PM

The Talk thread is reporting the issue on Donner.

e-z, change the name to "The OG"

1

its really not complicated

Did anything show up in windows event viewer? I will try to repro it this weekend

Laser maintenance and committee meeting scheduled for Sunday 1/7 from 11 to 2

9:51 PM

Will be looking for committee chair nominees

The issue yesterday with Donner is fixed. I'll update that thread on Talk

10:06 PM

The issue I'm talking about tonight is with Thunder AKA Nova 63 AKA "The OG"

1

What you describe on Thunder sounds like what Jorge reported on Donner today too, so that's why I wanted to make sure

10:09 PM

Nothing has really changed about Thunder... wasn't unplugged/moved/anything. The cable got housed in a cord cover, but otherwise it's all the same

I didn't realize that Donner had that issue today.... Just read the thread

weird that the lasers with the older computers are having issues

Yes, it seems like the same issue

and I don't think anyone has reported that issue on Thunder before... so timing is weird

We can always switch to network instead of USB, but I know we haven't wanted to do that in the past.

10:15 PM

I'm guessing it's to keep members from using rdworks from their personal machines

yeah don't want someone to be able to start a job like from the common room or something

I understand

Were OG Thunder's belts worked on during install? Pearce had mentioned on Talk that was the plan.

The zing requires physical presence at the machine to start a job. So folks can send jobs all day long, but they have to be selected at the machine to go

10:37 PM

The Thunders do have some safe guards, like you cannot start a job, or even load a job, if one is in progress. I do not know what other protections are in place.

To my knowledge, the belts have not been replaced yet. We talked about waiting until Donner and Blitzen were online. To me it really doesn't seem like a big issue unless you are trying to cut or make shallow cut lines at high speeds. Slowing down to something less than 300mm/sec works for me.

yeah its not getting done until they get fully online. just slow it down

Good thing to get done in January

It would be good to compare and chart the speeds and results now for each machine as benchmarks. We can then judge degradation on the machines over time.

I want to thank the laser volunteers for getting the two new Thunderlasers, I know it was a lot of work getting everything setup.

1

9:53 AM

Any idea on the maintenance we need to do on the original Thunderlaser? Does the rotary attachment work now?

Rotary is working and can be used on the 63 or 35s

11:39 AM

The big thunder should be working well, we cleaned and aligned it just a week or two ago. Planning to replace belts after the holiday.

@AGr did you update dallas.ms/air ?

1:01 PM

or was that someone else

yes, moved some of the sensors around, surprised anyone knows that url

I monitor it sometimes

1:02 PM

Did you remove the workshop / woodshop?

yeah they werent working in previous spots, so took those down

I'd like for them to still exist, how can I help get them back online?

1:04 PM

I've reset the one in machine shop a couple of times

1:06 PM

Honestly I loved the air quality sensors, wanted more of them and for the wifi to break less lol

Workshop one was on but not responsive, hadn't logged anything in 5 months, its currently in cardboard box under white laser table, was going to troubleshoot it later and repurpose it to directly monitor laser firing time. Could order more pis and sensors and build new ones, all the info is linked to from the air page

1:09 PM

the pm sensor is well past its manufacturer rated lifetime

1:09 PM

isnt there a new software committee or something? Could try and get them to take up making new ones

I'd rather just do it myself lol

1:11 PM

Wish rpi's were poe

@Robert replied to the question of having a way to remotely pay for laser time using Square: "I have met with chairs in the past and overall the idea is people need to pay on site at the time of service. Not pay up front or pay after the fact." . I've asked him to join us on discord to revi

3:07 PM

I've asked him to join us on discord to revisit the issue since @merissa is not on Talk.

I've gotten data from Robert when needed, and I've found issues with the committee not getting all of its square payments for some reason. Robert is having the board/accountant try to correct it.

3:11 PM

But going back to usage data, I think we should put monitors on the lasers to start gathering that

3:11 PM

Brandon discussed a bit above about modifying the air sensors to use for this kind of purpose

I'm talking about a different issue that John raised yesterday on discord: having a way to pay for laser time after someone (Jorge, for example) leaves the property. @john a gorman wanted a link to Square on the wiki as a backup.

3:13 PM

Sorry if that wasn't clear.

And I agree with Robert's comment. We want people paying onsite at the time of service. If they forget I have no problem with them paying the next time they're onsite as long as it doesn't become the norm

Then I'll tell Robert we're OK and not to bother coming over to discord.

3:17 PM

@john a gorman See Merissa's response above.

3:19 PM

@merissa Would you like a post on Talk announcing the Maintenance Day + Committee Mtg? With encouragement to candidates for laser chair? I posted a sign today on the bulletin board. (edited)

Sure that'd be great

Done. And I tagged Ken to remind him of his interest in the gig.

1

Every time I pull up the camera feed all three thunder lasers are in use! So awesome

That is. I wonder if it is demand that was already there that we were not meeting, or if more people want to use it now because they have a better chance of using it.

It's December. Usage always went up for holiday gifts

That too

Yes, and very glad they're finally here and available for people to make!!

We need to update the sign in sheet. It needs to be bigger, longer, and let them specify if they need the 63.

we need the individual ones back

7:29 PM

they could have an "estimated cut time" on them too

Individual ones?

for each machine. at some point the zing and saur ones vanished

Understood.

Those two basically got destroyed so I threw them away

7:31 PM

How do you propose we make them bigger? What would we make them out of/where would we put them?

7:32 PM

I can make more like what's on Thunder for each one

Do we assume the RFID queue has a long lead time?

I like one big one. Most won't care which thunder

Or just have no queue and let people figure it out themselves

1

Thunderdome?

1

7:34 PM

"Thunder"dome?

thumbderdome

It took eight months to make the storage kiosk when it already existed and just had to be recreated...

we can use an upside down basket for thumb wrestling cage matches

Hahahaa

I ask because that determine how much we want to invest into a system.

7:35 PM

system being too strong a word, of course.

Paper versions require basically no investment:)

7:36 PM

Pack of the plastic holders is like 15$

What have people been doing so for this week regarding ordering when more than 3 want to laser?

What about a sign in board on the north wall by the zing? Make it really long. It's possible to get a sheet of melamine at Home Depot. Just spit balling here. There's not enough horizontal space on the plastic holder to write time and number and zing only or 63 only.

7:39 PM

Or mount in on the back door. Still just spit balling...

7:40 PM

One queue lets people move to the first free machine that meets their needs.

There can be a lot of confusion knowing who is next

7:40 PM

One queue for the thunder is most efficient

@AGr they wait for the first machine to open up. Kind of like at some stores where the express lines or self check out lines are fed by one queue and you wait for a register to open.

7:42 PM

See y'all at the member meeting...

I just watched three people trying to figure out who was next and who to message

A human-executed algorithm.

Not a good algorithm

I feel like everyone needs remedial Laser Basics, with a curriculum update to reflect the new normal.

11:25 PM

sigh

ive said that for years

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1h1BwW6vKVFvlVCy_TNBgAMIuLue8INfZENk8ZPTN_3s/edit?usp=sharing

Laser wait list

Laser wait list: A website that manages people waiting to use the lasers at DMS Let people easily add themselves to list, with no rfid or authentication, they just have to physically at DMS Anyone in world can view current state of laser wait list Only users accessing the site from inside DMS ca...

2:56 AM

Tried to describe a potential minimal viable system and use cases for a laser wait list system. Would only take a couple days to develop, but not sure it would be worth the effort. There are too many edge cases to implement a robust automated wait list solution. System doesn't work in cases of people not responding to wait list notification, someone showing up to empty laser and ignoring wait list, someone leaving laser and not checking wait list, someone getting notified and starting to use laser without removing self from wait list, not to mension user expectations being raised if they perceive it as a scheduling or reservation system

3:02 AM

A system that only works if every single laser user follows a multi step process, and becomes completely useless if one laser user forgets a step seems not very helpful. Cant send notification to person on wait list unless previous laser user remembers to check wait list when they are done, so wait listed person would wait forever unless they physically walk up to laser and see its now open (edited)

3:06 AM

If people standing there just need a way to say I was here first, we can just put up a take a number dispenser, and have a button that when pressed uses DMS intercom to say "Now serving next laser user" (since we assume they must be inside the building, message would not actually say the number, it would just be up to everyone with a number to run up to laser and see who had the lowest number, lowest goes next)

No one on any of the lasers, lol

Questions... Why wouldnt we want rfid integration?

2:04 PM

I'd love it if people couldnt enter the queue if their badge doesnt show they've completed laser basics

2:04 PM

(or log into computers, but we're talking queue right now)

I'm good with the idea of it.

I thought it wasn't in dispute that we're getting an RFID queue.

It will when Bill/Stan make it happen

2:07 PM

Brandon's talking his idea right now that he could develop and make asap

2:08 PM

(People have stated they'd make us an electronic laser queue as long as I've been chair) (edited)

Everyone at DMS is full of well-intended false promises

1

@AGr why no rfid?

"a potential minimal viable system", rfid would significantly complicate development and take more than 2 days

2:21 PM

instead of a simple website with twilio that can be hosted anywhere, it would need to be hosted inside DMS and talk to other dms apis to read rfid data, and then it wouldn't be a simple kiosk, would require hardware level integration with usb reader to have a better experience than having key swipe just put keystrokes into a browser window

Ok. Maybe in a future version?

2:21 PM

Or maybe not

2:22 PM

Next thought... I don't think this needs to be publicly viewable

2:22 PM

We have the cams for that

2:22 PM

Just need something you see in the laser area

My question was if its worth developing anything at all, given the fragility of such a system (requires person finishing a job to take action to function) and unknown demand going forward

Just lock the PC's to the laser basics people

2:27 PM

Like the multicam user groups

Was that something infrastructure made happen?

The only reason I want RFID is to help manage the queue. I don't see another reason for it

And Brandon I agree, so many things that could make an electronic queue fail because we know we cant expect all users to follow instructions

2:31 PM

That's why I'm pretty ok with the written system now

2:31 PM

John you dont think restricting laser usage to laser certified members is a good reason?

I don't think it's a problem we should spend effort on

Not much effort in making the security groups

not much effort creating the groups, significant effort managing group membership

If we're sticking with the written thing, could I at least put in a request for some more fine tipped pens to write our names and numbers down for the... good-handwriting-challenged like myself?

There a box of fine tipped pens in the drawer. Don't put them all out at once. One should be out right now.

I'll try and make sure there are always some on hand too

3:45 PM

I had them stuck with velcro to each list initially which seemed to keep them from disappearing, so maybe will try that again

what about doing something like the paper one we had but with strips of something that we can use dry-erase markers on and have magnets on the back, so when you walk up you grab a strip and add it to the bottom of the list. If some one finishes or bows out of the queue the list can be sifted.

2

That's a much better method that erasing and rewriting like I do

There are not enough thumbs up for that!

I have walked up to it befor and seen it be 4,5,3,1,2 we where alll wondering who was next (edited)

Can we cut melamine on the laser? Get a small sheet from Home Depot, make strips, afix magnets...then stick it on what surface?

someone could bend a thin sheet of mettal and put it maybe somewhere near where the old plastic one is/was

They make magnet strips that you can dry erase

7:06 PM

We use them at Polyprinter for a list similar to what you described

7:07 PM

https://www.amazon.com/Erase-White-Magnetic-Strip-Magnet/dp/B003BCYWL2

1

yep something like that

Cut to size. We could grab a plate of steel and plasma cut something up top and mount it to a wall

7:14 PM

If we wanted to get fancy with it

7:14 PM

I'm sure there's a plate in metal that Chuck would let laser have

7:16 PM

I could back light it with LEDs too

LEDs? Game over.

Good idea, found a 2"x10' roll on amazon with one day shipping, will have it at DMS tomorrow

2" or 1"? 2 inches seems wide.

i wish there was a 1.5"

Someone said there were 9 users in the queue at one point. If that's to be believed, board needs to be over 18" tall?

Amazing idea @Techd84!

SIARPC Lab Board

10:09 PM

Something like seems like a lovely idea...

Where to put it? Move the small cabinet somewhere and use that spot?

Or might fit next to it and the tombstone

10:12 PM

Will have to see how big it ends up being

could do it above the tombstone and use the stone as the base platform (edited)

9:02 PM

New queue coming along. Magnet strips on the way

9:06 PM

Also the font I used for the laser names is called Nulshock, downloaded from dafont.com

The blower on Thunder (Nova63) starts automatically now when you start a job :)

9:27 PM

So the only laser requiring manually flipping the blower switch is the Zing

What is the link to the cameras looking over the lasers?

10:18 PM

I like that queue board!

Did we leave at least a foot between the Zing and the wall? It has to have a foot clearance to be able to access the right side for regular cleaning so you can get the controller and side cover off.

10:19 PM

Same for left side.

10:21 PM

Doesn't look like there is room.

10:22 PM

It can't be up against the wall.

10:23 PM

Need to move it to the left. Hope there is room.

10:27 PM

Thanks Spencer

The zing needs to be swapped with the Thunder for access and teaching.

1

12:37 AM

Beautiful. Thank you @AGr

There is room on either side of the Zing, didn't see the message to measure when we were still at the space

12:55 AM

due to the size of the Nova35 and the location of the blower, the Zing has to stay in its current location

12:58 AM

I'd recommend that we unplug the zing and take it outside to clean all the dust out from the side panels when that's needed. Blowing it out into the laser area just moves the mess elsewhere and means people have to breathe it in... not good (edited)

wow, delivery people working overtime, the dry erase magnetic strip roll was delivered at 12:31am

? I didn't see it before I left, lol

2:17 AM

Crazy though

Merrisa, Having to take the Zing outside to clean isn't very realistic. We can just use the vacuum plus air and that should avoid dust well enough. It seems to need cleaning frequently. The zing only needs to move to the left away from the wall. As along as there is room on the table to do and the exhaust hose is flexible enough to slide it, that it should be ok.

Disconnect one hose clamp, power, Ethernet, interlock, air assist. Slide forward onto hydraulic lift table, cart it outside. Easier to move it than clean it in place

AGr, I totally disagree because of all the steps you listed. Also, having to disconnect stuff, move it outside and then back inside and reconnect everything frequently is just asking for problems. I will continue to clean in place with air plus vacuum to catch the dust. Also, keep in mind that I'm not talking about cleaning out the grid box that way. The grid box comes out and can be emptyed and cleaned over a trash can. It is all of the other mechanizms such as the recently failed-due-to-dirty limit switches in the right side that need cleaning. However, since it doesn't have a compressed air nozzle blowing in the vicinity of the lens to help move soot into the suction of the air outlet, it seems that it gets dirty really fast and needs more frequent cleaning than the other lasers. Certainly the lens needs more frequent cleaning because of this.

How often do you recommend this cleaning? @pinewoodnut has been advocating for a regular cleaning schedule.

I'm not sure how often. It just seems to be really dirty when I use it. A regular cleaning schedule for all lazers sounds like a good idea. Maybe monthly? What do you think?

1:14 PM

This is kinda the same issue as dust collection in the Woodshop except that users are expected to empty the bins themselves. Cleaning lasers may require special training for the scheduled cleaning crew vs. just letting users do it (which I doubt they will do very often).

@merissa has scheduled a January Maintenance Day and seems like everyone is on board with a monthly cleaning. But if Zing needs more frequent attention, that flag needs to be raised and an alternative schedule for it proposed. The guidelines clearly state only authorized maintenance folks have any business cleaning, repairing, maintain lasers. So no worries there.

1:18 PM

@merissa Any recommendations to updating this list: https://dallasmakerspace.org/wiki/Laser_Committee#Authorized_Maintainers

Laser Committee

1:18 PM

I see Beau is not on it. I believe you've told me it's out of date.

Yes, please include me in any Laser Maintenance discussions/groups. I've done a lot of the maintenance work on the Zing in the past including, belts, new laser, alignment, and so on. I haven't done any work on the others but I'm willing if needed. It's just that the Zing covers 95% of what I need to do with the Lasers so I tended to focus on it.

1:36 PM

As for Zing cleaning frequency, let's see how a monthly cleaning works out. I'll bet that a monthly cleaning will be sufficient but we can keep a close eye on it to make sure.

1:36 PM

What day/time in January so I can put it on my schedule?

Sunday, January 7th 11am-2pm

OK. Marked on my schedule. See you then if not before.

1

We can scrap the old "maintainers"list and recreate at that meeting

1

@gbeauw I suggest seeing the zing in person. It's much farther away from the wall than it looks. And it has plenty of room to move around on the table. I cleaned the side you are worried about without moving it from it's current position

Great. It is hard to tell from the camera. Thanks, Pearce. I've been tied up with teaching a Morse Code class but that is over now. I should be able to come out soon to say "hello" to it in person.

Just realized I forgot to count the cash box yesterday, and I dont think I can get back up there today. Finance wanted all boxes counted by Monday

@merissa How long does a count take typically? I live 15m away and have a flexible schedule. Can definitely find a 2nd person for oversee the count.

About half an hour, there are forms/slips/bags near the finance drop box. And Jayson Woods has been great helping me the past couple times

4:32 PM

He knows the process and what to look for. I can send him a message asking if he'll be around tonight

Are there keys needed to get into the box?

There's drills

2

Yes, infrastructure would have to get you access to the keys

aka @StanSimmons ?

Yes

Send Jayson a message.

4:37 PM

I am experienced counting large sums of cash from scout, ptsa, church fundraisers. Up to $2K. I've a got a counting sheet, having done it often enough.

I'll let you know if he's available. Always best to have at least two people do it so can check each other's count

I wouldn't dream of so much as opening that box without a 2nd person on hand. A third is even better. My reputation is at stake. And all counting will be out in the open.

1

Sounds like he's not available till tomorrow night

Too bad.

I'm in Bryan/College Station tonight. I'll be back Monday evening.

Thanks Stan. Sounds like we might not make it for tomorrow

12:17 AM

What are we looking at?

Donner burned out a lens. Frankie was using it. It was cutting well. Then he noticed it was smoking.

12:20 AM

The compressor is running

12:21 AM

Frankie pointed out that the burn is off center. Maybe that was generating heat?

No it can be off center

K

Can you leave it in the holder?

12:22 AM

It could have been flipped over

12:22 AM

It's not off center enough to have caused that

Should I mark Donner as down so you can look at it tomorrow? We have extra lens, right? If so, I can switch it out

It either had stuff on the lense that blocked the laser or wasn't tight enough and slipped down onto the stuff being cut and didn't let the air escape the nozzle

12:24 AM

It's possible the single tap can't pump out enough air to run 4 lasers at once.

12:24 AM

Either way we should contact thunder about it

Please mark it as down for now

Pearce, do you want to contact Thunder? tech@deleted-role.com

I don't know what happened with it or what was done for setup on it, I don't know that I will help much with that

Frankie says the lens tube didn't move. For thing he checked was the focus.

12:36 AM

He says it was warm, but not really hot when he checked it. He was doing 2min runs, so not really an extended job.

I mean the lens could have slipped on another job, gathered soot, and burned up on him from unfortunate timing

12:51 AM

I'm suggesting contacting them because this close to installation it could have been a manufacturer defect

to test that air assist solenoid is opening, can lower bed completely, fire short job with lens off and the air assist line off in back (push in white collar on fitting and pull blue tube out, to reconnect just push it in) , will be able to hear that its triggering air assist solenoid or not

I have already left. I'll check tomorrow if someone else has not

My guess is the plug going in to laser to power air assist vibrated out. (I noticed those plugs were not very tight the other day, and one was almost touching ducting which vibrates). Could wrap electrical tape around outside of c14 plug (to expand diameter) for exhaust fan and air assist and jam them back in so they cant fall out. There is electrical tape in cardboard box on top shelf of laser cutting mat table. (edited)

1:25 AM

To double check that machine is attempting to turn on air assist visually can look at the two relays on the right side of the machine, the green led means its turning on the relay. The top relay is air assist, the bottom is fan exhaust

1:25 AM

Inside right door of laser, relays are under main contactor

1:26 AM

obviously dont touch anything when opening door while laser is plugged in

Other thing to check when evaluating if its turning on air assist is what the effect of the If Blowing selection is in rd works. I haven't verified but it may be possible to disable air assist in the software (if that is possible, we may consider rewiring that relay so its not possible to control that from software)

Does the zing work with rd world?

1:25 PM

I have a bunch of smaller wood pieces I'd like to laser and the two larger ones feel like overkill but I'm not as familiar with the zing

no it uses its own software

1:27 PM

just use the smaller nove 35 lasers, we got them so people could do smaller tasks

What Pearce said, but the zing is pretty easy to learn if you want to go that way. If you post about day/time you'll be there and need some help on it I bet someone will help walk you through it

It's been a while since I've done anything with the lasers ... We got new ones?

Yes! They came in and we got them fired up last Monday. One is down with a broken lens right now though

4:04 PM

So currently have the big Thunder Nova63, the smaller Thunder Nova35 we named "Blitzen", and the Zing available for use

And that one works with RDWorks?

5:06 PM

Is there a manual got it on the wiki? Or do I need to take the class all over?

3 use rd works

The new Thunder Nova35s use RDWorks and operate just like the existing Thunder

They work the same as the large one

So if you've taken laser basics on that one then you're good to go

Gotcha

5:12 PM

It's been a bit so i might put out the call for assistance on Talk

You'll see that the laser area looks a little different now. The big thunder is still in the same place. The Zing and one of the 35s are operated by two new computers on the back wall (one near the door operates the 35, one near the corner operates the Zing) (edited)

Do we have extra lenses? I can look at Donner tonight if its still down

ill be up later as well, but i think we should keep it together for as long as possible to see what thunder says about it

5:44 PM

this shouldnt have happened this fast

We do. @john a gorman didnt you say you have them locked in the classroom storage bin? We need to mount the key lockbox so all laser supplies are accessible to the committee (edited)

5:44 PM

Agree Pearce, really disappointed :(

5:45 PM

Took less than a week

5:46 PM

@AGr can we mount the lockbox on the wall behind donner?

where is the classroom storage bin?

Or maybe on the wall by the zing

5:47 PM

One of the lockable personal storage bins I think

5:48 PM

@AGr also what did we do with the extra metal scrap from the queue?

yeah can mount lockbox and put keys in it

5:49 PM

There wasn't much, I think I put it on donation shelf

5:49 PM

was a ~6"x24" piece left over

Ok... Might pick up some more to finalize the sign a bit along with the magnet strips (edited)

5:51 PM

@pearce do you know what time you'll be up?

8 or 9

Sounds good. Think Brandon will be there around the same time. I likely can't make it up tonight but if yall find anything we need to report to Thunder just let me know and I can handle that

Should we check Blitzen to see if it has any impending issues? I'd like to head off anything else before it becomes an issue. (edited)

yeah ill look

I was unable to log on to the PC by the zing

7:35 PM

7:36 PM

Something about not the right domain?

Is it just your login or everyone's?

I do not know

Will need to get infrastructure on it

I finished my class and had one to attend

Just posted in the infrastructure thread asking for help

@StanSimmons should be back in town tonight, per his previous comment.

9:24 PM

1

Confirmed that If Blowing no it disables air assist

9:41 PM

I will rewire them to disable that feature

Was that the default setting and what was going on? (edited)

9:45 PM

I still dont understand why that's even an option in the software

There are some jobs that you MIGHT want to turn off air assist, but only if you REALLY know what you are doing. We should just prevent that as an option for our members. (edited)

Agreed

We changed to the small diameter air nozzle and that should give higher flow and hopefully prevent further issues. I got a lot of stuff off the lense from Blitzer, but it's looking good now.

10:17 PM

@merissa can you get a quote from thunder for a full set of replacement lenses for all 3 types: standard/hr/4 inch

Think the air hadnt been going on that one either?

It had the same large nozzle, but I swapped it too

10:19 PM

It was very dirty

10:19 PM

Eek

But like I said, the lense looks good now and it has the small nozzle

Awesome, thank you

10:21 PM

I will get info on the lenses

10:21 PM

Is the Zing computer working for folks now?

About the lenses. I talked with @@pearce and we would like a set of them from thunder. Then we can try to sort out generic.

10:23 PM

All the computers are having network issues. Something with Infrastructure, not the machines. Brandon logged in as local admin on the 2 new ones for now so people can work.

10:24 PM

Some people can login to Thunder, but no one seems to be able to get to Donner

10:25 PM

Headed home. I'll try to keep up on discord, but busy week ahead at work. Good luck to all.

Infrastructure did some kind of update this morning I think, guess it messed something up

10:26 PM

Thank you David!

Air assist relay now jumpered to fan relay, so both come on at same time, so an internal splitter instead of external splitter. Air assist stays on for same length of time as blower

Nice, no matter what setting in software says?

Yeah, that setting won't do anything anymore

1

11:19 PM

8 spare lenses, 20 spare mirrors, long and short focus tubes

they do exist!

11:21 PM

will now be kept in lower locking part of laser tool cabinet

11:22 PM

I'll share the lockbox code with laser maintainers at the January meeting (edited)

Should I throw away old full spectrum lenses?

I'd say yes... @pearce see any need for them?

They might be the same lenses. Let's keep until tested

Observed the USB issue a couple times on both Nova 35s, quick fix is unplug and replug USB on the laser(the grey translucent cable). I moved donner USB plug back to face to make it easy to do this.

Looks like it's using USB com port 5, I increased baud rate from 9600 to 57600 for blitzen only, will see if that makes a diffetence

Is there a difference in lenses for the HD and long throw? Or is it the tube length?

2:49 AM

Having the air assist option enabled is good. In class I say to leave it on. It was not the problem with Frankie.

2:50 AM

The Zing software (acrobat and print driver) needs to be on all the laser computers, esp for class.

2:52 AM

With the current set up, I can only show 4 people at a time how to do the hands on portion, and even that is awkward, as you have to be to right to see the laser

2:53 AM

The zing is cutting very well. My typical settings for Vector are too aggressive. That's great news. Thank you all who have helped with it

2:54 AM

I have been pushing the Jan 7 meeting/work day for folks to get trained and involved in laser.

2:54 AM

I'll post it on Talk if it is not already there

2:56 AM

I do have a Zing specific class this week. Very cool to see it full.

2:57 AM

I wonder if the HD lens for the Thunder will be able to match the Zing's quality

I left 2 sets of speakers on the laser tables. Don't trash them

3:07 AM

I'll be back tomorrow

set them in lost and found, wasnt sure whose they were

Lost and found works. Thanks

Any thoughts on idea to replace all of the random bits of metal being used as weights on lasers with som 3/16" hot rolled plate? 2'x4' = $50, would plasma cut into shapes such as corners, and have those as weights to hold down things. Would be ~4.8mm thick, so would prevent head crashing into it as long as its focused at correct height

2

3:56 PM

Each piece would weigh 1.5-2 pounds

Great idea

Love this idea! The huge chunks of metal that have accumulated in the area for weights do make me nervous for our lasers

I like the idea, but any chance we could also get some magnets? Find something small but powerful and paint them red for laser.

how would we use the magnets?

the bed is thin steel, the magnets would hold stuff to them

6:46 PM

BUT

6:47 PM

its so thin the magnests dont do that much

(there's always a "but")

they are still weights, so theres that

Be sure to engrave or mark the weights as Laser Group property. Stuff disappears too fast. With a label, they may stick around longer.

1

@pinewoodnut think we could find some magnets at 5mm or less and strong enough?

Laser blower just turned in on its own with zero people at the computers

9:16 PM

And turned off

9:17 PM

Can probably get a good video of me reacting to it at 9:15

1

Ghost laser user

the auto delay off box I added to thunder has a usb 5v power supply plugged into the air assist outlet, probably that is triggering occassional false signals, as longs as it turns off soon I'm not too worried about it (20 to 25 seconds is the delay in the delay relay board)

9:40 PM

you could try pulling one of the neodynium magnets off the wait list and see if they would work, they are from home depot, but can order them in any size off amazon

There was a large box of very powerful magnets in Machine Shop. They were effectively free for the taking, but may have all been claimed at this point.

The blower relay on the Zing takes about 60 seconds from turning on the blower to allowing cutting.

I dont think it was doing that to me the other day, but can you put a sign up saying to turn the blower on early?

I will. It's been an ongoing thing

2:43 PM

All four lasers are in use today. It's hopping.

Hmm. We need to look into that Zing/blower delay issue. That shouldn't be happening.

3:12 PM

That means you don't really know if the laser will fire on the first part of your job.

Is there a 60 second delay before interlock status led goes green after flipping switch?

There wasn't any such delay in the past (i.e. before the move).

3:14 PM

If there is a light that comes on (Interlock status?) that shows when it is ready, we can use that as a temporary workaround by posting a notice.

3:15 PM

However, this makes me think we still have an interlock sensor problem that was discussed in the past. Not sure what Pearce did to fix it last time. I think it might have just suddenly started working again. Could be intermittent.

Lights are on the right side of the machine. @john a gorman if you're still around can you check it out?

Here's what Epilog TS said about Interlock:

3:20 PM

Focus your attention on the right side wall. You will notice two wires are going to be attached to the sensors that are directly below the gaskets that keep the glass window from slamming. To test to see if these sensors are working you may loosen the screws that are keeping them in place. With two magnets I would like you to touch both the sensors. If it all works you should see the interlock notification light turn on, on the right side of the machine.

3:22 PM

Apparently there are two sensors and both must be activated or the Interlock light doesn't come on.

3:22 PM

I'm thinking that we have an intermittent wire to one of them or one of the sensors itself has gone intermittent.

3:23 PM

It could be that the 60 sec delay experienced was just the intermittent sensor finally activating after some vibration of the table or the Zing.

3:23 PM

Do we have two small magnets to run the test described by Epilog?

There are magnets in the top drawer of the tool chest for the magnetic dry erase board

3:25 PM

Or on the board itself

3:25 PM

Beau will you be around to take a look?

I did notice that the tube needing to be "warmed up" is true for the zing

3:38 PM

It's possible that it just hadn't been used in a while and wasn't ready to cut. The blower has worked every time for me otherwise

I don't think that the tube has to warm up. It should be ready to go immediately. I'll ask Epilog to confirm that. What have you experienced that leads you to believe that? I'm not being argumentative just curious as i haven't experienced that. (Or at least i haven't been aware it was happening. )

4:23 PM

I'll come in this weekend at the latest to check it out.

Well

6:35 PM

It hadn't been used in a while and when I started my raster it didn't do he first 6mm. And then faded into a working one. Confirmed by someone mentioning that rf tubes need a bit of warm up, saying that it was a con of rf but everything else made up for it

6:36 PM

The zing also worked fine a few moments ago

Called Epilog TS. Turns out you were right pearce. If the Zing laser has sat for awhile it can take a little while before the gas in the laser tube gets excited back up to full power. I'm trying to get more details as to how long it takes to come back up to full power from Epilog.

1

Ahhhh

9:11 PM

Thanks guys

They said that if it has sat very long you need to do a test run at 100% power in Vector mode. How long should that run be . . . depends.

9:12 PM

They also said that we should consider turning of the power to it when we are done using it if no one else is waiting for it.

9:14 PM

Better on the PS's in the unit AND it turns out that there is a special timer that runs after power up to "try" to account for this. I'm not real clear on this so they are going to send me an email with more details and their recommendation as to what sort of procedures we should use at DMS.

9:16 PM

They also said that this ramp up time is especially bad if you are trying to do a Raster and the unit has sat for awhile. Guess that means I need to make up a Warm-Up Vector job and run that a few times before jumping in to do some of my Raster Engraving.

9:17 PM

Now here's a question for the crew: Should we charge for laser time for warm-up runs?

9:20 PM

This timer function after Zing power on might account for the 60 sec delay AGr saw. Do you recall if you had just powered up the Zing when you saw this delay or had it been powered up for awhile?

No one had used it in a while

9:24 PM

Along the lines of being told "I wish I could use the zing no one has been using it all day" but I don't have a time

9:25 PM

Since we charge per 5 min, I don't think we should change the formula

9:25 PM

Do a quick test run and see if it's working and in the right spot. It will ensure you are aligned anyway

Yeah, but if I'm doing a Raster and it is critical that I have the exact Power set to only engrave through my black paint layer, how do I know if the power is back up to full strenght.

9:29 PM

That could really mess up one of my engraving jobs. Maybe the email will give me a better idea of the min|nominal|max warm up times.

9:30 PM

In any case, I was told that this applies to all gas lasers so technically the Thunders have the same issue. However, they are used much more often so I suspect it is not too much of an issue.

9:31 PM

I think this phenomena should be mentioned in the laser classes; especially for the Zing if it isn't already.

9:33 PM

In the past I've put in a piece of cardboard and did a test run to confirm my "basic" settings for a Raster job were correct. Sounds like it is even more important to do that now.

I seriously doubt you will be doing any long warm up rasters

No they said do a warm up Vector at 100% to get it warmed up.

It took less than a few lines of the raster starting for my piece on a postage stamp sized etch.

9:35 PM

Even more of a reason to believe you won't be spending any longer than a minute warming it up

9:36 PM

The idea that you are going to incur a cost that's enough to merit changing the way people pay for the lasers is absurd

But you don't know how long the laser had sat unfired. Could have been 10 minutes or it could have been a 10 hours. I suspect if it sits that long there could be a longer warm up.

9:37 PM

I don't have any opinion as to whether we need to change charge model. I'll leave that to others. I just mentioned it in case it was important.

Dude it sounds like you need to buy your own laser if your need is that specific

I'd love to but it isn't in the cards. What I'll need to do is those test runs (which I pay for) to make sure the laser is up to full power. Then run the Raster.

9:39 PM

Now that I know about this I think it might explain some variations in some of the jobs I've done in the past.

Yep that's the first thing anyone should do. A test cut.

Yep. 100% agree. Even more important if you need to do Rasters like I'm doing that "just" engrave through the top layer of paint.

If it isn't cutting, then you should not pay. Start a test cut. Once it's working, then get your job ready. Then start the timer.

9:56 PM

Speaking of the Zing, I have a class on using tomorrow.

9:57 PM

I forgot to set a cut off. 14 people signed up to use it.

9:57 PM

To take* it

Should probably change it to two classes and contact them to see if they can take a later time. (edited)

1

Yes, I'll write up an email and reach out

Anyone know how the wait list with the magnet strips is going? Are people using it as intended?

I still plan to improve on it using cermark to include instructions... Not likely to happen before the holidays though

John, did the Zing work OK for your class? There was some discussion that it was still acting up and needed to be looked at.

3:44 PM

Oh, I see that class is not until 8PM tonight. Let me know if you have problems and I'll come in this weekend and try to address them.

1

I haven't had a chance to set the computers to only allow the Laser Basics group access yet, but I'll try to get that done tonight or tomorrow. I did a check and found that group has 831 users currently

what is estimated number of users that attempt to use lasers without having taken any training / class?

Fyi to dump group membership, can run this in powershell: Get-ADGroupMember "CN=Laser Basics,OU=Security,OU=Groups,DC=dms,DC=local" | Sort-Object name | Format-Table -Property SamAccountName,name | Out-File laser_basics_members.txt

4:43 PM

827 in Laser Basics out of 3080 AD accounts that are in group Members

can type whoami /groups at a command prompt to see what groups you are in, or net user USERNAME /domain to see groups for a specific person

5:10 PM

Another question is what is delay from finishing a class to being added to group, would someone be able to use laser right after a class? I don't think locking down pcs is worth administrative overhead, but I'm not the one who would be dealing with it

Users without training don't get very far on the lasers

5:16 PM

I don't think it's worth it

5:18 PM

Instructors do the AD adds. They have to submit it within 2 days. Otherwise, it goes to calendar admins

Let me know what the consensus is. I won't make the change until the committee decides

5:51 PM

The main concern I have is for after the laser basics class material is online. We've talked about requiring a hands-on test before getting access.

Unless they read the manual on the laser, that tells you how to use it

No doubt..... Assuming you understand whatever language the manual is written in

If moodle is to replace the class/be an alternative, then reading the manual is about the same

Last I checked, it didn't appear to be in standard English

I'm most worried about people receiving the safety aspects covered in either an in or online class

@pinewoodnut lol, I meant the ones we maintain

That's the issue. They would only know enough to be dangerous

There are a couple students here at the laser waiting on the instructor for the 3pm basics class, any idea where he is?

The teacher is @tomthm. Tommy are you running late?

@merissa I think they left.

What's the guest PW for the Square kiosk? Evan and Jessica are trying to pay

4:25 AM

4:26 AM

Check what Anita lasers on her screw driver

Looks like the square is back up. I told Evan it was on Talk. Guess he found it

5:04 AM

One user complained of a comm issue on Donner. Told him to unplug to the USB. Someone posted a sign to that. Looks like a regular problem

@john a gorman 1825

@LukeStrickland thank you

Recon everyone's busy, but FYI Thunder Laser closest the garage door: Rotary cap fell under the grill I tried to vacuum it and blow into reach. I was unable to retrieve it. Should be easy to reach if keys have to open the grill underside area. I apologize for the inconvenience. Jean Welch

I got the rotary cap out of the bottom of Blitzen and back in the toolbox.

You're awesome David, thank you!!

I also did a spot check on the lenses. Donner and Blitzen were fine, but Thunder was dirty. I cleaned it and the mirror on the laser head. It was still cutting fine, but dirty.

3

1

Gosh darn it! I forgot to pay! Fessing up. Post-it note in place to remind me tomorrow.

I saw a new padlock on the tool cabinet. Is that where the keys are kept to the lasers? What's the plan for granting access?

@pinewoodnut what's the link for the 300ft roll of transfer paper? I can only find transfer tape in that length.

@stephenie this is what I just got 1 Roll 12in x 300ft Application / Transfer Tape, GreenStar Classic Adhesive - Vinyl Cutter Signs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C131Y04/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_3fjqAbEF4AH17

11:52 PM

Looks like it is paper transfer tape. I can bring some up to the space for you to see before you order

The description and Q&A says paper. What a great price. Shame it's not gridded. I use mine for lining up stuff too.

11:56 PM

Like the tumblers for etching.

It's what cnczone or rdworkslab.com recommend

Their price on vinyl is crazy $20-$25 for 24"* 30'

Lines would be nice, but not needed for most of what I would use it for.

12:00 AM

Yeah, I'm going to try it with some vinyl decals, but since you can't see through it, lineup might be more difficult

For vinyl, I like the clear without guide lines. Esp the clear shelf paper from Dollar Tree

I feel the knee-jerk reaction to add the disclaimer: no transfer tape to be used in the laser. Just had to say it. Am always worried some well meaning laser user will see my xfer paper and not be able to figure out the difference.

vinyl decals are PVC do not cut them on the laser

Yes, we should have moved the discussion to general. It's the transfer paper that Stephenie and David like for laser

Right. We're talking about using transfer paper (typically used for transferring vinyl cut items) as masking with the laser. It's a dual purpose tool.

if you get the masking tape style stuff it should be fine

12:46 AM

but not the clear plastic kind

1

Agreed

I saw this recommended by one of the transfer paper commenters: http://www.laserdark.com/application/. I wonder how it differs from straight up stain.

Application

@merissa: I paid up my missed fee.

1

Laser Field Report: (1) twice people waited to use the rotary even though thunders were free, i.e. lack of rotary created a queue where there was no queue for a laser. Longest wait was 1.5hrs. (2) People are saying nice things about the new queue system. They like the additional space to write and flexibility to shuffle the order. (3) Lots of poor scrap managment. Oversize pieces in trash can. Plywood pieces stacked up against the wall and tables and automotive shelves. I cleared some out, located missing owners, and found new users for scrap. Educated users about scrap management. (4) Someone blatantly jumped the queue ahead of another who was waiting 1.5 hrs for a specific machine. Educated user and resolved.

1

Thank you @stephenie for both the report and the positive action

@tomthm and @john a gorman Have you seen this comment? https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/johnson-s-plastics-and-setting-fire-to-the-account/30570/2

12:48 AM

"Several people I’ve talked to have said they were told during laser classes that Johnson’s plastics is a supplier and that DMS has an account there. It is a DMS use account only as it is a tax exempt account"

shouldnt have ever been mentioning to people that we had an account to use..

I've taken Laser Basics twice in the last year-plus. Neither instructor (Tommy and John) said this during those classes. But it might have creeped into the curriculum since my last class.

I've never said it

12:50 AM

The documentation does not either

John, I don't see Tommy on here much. Could you check with him and resolve if need be?

I have recommended them as diy friendly, and that Curtis was a member

12:51 AM

Yes, I'll check in with Tommy

1

How do we want to handle the office hours concept we talked about before? I'm happy to just put some time in the calendar and reserve Donner. I was thinking 2 hours at a time, but the question is when. I don't want to hold up the laser during heavy usage times.

11:33 AM

Also, since it isn't a specific training session or class, there isn't really an option for honorariums. I'm not personally concerned about that, but I want to put it out there so that we have discussed it.

I can commit to one evening a month. 2 hours is a good place to start. It should be in primetime, meaning when the most people can take advantage of the service. It should be regular. What frequency should we offer? If we had two people, one to advise on Inkscape, another to advise on the laser operation, that might be an idea. I can't accept a 1099 honorarium without jeopardizing some of my benefits, so honorarium is a moot point with me.

Wednesday nights are nearly always free for me.

I don't know that I would "reserve" a laser for it. I think you'll spend a lot of the office hour time helping people get their files straight for the lasers

11:54 AM

Also the part where we don't reserve individual tools. Unless you are making it a class on the schedule

I've met people who have good files but want someone to look over their shoulder while using the machine for the first few times.

11:56 AM

This would be a calendar event, so yes a tool could be reserved. But this was not plausible when we had only one functioning, full-service laser.

12:00 PM

We are holding several Laser Basics classes per month. They often fill up and seem to always hit their minimum. 7 classes in December = 21-56 new users who would welcome oversight on their first laser attempts.

12:03 PM

One set of office hours per month isn't going to disrupt Laser, would generate goodwill, and help integrate new users to our culture.

I'm just saying, don't reserve the tool without having it on the calendar. But y'all are already on that

Thanks for the reminder, @pearce.

Tried out lightburn software package tonight. Seems to work fine with vector cut/scan jobs. It has issues with graphic imports. It only sends a small part of the graphic. I'm just running it from my laptop for now and I make sure rdworks still works from the normal PC before I leave. I'll let you know how my testing goes. Let me know if there is something specific you'd like me to test.

Brandon finished up a couple improvements for us today. He made some new focusing pucks and better weight bars

11:22 PM

Try them out and let us know what you think

1

https://cad.onshape.com/documents/2448e5563c3cfe7fd9954909/w/69d26e026625dfed9924f26d/e/1daaa90be4912c89d100e5d6

12:20 AM

Heights are 6 and 5mm, on assumption that for engraving you want focal point on surface and for cutting average of 1/8" material you would want focal point a little above center of material. Someone doing actual testing to find the best distances would be better than just guessing. Also the LASER is 4.5mm thick, and FOCUS is 4mm thick

Excellent.

That is amazing.

bumped post of our Maintenance Day/Committee Mtg/Call for Chair Noms.

Thanks Stephenie!

3:31 PM

Anyone know if the metal table that's parked between auto and our laser table belongs somewhere else in the space?

I'm headed that way in the next hour. Will check if no answer turns up here in the mean time.

1

It showed up last night... Someone wheeled a wood project over on it and left the table there

@LukeStrickland solved the mystery. Belongs to science. It's back home.

Awesome :) thanks yall!

8:17 PM

Shawn found this on the donation shelf. He wonders if it is working or not.

looks liek the old one that was throwing arcs

8:18 PM

its probably shorted

Thanks Pearce

Monitor is chromecasting pictures of laser creations. Couldn't have done it without @StanSimmons (google account gynastics) and @john a gorman (tv set up) and @merissa (collecting open house pics) . Best moment: Anita squealing "I'm famous!" when she saw her laser-etched screwdriver on the big screen.

1

12:33 PM

We've been getting compliments on it, especially from @kriskat30 .

12:34 PM

I'm culling pics from Show-n-Tell talk posts and adding them as time permits. If the maker included details, am adding text.

@merissa Talk ban is lifted for you and Walter.

Thanks for the fyi

What's the combo for the new locker? I'm assuming the lens cleaning supplies are there.

I'll be giving it out at the maintenance meeting on Sunday

@merissa What table is that on the wall?

3:51 PM

and do they make them 9ft long

Umm, let me find info for you. It's butcher block counter ordered through amazon, think they had a couple length options... One sec

Take your time

Allwood 6/4" (1.5") x 18" x 84" Birch Table / Counter / Island Top see all edge options (Routed edges both faces) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N9LFD7Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_gxQtAbWHCFMGF

Thank you

There's an 8ft option but I don't see 9ft

4:17 PM

Is this for the design computer station @LukeStrickland ?

Yeah

Awesome

Found https://www.flooranddecor.com/wood-butcher-block-countertops/oak-builder-grade-butcher-block-countertop-8ft.-100054337.html also

Nice

It requires some work vs the amazon one though

Think ours came with rounded edge on three faces, and brandon put a few coats of poly on the top to protect it, right @AGr ?

I cut off one edge so it would be flush against wall

4:25 PM

3 coats of normal poly

2

Lumber liquidators has 12', but it's a lot more expensive

Sunday's 2p Laser class was cancelled?

3:02 PM

Laser Basics^

Guess so since it's not on the calendar anymore

Tomorrow at the committee meeting/laser maintenance are you guys starting with the maintenance first or the meeting?

We'll start with meeting unless anyone prefers differently

2

Can anyone cover a laser basics class for me, tomorrow at 2 :00 PM? I was recovering nicely from flu, but today I’m going downhill.

There's no class on the calendar... Did you cancel it?

Anyone with a truck going to be at meeting to help move lasersaur to dms dock?

Thanks Marissa. Guess I did. Now I’m wondering what else I have done in my fever state. Thanks again.

@tomthm get better

@tomthm get well soon. Thank you for teaching a regular Sunday class. We've got a lot of new laser users thanks to you and @john a gorman .

I was looking at the DMS online classes and was surprised to see a Laser Basics class by Ryan Caldwell. It's inaccessible. Is that a dead project?

I can take a look. He worked on the online class, and passed it on to Nancee. Ryan was asking earlier this week if we needed teachers. His family moved to Florida as he finishes his last semester. He will have more time for the Space.

@AGr I'm going to be renting a home depot one next Sunday for offsiting

I'm here. What room are we meeting in?

11:01 AM

Meeting is today right or am I off a week?

Meeting now! moved to lecture hall so we can hear better

11:20 AM

donuts and kolaches for attendees!!

11:21 AM

anyone else planning to be here?

i was going to drop by before extension meeting

11:27 AM

running late tho, it is a sunday lol

sounds good, we'll be here

How did the meeting turn out?

Why are 3 fire extinguishers missing from laser?

Are those the ones with the bad welds? Ethan's going to repair them.

1:04 PM

Allen was talking about 3 the other day

That's who we should send bill to for $500 if they don't show back up?

Yes, send it to Allen

1:17 PM

How did the meeting go?

We're still here, come join :)

Anyone know where our "rawr" lasersaur leather strap went?

1:52 PM

Taking things from the committee area is not allowed without chair approval

1:53 PM

@john a gorman who is ethan and are the extinguishers here somewhere onsite?

Ethan is a certified fire extinguisher tech. Teaches leather classes. Really nice guy. Allen said he's caring for the plethora of extinguishers we have. Allen also said you can tell if Ethan is there because the bed of his pickup truck is filled with extinguishers. The laser extinguishers might also be by the auto toolbox.

Lovely

2:03 PM

We planned to repair them today, just needed a new rivet

@merissa are you gone for the day?

3:16 PM

Found your extinguishes

Gone for day

Thanks @LukeStrickland

Thanks Luke. Just want to make sure it's known those are specifically for the lasers

4:17 PM

Who's the storage card out to?

Ethan

I've added a note to the wiki maintenance history "07 January 2017. Ethan has our three extinguishers out for repair. See Laser discord channel beginning at 01/07/17, 1:02pm."

9:47 PM

Would any of today's maintenance team/committee update the wiki with what was accomplished, especially any power test readings? Thank you in advance.

I'm having trouble logging into the wiki for some reason

9:50 PM

power tests found 125 watts on Thunder (nova63), and 130 watts on both Donner and Blitzen (nova35s)

Got it.

9:56 PM

Anything done on the Zing?

don't think a power test was done on it, but not sure

9:57 PM

all lasers got a good cleaning to include mirrors and lenses

Thank you. All updates made.

1

@tomthm, @john a gorman and @pinewoodnut (who else teaches laser classes?) From Talk: "This is a reminder that classes that take place January 1 and into the future will require that the instructor/host must complete the attendance part in the calendar within in 24 hours after class completion. This was officially announced at the board meeting on the 17th. This is only a few check boxes and shouldn't take more than a minute. As always, let me know if you have any questions." https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/if-you-are-a-teacher-read-me-i-e-dms-instructor/15738

If you are a teacher, READ ME (i.e., DMS instructor)

This is a reminder that classes that take place January 1 and into the future will require that the instructor/host must complete the attendance part in the calendar within in 24 hours after class completion. This was officially announced at the board meeting on the 17th. This is only a few check boxes and shouldn't take more than a minute. As always, let me know if you have any questions.

The Zing has been doing great in the last month. Better than it has in ages. It again cuts 1/8" easily and cleanly.

1

I made a small update to the maintenance wiki..... It's 2018 now

Where's the smh emoji?

1

hahahahaha. Of course.

@merissa Ethan fixed all of your co2 , you have all lasers covered and two additional

Awesome, thank you!

Way to go Ethan

Yes we ended up with two extra, after reporting the damaged ones to amazon they sent more

5:52 PM

Will keep them in the laser area unless other parts of the space need co2 extinguishers

Allen says Auto is switching over to CO2 as well. The chemical extinguishers damage cars just like the lasers would be damaged

5:55 PM

And that makes it safer for laser, reducing the risk someone grab the wrong one

Updated wiki to reflect extinguisher status.

2

@merissa new light in the corner could be $100

Worth it

Sounds great! Can cover with laser funds

4:48 PM

Anything you need me to do to make it happen?

nope, e-z

4:54 PM

I'll let you know

2

@merissa Machine Shop published its meeting minutes on Talk. Could you do the same for us?

1

I normally do right after meetings while it's fresh on my mind, but something came up at the end of maintenance that was pressing

7:38 AM

I'll try to get it done soon

Understood.

can anyone measure the diameter of the lens holder? the part that goes up and down when you loosen the set screw

The zing is down. Bed is jammed at the bottom. I'll work on it tonight

Thanks for teaching the Laser basics tonight @john a gorman

1:27 AM

It was really interesting and a great first class at the Space.

@FerrousWheel you are most welcome

1:28 AM

Thanks for joining us on Discord

I'm assuming 24mm and printing something to hold dial indicator to better test bed level

That's a great idea

OpenSCAD FTW. I seriously need to use that more.

Cough Fusion 360 cough

Anyone available to help move the lasersaur back from offsite today? Will likely need another guy or two to help lift

Take pictures?

We got it back to DMS

3:47 PM

it's palletized now

3:49 PM

We owe machine shop a strap

Aw. Great pics!

8:15 PM

Opened a trouble ticket on Talk. Blitzen's PC is no longer running Illustrator. Says our license has expired. @StanSimmons is on it.

Stan said he had to wait till tomorrow

@john a gorman would you write a note on the bulletin board that a ticket has been opened for this? Many users aren't on Talk.

Will do

Zing is fixed. I leveled the bed

8:47 PM

8:48 PM

Pull the grid

8:48 PM

It's the lower right nut that seems to bind and go wacky

8:49 PM

I removed the screw for the table in that corner. Then you can raise the bed and use the feeler gauge to check level.

1

1

9:18 PM

9:20 PM

Blitzen does something weird. I download a job at 80% power. It then changes it to 70%. It consistently cuts power by 10%

make sure the powers are set properly at the control panel

9:24 PM

and change them in the program not the control panel

Didn't David mentioned it is firmware limited to 70% from factory currently?

Yep I think @pinewoodnut talked to thunder about that. It's a factory setting I dont think we can change

9:35 PM

Will have to slow down your speed instead

I talked to Thunder tech support about the 70% thing about a week ago. They are setting that as the max power for Donner and Blitzen to safeguard the machines and said we should contact them if we want to go above that.

They never said what the safe percentage would be for the tube, so I'd rather not push it to 100% just the see what happens.

the 63 is set to 95

The 95% has worked well on 63, as the tube is still at 125 watts

10:36 PM

Let's set it to that so the settings are consistent across the board

10:36 PM

And we get to use near 130 watts

10:37 PM

Power does start to level off at a certain point though.

I'm not comfortable saying yes to changing it until we get more info from thunder on why they've made the change

@merissa do you want to ask them? I was wondering what other firmware changes are, and if it would benefit us to update 63

12:27 AM

Sorry, I meant to say, do you want me to ask them? Or maybe David

Sure anyone who wants to try and get more info would be great

Is Clay on here yet? He and David will get on well. Both founts of knowledge

12:29 AM

Ok, I'll message Thunder

Are a lot of folks experiencing problems with the laser performance? I've pretty much only heard good things, cutting well, etc

No. Most all good. Someone had the rotary the wrong way and wondered why their image was mirrored

12:30 AM

Lots of happy campers

Ok, guess I don't see that making an adjustment is a priority then

A second rotary would be good. I'll ask about pricing if that's ok.

yes that'd be great

12:32 AM

at the meeting David said he has a contact that has a different style of rotary that would be cheap, but wants to test it out first

Oh, about the power adjustment, I wonder if users are noticing that, and then compensating

So decided to wait a bit on getting another till we evaluate options, but I'm good with getting a second when we have info

The other style is what we had for the Full Spectrum. It gives us more options. It doesn't need an adjustment based on diameter, as it rolls as at a constant speed regardless of size

12:35 AM

I'll talk to Thunder and then you can decide on a second rotary. It is super popular. I'm glad people are using it so much

With the roller style, will it accommodate larger diameter objects than the 3-jaw chuck?

Yes. Most designs have one roller driven by the motor. It replaces the Y motor. No adjustments needed. It rotates the object the same as if the gantry was moving on the Y axis

2:07 AM

Different diameters are handled by moving the 2nd roller farther out or closer in

2:07 AM

You only need a few steps to handle a wide variety

2:08 AM

This is one version

2:08 AM

https://www.bosslaser.com/rotary-attachment-roller.html

Being able to handle larger diameter objects sounds like a great reason to add that rotary style to our collection.

I’m by no means an expert but I seem to recall reading in multiple places that setting output above 65-70% for any laser shortens the lifespan of the tube and also causes less focus in the laser output. Perhaps that’s correlated to Thunders changes?

1

@merissa What time is the next laser maintenance day? I have it down for Sunday, Feb 4th and want to include it on the next paper calendar. Will add to event calendar as well.

Will be like last time 11-2 unless there's already a conflict on the calendar

1:03 PM

I'll submit it for the calendar today

2

OK, I finally installed Discord and found out how to find this space. (by the way, the URL by itself wouldn't ever work for me) I had to install the application, then use the URL to "join a server." Maybe that's clear to you but it wasn't to me and i doubt it will be for any other new discord users. - Clay

yeah the webversion doesnt work on mobile very well. best to use the app

(I'm on a windows 10 pc) - looks to be an IE11 issue - it works with chrome (edited)

discord.gg does work then, which url did you use? ill have to check to make sure its correct

11:12 PM

oh

11:12 PM

honestly never thought to test on that

I used the laser invite link that was just posted on the laser wiki page. Works with Edge and Chrome. IE11 just displays a black page. Could also be corporate security on my computer blocking something that it doesn't like on this page.

weird, i cant imagine it was IE actually having the issue. corp probably had "gaming" blocked, discord was intended for game comms but works really well for us since its free

Still wondering... Who took the "rawr" lasersaur strap from the wall?

Anyone know why the laser would be scaling one axis differently than what's in rdworks?

5:18 PM

It's only scaling y, and an unknown amount between 2 and less than 2.54x

5:19 PM

That was a 2x taller and 2.54x taller attempt at scaling in Rd works before downloading to laser

5:22 PM

5:23 PM

It was the enable rotate engrave checkbox in output tab

That'll do it

@merissa.... @David Kessinger has told us to provide a copy of NC's lease agreement and proof of 501c3 status before shipping Lasersaur. Do you have that? He brought this requirement up again at the Member meeting.

Thanks Stephenie

5:41 PM

They bought a building, I've provided that info to several board members

5:43 PM

http://fcwhack.com/

Fabulous news! I look forward to perusing their website. So we're just missing 501c3 proof?

I'll get it to the board before the saur ships

1

5:57 PM

Intended to weigh it today but the gantry is in use

6:01 PM

Ordering more chairs/stools from amazon today. Looking at wall mounted shelves for above the work table too to display lasered pieces

6:02 PM

Anything else we need (other than thunder equipment) that I can order as well?

Larger SSD's. The little 120GB ones fllled up quickly with profiles. David Summers is working on a powershell script to clean them out regularly

6:19 PM

If you want me to order them and install them, I'll be happy to do so.

Sounds like if David creates that it would solve any potential issue

alleviate, but not solve... I've been buying nothing smaller than 250gb SSD, high use machines get 500gb

Let's start with not installing any more unnecessary programs on our laser computers please

Strap we used for packing up lasersaur has been replaced

Mounted the material board on the wall by the zing

@StanSimmons I'll throw into the space management suggestion that Windows 10 is now equipped with "features" to manage shared workstations that might be worth looking into, if you haven't already: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/configuration/set-up-shared-or-guest-pc (edited)

Set up a shared or guest PC with Windows 10 (Windows 10)

Windows 10, version 1607, introduces shared PC mode, which optimizes Windows 10 for shared use scenarios.

@merissa would you update the wiki (https://dallasmakerspace.org/wiki/Laser_Committee#Additional_Documentation) with links to where chairs and stools were purchased.? Wiki already has documentation for the whiteboard and standing desk table top. Thx.

Laser Committee

The chairs and stools will be welcome for the classes.

11:00 PM

Thanks @merissa and @AGr for the work you put in today

1

I did that earlier today Stephenie

11:47 PM

added toolbox too

Awesome!

chairs/stools/shelf stuff ordered and should be in by next weekend. Will have two stools for the worktable and two more chairs so there's two per desk

2

That's a great price on the chairs.

12:28 AM

At the member meeting, the board asked us to create a way for members to give us more pictures of lasered creations for the chromecast. I created a folder for new submissions on the committee drive and posted a request on Talk.

sounds good

I've seen the "enable rotate engrave" option on RDWorks cause several people headaches (including me). I'm wondering if there's a way using a logon script to reset all RDWorks settings back to a default state. When people mess with the settings, it just causes problems for the next person to use the machines. - I'll research and see what I can come up with.

3

Thanks Clay! If nothing else we need to make/update an faq on common issues and include that

Same thing with y mirror axis. I don't know why people change it, but it affects others

5:20 PM

RDWorks is pretty random about what settings stick

I've updated the wiki with the link to the Google photo album of the chromecast under Additional Documentation and a placeholder for meeting minutes under the Committee section.

10:28 AM

The Google account's password has been saved to the admin wiki. (edited)

From the Member Meeting... The four board members present reminded us that it takes approval at a Board Meeting to install a new Chair. Meaning if, @merissa , you postpone vacating your term until February, the new Chair won't be seated until late February's board meeting. The board members were in agreement...they do not want to approve a new Chair to serve only one month. They would expect you to fulfill the term with that short of a remainder. So you would be stuck. I don't know if that matters to you or not at this point, but you did say February 4th meeting was your last day. We did have a super-fast motion + second + voice acclamation at our committee meeting to elect me as chair - even though we all know it was a burst of spontaneous enthusiasm out of relief from those present that none of them would have to take the gig. LOL. Afterwards, we backtracked. No issue there. Still no issue as far as I'm concerned. But it does give you an out if you want to put a motion on this week's Board Meeting agenda to approve me as Chair. Whatever you decide would either move up what you wanted as your retirement date by 9 days or prolong it until April. I'm game either way, no skin off of my back.

It's funny the board thinks they can force anyone to remain as chair

Ma'am. I'm just the messenger.

12:47 PM

sigh

If you are comfortable with becoming chair on friday then that's fine by me, but no one volunteered their name to run at the last meeting, which is why I said it's going to happen in February

12:48 PM

So there was no actual committee vote (edited)

I did. I said I wanted the gig.

12:48 PM

David made a motion, someone shouted second.

12:49 PM

A cheer went up.

I remember it being Beau nominating you for the february vote

Correction. @gbeauw . I thought he nominated me for that meeting. Then it all went fast. My misunderstanding.

Right, either way I'm fine with you taking over if you're ready and the board approves

12:52 PM

Are you ok with me putting on that on the agenda for Friday's meeting?

Yep. Or I would have kept my head down. LOL. Back when we talked about my interest at the October Open House, I thought it would take a long time to get acclimated. Like as in a year from now. But this group is amazingly active. No Chair has to know everything. Not scary at all.

Hahaha why would they oppose letting a new volunteer take over. That's silly. They are just counting on the fact that you'll stay because they said no

Me stay or Merissa stay?

Telling a chair that they have to stay because they don't want to make an interim chair for a month

In this case, the interim is willing to run for a full term, unless the committee has other ideas. It's all good.

Yep, more unnecessary drama from the board. We have a plan and for no good reason it's unacceptable. .

Right

Fyi you will be chair until April

I know.

Then all committees have to have another vote

Then another election

Which just means Merissa is still the "chair"

Until Friday.

Until the board decides to approve another

1:00 PM

But basically you get to act as chair and Merissa just pushes the buttons to make what you request happen

No.

1:00 PM

Merissa am I not understanding this?

It will be the same amount of "work"for the board to approve, just spaced out differently than we discussed before

1:01 PM

You're right. I'm stepping down and you will be chair

got it

The interim part is that it's only a portion of a 6 month term

got that too

If we voted in early feb and vote wasnt ratified by the board till later feb, you wouldnt be official for a short bit and I'd still be chair technically as pearce is talking about

1

ahhh

1:03 PM

emoji fail. I was looking for a lightbulb!

Alright I don't understand that emote at all

Got knife and fork instead

Lolol

LOL

That fits perfectly because I'm typing while eating lunch

1:04 PM

Gotta get back to work, will be away for a few hours then will update agenda tonight

I needed a good laugh. Awesome. All is well. Enjoy your day.

You too!

A word to @MotoPilot ... used the sample board yesterday when a member who had never lasered acrylic wanted advice. Excellent tool. Am glad @merissa found a home for it.

we made the acrylic sample this weekend, so glad it came in handy

1

I am giving you a knife and fork emoji! Just because it makes me smile now...

Thanks

6:23 PM

Didn’t finish my message before sending. Rest of it follows

6:28 PM

Thanks to past and future Chairs for the time time you spend and the headaches you endure. The laser area is greatly improved! Thank you also to the members who helped make it happen.

2

regarding RDworks settings - so far I've found that some of the settings are stored in the soft.ini file which is in the same folder as the RDWorks.exe application. There's also a Param.ini file that contains pre-set materials parameters that we could populate if we want to. You can select a material and load the settings in the Layer parameters (where you set speed and power). The rotary engrave setting is a bit tricky. It appears that value is stored in one Hexidecimal value in the "config" file. I think we could restore the soft.ini and config files to a "known good" state in order to reset the settings back to a common set of defaults. Should be easy with a logon script to copy the master files into the RDWorks folder overwriting any existing files there that have been changed by the previous user.

1

That's great work Clay!

That would solve so many users' headaches.

A member has opened a Request ticket to add Fusion 360 + DXFforLaser to the Laser computers. Any downside? (edited)

Not that I see. Light footprint for fusion. It's avail on the jump server, but doesn't work for everyone and has some features unable. Having access on the PCs allow tweaks, just like Inkscape and Illustrator, to sizing and layout.

I'm curious as to why logging onto the jump server doesn't work. (aside from most people not knowing how) You can save files locally or to the members directory.... Seems that it would be easier to not maintain a lot of extra software on each of the laser computers. (and really, converting to .dxf from F360 should be done away from the laser so you're not designing, just cutting while at a machine)

1

8:26 AM

Same with Illustrator... why install a license on the laser computer when/if you can run it on the Jump server? I notice it isn't there, though, so maybe that's a licensing limitation?

I also took a look at RDworks on the jump server. When you change settings, they are not saved on that computer because there are no user permissions to change files in the RDWorks folder. It throws an error that it doesn't have access to the tmp files too (which should be fixable though). We might be able to do the same thing on the Laser servers. Just set the RDWorks settings as we want them, and then update permissions on the RDWorks folder to not allow logged on users to write to the settings files.

Laser has almost 600 members who have completed Laser Basics. I would agree that most do not know how to use the jump server or want to use it. We have 4 computers. Let's make a quick list of what SW should be installed: Inkscape, AI, RDW, Adobe Reader, Fusion360. What else? It seems like a drop in the bucket compared to what's on my machine at home.

11:44 AM

Illustrator does have licensing restrictions. Can't be on jump server.

11:47 AM

The conclusion we've reached in the recent past is that we want the HW and SW consistent throughout Laser.

We should first decide whether the laser computers are primarily design or cut computers. Installing anything other than RDWorks automatically encourages design work on those machines.

Design is less about SW than it is about where you are in the making process.

Another thought would be an additional design computer in the laser area not connected to the lasers.

2

You can have the best design possible, take it to RDW, then find problems once you are here. Everyone needs the ability to "tweek". And that takes the full suite.

11:51 AM

In theory, tweek is not nearly as time consuming as design

11:51 AM

And thus does not impede the queuu

11:51 AM

queue

And, while we're brainstorming, you could load your job onto a USB stick from the design computer and plug it into the laser to run. (not as convenient as sending it directly, but you could run a job quickly while the other person is working on their design!)

11:59 AM

The primary issue to solve is really when does tweak turn into design, and if there is a queue, encouraging people not to use the laser computers to spend more than a few minutes in the design phase of their work.

That last sentence exactly. It's a human problem, not a tech problem.

12:05 PM

Discernment.

12:09 PM

I categorize a committee's concerns as: Physical Plant, Classes, Finances, Culture. This falls into Culture.

12:14 PM

The solution needs us, the committee members. When I'm up there, which is at least 3x/wk, I walk through laser, greet users, introduce myself, look at the queue, ask if any of those people are now on the machines and need names removed. If lasers are open, I ask if the next person has been called. I'll call them myself if need be. Then I'll gently educate people about queue etiquette. I tell them I'm trying to raise awareness of the queue and that a happy queue makes for a happy Laser area. Everyone so far has responded positively. They usually tell me how much they love the new queue system and that the additional lasers keep the line moving.

@merissa Donner's air assist was on the lowest flow. Fire! Flow was turned back on full. You have access to the cameras. User who reported issue was on around 1:30. Can you see who was on before him? Someone needs an education of the dangers of restricting the air assist, namely forgetting to turn it back on full.

4:03 PM

To any one of our maintenance crew: could someone take a look at Donner's optics? Now Donner's pointer is almost invisible. Smoke from fire? Unfortunately, I don't know how to clean it.

I'll look tonight

1

Thanks Stephenie, Pearce. I was afraid of this when discussion came up of people turning it off to help cutting acrylic... Everyone's human so people will forget to turn it back on. Not worth the risk of burning down the space

But it doesn't help cut acrylic?

Beautiful clear edges

Power and speed combo does the same for me

Someone said it does. I have no first hand experience with that

And that's from using the one we have at poly now. Mostly turning the air down will help with paper stuff

@MotoPilot gave me a demonstration. What settings do you recommend, @pearce ?

Different per machine. I couldn't give you numbers based on mine

understood

And mine change over time

4:38 PM

But it still sounds like it was turned down way too low

That's why we should always stress test cuts

You should still have enough air flow to clear the nozzle

Pearce what psi do you keep your air at?

There's also the fact that we are using a 130w tube for stuff that people should be using lower wattage for

4:39 PM

I'll get psi later, James won't be up yet

The analogy I use is scalpel work with a chainsaw

Couldnt find recommendation from thunder

I used to keep the single thunder between 20-40 I think

@AGr what's the air assist setting currently?

Back when I made these badges I had initially planned on using the thunder for all parts of it. There's a huge difference between the orange panel and the rest of them because I found that that lower wattage zing gave much better results for edges and fine rastering

4:57 PM

That's just as the zing sits. No removing safeties

15 last I saw

5:01 PM

I think someone turned it down from 20-25 I had it at, also that is a cheap regulator above all 4 lines, dont know if the regulator has a cfm limit (if psi at nozzle would drop if all 4 lasers are going at once)

I should also add that we don't have a huge air tank so the poly laser uses the little compressor that came with the machine

Welp

6:15 PM

It caught fire at some point

6:16 PM

Annnnd it's cracked

Spare parts need ordering?

Air still flows through. No holes. But this part should never be this close to flame. (The air pushes the fire to the back of the cuts) (edited)

Surely it's not operational?

Nope. Will be later

1

fyi...@Lady L has not added Donner and Blitzen to Status Board, so can't update that.

7 replacement lenses remaining

1

6:29 PM

New air connection installed

6:29 PM

How many spares of those left?

1

6:30 PM

I took it off the wide mouth holder

6:31 PM

Suggest we remove this connection from the laser and replace with non adjustable

6:35 PM

Donner cuts, no smoke, no fire

1

Once again, we owe you @pearce .

Yes, much appreciated!

Stephenie when yall reopened the air assist earlier was it fully closed?

Cutting acrylic cleanly really needs air assist turned almost to zero. The issue is remembering to turn it back on. Need to brainstorm on some way to remind people who turn it off to turn it back on again when they're done. Might also need to add "check air assist" to training and a "pre-laser checklist." A two-sided sign perhaps that you turn over and back depending on whether it is on or off? Maybe something affixed to the valve to indicate that air assist is off? (an indicator that is easy to see?) Or perhaps something similar to a "remove before flight" flag that reminds you to turn it back on once you've turned it off?

I've always been satisfied with my cuts/etches on acrylic with our current system.

9:36 PM

The risk of fire and damaging our equipment is just too great in my opinion

9:37 PM

With ~800 laser users, it's hard to add a step to the process to ensure safe laser use each time

All equipment can/will be damaged by lack of training and communication about proper usage. If you want to dumb the machine down to the least common denominator, it isn't very useful for those who want to use it for what it was intended for and to get good results.

9:42 PM

When planes crash, they don't stop flying. You learn from what happend, create new training and new procedures to avoid the same thing from happening again, and press onward.

I'd recommend you attend the next committee meeting. It can be a topic of discussion there

Today's laser training materials don't even MENTION Air Assist, or why it is important in the first place. It is a critical thing to get right when cutting anything!

9:49 PM

Happy to.

I think it's not mentioned because users should not be adjusting it

9:50 PM

it all predates me though, so I'm just going off assumption

9:50 PM

it definitely all needs updating, but what I'm saying is that we don't have a very effective way to retrain all the currently trained laser users

https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Fitting-Tough-Straight-Connector/dp/B00E1GP5HC (edited)

10:22 PM

could replace the current valve on the air assist line

yep thats all we need

Wait, it might be 6mm, I remember its the metric slightly less than 1/4

10:25 PM

https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Pneumatic-Straight-Connectors-Fittings/dp/B009ERTKHE

Before we all knee jerk this thing... let's all sit down and talk in person about what the best action is. If you do this, the next person is just going to turn off the air at the regulator, thereby turning off air assist on 3 machines and you'll have an even bigger problem.

There are likely some 6mm to 1/4npt fittings under table right now if someone wanted to use a 1/4 npt female coupler tonight

no we shouldnt be adjusting the air flow

and the person who turned off air assist on donner should have turned it back on. Air flow is DESIGNED to be adjusted on the machines becuase different materials need a different setting. That's why there is a valve in the first place. Someone's improper use of the machine (forgetting to turn it back on) is the issue. removing the valve solves one problem, but potentially creates 2 more, so you should think carefully about the possible downstream effects of doing that. Just sayin...

weve already proved that its more problematic than its worth

with one fire in several years?

its not the fire thats the issue

10:33 PM

the lens was destroyed

umm... any fire is a big issue!

10:34 PM

doesn't take any time at all to get out of control

10:34 PM

if someone isn't paying attention

if you want lower air assist you should use the zing

ok, whatever. There will be more fires, air assist valve or not. You budget for a few damaged lenses and move on. I still think the trianing is weak, could be vastly improved, and a few "reminder signs" on the lasers would go a long way towards educating people about the dangers of the lasers, and the things they need to pay attention to in order to avoid damage to the machines. You can put training wheels on the equipment all day long, and eventually someone is still going to find a way to break something. And if one fire is out of control.... let's see if this happens again this year before jumping to conclusions.

you are effectivly turning off a saftey

and you're effectively saying don't cut acrylic on the thunder

wrong

I'm out.

i cut acrylic on the thunder professionally

pearce probably has more experience cutting acrylic at the space than any other member

my thunder*

It can well be worth remembering that laser cutting can fail in a multitude of ways. Even with air assist running fires can and will happen. https://hackaday.com/2016/05/31/how-to-fail-at-laser-cutting/

Donald Papp

How to Fail at Laser Cutting

Laser cutters are CNC power tools, which means an operator uploads a job digitally and then pushes START to let the machine do all the work while they lie back in a hammock sipping a margarita, occ…

12:47 AM

"The risk of fire is never zero, even on jobs and materials that have previously run without problems. These failures cannot really be predicted and occur with little or no warning"

wow such light

10:03 AM

It's not the same color temp, do you have more of the led replacements?

The electrician could not get the LED tubes we have to work in that fixture

Since we are have issues with the air assist pressure, I suggest we add something to the training materials pre-checklist. Along with checking that the CO2 nozzles works, always check that the air assist pressure is x.

Laser Basics training materials does not have an explicit pre-checklist. I added a "Prep for fire safety" item to top of General Procedures. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SufIBiCeqGhcpOA9MKTTIdf4LPZ_xQiR8p3Mq1Kb-5k/

Laser Class 2017.11.20

DMS’ Laser Basics v2017.11.26 Welcome! A few quick reminders about Laser Basics. Always be safe. If you’re not sure on what a procedure is, never hesitate to ask. The info contained in this document can be found in the laser area. It is contained in a blue folder. It also has troubleshooting...

1:23 PM

I threw up a PSA slideshow on the Chromecast last night. Improving it to be more educational today. (edited)

@LukeStrickland What is the size and tube spec in that fixture currently? What is color temp of the other led tubes?

4ft T8 5000K 1800 Lumen LED is the other bulbs in the space (edited)

2:23 PM

I don't know what he put in that fixture, I'll be there tonight and can look at it

Here are the PSA slides. Our members do pay attention to the screen. This is the easiest way to reach already-trained users. Currently, these are running as an album. I've halted the Showcase temporarily. The PSA slides are also included in the Showcase, when we've lowered the DEFCON level. Please speak up if edits are in order. https://photos.app.goo.gl/gKiGsD2AFU2S3ALh2

Good idea (and job) on the PSA slides!

Too many words, how about this picture, with text "If there is a visible flame, stop cutting, you are doing something wrong."

3:43 PM

3:44 PM

3:45 PM

This is a well made guide http://www.tcmaker.org/wiki/images/c/ce/Basic_Laser_Packet.pdf

I understand about too many words, which I lifted from our Laser Basic's training guide. The beauty of a slideshow...we can h ave both the wordy slide and your excellent picture collection (which reminds me of the scary videos shown during Driver's Ed class back in my day!). I've captured them and will incorporate them ASAP.

Made a trip to the Space. I've revised my walk-through spiel. Not only greeting people, asking about th eir laser job, and checking the queue, I'm also conducting a safety check. I tell the members what I'm doing and why and make them part of the solution: verifying the fire extinguisher's location, checking the valve position, and testing the CO2 hose.

Just getting caught up with today's discussion

5:11 PM

@LukeStrickland thank you so much for handling the lighting improvement!

5:12 PM

@stephenie I have some suggestions on the psa but will discuss with you tomorrow if we can find some time after the meeting?

5:12 PM

(plan to duck out of the meeting at least after they get to our chair approval item, then work in the laser area some)

Sounds fine. In person often best.

1

@merissa what work do you have in mind in the laser area? Or is it a personal project?

Bringing in the stuff I discussed purchasing last week... Chairs and stools, shelves for over laser worktable for a place to display lasered items, then checking computer performance and general area cleanup

Link to shelving?

About to be driving... Will pull it up in amazon later and share

1

there's some LED bulbs on the laser table you're welcome to use Brandon

1

@merissa Stan was telling me that Laser procured its own computers. When you update the Additional Documentaton with the new shelving, would you also add documentation on our computers and monitors?

posted 11/14/2017, search in:laser dell

@AGr#0090 got link? I searched here, Talk, and the wiki. No luck.

@john a gorman does this work for you? https://discordapp.com/channels/300062029559889931/300063130527203328?jump=380065483795333131

Discord - Free voice and text chat for gamers

Step up your game with a modern voice & text chat app. Crystal clear voice, multiple server and channel support, mobile apps, and more. Get your free server now!

Laser bought the two computers on the back wall, the thunder computer predates me, and the donner computer was installed by infrastructure last month when the old zing computer crapped out. Stan would have to provide information on that one as I don't have any details.

9:13 AM

Will be figuring out if the shelves work as envisioned before adding to wiki

Apparently its not possible to link to a past message in discord,

Thanks @AGr . I had tried searching "Laser dell" in here.

2:01 PM

Thanks @merissa too for the info

That's very helpful. Thanks.

Aaron got the error Illustrator license expired on Blitzen.

The zing is making a grating noise on raising the bed. John, who makes the boogie wood glasses, says the bed doesn't go as low as it used to before the move. His jig no longer fits without removing the bed. He etches the arms of his glasses. I'll try to look at it this weekend.

Relocating it would not have done anything to the bed level

No, I don't think so either. I said it more for the time frame

4:55 PM

I wonder if something is jammed under, or broken on the front right post. It seems to bottom out before the others

Hmm maybe. I'll try to remember to look tonight as well

Stan uninstalled/reinstalled Illustrator. Still got the error on both Zing and Blitzen PCs. He said that makes no sense and he is on it.

Congrats to @stephenie! She's been named new chairperson of our awesome committee, and I know she'll do a great job leading us. Thanks for your service to DMS Stephenie :)

And thank you @merissa for your service to Laser. To the committee: tonight we were conferring in Laser. I had Merissa turn around and just look, really look, at the sight of the fruits of her effort. A major military maneuver, getting those new lasers.

Just FYI don't know if it matters but the blower for thunder kicked on for a minute and kicked off

Did you hear it or was it reported by a member?

Sorry forgot to finish my message.no one is at the lasers. I'm at the work tables eating and noticed it

8:18 PM

Walked over and everything looked fine

Understood. Good know you observed it firsthand. Making note of it in a log. This is not the first time this has happened, right?

I personally know nothing

1

It's a known issue. It does it from time to time but not when the blowers are on

8:29 PM

Actively used*?

Thank you @pearce .

Just happened again

8:46 PM

Good to know it's known

Seems to be about every 30-40 minutes the blowers will kick on for about 30-60 seconds.

Thank you to @tomthm for notifying us of the low CO2 canister. To @StanSimmons for showing me were the full canisters are stowed (in electrical room behind a door). To @LukeStrickland and @somecallmery for performing the change out.

7:54 PM

We have an empty now that needs a pick up/refill from AirGas. @merissa, what is the procedure?

7:55 PM

And does the cost come out of Laser's funds?

I never had to replace a tank so I'm not sure

8:10 PM

The control box that controls the blower can have voltage leaks that will trip the blower for 30 seconds

8:11 PM

The control box is what we had to do to work around the tl timer board that's always had issues

8:12 PM

The blower coming on shouldnt harm anything, other than seeming like we have a ghost in laser

Thanks for the prompt reply. Plan B is to check w/ Metal Shop. Stan has the contact info and account number in the admin wiki, which helps. I've documented the change out steps on the wiki.

We'll be able to track CO2 consumption now.

Yeah I think Chuck will know since they replace tanks more frequently in metal shop

1

8:41 PM

Brandon took a pic of the dial during a maintenance day. On Dec 5th the tank had 650 psi

8:44 PM

@pearce can you update the laser committee chair to @stephenie ?

Can later

Thanks!

@merissa I really tried to add a "ghost in the machine" image to my post last night, lol

1

@stephenie you now have the @laser chair role, and @ committee chair role, use #committee_chairs chat to talk with other chairs and not have extra comments from non chairs

Thank you @pearce (edited)

Stephanie, Lee in metal shop recommended writing EMPTY on the bottle with chalk. Seemed like a good idea

I marked the shroud before we moved it to the back wall. Will pick up some chalk for future use.

@stephenie Although Lee did, in fact, say "chalk", I might suggest just 'borrowing" the soapstone metal markers from the Welding toolchest. There are usually several pieces of it floating around, and it works very well for this purpose. Of course, maybe there's some reason NOT to do this, but since it wipes off fairly easily, I can't imagine why that would be objectionable. Of course, buying your own chalk is perfectly fine, too...

Thanks for the tip!

Team Laser, I'm keeping a running list of Action Items on our gmail account (the one set up to archive the chromecast photos). Anyone with the link (http://bit.ly/2BCfe5h fo) can make suggestions in the Google Doc. Don't panic when you see the length. If I don't write things down, I forget. People are coming at me with issues and ideas. My poor brain runneth over. Some of these items will form Sunday's meeting agenda. If you particularly want to discuss an item, start here on Discord and we'll carry it over if need be. In anticipation of a noisy warehouse, I grabbed the conference room; other rooms already taken...yikes! I run a tight meeting and am tough on excess chatter. Anything over an hour can be continued while we perform maintenance. Less than an hour? Woo-hoo...less talk, more work, go home early! Now for the important part...John has put in a request for street tacos to be our fuel of choice on Sunday. If I call in an order to El Paisa, will someone volunteer to do pick-up?

Action Items

February Maintenance Day/Committee Meeting: February 4, 2018, 11pm Open Items: Physical Plant Ship off Lasersaur. Merissa is waiting on logistics from NC. Fire Safety Checklist: I’m thinking a simple checklist as wallpaper on the monitors would be a good place to start. Clay’s checklist? Jack ...

Maybe some Laser etched wood tags they read EMPTY with magnet on back

1

Please do not buy food with committee funds.

@Alex Rhodes Many people have told me that. Thank you for the additional reminder.

7:09 PM

@David Kessinger Please add that warning to your committee chair handbook.

Thank you.

thats one of the ones thats worth repeating

The left Y belt on Blitzen was very loose. I could easily jiggle the tightening clamps by hand. It's fixed now.

2:32 AM

Zing bed continues to be a problem. I temp fixed it by leaving the bed screw on the front right post slightly loose. Tightening it binds the machine. hopefully Sunday we can look at it and find a long term solution. @gbeauw

2:33 AM

The bed is level though

And you vacuumed Zing, too, while the bed was out. Thank you, John, for tackling this.

@john a gorman would you give me the details on the nature of the Zing bed problem and I'll call their TS and find out what can be done.

Lasersaur shipping almost set, just need to set preferred pick up time. Is anyone available to be there for pick up? Maybe @stephenie or @LukeStrickland ? If so we can try for time convenient to the volunteer's schedule.

2:50 PM

If not I can try to take a morning off work soon.

If its a scheduled time I only work less than two blocks away, but I can't take a morning off right now

@David Kessinger - have all the Board's stipulations been met re: Lasersaur donation? (edited)

Loading dock needs to be cleared. Guess I'll plan to take off work so we can get this going.

Laser Maintenance Day & Committee Meeting: https://calendar.dallasmakerspace.org/events/view/5022 Starts this Sunday at 11am in the conference room. fyi (edited)

10:48 AM

I added visual aids for the air assist. let's see if that helps folks.

1

2

1

@AGr#0090 I want to replicate a couple more of your air quality sensors. Did you make any changes to the hardware from your previous build? https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/dms-air-monitor-group-project/11106?u=lukestrickland

DMS Air Monitor Group Project

Would anyone like to participate in building and deploying raspberry pi based air monitoring sensors throughout DMS? The board approved funding to build 3 devices for $300. Setting up the sensors is only half the project, then we need to do interesting things with the data being collected. I built a prototype that is currently running in woodshop, my proposed parts list includes temp/humidity and particulate matter sensors: sds 021 laser PM sensor: 35.00 raspberry pi 3: 35.00 dht22 temp: 10....

6:10 PM

Oh i guess brandon is gone

I saw that he was gone, too. @merissa , can you get an answer from Brandon?

All is the same @LukeStrickland

8:04 PM

Data should still be sent dallas.ms/air

8:05 PM

Metal shop and 2 in laser area

2

@merissa The Donner sensor is labeled DMS Woodshop. Is it in Laser or Woodshop? It's average PM 2.5/10 are significantly higher than the Metal Shop or Laser Thunder sensors, which makes me think it has been installed in Woodshop.

It was previously in woodshop and often got unplugged, so he moved it to laser

About when did he move it?

When we installed the laser 12/11

I see it now. Would you ask Brandon to update the page header to Laser (Donner) instead of DMS Woodshop?

Only DMS admins have access to modify the main dallasmakerspace.org site

9:09 PM

Alex knows best

I'm talking about the header on the m2x page https://m2x.att.com/d/0349cdda9597ff4a8f1d5773c0d1859b.

9:12 PM

It's not a DMS .org page.

oh sorry!

no worries. am grateful that you're the sort of person who replies promptly. thanks for all you do.

Just a thought. Seems we could make the alarm part of this ourselves. https://www.ulsinc.com/discover-uls-innovations/fire-suppression

10:37 AM

or just buy some of these: http://thunderlaser.co.uk/laser-options/heat-alarm-detector/

GreenImp

Heat Alarm Detector - Thunder Laser

Heat Alarm Detector

12:13 PM

The Brits get all the good Thunder stuffs

12:13 PM

That heat detector does look good

The Brits' lasers are completely different. Which is odd.

12:17 PM

Ours does have a better colour scheme

Cuts 3"x5" items one at a time

On the American site: http://www.thunderlaser.com/features/heat-alarm-detector-2.html

Inquiries are in to Thunder (heat sensor, air-pressure sensor, rotary, and spare parts costs) and PhotoGrav (licensing information).

2

Talked to Epilog today. Have info on repair of Zing bed and Z-Axis drive. Will implement on Sunday.

Most excellent

Hopefully we don't need to order a new Z-axis belt. They didn't seem to think that would be the issue. Just dirt and slack belt is most probable cause.

1

Heat sensor is $60; rotary axis $580; yes we can get a replacement air assist connector. Waiting on air pressure sensor price.

@merissa hung the display shelving and tool holders above the worktable.

Actually Brandon did while he was working on a project today, but I hope they get used as intended

Already started moving tools and samples to them. Definitely more visible.

1

Going to be a couple mins late... Had to turn back and get stools i forgot

In the conference room. quieter

https://www.mcmaster.com/#3204A59

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for everything in your plant. 98% of the products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

Zing Maintenance Performed. - Z-Axis Drive in bottom cleaned and belts checked. - Lens and Mirrors cleaned. Vacuumed out dust and debris. Leveled Bed. Greased Z-Axis Jack Screws. Aligned X & Y Guides on Bed and also Matrix Box to be aligned with Laser. Returned to service.

3:36 PM

NOTE: There appears that there is some misconceptions about how to "Level the Bed". The four Phillips Screws in the corner of the Bed have "nothing" to do with Bed Adjustment. They should be tight at all times as they are what holds the Bed to the lift mechanism.

3:39 PM

The proper way to Level the Bed requires a 3/32" Allen Wrench ("L" type) to loosen four clamps so that the plastic collars can be turned to raise/lower the corners of the bed. Please contact me if you are a Zing Maintainer and would like a copy of the correct procedure to Level the Bed that we received from Epilog. The bottom line is if Leveling the Bed wasn't a PITA, you aren't using the correct procedure or tools. Happy Lasering.

3:41 PM

Let me know if we still have problems with the Z-Axis (aka Focus) on the Zing making "grinding noises" or otherwise causing problems when trying to raise or lower the bed.

1

3:42 PM

Thanks to Bradley and Todd who assisted with the Zing Maintenance today.

[Fist Bump]

Thanks @gbeauw Brad and Todd. Please shoot me a copy.

@teamlaser very proud of this group. Love what I am seeing and keep it up. You guys rock!

1

Team Laser today was @JoshW , @gbeauw , @somecallmery , Brady Pamplin (@bpamplin on Talk, not yet on Discord), @merissa , @MotoPilot , Todd Bloom (@bloom on Talk), Kati Peters (@kati on Talk), and Evan, with special guest @StanSimmons . Thank you for coming out on Super Bowl Sunday to keep the machines in good shape. Lots of good work and good humor all around.

Thank you all

@StanSimmons has installed a 30-trial copy of LightBurn on the Jump Server, in collaboration with the manufacturer. He is asking that we test it from the Jump to see if that is a good repository. If you have any issues...go see Stan.

4:20 PM

FYI: LightBurn is kicking us a discounted license and a promo code for our members to get discounted subscriptions, if we choose to purchase. NOT there yet. Test, test, test. Put your feedback here.

The licensing is being a bit weird, and appears to be going by user, not machine... I have reported it and they are looking into that issue. Please test anyway. They want us as a customer.

1

http://wiki.lvl1.org/Inkscape_Extension_to_Render_a_Living_Hinge

Inkscape Extension to Render a Living Hinge

Helped Finance count its cash deposits today. Laser's January and February cash deposits total $956.00. New on-site bookkeeper arrives this week, so that's the last cash count Finance will perform.

Here's the running list of open and closed Action Items. It's a great way to see Laser's status at any given time. Anyone can type in suggestions, update an item, or add their name to an unclaimed idea and I'll be able to accept the edit with a click. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RpKt46AY-UbctIcSm9UzNQ2gSadPdOZRI6O8VVqJ-gA

Committee: Action Items

Being on this list doesn’t mean it will get done. It means it won’t get forgotten. Name = a volunteer (not an employee) is working on this. Patience. No name = not getting done. Volunteer if it is important to you. Open Items: Operations & Maintenance (Stan) Install Adobe Illustrator on Z...

BUT MEETINGS!

LOL.

Is it okay for trainers to train and have a member approved for lasers outside of a scheduled class?

Yes. Anyone requesting one-on-one should offer some sort of compensation to an approved instructor, plus be prepared to wait in the queue or attend during non-peak hours. Lasers cannot be reserved for one-on-one. All of this places a burden on our instructors, hence the value in offering compensation.

Stan will need to add the name to AD so the person get credit for the class. Best done via email or PM to Stan with date and name.

1

Our Laser Basics instructors are @john a gorman and @tomthm as far as I know. Any others?

No others are currently doing classes that I’ve seen.

Well, next question. Last class I taught was the one I subbed for Tommy. I think it was in May. Should I shadow a more current instructor before I start teaching again?

@tomthm is teaching tomorrow at 1:30. Good opportunity?

@john a gorman For your boxes class, what material did you use? Was it just eighth inch plywood?

@john a gorman thanks for sharing your knowledge tonight in class it's always a joy to learn from you looking forward to next time.

@pseudonym01 yes, 1/8" exactly.

10:24 PM

@JoshW I am glad you came and got something from the class. Cheers

Awesome, thanks! Definitely second @JoshW

@pseudonym01 you are most welcome

@somecallmery John @john a gorman says since you have been participating in Maintenance Day, you are good to go re: teaching. Go forth and do good works.

1

https://lightburnsoftware.com/blogs/news/lightburn-v0-6-00-new-trace-image-feature

LightBurn v0.6.00 - new Trace Image feature!

We were going to wait on this for a little bit, but an important bug fix for one of our vendors was needed, and this was ready to go, so: LightBurn now has a Trace Image feature! We recently licensed the Potrace image tracing engine by Icosasoft (the same engine used by InkScape) and it's ready to go - take a look: Images with transparency lose their outline, but we'll get that sorted shortly and it appears to be otherwise solid. We felt the addition of image tracing has moved LightBurn a significant step closer to being

LASERSAUR UPDATE! Pick up has been scheduled for tomorrow between 9am and 3pm!

2:52 PM

Will anyone be at the space during this time who can supervise pick up?

What is expected in way of supervision?

Just make sure they know what to pick up (it's all on the pallet) and they may have to sign

2:54 PM

Basically just make sure it gets out the door

2:54 PM

Sorry for the short notice, just got the call from FCW confirming it's been set up

I can be there by 10:30am. Stay until 3p. How do we know if NC has paid? So no surprises.

I think they had to to get the tracking number

3:03 PM

I sent a message to the board too. @David Kessinger had said he could be available as well, so hopefully that will cover us

1

@stephenie @merissa If they use the loading dock there's no problem, however currently the auto bay door is inoperable.

Not even manual?

Not without causing more damage, the tension cable for the left side is broken

Eek ok. I think they'll be loading from the dock, but not positive

10:10 PM

Man crappy timing

If you must operate it, you need to hold the release, have someone on the chain pulling it along with a minimum of two people lifting

10:10 PM

Make sure someone holds it up while its partially opened.

No call yet

has the truck shown up?

No.

2:15 PM

Anyway for you to reach them?

@merissa No bill of lading. Trucker won't take shipment.

2:57 PM

David tried reaching you by phone.

2:57 PM

!!!

We spoke. FCW contact didnt answer the phone so I don't know when they can get the paperwork to me

Spoke with FCW, they were told a bill of lading would come at the end. This process is new to all of us. He's on hold with customer service now to discuss

@stephenie or anyone have experience with this kind of shipping/bill of lading?

5:16 PM

Old Dominion is telling FCW they'll send a blank one for us to fill out

5:21 PM

They're saying they can reschedule for tomorrow too

Here you go. https://www.odfl.com/fillprintforms/PrintableBol.pdf

5:32 PM

I'm not available tomorrow.

5:35 PM

Other forms, just in case. https://www.odfl.com/Landings/fillprintLanding.faces

He's supposed to be emailing me more info he's gotten from OD. Instructions about this weren't provided the first time, just the confirmation number I shared

We actually had it on the truck and had to remove it.

Hate that today was so difficult

Old Dominion didnt give any instruction for FCW/us when scheduling

8:22 PM

It's rescheduled for tomorrow, putting info together to send to the board again

8:22 PM

Just want to get it out the door to them

here needs to be a printed hard copy on top of the shipment. before OD arrives.

@merissa will you be able to be here for pickup?

Nope, I have a doctor's appointment with a specialist tomorrow... at the doctor all the time lately.

9:19 PM

Trying to figure things out

9:20 PM

Brandon will likely drive up in a bit to attach a copy of the BOL to the pallet

9:22 PM

Can't count on them to call before arriving I guess, so that makes it more difficult given such a big window for pick up

Illustrator is saying license is expired? Any ideas how to correct that? On the computer near blitzen

Thank you for alerting us. It is a known issue. Here's the open trouble ticket: https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/blitzen-laser-pc-adobe-illustrator-license-appears-expired-wont-load/31997

Blitzen Laser PC Adobe Illustrator License appears expired - won't load

ISSUE or REQUEST: On the PC connected to the Blitzen laser, when I try to launch Adobe Illustrator, I get this error message: [Capture] Affected Tool or Resource: Blitzen PC Committee, Group or Volunteer who usually handles this type of ISSUE or REQUEST (Please tag using the @ symbol. A list of current groups that can be “mentioned” is maintained at this LINK.): @Team_Infrastructure Details of ISSUE or REQUEST (Please be as specific as possible): PLEASE REMEMBER DALLAS MAKERSPACE IS A...

10:43 PM

I regret to say that you'll need to use Illustrator on another machine.

10:46 PM

An experimental option exists: trial version of LightBurn has been install on Laser's PCs. It's a substitute for RDWorks that imports an svg file. That means no need to use Illustrator as a middle step. Our testers are reporting satisfactory results.

10:46 PM

We would be interested in your experience if you try it.

Saur is prepped to go, bill of lading is taped to it

12:32 AM

Thank you @merissa & Brandon. Thank you @stephenie and @David Kessinger for helping today.

Driver arriving in 30-45 minutes to pick up the saur! Anyone onsite and available to supervise? @deleted-role

If you cannot find anyone I can drive over

Thank you luke! I posted in general too to see if I can get someone currently onsite

1:37 PM

They said it will be no more than 45 mins from now

I looked at the cameras, looks like Stan and Andrew Z (woodshop chair) are there

1:38 PM

I have a meeting at 3 I cannot miss

@StanSimmons or @azalaket would yall be able to assist?

@merissa I'm in touch with Stan, do you have the Bill of Lading ready, printed and on top of the laser?

It's taped on top

I'm at the space also if needed

Thank you Mark!

1:44 PM

It's Old Dominion Freight, they said driver should give us back a copy of the bill of lading with a barcode sticker on it that will have the tracking number

1:44 PM

The pick up number for reference is 71984028

1:44 PM

That's on the bill of lading as well

Ok, Stan is committed and Limey is committed

1:45 PM

I think we'll be good

1

And there should be two copies of the BOL there just in case

1:47 PM

Can put the copy of the BOL with the barcode sticker from the driver in the laser toolbox top drawer

I am home sick as a dog. So glad to see the DMS team making this happen.

Oh no!! Hope you feel better soon!

Merissa, yep two copies, one signed, one not

1:49 PM

Ack. My bad. I think any dms person can sign, but think he'll only need one

1:49 PM

Printed the second one as a back up at the last sec just in case

Looks like you signed top one?

1:50 PM

At least I think that's an M and a G

Yep that's it :)

1:59 PM

If there are any snags with pick up please just message me, want to make sure it gets on its way today

1:59 PM

I definitely appreciate you guys helping too

He is taking pics for his dispatch. Not happy with packaging. Will know more soon

Ok

2:31 PM

Don't think they said anything about packaging yesterday, so hopefully it will fly

2:51 PM

And off it goes to it's new home

2:51 PM

Sooo happy! Foothills Community Workshop will be too!!

Where is the laser toolbox these days?

2:52 PM

Or can I drop it in the cash box

Last I saw was next to the tombstone

2:53 PM

Either one will work :)

big truck for a tiny laser

Omg I can't see for looking

Lol definitely makes it look tiny

Dropped it in top drawer

1

Ooh, did it have the barcode with tracking number at the top? If so can you snap a pic and share?

It did and I didn't. I'm gone now. Stan should still be there rho

No biggie. Thanks for everything today!!

Can any of the lasers cut metal?

No, no cutting metal, you'll need the plasma cam for that

7:53 PM

You can etch/print onto metal with a product like cermark

Gotcha, thanks

Hey team laser is pink foam currently on the do not cut list ?

no, just do test cuts first

Would anyone be willing to train me on the plasma cam this weekend?

Plasma Cam is a 2 hour class hosted by the metal shop

1:56 PM

I would ask on Talk instead of the Laser channel

Oh dang, didn't realize it was so involved, thanks

discord? thats why i set it up! that way you can get ensnared in other committees just as easily

Metalshop does not use Discord at the moment, chuck barely uses talk

yar

3:01 PM

i dont think im going to get him on it like i got kessinger either

3:06 PM

https://www.facebook.com/groups/therpf/permalink/1653546761401569/?sale_post_id=1653546761401569

3:06 PM

can anyone see this? a friend is selling his 40w laser cutter, no name cheap china cutter, $160

3:07 PM

https://www.facebook.com/groups/therpf/permalink/1653546761401569/?sale_post_id=1653546761401569&ref=messenger_share

im really not a fan of the thunder lasers being limited to 70%, it has thrown all of my settings from the 63 through a loop

@pseudonym01 some of us (metal shop folk/plasmacam instructors) troll through discord occasionally, but Luke's dead on: post to TALK instead. Honestly, though, I might be able to save you some trouble: we rarely, if ever, do 1 on 1 training for the plasmacam. We have a bit of a gentlemen's agreement that if we're going to spend 2 hours teaching someone how to do it, it should be open for at least 5 of their buddies to join in, so it needs to be a class. IF someone is going to do it for you anyway, it's best to catch them in person and ask, rather than via any of the electronic mediums.

Still sick as a dog. Think I've turned a corner though. Am heartened to see Team Laser strong on Talk and Discord.

Hello. I hope you all are enjoying the holiday weekend. RDWorks however seems to want to invent problems. Anyone with admin rights able to do an uninstall/reinstall? Or know another solution? I'm tagging @StanSimmons on Talk, where he's more likely to see it. I'll be up later to take a look. (yes, have arisen from my sick bed.) https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/laser-thuder-computer-rdworks-not-installed-correctly/32305

Laser Thuder Computer: RDWorks not installed correctly

ISSUE or REQUEST: RDWorks System Error. The program cannot run on the computer because it says it is missing the RDCAM.dll file and suggests to reinstall the program. I look at the program files and it appears that that file does exist, not sure why it doesn’t read it. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Affected Tool or Resource: Thunder Nova 63 computer Committee, Group or Volunteer who usually handles this type of ISSUE or REQUEST (Please tag using the @ symbol. A list of current groups...

im not sure what problem they had

2:33 PM

it could be that its set for a smaller machine or they imported the file with the wrong units(more likely, since the program detects the machine)

2:34 PM

or they were trying to use the wrong pc for the 63 and thats why it was set for the wrong machine size

RDWorks issue is a missing .dll file - that isn't actually missing.

Stan says SteveO worked the issue and all is well. I can see users at the machine now. Will check in personally before closing out the ticket.

Thunder 63 update...shortcut missing from Public folder and typing RDWorks into search bar would not locate the application. Frustrated users. @john a gorman assured me I could create the shortcut without screwing things up. (Don't laugh too hard, dear Team Laser!) (edited)

This is a kluge but, but if you right click on an a .rdl file and click “open with” you get an option to open with RDWoeks. I meant to report this issue after my class Sunday and rushed off, totally forgetting to. Sorry for the oversight.

Even less of a kludge is just double-clicking the RDWorksV8.exe file. (that's what the shortcut points to) Open the C drive, open the RDWorksV8 folder, look for RDWorksV8.exe and double-click it.

8:30 AM

I re-installed RDWorks on the 63 computer a week or so ago. It seemed to work OK until just recently, right? So, something else changed/broke since then?

That's what @stephenie did, creating a shortcut and putting it in the public user folder

8:31 AM

The short cut for my account was missing at some point last week

and, if it is still broken, I think I can connect to the computer remotely and re-install it again. Just hard to actually TEST that it can cut something from downtown dallas

It should be working now

ok - if it is acting up today, I can come by after work to fix

Thank you

I've set up a working thread on Talk to discuss the materials on the Go/No Go list. Please weigh in there. https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/team-laser-materials-list-update-discussion-here/32430

Team Laser: Materials List Update discussion HERE

Team: The time has come to make some updates to the materials list. Non-Team members: We’ve got some experienced laser users out there who are not on Team Laser. Met one in @nicksilva the other day. Please share your knowledge. Here are the ground rules. Because we all know how Talk can quickly devolve, whether with humor, distraction, or, dare it be said, unpleasantness. I’ve got @John_Marlow on speed dial to help moderate. Don’t make me use her. This is a working thread. Keep on topi...

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Update...Each of the eight NO GO materials has its own thread. Click "like" if the original wording still works. Discuss as needed. One member stated that Lexan can be worked on the multicam. Pointing our users in the direction of alternate solutions may reduce temptation to ignore the prohibitions.

Any idea why this offset on the first line happened? It’s my own fault for not testing but wondering what may have cause it? This was a gift from Walter A and I’ll sand it off but want it to be nice in his memory

10:00 PM

@kriskat30 send me the original file and the rd works file please

did the nozzle catch or something?

10:05 PM

doesnt look out of focus

If you run a simulation, does it look like that?

Simulation looks perfect

10:12 PM

Stephanie was helping me set it up but we were both surprised at the result

I would guess a glitch in the gcode

Got it second time around

@pearce It was easier to let you put it on my computer than to constantly try to avoid you!

my guess is the piece moved, or the belt slipped? It looks too heavy for air assist to have moved it though.

"Sunday 11a-2p: Lasers Down" signs are up. For Sunday's Maintenance-Day-with-a-side-of-Meeting, I'm bringing meatball sliders. Ryan @somecallmery talked me into making deviled eggs, too. Ummm...deviled eggs. Graham Bateman is bringing fruit.

Donner is down. The blower isn't turning on

1:46 PM

It was working fine for John, and then quit.

blower meaning exhaust fan?

3:34 PM

because then all the lasers should be down

3:34 PM

or, blower as in "air assist?"

3:35 PM

I see people using the other 2 machines right now on video

3:35 PM

I see a phone on the desk there --- anyone have the phone number to call it?

I think it's the main number?

3:40 PM

not sure

At Space now. Blitzen's blower and air assist are operating correctly. Checking others...

Thunder 63 checks out.

Tried Donner with no material (to catch fire). Definitely no blower. I can hear a hissing sound which seems like air assist blowing against the honeycomb bed.

Luke solved it...and gave me a tutorial. Power switch was flipped on the blower. Thank you, Luke @LukeStrickland . (edited)

And @MotoPilot Clay came in 5 minutes after it was solved with the intent to troubleshoot Donner.

8:14 PM

Great team.

We have 26 users - out of 130 - logging into our computers over the last 17 days who don't have completing Laser Basics on record. A few I could ID from Talk. Am getting names and contact info from @StanSimmons. Will have @john a gorman and @tomthm look at list to see if they recognize their students.

We should be able to get their email addresses from the directory and send a message informing them that they need to let us know if they've taken the course - or take it soon. Otherwise they'll lose the ability to logon if we don't hear back from them.

12:06 PM

It appears I should be able to modify the current logon script that resets the RDWorks settings to also check if the user is a member of the "laser trained" group. If not, it would display a notice that they need to either take the class or get added to the group. I'll work on that.

@StanSimmons gave us the names and email addresses last night.

Could have the computers not log in for people who haven't taken the class

@john a gorman and @tomthm, you will be getting an invite to edit a Google spreadsheet. There's a tab for Users Without Laser Basics. Please make a note if you recognize any of your LB students.

1:42 PM

@pearce , that's the goal.

Completely removes the issue of non trained people on the PCs

Agreed.

1:46 PM

The committee agreed to this at last months meeting. We have a problem with too many users having taken LB, but it not being on their record because the class was so long ago. So to minimize disruption, we are ID-ing as many as possible without LB and notifying them. We're given them a 30day grace period in which they can update their records.

1:47 PM

@pearce your ID canibalcrab is not in the LB directory. (edited)

I believe I predate the system

Yep. Hoping to find more like you to save y'all the inconvenience. I'll get Stan to update your records.

When we got the first thunder I remember we had like 300 people trained but not in the ad system

Yikes. We only captured 26 non-LB names in this net.

2:17 PM

Will put up notice on Talk and signage in Laser.

Is my ID gbeauw in the list?

Yes. You are recorded as completing LB.

Hi all, I have taken the class and I’m going to drop by a bit later to try to make my first cuts. If anybody is there who wants to help a noobie, it would be greatly appreciated.

If no Team Laser members are there, ask any user for assistance. They were all newbies at one time and were helped by more-experienced users...pay it forward.

Roger that!

Crystal is asking if Donner is having a chiller problem. Any thoughts? https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/donner-cooling-issue/32816

Donner Cooling Issue?

ISSUE or REQUEST: Cooler problem? Affected Tool or Resource: Donner Laser Committee, Group or Volunteer who usually handles this type of ISSUE or REQUEST (Please tag using the @ symbol. A list of current groups that can be “mentioned” is maintained at this LINK.): Details of ISSUE or REQUEST (Please be as specific as possible): 3/3 1:30a The cooler is showing 19 degrees and is whirring. Air bubbles in the line. Everything is showing green still but doesn’t seem right. Asked around but no on...

Via a Talk PM, I've sent Team Laser a link to our rebuilt finances. The Google sheet is viewable, not editable. Do not post questions here. Post on the PM thread. This notice is to direct your attention to the PM.

12:07 PM

Get ready for Sunday's Maintenance-And-Meeting by catching up on our activities. See the Closed Items on our Action Items list. You can add new items - open or closed - and they will appear as comments that I can approve. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RpKt46AY-UbctIcSm9UzNQ2gSadPdOZRI6O8VVqJ-gA/edit?usp=sharing

Committee: Action Items

Being on this list doesn’t mean it will get done. It means it won’t get forgotten. Name = a volunteer (not an employee) is working on this. Patience. No name = not getting done. Volunteer if it is important to you. OPEN ITEMS Operations & Maintenance (Robert Davidson) “Also I ordered some ...

Laser convention plus other stuff, starts Thursday. https://thenbmshow.com/arlington-2018 (edited)

Chiller's water was empty. Evidence of a leak...water stains on floor and a piece of scrap stored behind Donner. The drain plug was loose, now tightened. Bears watching.

like someone slide scrap into the line? (edited)

That's a thought.

Posted meeting minutes & committee report in one Talk thread. Committee Report is required in advance support of the monthly DMS Member Meeting, this Thursday at 8pm. This is the one time/place where we can talk directly to other committees, general members and the Board-members-who-show-up-to-listen. I'll be there and would like to see other Laser members there. I have financial questions to raise. And we don't know what questions others will have of us. https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/march-2018-laser-committee-meeting-minutes-committee-report/32881

March 2018 Laser Committee Meeting Minutes + Committee Report

This serves as both a posting of our meeting minutes and our monthly report for Thursday’s Member Meeting (hope to see some Laser members there!) Can I just say how amazing Team Laser is? 17 people showed, made decisions, and worked! And ate meatball sliders, deviled eggs, fruit, veggies and chips. Extra tip o’ the hat to Graham and Josh for bringing food. That army marches on its stomach. I’m telling you. A great team all around. (And Graham brought me a present…confetti eggs for Easter...

Sorry I couldn't make that meeting. Thanks to all that helped and to Stephenie for her leadership.

No worries. See you next month.. There's always a next month...

Tommy Thomas here. Is someone available to cover a Laser Basics class tomorrow 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM? My son is in the hospital and they need me there tomorrow at 11:00 AM.

I know there a few of teaching. Another possibility is I’ll contact those signed up and move the class to later in the day for those who can, and a second time for those who can’t.

Above, meant to saw “only a few”.

@john a gorman?

@tomthm I can cover it for you

@tomthm Anything else we can do for you and your family?

Yes, anything to help?

Oh thx John. Really appreciate it. And thanks you Stephanie. He’s good, had a wreck but no life threatening injuries. John if you

7:22 PM

John if you will send me signin roster, I will do the Attendance and AD check offs in the calendar, unless there’s another way that you know of.

7:22 PM

And the honorarium of course.

As Classroom Chair, I have access to that. No worries.

I appreciate the response and offer SO much.

I'll etch your son a tumbler to speed recovery. Science says tumblers help in many ways

Cool. A guy emailed today and asked if he could show up, he’d list his password, got that sorted but still couldn’t sign up. Is it cool with you if he comes. I’ll can be there by 3:30 and can show him then if it’s easier. I’m coming down then anyway.

7:25 PM

So excellent. Thanks buddy.

Nah, if you said it was ok, I'll honor it and his time

7:25 PM

Sent you a private message

Cool man. I love DMS because of folks like y’all, which is how most everybody at DMS is. Sons name is Ian in case that helps.

Any other interest to add? School, sport, game, pagan symbol

7:28 PM

I mean...

He goal is a Subaru WRX. I can bring a file at 3:30 if that’s not too late. If it is, anything will be good

@tomthm that works. I'm avail until 4:15

Cool man!

@Motopilot and @john a gorman added a sign to whiteboard with links & QR codes for Talk, Discord, wiki, and Action Items.

Thunder 63 is down. Needs new drag chain. See Talk post I've got the broken bracket to match up and counted the # of links. I need to go back and see if the chain is open, closed or semi-closed type (apparently from online search that's a thing).

11:11 AM

What I need from you....does anyone know of a local supplier? I can get a replacement today, if so, for quickest turn around. Otherwise, will mail order one.

Needs a new chain or a new bracket?

Both are printable

that's what I was thinking

Someone find some calipers!

It needs one or two links and an end piece/anchor.

1:44 PM

@pearce what dimensions do you need? I'm available to make any measurements. (edited)

1:47 PM

or I can put the broken bracket somewhere you can find it.

Size was stamped on links. No local supplier found. Ordered replacement chain for $15 from Amazon + 2 spares. Same chain used on all 3 Thunder Novas. Not a common size. 2 Day delivery. Hit or miss whether we'll get a weekend delivery, though.

If @pearce or @LukeStrickland 3D print replacements with the intent to get Big Thunder in service sooner, that's good too. It's a win-win no matter what.

Steve Blanchard acted as our procurement officer, so package arriving in his name. I will be out of town for Spring Break. Hiking. Little internet contact. Back Friday the 16th. Stan should let y'all know when package is here, but if you would check also when on-site, so much the better.

Pics? Someone may have made a similar one already

4:15 PM

Otherwise wed just need the broken bits and some calipers

You can pull the intact pieces from Big Thunder. Better for measurement than broken bits.

4:16 PM

Looks like this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074Z2R1G8/ref=twister_B074Y8LZLM?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Just in case, the broken link is in my galley storage bin. Ziploc bag, top of bin. My bin is below Mark Reynold/Limey's...great landmark. Hope it helps. And thank you, as always. (edited)

Maybe im missing something but to me that plastic chain is just for cable management ?

Yeah

Yep

6:26 PM

And the air assist tube

I measured and got an end printed and installed, but the problem goes deeper. The airhose is stiff and the chain doesn't lay as flat as it should, which allows it to catch when traveling certain paths. Clay, I think, is working on getting some new hose. Im sure he will post up when he gets it taken care of.

The 3d print is beautiful

10:17 PM

Can't even tell

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That is great news.

10:55 PM

Did you add links? At least one link broke off. If the chain is too short, how might that effect operation?

Thank you one and all. Saw @MotoPilot 's update on Talk.

Seems to work fine with the current size chain. We moved the laser head all over the table.

1

Blue air tubing is a thing. Silicone based.

We just need to be careful it isn't too soft though for that compression fitting to work properly (or insert a small metal tube on the inside to keep the end rigid. We also considered that the first two inches could be very stiff tubing, with a straight fitting to transition to silicone for the middle section that needs to be flexible.

I'll bring this up to the Thunder representatives at the trade show tomorrow. I want a spare parts list.

The drag chain on the left side is also looking like it needs to be cleaned too. A couple of links on it look sticky. The left one has air hose running in it. (blue line) The right side looked ok. (there are 3 of them in the machine)

I wonder if they are all KYD 1020s. Is it hoping for too much that the part be universal? (edited)

@MotoPilot turn in your receipt for the hose for reimbursement. I believe forms are outside the server room.

Just a reminder...I'm leaving tomorrow on Spring Break & will be out of town until late-late Thursday. Will try to stay in touch, but lots of adventure and limited cell reception a factor. Carry on, Team. You've demonstrated terrific communication + problem solving and can handle anything that comes up.

So you won't mind if we repaint all the machines pink?

Depends. Will the shade coordinate with our Laser Red color?

Only had a few minutes to checkI on Donner. No visible tube issues. Water level same as when we refilled it. Ran same test job on Donner and Blitzen with same results. Not seeing any issues. Left it out of service for now because I had to run home. Also just realized I have the keys for the cabinet and laser in my pocket. I'll be back in a while with the keys.

Check lenses and mirrors

6:25 PM

I can't come up tonight

I hurt my knee and can't come back. Sending keys, but someone else will need to check lenses and mirrors

Do anyone know if we are going to get a light burn license. The free trial has expired

Stan is working with the vendor to get the license keys stop for all users.

I am looking for the document that states good places to buy materials that was mentioned in class but am having a hard time locating it on the website. Can someone kindly point me in the right direction?

https://dallasmakerspace.org/wiki/Plastics_Suppliers

Plastics Suppliers

Thanks!

I put Donner back in service. I can't find any issue with it and haven't been able to repeat the problem.

Where does the power meter live for the lasers? I'd like to do some grid / quadrant power loss, linearity tests, and comparisons across the different laser outputs at some point.

It is in the laser cabinet. Curiosity had me check top left corner and bottom right corner of the grid to see what the loss was on Donner last maintenance day.

10:26 PM

We got 60watts top left, and about 40 bottom right, which was way more loss than any of us expected.

Thanks, that was the primarily the piece of info I was after.

I had a delivery of Acrylic from AlliedPlastics it sounds like that came in Yesterday afternoon and I know who signed for it, but I have not made it back to DMS to check..When I get there later today is there a typical location I should look? I read a post about a black table in the commons area?

yeah it's in the common room

10:08 AM

We have a table in the front of the hallway for packages

Ok great. I just want to confirm where it is and hopefully that it is there (10 sheets) because the place that delivered will be closed before I can check myself. Not sure who is onsite though that could look

I am

10:17 AM

10 sheets

Awesome. I really appreciate it

I apologize if I missed a list somewhere but where are good places to buy plywood for laser cutting? Looking for 3/8" or 1/2". I'm assuming the pine plywood from home depot won't work well?

https://dallasmakerspace.org/wiki/Wood_Suppliers Try looking here

Wood Suppliers

Thanks!

Hey guys, I hear someone here is working with software that interfaces with the active directory?

is anyone near the laser right now?

I am in a woodworking class right now. What do you need?

oh cool! @Bara when you are done, could you please take a picture of the materials board with the circles of optimal settings?

@Bara actually it's OK, thanks for asking. I've got it taken care of

My apologies, had to go directly from wood class to Haas class and hadn’t had a chance to take the pic yet

Anyone have experience with the laser not cutting all of the design? It says it's done with the job and just didn't cut the bottom.

Anyone know what I’m doing wrong with the color mapping on epilog? It seems not to save the settings when I change them.

Has to be specific colors

9:59 PM

I'm pretty sure it can only see 8

I was not hitting the right button. Rookie mistake

Ah the check box for it. Yeah happens a lot

I actually wasn’t clicking the little double arrow that saves the color config

12:34 AM

Also somebody’s glasses were there by the epilog station when I left. Meant to get a picture and post on talk, but forgot

Hello, Team. Back from Spring Break. Posted on Talk our official meeting notice with announcement of Committee Chair election. https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/monthly-maintenance-comm-mtg-chair-election-sun-april-8th-11a-2p/33531

Monthly Maintenance + Comm Mtg + Chair Election, Sun, April 8th, 1...

(clears throat; uses official sounding voice) Let this serve as the formal 2 week notice prior to our Committee Chair election, per https://dallasmakerspace.org/wiki/Rules_and_Policies#Committee_Responsibilities_and_Rules2. Nominations welcome ...

I'm seeing a noticeable power degradation on Donner in the upper left quadrant (say 30-40%+) and slightly lower (10%-25%) in the rest of the quadrants. It seems that there is a large smudge on the lens that could be causing it. I assume cleaning it isn't as easy as Windex and paper towel? If so, is this something that could be looked at prior to the maintenance day in a few weeks?

How long is too long (time wise) to run a job on one of the thunder lasers?

9:50 AM

I have a wood rastering/etching job that is simulated to take 45 minutes and I'm worried that the laser would potentially be damaged in some way of it was continuously used for that long

9:50 AM

Am I being overly cautious?

It has a water chiller for this reason

Anybody know if the Light Burn software is going to become part of our arsenal?

@StanSimmons purchased the licenses. Are they installed yet?

@pearce alright thanks

Don’t think Big Thunder’s worked. I talked to Stan briefly on my way to Blake’s Arduino Class (excellent, by the way). Will follow up on Friday when I’m up there.

6:45 AM

Big Thunder’s LightBurn I meant to say.

6:50 AM

And....Brady. Not Blake. Sorry to y’all getting notifications with each of my corrections. Last one.

anyone at the Space?

Note for maintenance day - Blitzen red positioning laser is pretty dim. Not sure if it is alignment or a dirty mirror. When I looked at the mirror just over the final lens it looks like there's a smudge in the center too. Also, Blitzen is a mess in general (see post on talk for pictures).

11:14 AM

(no, it wasn't a result of tattoo removal)

Probably needs cleaning. Soot lands on the mirror and gets heated up by the laser making the smudge.

Will vacuuming take care of the mess on the honeycomb bed? Or do we need to follow Todd Bloom's advice for wet cleaning the bed?

No we would need something active

1:13 PM

Like compressed air blowing on the mirrors to prevent soot from landing

I was referring to the mess we have, not future mess. How to clean it up.

Oh I meant the dirty mirrors. Is blitzen closest to the door? Someone was rastering the crap out of foam. It was pretty messy

Blitzen is closest to the back door. When did you see the foam being rastered? What color was the foam? The residue is black. Am trying to locate the user on camera.

Pink foam

3:57 PM

Two nights ago? I was doing car work

Thank you.

Foam was nacho, there's been a lot of rastering on that machine of other odd things too

@john a gorman was Nacho rastering pink stamping rubber on Blitzen or Zing?

Blitzen

Near door

4:00 PM

I was talking with him

Sounds like the messy "pink foam" was the Speedball Speedy Carve, which is a no-go material due to PVC. @john a gorman , you spoke with Nacho and corrected this?

@yoda it is speedball

If it was we should wipe down the smooth rods

4:05 PM

And bearing surfaces

Wet cleaning the grids is likely needed on Blitzen, and could be done on the others... Is the process terrible or just a matter of building a 2x4 frame on the ground with a plastic tarp, pouring in the solution, and putting the grid in it for a while? I suppose for the smaller machines, we could buy a new grid, swap out the existing one, clean it, then swap out that one on the next machine, and would always have a clean grid ready to go.

In the future the black floor foam(Eva) works really well for stamps

4:07 PM

The black soot looks like it could have come from black foam. It didn't seem like wood soot.

4:09 PM

I have time to go back and do some cleanup. I want to work on the LightBurn license stuff anyway.

I literally watched it come off the pink foam

4:10 PM

And talked about how to reduce how much he was having to burn away

I guess burning pick foam is probably going to turn black

Especially if it's pvc

ugh

Thanks to @pearce 's info, I located the camera feed and watched @yoda laser the Speedy Carve. Can confirm Pearce's description. It filled the interior with plumes of soot. Very obvious. Can see that @MotoPilot is working on Blitzen now. What kind of shape is it in? Were you able to wipe down the smooth rods & bearing surfaces per Pearce's recommendation?

2 of the 3 types of speedball have PVC. I'll post it on talk tonight. If it is generating so much smoke, that's also a problem even without PVC (edited)

thank you

9:26 PM

Any stamping materials need to say "laserable" or "chlorine free". I've updated the wiki.

@MotoPilot todd said purple power works well. there is also car wash east on Valwood for pressured water

Blitzen is mostly clean now. Will need a full detailing this weekend's maintenance day. I did not remove the bearings and they could use some cleaning. The bearing surface rods were wiped down and they look OK. The two rods at the very back that come off that center stepper motor look to have a little corrosion on them but nothing serious. I cleaned the lens with alcohol (hope that's ok) to remove the haze on it. Someone was attempting to cut 1/2" acrylic when I got there (which is really, really pushing the limit on that machine) and it originally wasn't working well. The lens barrel was extremely hot after their test cut. That didn't happen after I cleaned the lens. The mirrors should all be removed and cleaned this weekend too (and realigned). Isopropyl alcohol and paper towel did a good job of cutting through the grime and yellowish film on the interior. The bottle is almost empty so I'd bring another one.

9:04 AM

Also, LightBurn license installation instructions are posted at the 3 design computers and the nova 35s. I couldn't get on Thunder because it was busy. Just need to put a license file on the desktop and it will be able to run LightBurn too.

I didn't even try to clean the bed. It is really dirty too though. Be careful with pressure washing... keep your distance or else that thin grid could really get bent up.

@MotoPilot Thank you Clay!

@MotoPilot Great seeing you and @pinewoodnut last night. No thank you is big enough for all the work you all do.

11:34 AM

Team - Tonight is a special last minute Board of Directors meeting re: renting Suite 102 next door. Starts at 7pm. Laser needs to be in the seats. If you can get there, please be there.

11:34 AM

Last night was the Meet the Candidates. I did not attend. Clay did. (I was working with David at Office Hours and making our consumable purchases.) I wasn't concerned about missing it as I've been talking with the candidates at length.

11:35 AM

I should have been concerned. One question from the floor, asked by the chair of Metal Shop, was "Should Laser be allowed to keep its money?"

Good Lord really

By 2nd hand accounts, the candidates gave a variety of answers. Including - paraphrasing and 2nd hand, so take with a grain of salt: (a) Laser should give some of their money to the general fund, (b) Laser's fees may be too high, (c) Laser is self-funding, faces big maintenance bills if something goes wrong, and is saving for a fiber laser, and (d) if you want to change Laser, join its committee and legislate from there.

11:40 AM

Basically, I won't miss a meeting if I can help it. Also I am extending an invite to the candidates to attend Sunday's meeting and work day. If they need to get to know us.

We've had this fight before fyi

11:47 AM

The board needed money to buy a PC for another committee and took 1500 from laser without talking to the chair first

11:48 AM

It was brought up when we asked for funding for the lasersaur

11:48 AM

STOP

11:49 AM

We can't use DMS or committee funds to buy food for volunteers

I know that

Especially if it's expected as part of volunteering. It's constitutes payment.

11:50 AM

Well don't add that as a reason we should keep it

food honorarium?

11:51 AM

tough to see the difference between paying someone to volunteer to teach a class and giving them a taco for volunteering to clean a machine though.

I've only been a member for a year or so, and I'm trying to understand how the money really flows around this space, which hasn't been easy. Some things I just don't understand, and some things make me shake my head and say "really?" I believe that committees/areas should in some respects be partially self funded - through whatever means that they choose. If they price themselves out of the market and die, that's on them. I also believe each member should choose 1-3 committees and a small portion of their monthly membership gets allocated to the committees they choose. That would also ensure that the committees that people care about and use get more funding (as they should) and people have a direct say in where their membership dollars go. (committees like classroom would be treated differently) It might also encourage committees to be the best they can be to encourage members to choose them. I also believe when the board agrees to fund a $10-15,000 machine, there should be a plan in place about how the committee will "pay that back" in some way, or at least be able to say they'll have the money saved to buy a replacement when the machine is at end-of-life. That's only reasonable and would ensure we're really buying things that will benefit the group and we're not just throwing money away. So much more I could write here, but don't have time right now.

@stephenie for the record, my response was d

1

@pearce I'm confused about your segue re: food for volunteers. If you are referring to me providing snack on Sunday, I want to reassure you and everyone that I pay for it out of my own pocket. Pearce is correct that we cannot pay for it with committee funds. The reason why I provide a sandwich is 4-fold: (a) you all work so hard for 3 hours, right through lunch and (b) a bribe and (c) breaking bread knits us together and (d) I don't really much cook anymore, it's nice to feed happy people. I hope this clarifies.

1

Sorry the message I was referring got deleted

Oh! That helps.

I know you buy yours out of pocket. Thanks for that

You're welcome.

3:39 PM

If anyone feels so moved to bring something to share, that's lovely. William Petefish is joining to help with the expansion project paperwork. He's bringing something involving hot peppers from a BBQ joint. Last month, folks added fruit and veggie trays and chips. I try to bring stuff that doesn't require utensils.

1

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/laser-requests-the-presence-of-candidates-on-maintenance-day-mtg/34243

Laser requests the presence of Candidates on Maintenance Day + Mtg

@Adam_Oas @Know @Photomancer @extralanyap @Haley_Moore @Kriskat30 @LukeStrickland @dr_cee @Diplomat This Sunday, April 8, from 11a-2p. Attire: Clothes that can get dirty. Refreshments served. At last night’s Meet the Candidates forum, the c...

I deleted my original comment, which had an offhand remark about how a committee should be able to spend their funds on more or less whatever they want including food/drink for volunteers who give their time to come clean/maintain the equipment. In my mind, this really isn't different than providing an honorarium for volunteering to teach a class. I don't know of the prohibition on food is a DMS policy to keep committees from buying a lot of food, or an actual law that governs nonprofits. (I suspect the former) As with all policies, they sometimes aren't quite right the first time. For example, if the policy was strictly written to say "A committee may spend up to $50/month on Food/drink to be used as refreshments during committee meetings or maintenance events" I don't think anyone would have an issue with that... Again, if it doesn't violate any laws.

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/what-tax-free-benefits-can-nonprofits-give-volunteers.html

What Tax-Free Benefits Can Nonprofits Give Volunteers?

Spoke to Chuck (machine shop chair) and he appears to have been misquoted about taking away laser funds

I'm not a lawyer, but reading that I don't think providing refreshments at a maintenance event would cause any legal issues. By policy, I think DMS should still limit the amount spent on such things to be fiscally responsible and to avoid any issue with the law.

I'm not going to argue volunteer law, the DMS doesn't allow committee funds to be spent on food

4:53 PM

It's a CYA thing

Have someone who was recording the event play it back and we'll see what the real question was.

When I talked to him he was saying that laser shouldn't be charging for time. Arguably he right. We are clearly overcharging for time and maintenance, because we have upgraded machines and tube suppliers to units that no longer destroy themselves (power supplies on the fsl) cost half as much to replace for better tubes (spt instead of shitty reci brand) and we haven't reduced the fee needed for them

5:05 PM

Every other tool in the space is treated differently. No charge, when repairs are needed the board is asked, and usually provides(relaiabilty of the board is a sticking point)

That's fine. You and I fundamentally disagree on usage fees and why they are a good thing too it sounds like.

Laser could move to be more uniform with the rest of the space and go to the board occasionally to aks for the now $1500 for a new tube if something happens

And he asked about taking funds from laser.

My statement wasn't directed to you.

5:08 PM

I'm telling the committee about the conversation I had with Chuck

5:09 PM

I don't even know who you are, so I can't make any statements on if we agree on usage fees.

ok, cool.. and I was at the meeting and I heard the question and the responses. If his question was about charging usage fees, then that's what he should have asked in the meeting. The discussion then turned to usage fees as to why laser HAD the funds he was asking about recapturing.

Pearce (@pearce) meet Clay (@MotoPilot) . Clay meet Pearce. Pearce has been maintaining our lasers since time immemorial. He works for Poly Printer. He pre-dates my time, so I cannot do his accomplishments justice. His mom taught at my son's school, so I'm biased. He is (I hope) enjoying semi-retirement from the care and feeding of these machines thanks to a functioning Team Laser. And yet, he always responds to our questions on Discord. Clay is a very active member of the Team. His first contribution was the sample board, then he wrote new Laser Basics materials. His biggest contributions have been to the computers. We now have login data. RDWorks resets its settings with each login. Safety warnings on the wallpaper. He created two pinboards. He cleaned Blitzen when it got nuked this week with PVC-enfused residue. I'm forgetting stuff, I know. But these are his bona fides, Pearce. He's good people. You both are good people. (edited)

@merissa we're checking in on you. Due date is soon. How are you holding up?

Hey all! Thanks for checking @@stephenie :) Our little guy actually made an early arrival Tuesday night! We're doing good and basking in the baby joy right now :)

1

Whoa!!!!! Good job, Merissa. May we see a picture? What's his name? Hope you recovering well. Give our wishes to Brandon, please.

Congrats Merissa!

The statements at the Meet the Candidates varied lot. It seems like most were focused on how much money we had, but on whether charging for usage was a policy that served space. While I’m not sure what he meant, Eric said more than once that Laser was the only committee that could print money. Photomancer stated that Laser started charging for time back when tuned were $10k and now they’re $2500. The fundamental question for me is this: Is charging for time an model that DMS endorses?

http://support.epiloglaser.com/article/8205/11941/cleaning-vector-cutting-grid

Cleaning the Laser's Vector Cutting Grid

Cleaning Your Vector Grid The vector grid is an invaluable tool for operators who perform cutting tasks. With continual use, the vector grid can become dirty from the residue left behind from certain materials - especially wood. Here we'll discuss

12:57 AM

For Sunday for Blitzen's grid. Todd Bloom uses this degreaser at work. I'll pick it up. Needs to be diluted. The idea about the kennel tray is interesting.

12:58 AM

People have talked about putting the grid flat in a pickup truck bed and taking it to the DIY carwash. Using low pressure setting to rinse. Any opposition to this?

On a side note, @MotoPilot, read this. http://support.epiloglaser.com/article/8205/11964/cleaning-xaxis-linear-encoder

Cleaning the X-Axis Linear Encoder

Cleaning the X-Axis Linear Encoder Strip Machines: Epilog Mini 18/24, Helix, 36EXT Laser, and FiberMark. If you are seeing wavy engraving, or the engraving seems to be drifting across the page, you probably have a dirty linear encoder. Cleanin

1:12 AM

Could this have something to do with Donner and Thunder's engraving slippage?

As far as I know they don't have linear encoders. But the stepper motors might have some kind of encoder that reports position back to the controller that might be dirty.

I tightened 2 very loose belts on Blitzen today. When the gantry was moving in the y axis only, the x belt was actually flopping back and forth. Belts on the other thunders were OK. I cleaned the lens and mirrors on Donner too.

Thank you, @john a gorman.

@john a gorman is there by any chance an opening in the laser box class? I have been playing around in this area and I would be very interested in learning more.

@redroosterkey the class is currently full. There is a chance someone does not show. I'll put you first on standby. I use 2 websites. Makercase.com and https://www.festi.info/boxes.py/

9:41 AM

It's important to accurately measure the thickness of your material.

Cool! So to be on standby do I just need to show up and hope someone else does not?

Yes

Ok, thank you! And this link looks really cool also!

Makercase is nice and simple. Boxes.py has a lot more options, like living hinge.

It is also a policy issue. There was a problem at one time where a chair provided food for committee meetings.

/is there a way to break apart something that has been imported to lightburn? It wants to cut everything imported, and I can't seperate items into different objects/cut layers

11:04 AM

nevemind! someone else got me

Another good Maintenance+Mtg Day. I don't have the sign sheet in front of me, but at least 15 people participated. They were swarming over the area. I always like to stand back for a moment to take in the sight. Then again afterwards when it looks so clean, to appreciate the difference. Two lenses were replaced...one cracked, one smoked...Donner and Thunder should be working better now. Will order a new set. Blitzen's vector grid degreased; hope it cleared out the rest of the PVC residue. Oh...and they elected me chair for the next 6 months and Scott Blevins is Vice Chair. (edited)

3

Team Laser, please check your Inboxes and Spam folder for an invitation to online vote for our Board of Directors. I just did this. Piece of cake.

@stephenie sorry I didnt give more details the other day. Brandon and I welcomed little Isaac to the world last Tuesday.

3

2:43 PM

Everything's been a blur since then :)

2:45 PM

Sounds like yall are continuing to make great improvements for laser!! Glad you'll be continuing on as chair

Oh my gosh! Look at him! So cute. I forget they start out so tiny. Good job, Merissa!

2

Congratulations! Just think how many years this project is going to take to complete!

Is there someone who can help adjust the price paid on the Laser. I paid for minutes instead of $1 every 5 minutes.

You would be asking for a refund

12:00 PM

Email finance@dallasmakerspace.org

Talked to Epilog TS today. They recommended we purchase and new Z-Axis belt ($11) and install that to see if that fixes the binding. Also we need to do a close inspection of the lead screws with the bed out. If the belt doesn't fix the binding, we may have to order new lead screws (~ $200). Stephenie, how do you want me to send you details of how to order the belt?

Did they say anything about an end stop/limit switch? (edited)

They said the Zing 16 doesn't have limit switches on the Z-Axis (i.e. Focus).

exactly

6:33 PM

The way they said that seemed like other (Zing 24?) did have limit switches.

6:36 PM

[Thinking out loud.] If you think about it, when you hit the limit and the stepper motor keeps driving away. I'm not sure if the grinding sound that it makes when that happens is the belt slipping on lead screw cogs, the drive motor cogs or what. I suspect if this happens over time, the belt can certainly get worn out in spots which might lead to this binding issue.

Could very well be (edited)

@gbeauw send them to me by PM on Talk.

Hey the laser accidentally hit the metal I was using to hold my material down. I did an emergency stop. I probably should have hit pause but I panicked. How do I get the laser to boot back up.

9:09 PM

Huge apologies, but I want to be transparent about it

9:12 PM

Donner BTW

Anyone?

9:23 PM

@john a gorman hate to draw your attention to this

9:23 PM

My phone battery is almost dead

you have to twist the estop to untrigger it (edited)

9:31 PM

oops

Ah thank you!

9:33 PM

The estop button does not do any damage does it?

9:33 PM

Thank you for replying Pearce! I am eternally grateful

I was able to finish my job and the laser seems fine as far as I can tell

Thank you for letting us know, @redroosterkey

Yeah, I did press the frame button but I guess if you are etching a raster it needs a little more space on the left and right. (edited)

@redroosterkey it happens. The machines are surprisingly rugged. The red e- stop button is very safe to use. It resets the machine. And still remembers your origin. You are correct too about rastering. The machine needs a little space to accelerate.

Team Laser, got your picnic tickets yet? I'm afraid of Nicole., so I bought 3. https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/rage-post-why-arent-people-buying-tickets-to-the-picnic-yall-bout-to/34607

RAGE POST - Why Aren't People Buying Tickets to the Picnic? Ya'll ...

Current Nicole Mood: [Unknown] To everyone waiting I’m 'bout to flip a table up on ya’ll like any sensible Chicago born Texas raised lady-friend would in this situation. I’ll insult your grandmas cooking and not fix you a plate and I’ll...

I got mine over a month ago. I plan to eat a lot, so I bought an extra one.

Not afraid, just trying to be courteous

Got mine looking forward to fellowship in with my laser friends and making new ones.

I'm waiting to see if I need one or 4

@JoshW I feel the same. Whenever Team Laser is together, we're talking business. So nice to have an opportunity to socialize.

12:16 AM

See you all there.

Vice Chair Scott Blevins @Scott_Blevins is now on Discord. Welcome aboard. Do you have your picnic ticket? See posts above.

@pinewoodnut & @john a gorman , sent you a PM on Talk.

K

Turned our expansion paperwork in. Grateful to the small "subcommittee" who worked together to meet a tight deadline: @MotoPilot , @pinewoodnut , @john a gorman, @Scott_Blevins , William Petefish, and @pearce (edited)

10:44 PM

@pearce replaced the mirrors in Thunder today. It is now cutting through 1/4" ply again in the lower right corner. I'll let him explain more. (edited)

10:48 PM

He also re-aligned Donner's bed. Alignment pins were not in alignment holes.

Thank you @stephenie

10:59 PM

Thank you @pearce

@stephenie I dont see it where did you send it

William petefish = @Blackfire_tx

1:21 AM

Alignment pin and hole in the bed. If they aren't in there the bed isnt going to be flat. The 63 doesn't have these. It's a new model feature

The alignment pins are great. Bed is always in the same place for reference. Not so on big thunder

@LukeStrickland with Alex and Chris's permission, used Google Sheets for easier team collaboration. Sent shareable link to Alex and Chris.. All is well. Thanks for checking on us.

they forwarded it to me, thanks!

1

are we pro or anti HDPE (starboard) with the lasers?

It is on the do not cut list. It would be a great material to be able to cut, but milling with CNC might be better. Not finding anything definitive about cutting it, but my guess is it would melt, smell bad, and wouldn't be worth the potential issues.

^^^

My understanding is the meltiness as well

5:38 PM

Delrin works though

Stephenie, did you get my PM with the quote from Epilog on the Z-Axis (i.e. Focus) belt replacement?

9:58 AM

I'm having trouble getting Discord to give me audible alerts so I may have missed some posts. Not sure what I did to cause this. Settings look fine but no Notifications on Laptop or phone anymore.

Yes, I did. Expansion paperwork and my taxes have taken precedent.

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/laser-consumables/34828

Laser Consumables

[Sign_Amenities_withBackground] The polishing system works really well. Great on scrap acrylic that lost its protective masking. Goo Gone removes residue from engraved powder-coated tumblers better than any other compound so far. CerMark is use...

$8 IKEA stand meant for craft paper. Can you believe it?!? Credit to @john a gorman for spying it, notching the bottom plate, and locating an old hacksaw blade. Stand was meant for smaller diameter rolls. John removed enough material to accomodate the 300-ft roll of masking paper. Stand did not come with a cutting edge. Hence the hacksaw blade. Used some of the paper to engrave the stand. Great paper. Much better than what I own.

Looks better with your etching and paint

Keeping up with @merissa 's standards! Laser likes to look its best.

8:49 AM

Remember we were wondering about the cutaway at the top? Turns out you can press down where that dip occurs to tear the paper against the cutting edge.

8:50 AM

@john a gorman , @tomthm, and @pinewoodnut please tell your students about these items and that they are available at no additional charge. I'll be adding a sign to the bulletin board.

I charge my students to know what's free

1

The Matthew Lesko strategy

Team Laser, ScottB and I chatted about adding mixed domain Leather and Lasers classes. Who wants to Rep the laser committee and chat with me further about this idea? I have a Mother's Day project that I think will work well for this.

@FuriousJorge Are you looking for someone to co-instruct with? Or would like guidance on logistics, like how to reserve the laser, whether to do a laser demo/limit class to Laser Basics-trained members/have one person cut material, etc?

10:45 AM

P.S. we love crossover classes and will help you promote it. (edited)

Logistics mostly I think. I'm plenty comfortable using the laser to cut leather specifically so I can teach and speak to that just fine. I would like to sort out reserving, paying for use, honorarium, class fees. Most important is I don't want to misrepresent laser. I can write up a Lesson Plan if it will help.

@FuriousJorge Then, as Laser Chair, I'm the person with whom to speak. Meet in person or private message? I will be at the Space tonight, fyi. (edited)

Exciting stuff @FuriousJorge and @stephenie love crossover ideas

@stephenie PM is fine. I'll be at the space tomorrow evening but I'm teaching a class. I'll start a PM on talk

1

fyi, developing a Crossover Class Policy on a direct message with @FuriousJorge, our Instructor Team (@john a gorman, @tomthm, @pinewoodnut) and the Printmaking SIG leaders, who have already been holding successful "guerrilla" crossover classes. If you want to weigh in , ask and I will add you to the msg.

Rent-a- @john a gorman for $60 at the auction. Included the right to reserve on the calendar their laser of choice for the 3-hr session - bypassing the queue (...wouldn't that be great at holiday time?) - and Team Laser waived the $36 max usage fee.

But we don't allow users to reserve the machines?

@pearce only for classes. This was a charity exception.

that still doesnt seem right for us to do.

@pearce I believe it has been posted on talk over 16 days ago. Aren’t you also active on Talk?

not really. i only get on that clusterfuck when im really bored, and even then i dont read much of it

9:36 PM

that alone is a good reason, not many people would have known about it and will most likely be upset that they are going be kicked off a laser because someone paid for the spot

It can easily be reserved via the calendar.

only for classes and not by a user

It is a personal one on one class with John for 3 hours. That is not a “user” reserving it.

what was posted in the chat does not read like a class at all

Discord is meant for an exchange just like a conversation. I am sorry you were confused.

im aware. i set it up.

Much appreciated

johns response also makes it seem like its not a class. we are making an exception for someone paying for the reservation

He said it was a charity and it is an exception because there aren’t any classes where only one student is allowed for lasers. I believe you are arguing over semantics.

im arguing that we are setting a bad precedent of paying to break rules set up over the entire space

9:50 PM

"for charity"

So a reserved one-on-one class for charity breaks the rules and you feel that this is what will cause DMS to crumble to ruins? Please elaborate. I would like to see this clause you are referring to.

thats hyperbolic and you know it.

10:00 PM

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/private-event-to-reserve-a-machine/12585

Private event to reserve a machine?

Hypothetical question. Let's say that I would like to use .... ummm, let's say the Thunder laser (chosen completely at random). Let's say that I really hate driving to the space and waiting for someone else to finish using it and I have a ...

It is not an event

its a fucking reservation on the calendar

It is a one on one class

10:02 PM

Classes are usually reserved on the calendar, last I checked

I would like to see the course outline then

It is not scheduled yet. Once it is, you can see it on the calendar and request an outline.

Laser Chair speaking. Each committee was asked by the Board via NIcole to create a "basket" for the DMS picnic fundraiser silent auction. Laser's offering was a one-on-one non-honorarium class with one of our instructors, not to exceed 3 hours, including laser time, to be reserved on the calendar. The reservation prevents any regular user from being kicked off of a machine without notice. The online calendar + the bulletin board calendar + @john a gorman 's notice on the queue are all sufficient notice. No honorarium will be granted. No curriculum needs to be filed.

10:27 PM

My church does something similar at its silent auctions. One pew is set aside for each of the Easter and Christmas masses for the auction. They always raise hundreds of dollars for our mission trips.

10:28 PM

Team Laser is proud that they could come up with a single unique auction offering that was desirable and educational.

1

10:29 PM

Thank you as always, @pearce , for being our watchdog. That all committees should be so fortunate.

10:31 PM

Thank you, @Bara , for addressing Pearce's concerns so accurately. Much obliged!

No problem. Glad to be of assistance anytime.

2

Worth noting: only @merissa's major military maneuver of acquiring and installing new lasers makes this donation possible. Three lasers will still be available to serve the queue.

I'm not seeing any rules or policies against it @pearce

7:57 AM

I guess the question is private inurement....

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/laser-maintenance-mtg-sun-may-6th-11a-2p-or-be-prepared-to-work-for-this-kinda-cooking/35217

Laser Maintenance + Mtg, Sun, May 6th, 11a-2p...or "Be prepared to...

[lasermeeting_May] @Team_Laser. Mark you calendars. Who knows when Scott will bless us with his cooking again? Bring something to share because we’re not small eaters on Work Day.

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/laser-lock-out-or-whos-got-class/35220

Laser Lock Out..."Or Who's Got Class?"

[CountdownToLockDown] Giving everyone a grace period to get their Laser affairs in order. (fingers crossed)

@stephenie hey I'm at the space on Thursday at 830 PM laser keys not in lock box

@JoshW Because they are in my pocket. Will be there in 15 min!

Stephenie just put the keys back in the box

I have reformatted, cleaned up and clarified the wiki rules. Not changed rules. We have lots of unwritten rules for mistakes and screw ups. I've added these. Like what to do if you go home without paying. Like you need a laser-trained proxy to watch your laser if you need to step away. And that proxy must be within arms reach of the laser...just like you. @LukeStrickland upgraded the wiki to new formatting. Took it for a test drive.

1:00 AM

Like what does clean up for yourself mean. Because apparently people need to be told. sigh.

1:03 AM

Day trip to Oklahoma. Tag, vice chair @Scott_Blevins , you're it. Because the cell reception is non-existent there.

Duly noted; I have the helm. Safe travels.

1

@pinewoodnut did we figure out how to turn the power limit of 70% off the new machines? I need to get 100% out of my shop laser

Ryan @somecallmery's leaves us on May 11. This Sunday is his last Maintenance Day. He says his favorite desert is Reese's Peanut Butter Pie.

11:56 PM

Ryan...there are like 100 recipes online from which to choose. Help me out here.

The following has been posted on our whiteboard:

2:25 PM

NEVER run more than one laser at a time. VIOLATES Rule #2 “be within arms reach” and Rule #6 “honor the queue”. AUTOMATIC invalidation of your Laser Basics training. WHY?!? Laser machines can catch on FIRE. Takes a human to put out. THREE members have been observed leaving a running laser in the last week. All have had their training invalidated. Two have been referred to the Board for further action.

Wow

I ran out of room to write that all three are not allowed back in Laser for 2 weeks, the max I'm allowed per the Rules.

? Must be new. You used to be able to ban people from committee areas

2:31 PM

Permanently

Yes. Recent.

2:31 PM

I can petition the Board for more stringent consequences and have done so for two people.

That's butts. So much for the board not micro managing

2:32 PM

Two weeks would be nothing for some people who only show up once a week

Not having been a chair under the old system, I can't compare. I can say that I am very, very pleased with the way the Board has been working with me and our Vice Chair this week.

1

It just consolidates power to fewer people. And those people are in unpaid positions so it can be a burden after a while

In many ways, these are test cases for a new system. One that is more professional, less drama filled, and smoother, meaning less work.

2:37 PM

I agree about it being a burden. I've really felt that in the last week.

Less work =\= moving petty committee things up to the board. You should be able to ban for whatever time you feel necessary and if you feel like they need a time out from the space because the offender won't respect your decision, then it gets pushed up

Pause for a second. I realize I haven't given you enough information. Let me type for a moment. Bear with me.

Four individuals have committed a variety of violations, discovered in the last 7 days. I have only disclosed on Discord today's notice about running multiple lasers. To everyone reading this, please notice that I have replaced the Laser Showcase on our monitor with a series of Public Service Announcement slides covering how to pay for laser time, a warning about staying with the lasers, and a list of our Rules. I am not free to discuss details at this time, nor do I have the time to do so right now. What I can tell you is that the issues with two of the four people, I was able to resolve without involving the Board. With the other two, the actions were such that petitioning the Board for more stringent consequences was necessary. I am very satisfied with the range of options available to me as Chair and believe the outcomes in all four situations are in the best interests of Laser.

I'll be back later. Hopefully you had to push an issue to the board for something like tattoo removal

2:48 PM

Dang you posted first

1

2:51 PM

Right, you should be able to just remove their AD accounts from the computers for whatever time you as chair feel is right. No need to come to the board. If they come back during the ban, and use a USB cable to circumvent your ban - go to board, ban from space for some amount of time

If you feel strongly about this, your best course of action is to put a motion before the Board.

2:56 PM

Meanwhile, I must act within the limits currently set.

This isn't a laser chair problem btw. It's the board making more work for themselves and making the punishments take up more time in the meetings

1

Understood.

I'm more upset the chairs keep losing power over their elected positions

I hear you. What has made me happy this week is that the two people who committed serious multiple violations over long periods of time are being dealt with by the Board. The Board is keeping me in the loop, but they are also insulating me from more stress and work. Just as I am insulating them from unnecessary stress and work by handling the smaller violations at the committee level. It's actually working well.

3:03 PM

Oh, and it is great having an active Vice Chair. Shout out to @Scott_Blevins!

3:04 PM

So I expect the burnt out feeling to go away shortly...after I finish my Steamroller Block Print.

@pearce the only thing that's changed about banning from a committee area is a committee chair cannot ban you permanently from their area

Aren't the two week suspensions new?

3:05 PM

I thought Chairs previously didn't have a limit.

Actually I'm not convinced you have a limit

3:07 PM

I can't find it in the rules

The Chair/Vice-Chair shall be empowered to enforce the rules of the Committee, and of the Dallas Makerspace within the Committee area, and may limit access to the Committee area for a time not to exceed two weeks. The Chair may petition the Board to enforce a longer or more stringent consequence.

3:08 PM

There.

What's that under?

Item 3 under https://dallasmakerspace.org/wiki/Rules_and_Policies#Committee_Responsibilities_and_Rules

Rules and Policies

Oh i see

A month would be more helpful.

I always use the wrong search terms...

30 days.

30 days at least allows you to ban someone until the next board meeting

Exactly.

3:09 PM

More practical.

Yeah that's what I was thinking about too. 2 weeks is too short

3:11 PM

Because the board can't take action unless they are at a meeting

I asked the Board to permanently ban two members. Was very concerned that my two week suspension would end before the May 21 board meeting.

I'll have Scott added as a vice chair later tonight

2

Even with invalidating training, they would be eligible to retake the training on Day 15. And start lasering again between then and the Board meeting.

3:14 PM

Sounds like time for a motion on the next BoD mtg agenda.

Sorry for the late entry into the fray, but have been in Executive meetings all day with folks 3-4 pay grades above me. Thanks for the kind words Stephenie, but It’s your World; I’m just living in it. :). I think it would be helpful to have a (lasered?) version of our Ten Commandments posted prominently on the wall for all to see. Heck, I’d even go so far as to have it in the shape of Cecil B. DeMille stone tablets. Just in the past week, I had a dude (non-member) not knowing who I was, ask me if I could laser something for him. Right after that, I witnessed a guy walk away from an active Laser job. Heck, even a “smile, you’re on candid camera” sign might help people who are morally ambiguous follow the rules. You’re doing a great job Stephenie. Do NOT burn out; That is an order.

rofl @stephenie

3:23 PM

I was trying to create that page

LOL. Are you going to create a motion to increase limit to 30 days?

No I was just trying to make the new meeting page

3:24 PM

You beat me to it by seconds

I concur with @Scott_Blevins you are doing a great job, Stephenie. I think there's going to be some rough spots as you get many of the things under control but it looks to me like very good progress at bringing order to the laser area. Hope you don't burn out.

@Scott_Blevins Currently playing on overhead monitor.

3:27 PM

@gbeauw Zing part is in the server room, waiting for install on Sunday. @StanSimmons will get you into the server room.

It looks great on the monitor. Thinking we need to post it even more prominently.

Agreed. I'd also like to change #2 to say "Must monitor laser and remain with in arms reach for duration of your job."

Thanks, Stephenie. I'll try to install it Sunday.

1

And not to get too Old Testament on everybody, but there needs to be some language along the lines of..”Laser Privileges Are Too Cool To Lose, so Don’t Be ‘That Member’” on the sign.

3:34 PM

I’m generally not about accentuating punishment, but...

...but a Laser fire threatens the whole facility and everyone within.

Excellent point.

Make us a sign, Scott.

3:36 PM

Please.

LOL, okay but we need to align on language.

Schedule a meeting with me.

3:37 PM

I am sick of typing.

Lol...drinks over typing then it is.

1

3:38 PM

Gtg...ciao all

Me, too. I'm wording a motion before the board re: extending the suspension.

1

3:39 PM

then more Steamroller Block Print work before Paul and Astrud beat me about the head and neck for missing a deadline.

I hit text limits

Pearce. That's amazing.

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/bod-agenda-item-increase-length-of-maximum-committee-area-suspension/35469

4:28 PM

Reconsidered the length. 30 days doesn't cut it. Needs to be until the end of the subsequent month to account for the irregular scheduling of the Board meetings. (edited)

Thanks for the brainpower!

Might add to your rules: If you have an outstanding balance you can not use the Lasers until paid current. This avoids bans - it's a payment and use policy.

That implies that we are tracking balances. Which we are not. Payment is rendered at time of service. If a member gives me cause to have to spend my valuable time auditing Square data, login files, and watching camera footage until 5 in the morning to come up with their balance, I am going to suspend their access to Laser and then I'm going to invalidate their training because clearly they weren't listening when John and Tommy covered payment. Time for a re-take. Now if someone missed one payment and they fess up right away and have a plan to pay at next visit, thereby demonstrating high character and Not.Wasting.My.Time, I will not bust their chops. I will thank them for setting a good example, trust them to make it right, and tell them to go forth and sin no more. (edited)

Do we have a test at the end yet?

There was one back in the day when LB was held in a classroom. Now they are held at crowded, noisy Laser.

I'm just thinking the offender will bum through a class and not pay attention

I hear you.

Have a way to log offences? Probably something the other committees could copy

Interesting.

The test taken by them with their name on it gives you something to point to and say "you are knowingly breaking this rule"

6:07 PM

"AGAIN"

6:08 PM

No chance for them to say "oh I must have missed that"

We should consider a second monitor. The dynamic display of the rules is eye catching, esp as @stephenie and @pearce have generated them. We would still want the primary monitor for the showcase and for classes. Once the expansion plan is in place, we will most likely need another monitor as well.

We need a second whiteboard, next to exisiting one.

7:02 PM

@john a gorman do you want a 2nd monitor before the expansion?

We can discuss it Sunday. Prob best to wait to know what size would benefit us most

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/04-30-18-office-hours-report/35485

04/30/18 Office Hours Report

Wow. By another measure, this should have been called a class, not an event. 2.5 hours of intense Inkscape, laser operation, rotary engraver operation and design review attended by 5 members: Bob @bobjeppson, Rani @Trivial, Frank, Diana and Ala...

‍

Is the Zing down?

Is the compressed air back up?

My understanding is that of late last night the air compressor was an issue keeping the lasers from being operational. I do not know the current status of the air compressor.

Based on talk the compressor is operational

1:02 PM

I'll be there at 5 either way

I'll be in, in a bit. I'll peek at the zing

1

2

Zing does not appear to be zinging

Ah, I see we're speaking in scientific terms.

3:59 PM

calling @gbeauw, who will be interested.

It was a quick test, but it was not cutting on a file I had previously used for production

4:05 PM

Like not firing the laser at all. I'll get back to it after this printer repair

Awesome thanks pearce

4:05 PM

My wife was v confused lol

It could just think one of the safeties is being triggered

Do we have air compressor on?

Yeah

Teh compressor is being temp fixed by a pair of vice grips

Beautiful.

@pearce fixed the Zing.

@pearce thank u. What was the cause and fix to the zing?

Problem. Tester did not turn on blower fan. Solution. Turn on blower fan.

Lol, thank you

Lol...

Laser SME’s, Quick Reminder - Laser Committee Meeting : This Sunday / 11:00am- 2:00pm. Committee Meeting at 11:00am in Purple Classroom, followed by Laser Maintenance and a tasty bbq lunch. Hope to see you there!

1

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/team-laser-maintenance-day-or-holy-smokes-im-in-love-with-scotts-brisket/35718

Team Laser maintenance day. OR HOLY SMOKES IM IN LOVE WITH SCOTTS ...

[39879B46-1109-43FC-B076-12B029DDF894][C4E5BAF1-C52B-4C0D-BEE7-34BCB9919E0C]Many thanks to @Team_Laser for inviting me to laser maintenance day and their monthly meeting. Very productive and great team work! And I’ve decided @Scott_Blevins mak...

Hello, Team Laser. Missed being with you today. Thanks for supporting the machines and each other. Was glad to see Sayed and @MotoPilot visit us at the Steamroll Print event. Laser was used to either transfer patterns for hand engraving or performing the engraving on a few of the pieces. So exciting!

10:11 PM

I'm wrung out though. It's been a long two weeks for me. Precious little sleep. You heard why at the committee meeting, followed by catching up on my engraving. I snapped at @MotoPilot today when he was kidding around. Not proud of myself. My sense of humor died about 7 days ago. Need to lay low and recharge for a few days and wanted to let you all know. Will keep an eye on Discord and Talk, though.

You did? I didn’t notice. Get some rest!

I said "shut up"

10:16 PM

strongly.

10:17 PM

In front of your kids! Gosh, that's low.

10:17 PM

And you're not the only one. I've snapped at more than a few recently. I suspect sleep will fix all.

Team, thank you for a productive laser Committee meeting and laser maintenance day. We had over 15 people show up for both the meeting AND the maintenance effort. Great turn out today! I will post meeting minutes when I get some time in the next 24 hours.

1

15! That's amazing. I feel conflicted about missing the brisket, but enjoying the steamroll event.

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/donner-flares-up-and-has-red-soot-on-laser-head/35946

Donner flares up, and has red soot on laser head

ISSUE: Laser : Donner: @Team_Laser Details of ISSUE or REQUEST (Please be as specific as possible): Hey all, I was using Donner this morning to cut chipboard and there were two things I noticed. I got a pretty bad flare up when cutting (22 sp...

10:14 AM

Told Jorge to put a note on machine and place it out of order. Checking logs now. @somecallmery was using it late last night without problems.

10:15 AM

According to logs, Shaun Dixon was using it between Ryan and @FuriousJorge . He works with red acrylic. Betting that the air assist was left off.

10:18 AM

Notified Jorge on Talk. Will swing by Space to verify.

Yup. Air Assist flag.

I'm paying $2 for my wife's zing usage she forgot to pay

1

DMS-wide Member Meeting on Friday at 7pm. Expect expansion to be main topic. It's what's on everyone's mind. I'm bringing hot food to share. Team Laser making a showing would be a good thing.

11:28 AM

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/reminder-friday-may-11-7pm-monthly-member-meeting/35948

From Donner

What is it?

That's the lens. It should look like clear yellow glass but the foggy circle is damage. Think of it like a cataract

No Bueno

New lenses ordered. Plus masking paper. Wiki updated with purchasing links under Additional Documentation, so future orders are a click away.

6:35 PM

https://dallasmakerspace.org/wiki/Laser_Committee#Additional_Documentation

Laser Committee

Started order for 3 heat sensors @ $60/each. U.S. distributor said 4 days ago that they will be in stock in a few days. Because they are located in TX, I've sent them a Tax Exempt Form. More waiting.

Nice

I just realized that I forgot to pay for laser time. I'll be back tomorrow to pay..... Sorry

1

Doh! I owe $3 as well. I had hoped to finish another project but ran out of time.

@john a gorman is holding office hours a week from today. Thanks, John. I'll advertise it on the board.

1

Lenses arrived today. @pinewoodnut

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/may-22nd-laser-office-hours-or-how-may-we-help-you/36395

May 22nd Laser Office Hours...or "How May We Help You?"

[8x10Sign_LaserOfficeHours] Two weeks ago, we had a terrific turnout. Five members got the in-depth help they needed. Thank you to @pinewoodnut and @sawdeck who helped out then. I plan to be one of the helpers on the 22nd.

New roll in. First roll not used up yet, but almost. Will have lasted a little over a month.

5:57 PM

@john a gorman says he'll test the new lenses tomorrow unless someone else wants the gig.

Laser's meeting with the Expansion Committee is set for Thursday, May 24. I cannot bring you guys with me. Troy's modular footprints for the workstations will be important. I may be asking some of you who understand more than I do, for support and prep beforehand. Please stay tuned.

1

If you see that the roll of masking paper is finished, new roll is in the short cabinet. Used the last bit of room to store it. (edited)

Using the last few square inches left in Laser to add 2 more short cabinets. Conferred with @pinewoodnut, @JoshW , @Scott_Blevins , and @john a gorman. There's a need for an unlocked cabinet open to our users. They moved the tombstone next to Blitzen. Current cabinet will move to NE corner. New cabinets will fit at end of Donner. Buying same brand in 3D Fab and CA from Sam's Club. $150 each vs $240-300 for our existing brand. Will need help with pickup and delivery and assembly. Who has trunk space and time? (edited)

Still trying to get Epilog TS to send me the next procedure to try to fix the bed binding issue. I'm having to "dun" them as they promised to email me the info we need and I have yet to see it.

Thanks Beau

Let me know what we need to order. Thanks for sticking with this.

Finally got an email back from them but I don't fully understand it. I need to have another phone conversation with them to clarify details. Standby for more on this.

2

Hello, Team Laser. Just a heads up that on tonight's Board agenda are Laser's petitions to permanently ban two members from Laser, though the Board may choose to ban them from DMS completelyl. One for theft of service ($840) and walking away from a running laser. The other for theft of service ($100+), leaving the Laser Area for periods of 5, 7 and 15 mins while laser was running, and operating two lasers at once. The process leading up to this was a learning one for both me and the new Board. To close a loophole, I have placed a motion before for the Board to extend the limit a Chair can restrict access to their Area, from the current 2 weeks to the end of the following month. I would appreciate the company of any of Team Laser, if your schedules allow. No worries if they don't.

Good Lord $840

That we know of.

4:02 PM

It's been paid back. fyi

Update: Board passed motions to permanently ban two members from DMS, not just Laser, for the above described infractions. They also passed the motion to close the access loophole as written.

Beautiful new cabinets

1:08 PM

And they do not block the fans

1:08 PM

They look great and have held up so far in all the committee areas. I think the various cabinets that Sam's sells in this serious are a great buy. The tall work tables in CA get real workouts and are doing just fine. I would like to suggest that a block or something be put between the laser and the cabinet so they can't be pushed back accidentally.

Isnt that what the wood there is?

@LukeStrickland exactly

2:21 PM

Those cabinets are a fantastic bargain.

Luke: Not sure what they are, could be part of machine. If that's what they are for then great. I would probably double them, if possible, to ensure minimal airflow restriction since the exhaust has to make an immediate right angle turn. Heat is a real enemy.

@David Kessinger that is what they are. Each fan has one on either side

Welcome @holoptics to the laser team

Illustrator is no longer working on Donner. 63 is still down

@john a gorman please open a ticket on Talk. @StanSimmons has a stronger team now on Infrastructure.

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/laser-maintenance-mtg-sun-june-3rd-11a-2-or-laser-has-a-spokesmodel/36785

Did anyone order 2 sheets of 12"*24" acrylic from Johnson's? One sheet is mirrored red

3:42 PM

They arrived yesterday at the Space without a name on the order

Sounds like we need to cut 2 big DMS logos from them

Lol, yes. That might be the best response.

I saw the mirrored red, would make a good sign

I know our soon-to-be Cal-Tech student was lasering mirrored acrylic recently.

From the Epilog website

5:19 PM

"There is no need for concern that your laser will be damaged by any reflected light, since the light does not penetrate the surface layer of glass to reach the reflective backing of the mirror. ... So as you can see, mirror is safe and aesthetically pleasing to engrave on either side."

5:20 PM

http://support.epiloglaser.com/article/8205/29907/mirror-engraving

Mirror Engraving

Mirror Engraving from the Front and Back Mirror engraves beautifully with a CO2 laser and allows you to create different effects depending on which side of the mirror you are etching. Read on to learn more. In this photo we've engraved half of th

i just cut with the matte side up. you cant raster the shiny side anyway, the reflection makes the raster double up and look odd from any angle other than dead on

I made a change to the Go/No Go list. Reduced the wood/ply/mdf max thickness to 1/2 inch. On Talk, Evan was reporting fire at 3/4 thickness. 3/4" through-cuts are best left to woodshop. Plus the cuts hourglass at high thicknesses and take multiple passes.

12:57 PM

Went to check the Laser Basics training materials for consistency. Made a couple of updates. Read through the list.

12:58 PM

Does anyone have an objection to removing the section on Go/No Go materials from the LB documents and replacing them with a link to the wiki page? The online doc would have a live link. (edited)

12:59 PM

We can include a bitly and a QR code.

1:00 PM

The wiki needs to be our one-stop shopping for critical info. We can't afford to have inconsistencies.

1:00 PM

@john a gorman?

anyone on site to clean Donner's mirrors and lens. Evan was on Donner when cutting the mdf.

I'd say remove them from the slide show but still go over the list in class

3:17 PM

I don't think I'll be at the space tonight, but if I do go i will clean the lasers

I cleaned everything and used the opportunity to show Tommy how to do the cleaning. Evan reported that he was talking about something from a year ago, but Donner's lens was filthy from something. It took at least 10 swabs to clean the air nozzle/bottom of the lens. It had a cloudy haze and the swab kept coming back yellow. It eventually all cleaned off and it's working fine now. Went ahead and cleaned Blitzen and big thunder while we were there. The rest of the cleaning can wait for next week and we'll look at the optics again just because. Happy holiday weekend to everyone. (edited)

2

Thanks, @pinewoodnut ! I need to learn to clean a lens.

I'll show you the next time we are there..... Or Sunday at the maintenance

Step 1. Swab. Step 2. More swab. Step 3. Swab more swab. Step 4. Forever swabbing. This is your life now. Settle in

Laser receipt printer is out of paper. Is this something I am allowed to refill?

12:05 PM

If so, let me know where the rolls are.

12:06 PM

And if not, I’ll open a ticket later

Under the sink in the front hallway

Thanks, I have replaced the printer paper

Well I tried shrug

@redroosterkey seemed to work. Thanks for stepping up.

Maintenance Day on Sunday. Ruebens. Practicing....rye is trickier than the croissants for the hot ham and cheese sandwiches.

I've got a derby on Sunday, so I won't be able to attend the meeting it the maintenance session. Enjoy the ruebens!

Thanks for the heads up. Good luck with the derby.

Answering all your questions about expansion at Sunday's Committee Meeting. FYI. starts at 11am.

Individual vents and blowers for all lasers? Place them in ceiling? My sleep schedule will prevent me from being alive enough to go to the meeting

1:07 PM

A side to that, we could push for the space to own their own cherry picker.

We're limited on the number of roof piercings, fyi. Which limits everything for us. No more piercings allowed in current suite.

1:08 PM

Cherry picker or scissor lift?

But the new one gets like 6?

4

Scissor lift sorry. Much safer

Some of us are already talking about a scissor lift.

Yeah it came up a while back too.

1:09 PM

But it would resolve a lot of the "but we can't fix stuff in the ceiling" arguments

1:10 PM

But the blowers almost never die anymore

1:10 PM

blower dies

stop.it.

1:29 PM

Don't you dare jinx us!

Sorry I couldn't make maintenance day. I was in Netherlands visiting friends. I still need to get with Epilog on bed binding issue but I've been swamped with other projects that are demanding 110% of my attention.

I need to get back to the Netherlands soon. I miss the weather and the bicycles.

Sigh. I'd just be happy to get anywhere. My vacation - i.e. Nick going to Philmont high adventure camp - has been cancelled. Camp closed due to wildfires.

5:23 PM

Potluck and member meeting tonight, Team Laser. Bring something to share. I'm tapped out with cooking, fyi. Would love to see you again.

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/june-2018-meeting-minutes-member-meeting-report/37588

June 2018 Meeting Minutes + Member Meeting Report

Laser Committee Action Items: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RpKt46AY-UbctIcSm9UzNQ2gSadPdOZRI6O8VVqJ-gA Meeting Minutes: 06/03/18. MONTHLY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Attendees: Stephenie Webb, Chair (@heyheymama); Scott Blevins, Vice Chair (@Scott_Blevins); Josh Wi...

6:30 PM

Thank you to Troy for taking minutes!

Does anyone speak funky??

1

One of them will have a language menu that says english

I have run into this language situation on more than one occasion. Does anyone know if it’s some default language setting that presents itself from time to time? A bug? I seriously doubt Members are proactively selecting this view as their default.

The login script should take care of this. Just log out and when you log in, wait about 30 seconds. You should see a black box open/close. Then you can open rdworks. The script should set everything back to our defaults..... English is one of the defaults

It does it on my laptop at my workshop too. Seems entirely random

@stephenie Push for action! Hold responsible persons accountable!

3:31 PM

Only one PC without an Illustrator license, Donner's.

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/thunder-laser-issue/37799

Thunder laser issue

Thunder laser would not allow new jobs to be done. It keeps going back to the previous job. Then when the lid was open, it started burning hole in my wood. Just message @heyheymama to let her know. ISSUE or REQUEST: Affected Tool or Resource: Committee, Group or Volunteer ...

7:13 PM

I've got a previous engagement. Is anyone around who can purge the file log on (I'm assuming) Big Thunder? Also ask about the laser firing with the lid open...that is concerning.

@pinewoodnut Thanks for taking care of this!

No worries. I was already up there.

10:33 AM

Does anyone know if the rdworks login script sets the rotary settings? I found it was set to 1000 instead of 16000 steps. Someone else said they had the same issue.

@MotoPilot is out of town, fyi. Looking at the script I'd say, no, it doesn't set the steps.

1:19 PM

Ben Hoggatt is teaching an interesting new class to support Laser usage. His first ever. https://calendar.dallasmakerspace.org/events/view/6314

Every project he works on is larger than life

1:34 PM

pretty amazing

I had to move the class to Purple. Attendance up to 12. Conference Room no longer up to snuff.

not quite yet... no it doesn't change any of those settings AFAIK.

@MotoPilot I ran a test while I was up there today. It does change the setting back to 1000 when the script runs. Maybe we can adjust the setting to 16000 and run another export of the files.

Ok. Any idea it it does that on the other ones too?? They should all be using the same settings file.

I checked 2 machines and they both did it.

10:33 PM

10:34 PM

Addressing egress safety issue.

Laser Cutter Turns Scrapped To Shipped http://hackaday.com/2018/06/19/laser-cutter-turns-scrapped-to-shipped/

Tom Nardi

Laser Cutter Turns Scrapped To Shipped

We’ll go way out on a limb here and say you’ve probably got a ridiculous amount of flattened cardboard boxes. We’re buying more stuff online than ever before, and all those boxes …

I've got my template for my laser-cut-from-scrap-shipping-box riiight here on my fusion365 cloud...where I've never actually managed to get it to the laser cutters, and now, all the stuff I intended to ship with it has "been handled".

Usually have to export/save from fusion360 to .dxf then can import but lines may not be perfect. If not perfect, then open .dxf in illustrator

@Bara spot on

Oh yeah. Thank you. Did all that. Just never managed to get my tail end to DMS with enough free time for both me and the laser to try it out...

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/maintenance-day-committee-meeting-sunday-july-1st-2018-11a-2p/38102

Maintenance Day + Committee Meeting, Sunday, July 1st, 2018, 11a - 2p

[July_Bulletinboard]

Clears his 3rd person speaking voice “Scott doesn’t just ‘say’ he’s making Cuban sandwiches for the July 1 Laser Maintenance Day Team, he’s actually smoking 8 lbs. of pork shoulder over hickory, cherry and apple wood for 16 hours and he’s pre-ordering authentic handmade Cuban bread from a local Cuban bakery in Carrollton.” ~Nuff Said

1

You're going to put me out of business.

Anytime know where the keys are? I came up to take some pics of the HD and 4" lenses, but the keys are missing. The last time I saw them was earlier in the week.

Laser keys issue resolved: Your Vice Chair found them in his cargo shorts at midnight last night. They are back in the lockbox as of 12:15pm today. David, thank you for the 1-1 laser lens maintenance overview and the Laser Optics discussion. Very much looking forward to this ‘107’ class coming into existence.

There appears to be an issue with the Thunder Laser 63 bed. It is not in line with the edges of the hole so the bed at the top left corner is catching and not allowing the bed to raise any further. It appears that the bed is bolted to the frame (won't move).

Problem solved.

Here is the related thread on the problem @Comter ran into: https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/thunder-63-bed-leveled-possible-recurring-problem/38394

Thunder 63 bed leveled. Possible recurring problem

@Comter discovered a problem tonight using Thunder 63. The bed had shifted and was caught under the frame. The bed was also no longer aligned left to right, being lower on the right. We pulled the bed out. It’s pretty rough. I put a flat board on it and walked it, reducin...

8:27 AM

Greetings Team Laser! Saturday morning: I’ve just brined and seasoned a 10 lb. whole pork shoulder overnight in classic Cuban seasonings 8:30am: Into the smoker it goes. An 18 hour bbq marathon has just begun. Why, you may ask? Because Team Laser deserves the very best for those who come to Laser Committee Meeting and Laser Maintenance Day tomorrow! Lovingly crafted homemade Cuban sandwiches for everyone who shows up to 11:00am Laser Committee Meeting and stays to help maintain the lasers afterward. Later I’m off to Carrollton to pick up my Cuban bread order from a renowned Cuban bakery...

1

1

You are a good man Mr @Scott_Blevins

1

At what point does another committee attempt to poach you, @Scott_Blevins ?

1

I pad updated. I owe $3

^^^ Fixed. Now accepting payment.

1

Awesome

At the Maintenance Day Sunday, I did some minor adjustments to the Zing bed to try to stop binding. Basically the procedure is to remove the Grate-Box, then loosen 3 of the 4 bed attachment screws in the corner (leave upper right tight) and then run the bed up and down. Should not bind. Then run bed to bottom limit and tighten screws.

1

11:19 AM

Let me know if we have more binding issues and I'll get back with Epilog TS to see what's next.

Updated wiki with your instructions.

11:31 AM

Team, is there any reason why we should not upgrade our RDWorks version to the latest? I know there have been issues in the past with virus alerts on RDW's downloads. Are we sticking to an older (virus free) download, for instance?

11:31 AM

From @Indytruks138 on Talk today: "Have any of the machine been upgraded to V8.0.19? That is also what I downloaded from Thunder and my files would not open on the big Thunder yesterday."

I've got some time tonight, so I'll come up and run some tests. The other versions aren't actually infected. It's just that the software isn't signed and AV programs flag it. I'll try it out tonight and if there are no issues I'll get it upgraded on all of them

1

5:02 PM

The funny part is that rdworks is actually up to V8.0.30, but thunder hasn't put anything newer on their site. I know that some of the controllers aren't supported with the new versions, but I'm not sure about the 2 controller versions we have in Big Thunder and Donner/Blitzen.

1

Thanks @pinewoodnut . Much appreciated.

@stephenie I did the upgrade yesterday, but big thunder had an issue. I had to disable the rdworks login script by renaming the script folder. When it runs, it breaks the .19 version and rdworks won't run. Hopefully @MotoPilot can sort out the script for big thunder.

Terrific. You made many users happy today. Good job and thanks! Hope you and Kirsten are enjoying the Fourth.

Where is the laser lock box for the cabinet keys?

on the wall beneath Dr. Evil.

I found a way to fix the laser anyway

4

Wanting a pre-clear on some acrylic/plastic before I put down some money in on materials for a project: https://www.johnsonplastics.com/engraving/engravable-sheet-stock/plastic/ipi-blacklites-black-radical-green-1-16-engraving-plastic SDS: https://www.johnsonplastics.com/downloads/dl/file/id/709/product/1093/ipi_attention_grabber.pdf Wanting to be extra careful

IPI Blacklites Black/Radical Green 1/16" Engraving Plastic - Engra...

Exciting, eye-catching materials for engraving, silk-screening, hot stamping or vinyl lettering. Perfect for warning, directional, product merchandising or specialty signage.

I use the pink and black version. The tunder lasers are too strong to raster it. The zing works perfectly on it though

@pearce Planning on using thunder to cut it down to zing size, then doing a bunch of cutouts for anti-Blue keychains after getting the idea from @john a gorman

11:22 AM

Initial design from class last night

Just make sure you set the dpi to 400 or less on the zing or it gets a weird tacky edge

Is there anyone in the building who can help with CerMark?

@pearce I've been using 500 for most everything on raster. I wonder what it is about that plastic.

12:36 AM

@Guyzilla sorry. Looks like both @pinewoodnut and I missed this request. I'll be there tomorrow from 1:30-10pm

dunno, thats also what the epilog says for dpi setting

400 would be faster

i never got an explanation but it made the sticky edges go away

Edges? On the raster?

edges (edited)

@pearce The Example I put up was 500dpi on the Epilog from @john a gorman class friday evening

1:55 PM

Going to bring some scrap cardboard up to play with a design on the Epilog before I move on to the plastic.

@Hasteur if the plastic you posted is the same as my pink and black (and I think it is) it has a different property than mirrored acrylic. It's abs over acrylic

Does anyone have the recommended Thunder settings for Cermark-coated metals?

I found it varies a little, but the other day when doing aluminum lettering for my powder coat samples it worked well with 25% @ 50

1

Illustrator Tips for laser cutting, thanks to Jen Schachter and TESTED.com. I’ve met Jen before and she’s equal parts extremely talented and very enthusiastic about Laser cutting. Recommended: https://youtu.be/tjgkCf4G9R0

Omg! That is so cool! I’ve taken the laser class, now I just need to find time to do some projects.

1

Big Thunder is down. Suspect it needs lens and mirror cleaning. At a minimum, laser needs to be taken offline until one of us can service it. Anyone at the space: please put a note on Big Thunder saying it is unavailable.

3:18 PM

Thank you

I might head up tonight after DND

3:33 PM

Will look if someone else doesn't beat me to it

Woah

6:00 PM

That MIGHT be ok

6:00 PM

It's just the red Dot and the last lense makes it focus again

6:01 PM

But that's not normal

I didn’t think the red dot was associated with the actual cut beam. But I’d figure if the optics were what throwing the beam off, then the same could be happening with the cut beam.

The red dot isn't "connected" but it doesn't normally look like that. Something might be up with the mirrors

Just did a test, nothing is firing either..

7:10 PM

More specifically, it’s trying to fire/run, just isn’t cutting.

Thermal paper test to see if it's out of alignment?

i couldnt find the kays last time i was there, couldnt clean the mirrors inside the case

Keys should be in the two lockboxes recently moved underneath the Vinyl Dr. Evil.

8:15 AM

(Actually closer to the Metalshop doors)

I did not make it out last night btw

@Scott_Blevins how do we access the new lock box? It doesn't have the same code system

Dirty bits

3:29 PM

Looks like there might be a leak in the water hose

3:29 PM

Some corrosion

3:29 PM

3:30 PM

Little white bits around the aperture

3:30 PM

Looks like evaporation pools down at the bottom

3:31 PM

Signs of leaking down the back too and floor

Red dot splitter looks cooked. Not sure what it's actually called

3:41 PM

Can confirm it's slowly leaking from the tube

3:42 PM

Tube was at Max depth. This will prevent cutting if it's really dirty. 3rd mirror was also loose in it's holder

3:50 PM

Can see the gap on it

Thunder is operational again

And aligned. Good Lord someone went ham on the screws it was so far out of alignment

Thanks @pearce

Thank you @pearce !

Mark Salas taught a great 102 laser class. He's good to go.

Zing fixed. Andrew and Allison leveled the bed

11:52 PM

Andrew and I tightened the belts on blitzen. Sloppy loose on left and esp x

The bed is really dented on thunder

Any suggestion on where to get a replacement?

11:10 PM

We talked about it at the last meeting

Does thunder sell them?

Thunder's USA distributor does not sell vector grids.

5:51 PM

Hi! Back from vacation. @pearce, great job getting Big Thunder operational.

5:54 PM

@john a gorman , would you contact Yumiko to see if Thunder will ship a vector grid from China. And for how much? We've got a meeting on Aug 5th. Can vote then to purchase if exceeds purchasing limit.

5:54 PM

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/maintenance-day-committee-mtg-food-sun-aug-5-2018-11a-2p/39835

Maintenance Day + Committee Mtg + FOOD, Sun Aug 5 2018, 11a-2p

[August_BulletinBoard]

7:54 PM

Blitzen

7:57 PM

Doesn't appear to be pulling smoke very well. Even after cleaning

Vent’s still pretty coated. Possible fan motor issue as well?

Not sure. It was a pretty agressive raster that I noticed it on

8:02 PM

Cleaned it out pretty well and talked the user into a lighter raster

8:03 PM

Back door panel next to vent was also just hanging open

MDF?

8:07 PM

Thank You for helping and checking / cleaning Blitzen.

Raster was on birch

1

Good Morning, Team. Even with the back vent vacuumed clear, Big Thunder is not evacuating. Todd Burnside is running a vector cut job (making boxes - no rastering) and when he lifts the lid, the chamber air is very smoky. The Zing is running also. Blitzen was not running.

10:42 AM

Is there any action we can take prior to Maintenance on August 5?

Assuming blitzen is fine, Check the ductwork to the blower. @stephenie

11:02 AM

@stephenie just saw the post about the bed. I'll contact Yumiko

I checked the ductwork. Intact. Securely connected.

Open it up. Might be blocked by debris

Will do after Zing work done. I'm sticking around ... Fired Arts running a test of different metal oxides, lasering them into pre-glazed tiles.

We think one blower is fixed. Testing.

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/blitzen-zing-big-thunder-down-for-maintenance/40018

Blitzen, Zing, Big Thunder DOWN for MAINTENANCE

Donner is operational. @jphelps, Shelly, Chuck, Alex got Donner’s blower working again. Clogged intake. Will do same for single blower running other 3 lasers once last job (on Zing) is finished. Until then, 3 lasers down: Blitzen, Zing, Big Thunder. Thank you for your...

Laser has re-opened. 2nd blower fixed. All is well. This time @NickWebb and Dan Dornback did the dirty work. Much gratitude.

Blitzens bed is very unlevel. Makes a racket when raising the z to the top

12:20 AM

Could just be the mesh

12:20 AM

Bent

im having issues with etching glass and having the glass get flakey on one side of the raster

Ugh, we re-leveled it last week. Not perfect but good.

3:24 PM

I'm coming up in a bit. Will take a look.

ill be up too, blitzens grid droppec back into place when i took it out and rebent some small dents in the lower left corner, but when i raised it up it felt like the whole grid was bent on a diagonal. top left and bottom right were low, high in the other two

roger that

When I got here, the front edge of the bed support was 1/2 inch lower than the back. The back edge of the bed was in contact with the supports, but the vector grid was higher than the auto-focus. (edited)

5:57 PM

The front edge was lifted off its supports.

5:58 PM

When I lower the bed about 6.5 inches, the vector grid levels out. Little to no gap between it and supports.

I raised it again Got the diagonal wobble that @pearce noted.

6:08 PM

The upper left of the vector grid has a trench carved in it. At some point the lens tube re-homed while the back edge was proud.

6:08 PM

Am concerned that the tube is now no longer plumb.

@pearce is here now.

6:28 PM

He just wants to make, instead has to fix.

Lower left belt off its drive gear.

6:58 PM

Bed re-leveled. Bent honeycomb preventing full contact, but acceptable.

7:00 PM

Pearce found aluminum shavings in tip of nozzle from where it dragged across vector grid.

he cleared them out.

@pearce rescued Blitzen!!!!

3

1

Hey @stephenie when is the next Lassr office hour thingy?

@Limey (MReynolds) I have most of my evenings free. Do you have a preferred day?

Thanks to @tomthm for teaching an informative class today!

I'll just catch you next time I see you Steph

Will be at the Twisted Root fundraiser.

@Limey (MReynolds) what do you need help with? You are an experienced user.

I am, but needing help with rotary and the cermark

3:16 PM

Got a tumbler to decorate

We are doing tumblers Thursday & Friday evening

3

Oh perfect

Sunday's agenda is shaping up like this:

5:54 PM

Agenda: 1. Quick stuff: 10x10 Show + Open House; member not paying, walking away from lasers for hours at a time, and leaving materials behind in lasers. 2. $400 controller board for Thunder 3. No-Go Materials Review of ABS. https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/discuss-laser-no-go-material-3-abs/32453/18

5:54 PM

Let me know of other adds.

4. Light Burn progress 5. Upcoming Optics courses (timeframe) 6. Any more discussion needed regarding publicly communicating & deploying ‘Holiday Laser commercial user usage protocols’? 7. 60 Days out from needing new Committee leadership 8. Change in maintenance protocol to incorporate a recurring check and cleaning of the blower fans

Need to add buying extra beds from thunder. Theyve been abused.

Expansion Team gave us our footprint and location. We must provide a layout of utilities by Thursday. That's holding up the request for proposal. Will need to meet with @MotoPilot , @pinewoodnut , @JoshW, @Scott_Blevins , at a minimum ASAP. @pearce, if you are willing.

I’m flexible. Will defer to the others on timing

@pearce is there any merit to the idea of flycutting the existing beds, to true them back up and use them some more? Not unlike the process for the spoilboard on the MulitCAM.

It's thin aluminum flaps, I'm sure they would just deflect before cutting them

1:09 PM

You can also tap them back into shape when placed on a flat surface, but that only does so much. The replacements from thunder are cheap in comparison to the work we would have to do to make one

1:10 PM

We would probably end up with more cost in supplies because of ordering in bulk

1:10 PM

Not sure why your tags aren't working for me btw

@pearce probably I did it wrong (typing @pearce does nothing; one must select your user from the list or know your actual handle). So. User error. Also, 10-4 on the infeasibility. Just thought it might be worth a ask...

Meeting & maintenance tomorrow. Kris & Scott are supplying chicken salad and bread. I'm making cupcakes. Attendance will be lower due to team members being out of town. So am pressing my teen into service.

Unofficial word on the street is that the Swedish Chef is planning a little something as well.

come to the meeting to see our Expansion location and get an update.

@stephenie im looking to get into contact with the guy who makes wooden journal covers on the lasers or the guy who makes tons of earrings on the lasers, i believe earring guy is jeff. do you happen to know his/thier talk handles or emails?

I haven't me the person who makes the earrings. The person who makes the wooden journal covers is named Daniel Cisneros. His Talk ID is Dancis, but according to his stats, he's never on. You can find him most mornings at Laser.

Jeff makes the earrings. Maybe covers too

11:59 AM

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CatesConcepts

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11:59 AM

Jeff & Julie's etsy shop. Should have contact info

Yes, Jeff is the man who sells at local markets and fairs. I believe he’s currently ramping up for LeakyCon.

I made my first ever laser project today and had the pleasure of meeting Jeff and Daniel!

3

@Bonestorm congrats! And nice way to tie the above conversions together

Blitzen in need of advanced maintenance still operational use with caution sign left on machine reported on talk

10:00 PM

We understand mistakes happen not reporting them is a bigger issue damage was caused by another user please remember reporting an accident is part of being a good member of makerspace

3

Tonight I will be at the Space to review prelim layout with any of the Team.

4:12 PM

7:30.

4:14 PM

Not sure which room. It is Tour Night, so might decamp to restaurant with wifi. Will post here.

Lots of classes scheduled for tonight as well. Offsite might be the better option.

Let's see how many show. All classrooms taken. Common Room has been busy. Conference room not in use. Can't book though through calendar; too late.

I'll be up there around 730.

In the conference room

I lol be up tomorrow for membership meeting can help with blitzen after

@pinewoodnut will fill you in. He's got some time tomorrow during the day to chase down a few parts.

I will have to order the valve, but I think I have a workaround. As for the belts,I started working on it but ran out of time. I'll see if I can come back by tonight and sort them out. After that it's just the lens, but that's easy.

2

The head is loose on the gantry. The lower two bearings can be adjusted to tighten (and probably remove) the head.

I looked up the process for that too. I'll see if I can tighten it up.

1

I have tightened the Y axis belts, firmed up the eccentric nuts for the X axis roller bearings, bypassed the broken air valve, and replaced the smoked/cracked lens. Testing went fine, so I asked Celia to run another test. She ran a 15 minute cut test job and it came out fine. I told her not to worry about paying for that job. Blitzen is back in service. Can someone mark it closed on talk?

1

Celia later noted a problem on Blitzen. It repeated the error twice, where it had a little hiccup, moving a mm to the left. She cut about 12 Texas shapes, about 2" tall. Both skips in the same place of the image.

Crud.

Hard to say if it's the laser or the software

Did she run the cut 12 separate times or all on one sheet of material?

12 objects, one run

What mechanical issue would be that consistent on the laser?

blitzen still has belt issues we need to figure out

6:51 PM

the skips are most likely from a movement on the vector

@loganc10 was using Blitzen today with excellent results.

9:26 PM

The acrylic wisps were interrupting the pointer beam on Donner. A cleaning fixed that.

9:28 PM

Big Thunder's Chiller level was down to halfway, still in the green "good" area. We refilled it last Sunday, but not sure to what level. So topped it off today and will monitor.

I looked at the issue with blitzen and think the y axis gear in the back on the right side is slipping. I'm out of town, but I'll try to get a ticket opened with thunder to see what we can do

@MotoPilot ^^^

Could it just be missing a set screw? I might have some metric ones in my printer tool box.

11:10 AM

Hopefully it didn't fall out. It would have likely been sucked up during cleaning

I'm not sure how the gear is fixed to that shaft. If someone wants to take a look at it, feel free. Otherwise I'll try to take a look when I'm back in town.

There's a small screw set below the surface of the teeth on the gear if I remember correctly

11:40 AM

I hear the DMS has no power at the moment

11:40 AM

I might go in later tonight

It was back up as of the last 30 minutes.

Gotta get that FB team better at making any kinds of posts at all....

The hard part is getting to that set screw, right? I just hope it isn’t sheared off with one part in the drive axle.

Yeah you have to either move the gantry so the gear is in a position to get a driver into it

2:36 PM

Or take the belts off via tension point (not recommend) (edited)

Some folks tried Blitzen today and said it was "fixed". I am skeptical.

10:10 PM

"Look, the power outage fixed it!" was the refrain.

10:17 PM

@pearce Bill Scott says he had problems vector etching font into his 10x10. The lines wobbled at high speed. He said you told him to slow it down and that worked.

yep

Donner?

that is like a bandaid solution for backlash

What was "high" speed?

100

10:17 PM

not really

that's not high

50 fixed it

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/maintenance-day-committee-mtg-food-first-sun-sep-2-2018-11a-2p/41198

Maintenance Day + Committee Mtg + FOOD, First Sun Sep 2, 2018, 11a-2p

[MaintenanceDayAnnouncement_] @Team_Laser, we are officially scheduled on the First Sunday of the month.

11:40 PM

DMS Rules: "The Chair may hold an emergency Committee meeting with 5 days notice on the forums of DMS, and on signs conspicuously posted in the committee area, provided a good faith effort to notify all current committee members is performed, and that the time of the meeting is not unreasonably restrictive on the members."

11:44 PM

We've got a real problem with members staying on a laser for 9-12 hours at a stretch. Some of those folks are here nearly everyday. It's being noticed. And complained about. I'm getting private messages and it's being talked about publicly on Talk. At least one of those members was underpaying significantly and would not let another member play through (I suspended his access.) (edited)

I would like to hold a meeting outside of the regular Committee Meeting to hash out new queue rules. I thought we'd done this for the holidays, but it did not make it into the minutes (which only say we discussed it). We need something good year-round. I expect much lively discussion and don't want to use up all of the committee meeting to do so. (edited)

11:54 PM

Am thinking Sunday Aug 26 at noon. Because we already meet mid-day on Sundays, I think the date meets the "not unreasonably restrictive" criteria in the DMS Rules. Give our churchgoers a little extra time to get to the Space, too.

11:55 PM

Thoughts?

Sounds Reasonable

1

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/bod-agenda-08-20-2018-committee-chairs-election-completed-by-sept-14-for-terms-ending-in-the-spring/41228/2

The motion passed says by Sept 30th.

11:13 AM

Will not be holding a meeting this Sunday to discuss queue management rules.

11:14 AM

We currently have a committee meeting for Sept 2 on Labor Day weekend. Published and everything.

Shall we change the date?

Oh, wait. We do have to change the date. Elections need a minimum 2-week notice. <<<

12:04 PM

(EDITED to remove the 9th) Sept 16 or 23rd. Preferences? (edited)

9th

2nd, but I know Labor Day Sunday may provide problematic for some.

2:48 PM

Wait...16th is what I meant.

2:49 PM

(Post-lunch serotonin levels crashing)

I'm out of town the 9th. Just realized. -smh-

Same here

2:54 PM

I’ll be in Austin.

Let's try again. 16 or 23rd for election.

2:59 PM

We could keep the 2nd for a meeting + maintenance, just not hold a vote. Then hold a vote on either the 16th or 23rd.

2:59 PM

so.many.options.

3:00 PM

(this is why regular meetings are a good thing. no cat herding. quick, someone find a gif!)

Moved discussion of election day to private Talk thread. Seem to get more response there.

Question, Where do people buy their acrylic sheets from? Is there a place in Dallas where I can physically go pick it up or do I have to have it shipped to me? Thanks!

http://estreetplastics.com/ is in Royse City. http://www.portplastics.com/ is in DFW (airport freeway). Long list of stuff that might do what you want on the wiki... https://dallasmakerspace.org/wiki/Plastics_Suppliers

Plexiglass Acrylic and Other Plastics - Precut Sheets or Cut To Si...

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awesome Thanks!

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/election-laser-chair-vacancy-09-16-2018-11am/41562

[ELECTION] Laser Chair (vacancy), 09/16/2018, 11am

[SpecialElection] Let this serve as our official notice of a Special Election. Our regular monthly meeting does not meet the rules for 2 weeks public notice. I will not be running for Laser Chair. It was an honor to serve the Laser community. Team Laser is a fabulous grou...

Thank you Stephanie for your hard work and great results as chair. I can hear you now saying, “I didn’t do this alone”, but the fact that you kept the focus on doing the right thing - not just for Lasers - but for all DMS members, was key to the successes so far.

1

Anyone from team laser currently at the space?

I believe John Gorman is teaching a class in CA currently. Need Cermark?

Yeah cermark and a helping hand

Reminder: Sunday is Maintenance Day + Committee Meeting, 11a-2p. Since it's my last as Chair, will be making the hot ham-and-cheese croissant sandwiches.

1

10:26 PM

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/donner-rotary-attachmnt-connector-loose-8-28-2018/41743

Donner Rotary Attachmnt Connector Loose 8/28/2018

ISSUE or REQUEST: ISSUE (1) Affected Tool or Resource: Donner Thunder Laser (2) Committee, Group or Volunteer who usually handles this type of ISSUE or REQUEST: @Team_Laser (3) Details of ISSUE or REQUEST: The connector for the rotary attachment has come loose on the mal...

It's been loose for a while. Need to open the side to access the other side of connector and tighten. Something for Sunday

Thunders final tube is so hot to the touch that it burns fingers

Chiller level?

10:58 AM

@pearce what gave you a clue to check the tube?

It fell down mid cut

10:59 AM

But always check the tube when the cut lines have echos or shadows

The tube fell down?

Because if it's off center and hitting the nozzle after the last lens it'll just heat everything

11:00 AM

Sorry focus tube

OOOOOhhhhhh

Was late and I was angry at the laser

I am laughing so hard...and I feel bad about it because it's like laughing at your suffering.

11:02 AM

OK. re-reading your texts...

11:02 AM

So you are saying the laser beam needs re-alignment?

I tried to make sure everything was lined up, and it was, I didn't see a reason for it to be hitting anywhere else and causing heat

11:03 AM

It was totally aligned

I swear these lasers are inventing new problems.

Yes

11:03 AM

More members more problems

11:04 AM

It also sounds really odd when traversing the whole x stretch

Did you put Big Thunder out-of-service?

No I actually got through my cut

11:19 AM

I'm just unclear why it was getting so hot. I probably should have marked it down

11:21 AM

There are other airflow nozzles with wider aperatures in the accessory box, but that's how we smoke lenses. That's the only fix I can think of

Donner crash mentioned on TALK (not yet been turned into Issue Post...)

1

Just saw that. it was a bit vague. Replied with an instruction.

11:43 AM

Did ask member to verify that focus tube was raised - since coming loose is an issue - before restarting machine.

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/laser-down-blitzen-is-out-of-service/41902

[LASER DOWN] Blitzen is out of service

One member of Team Laser is tackling the issue of Blitzen’s gear/axle problem. ETA unknown. We will let you know when it is back in service.

Meeting at 11am. Maintenance party at 12pm today

Depending on family plans I might miss it sorry :/

I'll miss the meeting either way because I'd like to assist on the forge repair I'll be there for maintenance though, not that my presence is a big deal haha

@Nate thanks for making it Nate. Thanks everyone. Another great turnout!

I keep running in to a "Hard Limit Prot Please press escape" can someone advise add to what I am doing incorrectly?

Found the issue, was too close to the edge

A little more context?

Have since corrected

O ok

Thanks

I wouldn't have been able to help probably but know who to tag at least haha

Gotcha, thanks either way

5:37 PM

Definitely learned something today

I think that's either a sizing issue or the wrong origin setting (like expecting origin to be upper left but it's really lower left)

Hmm alright, new problem, laser head will not move on x axis

6:03 PM

Hit frame, it drew the frame and is now pegged all the way to the right

6:05 PM

Can move on y axis

Reset the laser

6:06 PM

You hit an end stop

Alright, reset button?

Sure

Okay, anything else?

Review your file and the origin setting

6:08 PM

Something is making it run out of bounds

File is unloaded, not sure how to set origin other than moving it with arrow keys which aren't working at the moment

6:11 PM

Well up and down are, but left right don't move the head

6:11 PM

Is there another way to adjust it?

In the file in RDWorks, where is the little green square?

6:15 PM

That's the origin position you are setting

6:15 PM

Typically, upper left

Upper left

6:18 PM

Loaded that file, still unable to move left or right

6:19 PM

It looks like it thinks the upper right of the bed is 0,0

Check in the lower right in RDWorks. Look for "current" position. Not absolute or what ever the other 2 options are

6:23 PM

Not sure if that helps but that's everything as it currently is

6:24 PM

If need be can download and load that file but the file is not currently the issue

Show me the lower right screen in reworks

Sent

6:31 PM

Odd.

6:36 PM

Sorry I missed it before. Network issues

The position numbers on the laser change when pressing the arrow keys but the laser head doesn't move

6:36 PM

No problem

Try turning off the laser. Make sure nothing under lens. Close lid. Two switches on the right. First turn off machine, then laser

6:37 PM

Wait a minute. Turn on machine, turn on laser

Alright standby

K

Laser head tracked left

6:39 PM

Issue seems to be resolved

6:39 PM

Appreciate the tech support

1

✌

1

Adobe requiring sign in now?

No

6:57 PM

Two versions on some machines. Be sure to choose the 2018

Yep 2018 asking for sign in

7:01 PM

Oh well just saw my next cut will take an hour almost so I don't have the time unfortunately

7:01 PM

I'll try again later

Pseudonym01, might we know you by another name?

@pseudonym01 usually you can ignore the creative cloud prompt

I've met John a couple times in person butt I don't think we've met yet

7:10 PM

@john a gorman tried a couple times

7:10 PM

But oh well, line I said I needed to head out anyways

Okay, figured you might be a new Committee member that I might have known.

@pseudonym01 but I don't know you as @pseudonym01. I know you as __?

Jake

7:52 PM

Taken a number of your classes, most notably, the pen making class on the lathe, where I super glued my hand together and had to restart the project twice due to exploding wood

1

Lol ✌

lol @pseudonym01 omg same! I felt like a dweeb when it busted; but the second try portion of the pen turned out great (pun unavoidably intended)

1

It happens. A lot.

@Scott_Blevins I caught that joke Scott, it wasn't in vain

1

Hmm still getting asked for Adobe sign in when launching illustrator 2018, any suggestions?

Ask in the Infrastructure channel

FYI Brandon posted about fix to big thunder on Talk. If someone will take a look to confirm all is well, then can show it as operational again (edited)

2

Even though I live close, am booked for most of today. Will be up to the space for the PR vote tonight. Can look at it afterwards.

9:44 AM

If no one gets to it first.

9:45 AM

Brandon @AGr ...thank you for the prompt response.

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/resolved-big-thunder/42171

1

Are minutes for the August or September committee meetings available somewhere?

Merissa, I've been booked this week. I will get to it on Monday when Nick is in school.

3:47 PM

August meeting minutes are on talk. Forgot to link to wiki

3:47 PM

Will fix tomorrow

Ok, thank you. Not trying to be a pest, but interested in the status of things since chair voting soon

understood.

Don't see anything on Talk for August (edited)

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/member-meeting-tomorrow-or-makers-assemble/40621/32

Thank you!

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/september-2018-laser-meeting-minutes-including-rules-change/42564

3:56 PM

^^ this surely will not blow up Talk. Right?

she said, knowing the real answer

wonders if her bar is stocked enough for the storm ahead

Can the expansion layout be shared?

its been posted on the walls so i imagine its okay to share

Are we talking specifically for the laser area or just where the committees are going?

Am walking out the door. typing fast.

4:02 PM

will post when I can get to laptop.

4:03 PM

laser layout is at mercy of engineer expansion team has hired, as he/she is figuring blower size, location, and roof penetrations.

Ok thank you!

Who is directly communicating with this engineer?

The ever transparent "expansion committee" is (edited)

Curious how much we would be paying to be told we need 3 or 4 roof penetrations the same size as the current ones over laser. Also using industrial blowers will be over 10x more than continuing with the $200 harbor freight blowers that works great

We should be using blowers like the plasmancutter

4:32 PM

But as far as I know we are going to have to really fight for more roof penetrations

style of blower on plasma cutter is not rated for the pressure that laser manufacturers recommend

We have made our desire for adequate roof penetrations (to accommodate an eventual 5-6 lasers in the new space allocated to us) very well known to the expansion committee. I would hope the independent Engineer’s assessment aligns with this ‘To-Be’ scenario. If there are other penetrations we can effectively and efficiently tap into as part of the new design, I’m sure that will be considered as well.

Last time I tried to contact someone like Cincinnati Fan (https://www.cincinnatifan.com) when specing out last time we got more lasers, (requested quote for ~500-700 cfm @ 3" wc, so something in the 2000 - 2500 cfm total range for 3 lasers), they forwarded my request for a quote to Texas Air Handlers (local distributor) and then they never got back to me

4:45 PM

The first build out each penetration was something like $500-700 I think, the largest hurdle being getting landlord approval, putting in 4 shouldn't be a problem, but where exactly they are put is critical to reduce length of piping

Agreed on the landlord approval hurdle.

I think I was asking for 3 inches water column pressure to decrease price, most install guides I can find are actually 6 inches water column for ventilation

Hi #laser I'm new to the Dallas Makerspace. I read there's a intro laser class this morning; however, I discovered registration too late. Is it possible to drop in to this class this morning? I'm here at the space, but I don't want to be disruptive.

Appreciate any advice.

10:05 AM

@stephenie ^^

You can fly standby

The instructors are very kind. Tommy is teaching that class. The worst that can happen is he will say no.

Arrive and announce your intention to attend. If there’s room, you can join.

10:10 AM

Instructors prerogative.

The issue is crowding around the lasers.

^^^^^This.

Got it. Thank you.

Is gold foil laser-able? I want to cut out a flamingo and use it in an art project for my daughter's about me poster board for pre-school.

According to google imitation gold foil is 85% copper and 15% zinc. I'm guessing vaporized copper is a bad thing...

Would gold vinyl work for your project? Then cut on the vinyl cutter in CA?

1

is the gold foil going to be already adheared to some other substrate? Could probably use the Shapeoko CNC instead if you want to keep the material.

@hon1nbo (k/j/t) exsilium I like that idea

Would these be ok to put under the laser - https://www.homedepot.com/p/TrafficMASTER-Black-Gray-24-in-x-24-in-x-0-47-in-Dual-Sided-Gym-Floor-4-Pack-24120HDUS/301152506 Sadly, the product page doesn't say what they're made of, just saying they're "...made from a proprietary co-polymer formulation." I'm not looking to cut through, just mark some score lines. (I have a design I need cut, but I have it at small size and need to scale it up and just realized that I can scale things up in ImageWorks, then score the lines and then cut by hand.

TrafficMASTER Black/Gray 24 in. x 24 in. x 0.47 in. Dual Sided Gym...

Add rich expression to your living area or gym floor by choosing this gorgeous TrafficMASTER Black or Gray Dual Sided Gym Floor.

Eva floor foam cuts pretty well

Yeah, I just can't confirm 100% that this is actually EVA.

12:39 PM

They go out of their way to assure you that it's safe, but refuse to tell you what it actually IS.

Er sorry we use that a lot in cosplay stuff. Eva is usually used as it's generic name

12:47 PM

But it lasers well and will destroy bladed tools (fair warning)

12:48 PM

I use it to make stamps.

12:48 PM

wow. I wish there was a stamp making class.

5:14 PM

@merissa hi. thank goodness Brandon started posting on layouts. I am falling down on the job!

5:14 PM

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/laser-expansion-layout-ideas/42815

No worries, thank you for sharing!

5:17 PM

I was thinking the same thing on a stamp class! I want to learn!

I'll see if I remember to do a step by step when I go to the Polyprinter shop tonight

5:22 PM

Then someone can run with it in a class

2

Any body at the space now with first hand knowledge of dinner z axis problem I am not getting any grinding noise want to double check before I open it for use

Donner online and ready for use (edited)

3

nice

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/new-rule-session-limit-in-effect/43043

8:14 PM

^^^ Whew. Wordsmithing. Not for the faint of heart.

Running a couple mins late for the meeting, but will be there soon!

Laser Chair-elect is Andrew Kongs @sixvolts_ and Vice-Chair is Josh Wims @JoshW .

I'll move chair titles after the board meeting. Thanks for stepping up yall

2

Since we were talking Epilogs the other day, thought I'd share the price list I got from them middle of last year as an fyi (edited)

Epilog_Laser_Price_List_V1702.pdf

443.04 KB

11:33 AM

I asked about discounts for us as a non profit but didn't get anything specific back from them

I wonder if we can buy the chassis cable of dual-source and add the fiber laser later, so that we're not paying for everything up front.

Blitzen is not cutting true.

11:26 AM

I'm working on my 10x10. Two layers to be glued together.

11:26 AM

11:27 AM

I lined up one edge (resting on the worktable...you can't see it.)

11:27 AM

This is the opposite edge

Is it under warranty?

11:28 AM

Lots of issues lately

@merissa Warranty thoughts?

11:29 AM

I will put a sign on the laser and notify membership on Talk.

I saved warranty docs in the laser committee drive

@sixvolts_ ^^

11:43 AM

So my work was in 10x10. Wanted to eliminate user error possibility, so cut two plain 3x3 cardboard squares directly from RDWorks. Doesn't show, but cardboard is squishy. So...

11:44 AM

Cut 6x6 from scrap hardboard. Now the skewing shows at that size.

11:48 AM

The two squares match up when layered in the original cut orientation.

11:48 AM

Rotate one 90-degrees and ...ouch...clearly not cutting true.

11:49 AM

Just showed @john a gorman

Ok, that’s likely a mechanical issue. Optics on the machine should be spot on, realigned everything Sunday with Pearce.

11:53 AM

What does warranty work look like? Does thunder have on-site service in the US?

Product_Warranty_Certificate_1706321-1.pdf

1016.38 KB

12:30 PM

Product_Warranty_Certificate_1706321-2.pdf

752.83 KB

12:31 PM

One goes to Blitzen, the other to Donner. I don't know which is which.

12:31 PM

Considering this is the result of a severe head crash, I don't see how the warranty applies.

12:32 PM

(The optics were wonderful, btw. Beautiful raster.)

Power at the space flickered. The blower for thunder 63 is not coming on.

10:46 PM

It's working on the other lasers

10:47 PM

@AGr

Problem fixed. Rebooting 63 fixed it

2

Blitzen not ideal do not turn air down

Shaun Dixon needs to know. He uses Blitzen and turns the air down.

sounds like big thunder's been FUBAR'd... https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/thunder-laser-down-after-bed-raised-too-high/44081

Thunder laser down after bed raised too high

Laser bed raised too high crashed into laser. Out of order sign in place.

Due to Open House being on Sat., Oct. 5, the Lasers definitely all need maintenance BEFORE Sunday’s Maintenance Day. Tommy and I tried using Big Thunder today, and the power was probably 20% of its’ capacity. If anyone on Team Laser can give the 3 Thunder Lasers a detailed check-up late Friday night, or very early Saturday morning, it will greatly help with Open House. I had to get back to work today, otherwise I would have started looking at them.

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/laser-down-blitzens-lens-trashed-10-04-18/44252

Seems lenses are getting destroyed way too often lately

Laser usage seems to be on an up-tick recently, but yes I agree.

Lots of rastering with a close nozzle

Here's the problem with the big thunder

5:46 PM

It works now on the x y

Aligned

5:59 PM

And vacuumed

5:59 PM

6:06 PM

Big thunder is fixed now

1

I put it back in service

Nice work Pearce!

I have no idea how that part gets bent

I will be there for clean up at HD renting a tool for the space

Thanks for all the great volunteers who came out to make laser look great for open house.

I overheard a few compliments about how many and how happy our Team Laser was in action.

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/laser-oktoberfest-or-monthly-meeting-10-7-18-11am/44407

Laser Oktoberfest...or "Monthly Meeting" (10/7/18 11am)

[photo5030901241022097382] [photo5030785062156740613] [photo5030785062156740614] @Team_Laser…three Laser “meetings” in one weekend? Why not! Friday’s open house cleaning, Saturday’s Open House, and today’s First Sunday Maintenance Day with a side of Committee ...

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/laser-105-office-hours-in-october-and-november-2018/44813

Laser 105 Office Hours in October and November 2018

[LaserOfficeHours] I’m committing to offering Office Hours in October and November on nights that my son @NickWebb is busy elsewhere. Am hoping to give some members a boost with their skills, especially with the gift giving season coming up. Happy Lasering!

11:48 PM

Office Hours went well tonight. Two members, Angel and Matt, needed Inkscape help. Taught Bitmap Trace, Document Properties, Break Apart, Combine, Fill & Stroke, Inset/Offset, and how to manipulate nodes. Also taught how to remote into the desktop to get around the lost thumbdrive problem. Both members walked away very happy.

11:49 PM

My son Nick has a men's woodworking group on Mondays through November, so I'll keep holding Office Hours through that time.

3

You're awesome Stephenie. Great mentoring you are doing.

Any of our team can host office hours or help out on another session. @pinewoodnut has hosted before. And his Laser 204 Holiday Ornaments is a hands-on Inkscape class that I will be recommending. Having two people staffing Office Hours can be beneficial when there are lots of people wanting help. If anyone would like to join me, see the published dates.

11:30 AM

1

I'm too lazy to search. I have my file, but using a USB Flash drive to open it on the laser computer says some sort of "incorrect version" message. I just installed RDWorks on my laptop. I also tried Google drive, but same issue.

7:26 PM

I'm sure there's a work around or someone else ran into this issue

Sounds like a version mismatch in rdworks. Take a look at the committee drive and you should find the install files for the version we have on the laser computers. The latest version from the internet is probably newer. They keep changing the file formats and the newer versions aren't backwards compatible with the older. We'll see about getting the new version tested on our machines with our lasers, then we can upgrade.

Thank you so much!!

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/laser-office-hours-tonight-10-22-2018-at-7pm/45094

Laser Office Hours tonight 10-22-2018 at 7pm

[LaserOfficeHours]

Office Hours report. Aided 5 members: Gary Rogers, Mike Jones, Julia, a John Doe, and Steve Wynne. Gary needed to practice the workflow; took him through Inkscape-to-RDWorks-to-laser operation. Mike, an experienced user, needed help on an intricate design that was running into common bugs. Julia had a quick question. The John Doe brought in a found foam and asked if he could laser it; told him "no", to order known materials that are approved. Steve had box making questions that were answered by Ryan. An all around good evening.

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/issue-donner-laser-malfunctioning-poor-cutting/45637

Remember laser maintenance day Sunday Nov 4th lasers down from 12 to 2:30ish (edited)

Not sure if anyone knows but I figured I'd ask, I'm setting up Lightburn on my computer so I can get started with some projects. When setting up the program it asks for a laser or controller but Thunder isn't on the list? Does anyone know which device am I going to be selecting so my projects will work on the Thunder Laser machines? (edited)

Scratch that, I didn't see that it lists what lasers each controller supports. For anyone else's reference, you have to use the Ruida controller

Sunday December 2nd is meeting and maintenance day.

1

From Shaun this morning: "Saturday night I was cutting & etching 1/32 inch plastic on Donner. Today (Monday) cutting the same material and the laser is off. Donner is cutting a double line, another line from my etch line. I also had to cut the speed in half for it to cut through. Tried Thunder cutting 1/8 inch acrylic at 85% power & 16 speed ran it twice and it still didn’t cut through. Used Blitzen and I had to use 85% power & 12 speed to cut 1/8 acrylic. I know when the laser lens are changed the lasers cut much better. Do we have a time set to change the lens?"

10:00 AM

FYI: Shaun now has a job on Sundays, so can't make the meetings and Maintenance. (edited)

I couldn't cut though 1/4 wood on thunder the other night.

11:12 AM

Also of note, I forgot to pay. I'll do that today

Concurring that Thunder doesn't seem to cut as nice as Donner. Same job that etched down to an acceptable depth on Donner barely cut through a first layer of acrylic on Thunder.

Confirming that rockler in Richardson still offers the dms discount

yep

5:54 PM

at least as of 2 weeks ago

Confirmed tonight

6:28 PM

Picked up a lovely piece of walnut

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/big-thunder-needs-a-new-lens-12-06-2018/47473

10:08 PM

Big Thunder's lens is cracked. I need to be trained on lens replacement. Until then...trouble ticket has been opened and laser is out of service.

All three Thunders are out of service.

11:12 PM

See above for Big Thunder.

11:13 PM

Blitzen's blower will not come on. It also has a ticket open for an error message.

11:14 PM

Donner's barely etching, not cutting, and the vector cut has a path that looks like a fountain pen drew it.

11:17 PM

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/blitzen-extended-space-error-not-powering-laser-12-06-18/47465

A moment of silence for the lasers. -bows head-

o7

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/out-of-service-donner-is-weak-and-poorly/47479

12:08 AM

Donner's lens and mirrors were clean, but I cleaned them anyway just in case. No visible burns or cracks. No improvement on the cutting.

Lots of newly minted laser users on-boarded over the past few months. I’d be curious to know if the machine’s average runtime has jumped this past quarter, relative to the previous 3-4 quarters. (edited)

Always does in November/December

Yes, a confounding variable for sure.

Perhaps a measure of wear and tear would be to compare this OND quarter versus last years same quarter, factoring for the net increase in the number of newly minted Laser users and incremental hours of machine runtime. (edited)

From @john a gorman on Talk: "Donner is back up. I put the wide open cone and it fixed the problem. Better fix is aligning the mirrors again."

Wide nozzle will mean it will need cleaning more often

@pearce the tube on 63 is getting hot quickly. I think that's why the lens was completely shot.

Right. So it's off center

It still would cut though with a new lens. But I believe that lens would quickly crack too

But

10:47 PM

The wider nozzle will help

10:48 PM

It means the dirt will collect faster. Just keep on top of the cleaning

Even with the wider cone off Blitzen it was getting hot

Then it's waaay off

10:50 PM

Lense flipped the right way?

Yes

Gotta be off then

If I was wanting to etch something on wood, but wanted to reduce burn "stains" could I successfully use masking tape over the wood to help with that?

A bit of sanding will take the burns off the top of the wood

12:22 PM

Tape can leave residue from the glue inside the rasters and can be harder to clean out

Noted, thanks

Team, I need to let you know that I'm having to deal with a very aggressive Glioblastoma (GBM) Brain Cancer. They 100% removed a big tumor about 3 weeks ago and I start Radiation and Chemo this week. Following that, I will look into shaving my head and wearing an electrode cap that will apply electro-magnetic fields to the GBM cancer cells to try to keep them from dividing and creating more tumors. (I will have to do this the rest of my life.) The hope is that the cap will extend my life from the 14 - 18 months that GBM often cuts you short to 4-5 or more years . [Fingers Crossed]. The reason I'm telling you is that all of this will limit the amount of time I can help with Laser Maintenance.

1

Oh Beau, not you! Say it isn't true! (edited)

I wish it wasn't true. When initially told, I had a really hard time taking this in. Since then I've made plans to fight these cancer cells with every treatment (including the electrode cap) or any other thing that will buy me more time. I'm now really hoping I can squeeze another 4-5 years of life out of this or hopefully even more.

2:25 PM

BTW, Glioblastoma is the same cancer that killed Senator John McCain. I think he may have had it worst than what they found in me. Right now I feel fine and have no mental or motor skill issues. I hope that means I have a higher/longer survival chance.

This saddens me more than I can say. The selfish benefit of chairing Laser is getting to know so many members. Am so glad you are one of them.

2:44 PM

You are darling to even think of notifying Team Laser. We'll break the news to Zing.

2:45 PM

I've found making and the Space to be a sanctuary. May you find it to be so as well.

@gbeauw this news saddens me too. But we all know how strong and determined you are, so if anyone can fight it you can.

Thank you for letting us know. Thoughts and prayers and my offer to help if there is anything I can do. Tommy, 940-783-5259

I'm a couple days late, but happy birthday to our baby thunders!

Donner and Blitzen came online a year ago on Dec 11th

1

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/thunder-laser-not-cutting-well-12-14-2018/47942

The following is a PSA if you are an authorized maintainer only do things you are trained to do and please lock things back up. Thanks Joshua W

Meatball sliders today!

7:52 AM

Might not make 11am meeting. Could be wrapping sandwiches.

Won't be able to make it to the meeting today. I am unable to drive while getting these treatments. I've been having to have wife drive me everywhere. However, she is busy this AM so I can't make it. Have a good meeting folks.

2

@gbeauw If you'd ever like a ride, sing out!

7:51 PM

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/laser-finances-or-how-to-replace-30-40k-worth-of-lasers-every-2yrs/48987

Laser Finances...or how to replace $30-40K worth of lasers every 2yrs

TLDR: By collecting a laser fee, when these machines need replacing, we are not putting a $30,000-40,000 burden on the General Fund every two years. The risk is spread out among the laser users in proportion to their rate of usage. The fee is a pittance compared to commerci...

7:51 PM

^^^ the education continues.

I missed the laser meeting last night I guess

2:10 PM

Did y'all fill up the chiller on the big thunder

2:14 PM

Wtf is this

That’s someone’s idea of a fix. Not team laser for sure.

It's a good way to start a fire

3:15 PM

But big thunder is fixed and the bed is aligned now

3:16 PM

Looking at donner

We didn't actually use up all the mirrors did we?

I was wrong, left z motor is likely dead on big thunder. Works occasionally

Special note. Make sure tensioners are tightened before releasing laser to public.

3:53 PM

Big is fixed. I was wrong on motors

4:00 PM

The auto blower isn't working for thunder either

Donner is double cutting lines and I'm not sure how to fix it at the moment

I aligned it pretty well. But it's still double cutting. I'm not sure what else to check. It could be the head that's crooked from over tightened belts

School I'm doing repairs at actually got a glowforge

3:16 PM

They hate it

Is Big Thunder running currently? Apologies if status is listed somewhere.

@pearce was there last night, he might know

@jbeiler55 sorry I didn't look at the lasers last night

@pearce No worries, thanks anyways!

Hey I took a thunder class and the attendence must have not set me up for the rfid scanner on the thunder lasers. Is there any way to get this fixed? Making it to another class would be quite a challenge

I didn't think they were locked out yet

8:42 PM

You might be able to use it without the reader

I can still use it just wanna get official ^_^

@sixvolts_ would know about the rfid readers

Awesome! Yall good if I use it till he is able to help?

The laser I mean haha

hes the chair so he would be the one to answer that

Cool!

Anyone have experience cutting cloth? Is it possible to do without starting a fire?

What kind?

12:51 PM

Denim works really well if it's all natural.

12:52 PM

Synthetic is going to be the real issue. Melty and chatching fire is just a recipe for napalm

I know some members have cut cloth for quilting designs, I think mainly on the Zing, but I don't have experience with it myself. You might post the question on Talk and tag Chris Marlow.

12:55 PM

She had some pictures posted to show and tell a while back

You need to turn the air down, but that means watching it really close. You can do some cool stuff with fabrics as long as it doesn't get melty or have PVC/vinyl in it

Makes sense, thanks all

Does mounting it on heatnbond or freezer paper help or hurt?

I have no idea

7:00 PM

The laser might not play nice with the heat bond glue

Bah. Long term goal to do silhouettes on black fabric to appliqué on quilts. Because I don’t have enough projects going

Anyone operate one of these or similar?

Looks like a large CNC laser?

Yes. It's a TRUMPF TruLaser 5030 Fiber. I don't know if this group covers CNC lasers or not... I'm still new to the game and am trying to learn as much as possible.

@themitch22 might have used a similar one from multicam. But we don't have anything close to that at the DMS

All the lasers Multicam have made are CO2 lasers. The largest one they had while I was there was a 4KW one but they never ran it and it mostly collected dust. It had so much power though it needed water cooled optics

Thunder seems to be having a communications error when trying to download file to the laser

11:56 AM

Any suggestions?

Unplug and try again

12:03 PM

Or power cycle laser and pc

Thanks!

Fyi, I suggest the old laser be sold via public auction. There's not a huge market for used lasers, so defending an arbitrary price would be difficult, bidding via a public auction is clear fair market pricing.

12:11 PM

Everyone is given a chance to buy it and the DMS will get as much as possible for it

Whaaa?!? I was told I could have it for COLD ham&cheese!

You didn't offer $25?

1

"They" said "name your price". Wonderbread, ham, cheese was all I had on me...

1

Not even a condiment? Disgusting

That's now the worst...it was Kraft Singles!!!

1

does public auction mean ebay or are there other services?

Could do silent auction via craigslist, I'm sure there's lots of options

1:21 PM

Just be sure to mention it's on the buyer to pick up the laser lol

@lukeiamyourfather headed up the full spectrum laser sale, I believe it was done via Craigslist auction

Started internal because it seemed like a good idea at the time, later went external to get fair market value once I realized that wasn't going to happen internal

3:59 PM

eBay would probably be the best option or a combination of eBay and Craigslist

Yes the best option was to the broader public.

Probably a day late and a dollar short, but was there an impactometer on the new Thunder?

No idea who uncrated it

They mentioned who unpacked on the talk thread about the dock being cleared

9:23 PM

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/resolved-order-from-thunder-arriving-wed-3-27-19-am/53330/21

[RESOLVED] Order from Thunder arriving Wed 3/27/19 AM

Stan ,There was a lot of damage to the crate and th e top had been pried open so Tommy, myself and one other member opened it and the unit appeared ok but we didn’t want to throw the crate away until we were sure it wasn’t going to be returned. Tommy and I took photos of...

Ala...

9:25 PM

Multiple reports on Talk that all three lasers are down. Anyone from team laser working on this? @JoshW @sixvolts_

Josh is our of town and I can’t make it up there till tomorrow. Hopefully someone can check them out before tomorrow

2

Is there a known issue with the chiller or do we think it's just time to refill?

I think there’s a small leak

11:16 AM

It’s been filled too much recently. There shouldn’t be a noticeable drop in water regularly

Well I found out that if you mysteriously lose 1.75 gallons of water and none is on the floor, it's inside your laser tube. Hopefully that's not the case here

Nope thankfully not. Looks like it has been fixed per a post on Talk

1

We have to stop letting people turn the air assist off

1:05 PM

The lense use is insane

2

Former Chair supporting removal of the valves. In ideal enviroments, the valves are features, not bugs. So we kept them and added warning flags as a half measure to see if that would slow down the deterioration. No dice. The users have proven that the valves are a bug in a 634+ user shop. We can afford the lenses...we cannot afford the wear and tear on our volunteers.

+1 from another former chair

just curious, what are the legitimate use cases for turning off the air assist?

Yes. That's why it's a feature. But our instructors do not teach those reasons because we don't want the practice to be widespread. There's ways to get same results without turning off air assist. So the time has come to remove that amenity.

The only reason I ever remember was when cutting fabric, so it wouldn't blow away

2:41 PM

Even then it doesn't alway need to be off

1

@Kentamanos it can help get better edges on acrylic. But that can be done with lower air pressure instead of turning it off

1

Either of the small Thunders in service?

I think the one near Metal Shop is working. David Summers was using the Big Thunder 30 min ago

Guess I'll determine as much experimentally sometime during the week.

Since I ghosted without paying...

Thanks for following through

Turned onto Valwood and remembered

The laser on Donner isn’t firing. Tried restarting the machine, varying power from 30-65%, and loading new file. X/Y is tracking but no laser action. Any advice?

Update, laser on Donner will fire from light burn but not RDWorks...

I helped someone the other day would had the low power setting on rdworks set to 100 and the high power set to 00. This made it not fire

7:27 PM

Dunno if that's the case. But worth a shot

This little thing makes reference to team laser's wiki. Good job y'all! https://hackaday.com/2019/04/08/a-laser-cutting-101/

Al Williams

A Laser Cutting 101

If you’ve worked with a laser cutter before, you might not find much new in [Maker Design Lab’s] recent post about getting started. But if you haven’t, you’ll find a lot of …

1

3

1

I can't really explain how exciting a silly little thing like that is to me. But I suspect, seeing that you posted it here, I don't really NEED to explain it to this audience. Thank you for the share!

No I get it That's what makerspaces are all about. We're sharing our knowledge everywhere and it's so cool to see!

12:59 PM

AND it's great that we sourced some of that from the ATX Hackerspace.

1

Anybody know why DMS Talk is on ‘lockdown’?

I guess it was to update

There's discussion about it over in the General Chatter channel

Ah okay thx.

Is it down again?

It appears to be back up now

5:31 PM

Was down as recently as the last hour

5:31 PM

Stan’s pointing to a software update/upgrade

Ah, ok

5:34 PM

Also earlier on Talk there was a post about the Zing running unattended... @sixvolts_ , @JoshW just wanted to make sure y'all were aware in case you want to try and track down the user

Saw that. Thx. As a former Committee VC, I have no access to cameras.

Same. Willing to assist if help is needed though

I saw, we’re looking into it. Thanks

Awesome, thanks!

Greetings Laser enthusiasts, I have submitted a statement of intent to run for the 2019-2020 BoD. I invite you all to review my SOI content on Talk and if you like what you see, please consider me during the upcoming election. Thank You

7

Here’s a link for ease of use: https://dallasmakerspace.org/wiki/2019_Statement_of_Intent_Scott_Blevins

2019 Statement of Intent Scott Blevins

I think you're late on the SOI submission

No, I don't think so. People have until midnight tonight (April 24th)

That is correct. 11:59 PM tonight is the deadline for submitting statement of intent.

Funny enough, we don't have any minutes for when either deadline was approved

1

ah, for some reason thought it was last week

9:59 AM

there's still no official minutes

9:59 AM

and lots of confusion

10:00 AM

so go figure

Improved communications is a pretty widely shared platform goal for the current slate of candidates. I am strongly optimistic that the 2019-2020 incarnation of the Board (provided the right people are elected) will address this communication gap.

5

Originally it was, the dates have been muddied several times

I might have left some small aluminum stamps on a laser table

7:24 PM

Something like this

7:24 PM

If someone finds them let me know please

What time?

We left around 4am so sometime between 3 and 4. I was also in the machine shop and table at automotive using them

ill check the video

Thanks

11:12 PM

Don't put a ton of effort into it though, I'll likely just get more made when mill time opens up on our machine

aight

11:44 PM

so it looked like you put at least one in the bag you wear on your person

11:45 PM

can you check it?

11:45 PM

black waist bag?

I have but will check again

im still watching the video

11:53 PM

lol trying to hit the obvious points

Negative

hrm

We just ended up making revised ones

So when is the class on making cool stamps like that?

Right now

2:54 PM

Step 1. Have a bunch of scrap from 3d printer production Step 2. Get bored with a 4 axis mill Step 3. Pick up leather work as a hobby Step 4. Figure out way to use scrap aluminum+mill+hobby to make tools

My inner mother says I have to finish my current projects before I get any new hobbies.

2:57 PM

I have ABS scraps

Request for Agenda Topic to the be added to the 5/5 Laser Committee Meeting: Review recent Laser usage infractions and determine appropriate ‘next-step’ actions to be taken in order to (A) address known infractions with said members and (B) implement procedures to try and curb future member infractions going forward.. Thanks, Scott

@yashsedai ...redirecting to this channel...Team Laser does a pretty good job handling its corrective actions off of open online forums (public Talk and Discord). We're fortunate that our equipment has userlogs so we can easily match up photo to name and take it from there. It also helps that a chair of another committee (Jim Hartnett/Metal Shop) took the initiative to confront a safety issue in another committee's area. Laser wouldn't have caught it otherwise. And it helps that the chair of another committee (Stan/Infrastructure) was willling to handle the removal of the offending member as a way to reduce tension. (edited)

1:41 PM

When I was Chair and Scott was VC, we always included recent enforcement in the agenda. It's important to notify the Team so they can keep an eye out for issues, educate people when on site, plus they have voted or given feedback on consequences.

So committee meeting is this Sunday right? Will there be voting on chair for the next term?

Hi Team Laser! Just a friendly reminder that Office Hours don't qualify for honorarium. Feel free to message me if you want to talk about it. Just rejected a couple of requests. (it's still very valuable and thank you!)

@mell thanks for the reminder. Having held several Laser Office Hours, I can attest that they don't qualify for honorarium. Just a service to the Laser community.

1

So blitzen seems to be getting stuck. I'm telling you info you already know

6:36 PM

But I'm gonna take a stab at it.

6:37 PM

First thought is it's getting stuck on this gouge. It lines up with the bearing when it stops

6:40 PM

And nope

The software parameters check out fine. It could be the encoder being bad in the motor

7:16 PM

We should reach out and see if they will send us a motor

7:21 PM

There's your problem

7:21 PM

It thinks this was 119mm of movement

7:21 PM

7:23 PM

@sixvolts_ or whoever contacts thunderlaser

Thanks for investigating. I’ll ask thunder

@pearce We had an issue like this on big thunder when some software was updated. https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/big-thunder-down-4-20-2019-resolved/54570/5

@michaelb it's not a rotary problem

7:39 PM

It will only move hall way down the gantry because the encoder thinks it's moving faster than it really is

7:40 PM

Just slightly more than double

Allen clarified @michaelbs post for me

8:07 PM

Open rdworks Go to output on left side. Click read under rotate engrave(but don't check the box) Laser shows it thinks it's in rotary mode Uncheck rotate box Send cut program in flat mode Test

8:07 PM

8:08 PM

Laser thought it was in rotary

8:09 PM

To solve the issue of only moving half way: Make sure the enable rotary box is unchecked. Click write. Problem solved

Thanks @pearce! glad it was "user" error.

Does team laser still do potluck style food for meeting days? If so, trying to plan what to bring...

@sixvolts_ @JoshW

Yes, we try to. Would be appreciated!

not telling you what to do, but I AM telling you Bon Apetit publishes seasonal recipe lists... https://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/slideshow/spring-recipes

29 Recipes to Get You Really Excited for Spring

These are our 29 very best springtime recipes—bring on the peas!

Oh my, some of those look super yummy

@sixvolts_ I won't be able to make it this week, I'd like to propose an automatic blast gate on big thunder so we don't waste airflow when it's not in use. 6" automatic gates are expensive (~$250), so the option to roll our own is certainly on the table. I feel comfortable enough with the blower system to say that we can tie it in and have it open only when needed, no user involvement required.

I think getting one of those for each machine would be pretty reasonable

Sooo

9:23 PM

I actually have a gate design

9:23 PM

And the components for 1

9:24 PM

Cost for the components minus a normal gate is sub $50

9:24 PM

Happy to share

9:24 PM

Uses a current transducer to open

Awesome!

its based in part off of these http://www.nmpproducts.com/exhaust.htm

@yashsedai We have a 5v signal output from the laser, it's time delayed so it'll stay on after the laser job stops, which lets it clear the last of the smoke out.

2:33 PM

However, the mechanics of the blast gate and the opener would be very useful

Sure

2:34 PM

I'll order a 6" gate for testing I think they are twenty bucks

2:35 PM

The air Valve controller that runs the Piston that uses five so that'll work fine

1

3:57 AM

This stuff has been on the laser table for a few days now.

Laser had a good short meeting today. The chair election will be Sunday May 19th

5:51 PM

All four lasers we're back in service after maintenance too

okay .. I will update the committee election list

1

Thanks @merissa & @Draco. Anyone running/rerunning for chair?

@sixvolts_ said he's willing to stay on, his intent was to see things through expansion, but I think he'd be supportive if anyone else wants to step up

Yep, I’m willing to continue.

2

Thanks Andrew! Laser's lucky to have your expertise!

✌

@sixvolts_ want me to submit the calendar event for the election?

Well I went ahead and submitted event because of the silly notification 13 days and 12 hrs rule

10:40 PM

I put it in for Sunday 5/19 at 1pm in the conference room because purple was taken. If we end up duplicating I'll cancel that one

I approved the meeting in the calendar

1

Thanks Merissa

1

9:09 PM

And Draco

No problem

9:42 PM

Now if we can just Automotive, Hatcher's, Software and Blacksmithing to schedule meetings

9:42 PM

err elections

software chair is MIA/banned someone else will need to make the meeting

Anyone know if Allied plastics is best place for neon acrylic?

I like EStreet Plastics for Neons https://www.estreetplastics.com/

Plexiglass Acrylic and Other Plastics - Precut Sheets or Cut To Si...

Shop for plexiglass sheets, acrylic, lexan polycarbonate, acrylic mirror, acrylic tubes, rods, styrene, and other plastics. Precut sheets or cut to size.

Are they out in Royse City?

my "research" says yes

3:09 PM

https://dallasmakerspace.org/wiki/Plastics_Suppliers

Plastics Suppliers

Yes, I do a fair amount of will call pickups. Good in a pinch

Acrylic only please No lexan on lasers it causes damage. (edited)

any laser proficient lurkers? https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/catching-fire-on-the-new-laser/55437

Catching Fire on the new laser

Today a fellow member and came in early to laser cut some Radio Controlled plans from Dollar Tree $1 foam. We have previously cut many sheets of foam on the lasers. One of them was un-serviceable and another was occupied so we had to use the NEW laser. Does it have a name?...

Responded

2

11:32 AM

He likely compensated for the power levels of the old machines and used those settings on a fairly new machine

1

11:33 AM

There's that tip people always ignore "ALWAYS do a test cut"

Probably could use some eyeballs on it to check for soot.

Yeah

11:34 AM

I might be over later tonight

3

Hoping to use it in an hour or so. Is it out of action?

I haven't been able to check

4:54 PM

Tag me when you get there and I can walk you through a checklist

I was up there at 3 and it was in use. Didn't get to check the lens

Hey folks, don't forget that there's a laser committee meeting Sunday at 1 pm to vote on chairperson

Who is running

Current chair Andrew (@sixvolts) is running for another term.

11:49 AM

Don't know of anyone else, but would be nice for people to come out and support him

so what are the failure modes for our lasers? I'm aware of lens cracks, head crashes, mirrors getting smoked up...

Those

z-axis issues?

2:13 PM

or is that uncommon?

Uncommon

2:14 PM

Unless people try to crush things under the table

hydraulic press not so reliable in that regard these days ...

also z axis problems when someone tries to make a wood shim to level the bed instead of leveling it properly.

Yar

2:45 PM

Because fire is good for lasers

Yeah not sure I would call them failure modes but common maintainence is mirror alignment, dirty plenum space, bed not level. Recently also the linear rails are coming lose. None of those require replacement parts but do take time. Some days I feel like fire would be a good solution...

1

it can have cleansing properties

Congrats to Andrew @sixvolts_ ! Re-elected for another term as laser chair

Congrats Andrew!

Thanks! I appreciate the support. Happy lasering!

3

@sixvolts I've got some replacement duct for big thunder

@sixvolts_ https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/no-show-instructor-common-new-member-question/56182

No Show Instructor Common? (New Member Question)

I’m a new DMS member and rsvp’d for my first class this evening but the instructor did not show up. I confirmed with some others working in the area that we were in the right spot; after 20 minutes or so of waiting, my son and I gave up and left. Is this something that h...

9:13 PM

I don't know if Mark Salas is on discord. Can you find out what happened and circle back on that thread?

9:13 PM

https://calendar.dallasmakerspace.org/events/view/12242

Ok, posted. I saw him at the space today

@sixvolts_ do you have a stash of spare lenses?

Yes, black cabinet in the corner.

6:30 PM

just sent you the code to the cabinet

all fixed

2

Just walked by a laser running with no one around it

9:22 PM

I paused the job

9:23 PM

The computer is not logged in nor is the RFID kiosk active with a user, would need to load up a camera to see who it is.

9:23 PM

Blitzen @ ~9:20pm Monday May 27, 2019

9:23 PM

@sixvolts_

9:25 PM

Also for future reference, is the job timer HH:MM:SS? If so it looks like it may have been running for quite a while

9:25 PM

Is there a flash drive in the laser

I checked there is not

9:26 PM

Just the USB B cable

9:26 PM

They could have logged out, just wasn't an unlocked desktop when I got here

9:27 PM

Yeah logged off, not locked

Yes, hours/minutes/seconds works that way

He's back

9:30 PM

Looks to have been gone for almost 10min based on camera

9:30 PM

How do you want to proceed?

Get his name, ask him to stop his job and leave. Have him PM me on talk

Thanks @hon1nbo (k/j/t) exsilium

Laser committee meeting and maintenance day this Sunday 6/2

7:14 PM

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/laser-committee-meeting-and-maintenance-day-sunday-6-2/56748

Laser Committee Meeting and Maintenance Day Sunday 6/2

Hey everyone! Interested in our lasers? Come be part of the @Team_Laser committee! We meet the first Sunday of every month, with our next events this Sunday, June 2nd. Committee Meeting from 11am-noon in Lecture Hall https://calendar.dallasmakerspace.org/events/view/125...

Just a gentle reminder you must remain in arms length of machines in operation at all times this rule is being enforced as has been dont risk our machines or space. Thanks Team laser

3

3

1

Fyi were Lmost our of the backers for the badges were mKe on the zing.

@doug.emes Did a certain opinionated short person who had her clay dried out when somebody’s piece of metal poked a hole in the clay bag type this for you? (edited)

hah, no just my ability to type when im in bed on my phone about to go to sweet slumber... my typing on my phone is drastically reduced.

1:47 PM

so, today, after much coffee

1:48 PM

FYI, we are almost out of the self adhesive magnetic backer plates for our self-made badges. the Bicolor plastic ones we raster and vector on the Zing laser. with the DMS logo on the left hand side

hm, I value anonymity (at least as much as I can realize being almost outlier tall) but perhaps I need one being a DMS officer and everything

i'd suggest you need 2: one for when you generally speaking availabel, and one when you are "off the clock, doing my own personal thing, please find someone else"

My ability to disregard randoms when I'm "off the clock" is rather pronounced

i need one haha

i thought my giant headphones would work as "im off the clock" but noooo

People here just ignore headphones.

I don’t ignore them on you, Stan. I just stand there looking stunned and panicked while I look for alternatives. You usually take pity on me.

Or ducks lower behind the monitors...

He has done that.

... it doesn't seem to work.

7:33 PM

lol

10:12 PM

That's the upper water tube on Donner. We think that was the cause of the leak

10:13 PM

We replaced the tube, I'm going to let it run for a few hours and check again, call it working if it's not leaking

Given I never learned the names, which one is donner? next to metal or next to epilog?

10:14 PM

is that build up just where water was leaking and evaporating or would other internal coolant loop parts look like that as well?

Could be galvanic corrosion if there are dissimilar metals in the loop, unless we've got additives in the water to help prevent it

Metal shop

10:33 PM

It's worst at that spot. A few others had similar issues but not as bad

Was the tube non-functional? Also do we have plenty of DI or Distilled water on hand. I have seen people put plain tap water in. Might be worth it to fluss the cooling loops/chillers.

There's generally some distilled kept in one of the silver cabinets. The tube was working but it was leaking enough water that we didn't want the laser to be used for fear or running it dry and damaging it

1

If we're only doing DI and there's dissimilar metals it can happen again, for PC water cooling there's additives we use to prevent it

A big label on each that says distilled only might stop people from putting in tap water. That could be a problem.

8:57 AM

@aceat64 I think you're on to something there. I've suggested automotive antifreeze but that didn't go over well. It needs something in it long term.

How much water is in the loop roughly?

9:00 AM

I can check on pricing for additives but will need a ballpark idea for how much water we need to treat

Looks like the answer is expensive. Iirc there's 3-4 gallons in the loop

Officially strange request. If we have now or in the future any truly dead tubes. I would like one for science for a project. We would like to attempt to recharge either as a flowing gas tube or even better a sealed mix. Airgas actually is now carrying the premix for sealed tubes.

We did have one dead tube, but I don't think it'll ever function as a laser again (cracked output mirror). I forget who claimed it.

Good news, it looks like we can use automotive solutions like Water Wetter

9:09 AM

That should cut down on corrosion

9:09 AM

Probably just a bottle or two per loop should do it

9:10 AM

~$10/bottle

Cool, we are in no hurry. Science can only handle 3 concurrent projects.

9:18 AM

I use a little car antifreeze in my laser but it is a tiny 50 watt.

hm. car guys say water wetter does NOT inhibit corrosion... (also, Holy Flippin' Flashbacks, Batman! I had no idea it was still around, nor had any idea it had infiltrated the computer cooling market) PS car guys say just add a drop or 2 of Dawn to your coolant, and it has the same effect...

The laser is an open system, I'd be worried about the dawn frothing up in the tank. Problem with any of this is that it'll take months or more before we can even tell if it's working.

9:41 AM

I'd suggest we throw something in big thunder since it's a new tube and check back in 6 months, see if there's any corrosion.

oh, I'm not advocating putting dawn in the laser. I have no idea what'll happen there, although I will say that you only get froth if you introduce air, so keeping the lines submerged would mean no sudz. Also, at those concentrations, you don't really get sudz even with extra air; you're using too much if you do. Never the less, I know nothing about doing that with laser coolers. I was just saying what I've observed in the last um...let's say 20 years in the automotive enthusiast segment.

Should we ask how many years in the covered wagon enthusiast segment? (Just kidding)

I wonder how Tanner Electronics feels about their new parking lot resident?

LOL

¿!?

Well fix one thing and another pops up. I can run the water pressure up a bit and make donner spray out of the brass fitting. Next up, jb weld on the OD of the fitting. (edited)

yeah we knew the fitting itself was leaking. Was the spare tube not installed?

6:31 PM

at least the fitting itself was leaking last week or so when it was first found

yeah the fitting was deff loose

I saw the fitting moving when we first took it out of service, but it doesn't anymore. I assumed it was either fixed or imagined.

any one know what happed to blitzen front locks (edited)

Bent or was that the cylinder I saw on the table nearby?

cylinder completely missing I will look around for it

i saw it on the pc desk near the door yesterday, but i dont know much else. lots going on

Dear Makers and @Team_Laser Impromptu laser area clean up saturday 22 3:30pm till 4:30-4:45 pm otter pop fest. Join me in making OUR space better. The clutter of things in laser area has gotten out of hand and will be fixed saturday if you have accedientally left items in our area pleas remove them before this as there is no personal storage in committee area minus direct permission from chair or vice chair most often granted for teachers in laser. Decisions will be made actions taken. We wish the machine clear and ease of use for all makers. Thanks Joshua If you have something in laser message me to make arrangments or discuss.

4

I'll come help

I’m out town but go team_laser!

The otter pops are frozen and ready for consumption come have some fun help improving our space at meeting friends new and old.

Anyone know why zing is saying " Not Ready Yet!" When trying to hit go?

i am in need of 1/2 thick acrylic, anyone have a good source?

E Street Plastics

clear, could actually be polycarb too

in Royse City so can do will call pickup

man it looks like my going rate will be around $50 each for a 24x24

I have a 12" x 12" x 1" clear if you can use it

i have to be able to mill out the center so im using 2x 1/2" to make 1" total

yeah even the discount doesn't really help

e street has the best price so far

4:00 PM

allied wanted 160 for a 48x48 though. might do that for the just in case backup sheet

if you're interested in maintaining the lasers but don't know how, i'd be happy to hold a informal sessions on how to maintain the lasers. alignment, cleaning, tuning, etc. let me know if you're interested by tagging me or hit me up on talk.

2

meeting and maintenance sunday 7/7 starts at 11 in lecture hall

Can't make the meeting. I have a conference call with someone in CA from 10AM to 1PM.

@gbeauw hope your day went well know you are missed and appreciated hope to see you around again soon.

11:30 PM

@michaelb

1

@sixvolts_ The current motors are leadshine, it's the Chinese part number not the US one. They're NEMA 23 sized so we should be good with any off the self nema 23 stepper. Give me a few minutes for links

11:42 PM

https://www.geckodrive.com/g201x-digital-step-drive.html fairly common higher end stepper drive. It's not capable of the same microstepping but that's an adjustable setting in RDWorks. (Original drive is using 1/8th, but gecko does 1/5th or 1/10th)

G201X Digital Step Drive

The G201X is designed to run a large stepper motor efficiently and inexpensively. This is made possible due to its CPLD design, which moves most formerly analog operations to firmware while still maintaining its large dual H-bridge power section. It’s oversized MOSFETs ca...

11:46 PM

https://www.omc-stepperonline.com/nema-23-stepper-motor/nema-23-bipolar-18deg-283nm-400-ozin-4a-226v-57x57x84mm-8-wires-23hs33-4008s.html that's a generic double length nema 23. It's an 8 wire version, which we don't need, but all of the 80ish mm length motors they had were 8 wire.

Nema 23 Bipolar 1.8deg 2.83Nm (400 oz.in) 4A 2.26V 57x57x84mm 8 Wires

Nema 23 Bipolar 1.8deg 2.83Nm (400 oz.in) 4A 2.26V 57x57x84mm 8 Wires - This nema 23 stepper motor with step angle 1.

11:47 PM

No connector goodness yet, sorry

Why can't I print PDFs to the zing anymore? The new windows print queue is garbage

maybe because the adobe cc subscription license was updated to a new system monday night

The Adobe needs to be logged back in.

12:55 AM

But my issue was caused by me trying to use Microsoft edge to read and print the PDF and not Adobe reader.

12:56 AM

It's been a year since I needed to use the zing

the laser and creative adobes should work for another 29 days under the legacy license

1:14 AM

we're going to setup federation with the g suite so we don't have to keep having an admin login when adobe gets logged out

1:14 AM

but we need to test it well and make some little placards to put by the computers with friendly pictures showing how Okta works

It has an Andrewb email on it

11:07 PM

Donner test cut

4

1

Donner is struggling cutting and the mirror on the gantry is getting really hot

5:23 PM

Brandon and I could do an alignment, but I don't think I have the lockbox code anymore

5:24 PM

@michaelb did you align just the other day?

5:26 PM

Don't know code to open cabinet for the themral paper, tape is not good to use it melts

Yes. I was afraid it would go out quickly

5:30 PM

I was a bit daft and forgot to tighten the laser mount screws

Don't put the paper on the mirror side. Put it on the flat hole cut out in front of it

5:32 PM

Better for the mirrors

1

I marked it as out of service and will make a talk I&R post

5:35 PM

We did like 8 passes trying to cut through 1/4 mdf and it barely etched the surface

@merissa I PMd Brandon the code if y'all want to align it. Otherwise no worries we can get to it soon

Blitzen isn't performing any better

7:06 PM

One pass after aligning tube and all mirrors

7:06 PM

Red dot no longer aligned at all but I'm done aligning for today

2

Brandon alignment ftw!!

Check the max power on Blitzen. One time someone had set it 30%.

Blitzen is definitely out of alignment... not as bad as Donner was, but the mirror bracket on gantry was getting hot

7:42 PM

Donner is performing great now though other than red dot

7:44 PM

I was going to mark Blitzen as out of service, but another member was going to cut some cardboard which it should do ok, so I asked him to put the OOS sign up after

Blitzen is running again. Cut through 1/4 in ply just fine

1

8:36 PM

Awesome. Did it need alignment?

Meeting and work day sunday at 11 please join in making laser area better.

Can I upgrade the Thunder PC to Win 10 to get the new Adobe on there

12:44 AM

P.S. Windows 8 sucks

A few meetings back we voted to get new computers... I believe we've just been having a lot of issues with procurement. Of course, that doesn't help anyone out soon.

@sixvolts_ it sounds like someone might've done a cut on big thunder tonight even though it had the big sign on it, do we do anything about that

8:50 PM

Looks like it's fine so no harm no foul

big thunder is loaded with material and l

10:46 PM

and computer unlocked. can't tell if the sign on the back of the unit is a new laser sign or not. Are we still using the red and white signs?

has the chiller water level been checked it needs to be out of order until a trusted maintaner can sign of that is is good to use please. (edited)

Oops, next time I'll leave it for a trusted maintainer

@michaelb thou art one them thanks for all you do.

@michaelb and @JoshW thank you both for keeping our lasers operational.

It looks like Donner and Blitzen are both down. I didn't see reports of why

Anyone know what the “thermal problem” with thunder is?

No observable issues with big thunder.

6:38 PM

Replaced a smoked lens on donner

6:39 PM

All machines are back in service.

1

6:43 PM

Err, almost. Blitzen is acting up. Y-axis is not working well

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/team-laser8-13-19-big-thunder-tagged-out-of-order/60992

6:47 PM

I didn't see anything there about big thunder being fixed

@sixvolts_ was that after the Communication error was resolved in Thunder 63? Unplugging USB didn't fix. Haley said rebooting was the solution. I was on the way out and didn't retry.

I think the USB ports on that machine are wearing out. New computers should be in this coming week.

Excellent news!! @sixvolts_ did you check alignment on Donner? After one member used it, the tube was hot. Not sure if because of the bad mirror.

The lens was smoked up. I replaced it

I saw that. Didn't see the replacement lenses or thermal paper to test. But I didn't have much time either to really look

Yep, it’s there, but disorganized. Reorganizing the cabinets is certainly on the todo list

Any one else coming to the laser teacher meeting? Tommy just joined David and me. @sixvolts_

Crap, got my days mixed up. Can someone call me and do speaker phone?

I am writing up a report to infrastructure because the T-Mobile hotspot is down.

12:52 PM

David's calling you

Did something change with Adobe software on PCs attached to the lasers? Illustrator is asking for a login, so cannot convert svg files to ai

@Kevin @sixvolts_ were the last machines moved to the new adobe licenses?

2:50 PM

@BobTheMad#3423 if the were moved to the new license, which I suspect they were, you need to make an Adobe account. Free account, it's a "shared machine" license but it requires an active login

Yes, they are on the new license

2:51 PM

You will need to make a free adobe account unfortunately

(Semi-related) What happens if we have our own paid account with Adobe? Do we need to create a separate one?

Unsure honestly, but I think the local install takes precedence. The new Adobe licensing requires a login. It can't hurt to make a new one, but I also don't see harm in trying yours. We disabled sync, and since we have a full suite I don't think it would be a problem

Cool.

4:35 PM

Thanks for the info.

Hacker Space aka computer committee aka vcc aka software dev donated a Mac Pro today that hasn’t been setup yet. But besides that yeah

Laser voted several months ago to replace all the computers and has the funds to purchase so we have like machines across all the lasers. @sixvolts_ can you give a status update?

I brought them to the space Saturday. The first one has been setup to replace Blitzen’s computer, but it needs to be joined to the domain by an Admin and have software installed.

8:41 PM

Once we have everything configured on that one, we will start rolling out the others.

Awesome news!

8:41 PM

Don't you have admin as chair?

8:42 PM

I thought we worked that out long ago

I have admin on the machine, but not Domain admin for the whole space

Ahh gotcha

8:42 PM

Coordinating with @yashsedai then I guess?

Yep, that’s the next step.

Great! Thank you for your work improving things!

No problem. The whole funding situation slowed things down a bit, but we have them now

join to domain privilege granted

Remember because it's a holiday weekend we will have our meeting maintenance day Sunday September 8th

Meeting tomorrow at 11 then maintenance day

Big thunder today

Probably from those dirty fingers

1

anyone know the true status of Big Thunder? talk is unclear...is the USB plugged into the laser?

90% sure @pearce says it's plugged into the laser

1

Thanks!

I fucking used my lockpicks to open the laser and plug it in

11:56 PM

Because I guess I'm not allowed to maintain it?

1

@pearce your efforts are much appreciated by those of us who have not yet learned to maintain it

The USB is not connected to a computer. The cable is connected internally and waiting for a PC that works with it

especially since i fucked up my project tonight and have to re-do my job

That sucks

12:06 AM

You didn't need the big one did you?

right, i was there the other night and figured out that the donner computer works with it

12:07 AM

i do. 36 diameter

Yeah just use that one but make sure no one trips on the cable

something on Big Thunder's computer is FUBAR...RDWorks needs a reinstall at the very least

12:09 AM

and if RDworks is really all it is, then it should be a quick fix by someone with admin/domain admin rights

so now talk post with all 3 lasers down but zero details....anyone know anything?

@sixvolts_ @JoshW any info?

@michaelb can wizard some lasers too

I need to come to a mx day so I can help maintain. Starting to use them more and more

Kevin Patel might be able to help. I don’t have permissions to do Domain things

you should

1:31 PM

you should be able to admin them and add them to the domain

Ok, I’ll give it a go

if you have any issues let me know

Are the issues computer related?

1:32 PM

All computer related*

If there's anything not computer related I'll be up tonight just let me know.

@michaelb i plan to be up there tonight. Ill reach out if i see any problems

What are the issues, I might have time today.

3:19 PM

Or is half the issue that the issues are unknown lol

@sixvolts_ where's the laser keys

7:15 PM

@JoshW

I got it

Not in the box?

7:15 PM

Ok

Nvm, got it

Lubed the screws. They're fine. It still stalls on the right side. I suspect the stepper driver or motor is bad

8:03 PM

I propose swapping the stepper driver with the other smaller thunder

8:03 PM

@sixvolts_ what do you think?

There’s the whole spare laser in the new space

The old thunder?

Yes

8:05 PM

It never sold

Okay, I might swap a driver with that too see if that's the issue. If it is, another should be ordered

8:05 PM

Ok, I'll let you know how it goes

awesome, thanks

@lukeiamyourfather im about to head that way. Hoping to use big thunder. Also happy to help in any way i can

I was able to determine the issue with big thunder's computer. Even after it was formatted and everything reinstalled, RDWorks still sent weird crap to the laser

10:57 PM

I moved the USB from the front of the computer to the back and files transfer much faster and without any random vectors

10:58 PM

The mouse is now plugged into the front USB port and is working fine

10:58 PM

I sent multiple files to the laser and they all worked.

2

10:59 PM

So this on top of the efforts by @lukeiamyourfather , we appear to have three functioning lasers

3

Great work guys!

I ❤ Team Laser!

How come the Indian IT guy never gets any love

12:00 AM

I helps 2

Zing keeps bluescreening.

Tell it to stop

1

@Kevin thanks for reinstalling windows on the laser machine

1

Just use Intel instead of AMD and the Zing will be fine

Been using AMD for over 20 years with no issues

Well this one doesn’t like the and power chipset power management driver

Probably just has the wrong driver installed

We should find a way to disable the switch user option... There's 8 people logged into blitzen already

https://www.windowscentral.com/how-disable-fast-user-switching-feature-windows-10

Disabling Fast User Switching on Windows 10

You can remove the option of quickly switching user accounts on Windows 10. Here's why you might want to, and how to do it.

Meeting and maintenance day today we will also be taking nominations for new chair.

10:35 AM

See you at 11

Laser had a great meeting and maintenance day however we are still looking for a new chair if you have the time and love lasers and volunteers you are a great candidate meeting october 19th 2pm in interactive room.

That is suspicious, got alert that my email was identified in dark web three days after I signed into that email account on a laser computer (my email is behind 2fa so I'm not too concerned)

@yashsedai

Might be worth scanning the systems for malware, it's not an unprecedented occurrence on the PCs at the space

Of course could be from random dump from some service and not related, but that is the only non personal machine I have signed into my email in months. Was on big thunder PC

breaches don't usually happen in that short of a span from malware to for sale; they're usually aggregated over months first

Scott posted a 5'x10' laser up on talk, if only we had already moved and had the space, right?

Would use case be giant foam signs?

1:41 PM

Not sure when you would use that over CNC router

Likely quicker and easier to set up than the router, it'd be useful for cutting tons of small items (like from a 4x8 sheet), or jobs even larger than big thunder is capable of. As an example, I have organizational trays I sometimes cut out of the 1/8" hardboard, it'd be way easier to throw a whole sheet on and cut out a dozen at once, than cutting up a sheet on the table saw and running a dozen small jobs.

the ability to cut from a full sheet would be awesome

Hey laser team. I was at the space last night and noticed an out of order sign on Donner. Didn't see anything notes here or on talk. But wanted to call it out in the event that it's unknown (edited)

Today is the day a new leader will be elected please come promptly at 2pm it will not be a long meeting. Thanks Joshua

@michaelb What are your laser plans? Need any help?

Not sure yet, but I think the first thing will be some more organization in the area, we've got all those cabinets but they're pretty full at the moment.

12:56 PM

Maybe look into the ventilation and see if there's anything we can do with what we've got to hold us over, I've toyed with adding a vent to draw air from above the table and maybe help keep the optics cleaner

As in redirecting airflow inside laser or increasing exhaust cfm?

1:00 PM

An unpopular idea would be to remove all ability to store laser scraps and direct people to put it in dumpster only, but seems unlikely members would follow through

Hopefully we can get a bit more CFM but that depends on the layout and blowers. I was going to talk to Charles a bit since he's done that professionally.

1:01 PM

But yeah I'd be willing to sacrifice some airflow from the bottom port if we can get rid of the smoke more efficiently

Auto blast gates on the two lasers that share an exhaust could help if they aren't used at same time

Luckily all of the scrap storage should be in the annex table so it doesn't get in the way of the main laser area

Also need to do something with old big thunder that's in watehouse

Yeah not sure what to do with that for the moment. Probably pitch some options at the next committee meeting

Sell it, not sure what the required hoops to jump through are, DMS almost never sells equipment

1:08 PM

Giving to another 501c3 would be easiest, that's how we got rid of the lasersaur we built

I would like to move the freebie shelf back to the location where the table currently is. Thoughts on that if we can get a scrap area organized?

Could put some 2 foot deep vertical scrap storage as part of free shelf, free shelf wouldn't be very wide

https://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/H-5415/Industrial-Steel-Shelving/Bulk-Storage-Rack-Wire-Decking-48-x-36-x-72

Bulk Storage Rack - Wire Decking, 48 x 36 x 72" H-5415 - Uline

Store your heaviest, extra-wide or bulky items. Up to 3,000 lbs. per shelf. Boltless assembly . Shelves snap into place and adjust at 2" increments. Galvanized steel mesh. 2 x 4" openings prevent dust and dirt buildup, maximize fire sprinkler efficiency. Welded steel upright...

That table is also used for prepwork though, not just scrap.. ideally we'd start to see a limit on good scrap for the bottom shelves rather than a piece that has a circle cut out edge to edge :P

A few different groups have asked for the space. We'll bring up the annex table at the next committee meeting, but my guess is that it'll stay with laser for the foreseeable future.

Never should have given up the space

1

Blame Strickland

Does anyone have suggestions for laser committee meeting times?

12:26 PM

I don't mind Sunday afternoons but figured this would be a good time to change it if people want.

Can it be named something besides a 'meeting'

Uhhhh, gathering of people to talk about things related to the the laser committee?

12:44 PM

Theres typically a separate 'workday' event on the calendar immediately after that covers the maintainence

All Laser transactions from qbo for 2019

DallasMakerspace_TransactionDetailbyAccount.xlsx

21.19 KB

1:58 PM

According to QBO profit and loss by class for all time, laser has $66,002.43, but no idea if that is what finance would say laser currently has

2:00 PM

So far in 2019, laser brought in 23,691.34 from usage fees and ~5,000 from honorarium

2:03 PM

So averaging about $80 per day, or 6.67 hours of paid laser on time across all the lasers

Hey that's what I trying to get quickbooks access for

2:21 PM

Assuming we pay the standard 10c+2.6% per square transaction, that's $24323.41+(# payments/10) or a guess of $24728.79 in laser usage fees (avg of 30min/job)

2:21 PM

Means we've run the lasers for just over 2000 hours this year

Should you assume something like only 80% of people pay? or lower? (edited)

I guess you're not wrong... I might see if the controllers have a counter for tube on hours. Can track next month's usage and see how it matches revenue.

I would be impressed if they did, I dont recall ever seeing something like that in the manuals

The software might

3:03 PM

It has data on sent files

Going forward could put a current sensor on the laser output, and add an industrial hour counter to the unit.

The lasersaur used to have a setup like that

5:38 PM

It worked until the display died on it

There's a lot of options if we want to DIY something, Andrew's suggestion was beaglebone blacks for each laser that would communicate with the Pi server we have, could run badge interlocks and do analytics

5:45 PM

And I think I found that setup the other night... laser cut acrylic enclosure with a serial LCD on it and an arcade button. It really gives off that makerspace vibe

1

the infrastrucutre RFID system is capable of doing current sensing. The current limiting factor is getting people to friggin document the thing and start producing the units outside of the few that are already built (edited)

Lol, 'current limiting' factor. If we can find some interested software people in sure some sort of interlock can get worked out.

6:30 PM

I'm comfortable with the hardware but there's a whole web/PHP side of the stack that's out of my depth.

so the system works already

6:52 PM

we would just have to make some little graphs for that data

6:52 PM

problem is components were made by different people

6:53 PM

documentation is sparse and scattered

6:53 PM

that all needs to be fixed and some things tuned up for deployment.

6:54 PM

next time I'm there I'll show you one of the units. They're pretty nice

The Ruida controllers do track time and I know RDWorks can read it.

3

Heck yes. I'll pull all the times on Nov 1st and we can track usage through the preset making season

Run some tests before you trust the numbers. I've seen lots of different strange things there before

7:40 PM

Exhaust on donner.

eww

Did you avoid inhaling while opening?

I probably should've just left the blower on while removing it. Sucked most of it off and knocked the rest in. Seems to be running ok now

Wooooow

Gonna add filtration to the list of possible upgrades.

Don't recall if that blower was 100 or 200, just replace them every year

I still don't think those blowers ever flowed enough air to properly evacuate the smoke, the blower I'd like is more than 10x that price

or... we could buy an actual quality blower tie the whole system together and do it right once with filtration

2

8:58 PM

i get that its cheap to buy them

8:58 PM

but its not impossible to get that stuff done up right so it is maintainable

It's the 30 foot vertical that may be impacting that specific blower, it's specs alone should be enough air

I agree, the CFM rating at ambient pressure is more than enough, but to get that same CFM at 6" water column, which is what American laser manufacturers spec for their exhaust, takes about a 5hp motor.

yep

Would be closer to 100x more for a professional level exhaust system

what is the cfm rating needed for that machine at ambient?

Well, first thing first is some dampers on big thunder and blitzen.

9:01 PM

That's cheap and easy. Then we can build up from there

Sounds like you want the system i'm putting together for expansion

9:02 PM

dry contact indicating laser is on, dampers open and blower runs for specificed time post laser, variable speed blower, speed changes on amount of lasers in use

Thunder doesn't give a specific CFM rating, I've been using ratings from ULS to estimate what we want. Something in the 1000-1500 CFM range is my guess for big thunder.

if not dry contact then CT

The system we've got now does most of that. It's not variable speed but it does turn on with lasers and have an off delay. The machines all have blower contacts built in that provide 208v signals.

well, then adding some relays for a damper would be trivial

9:06 PM

which would be good as long as you upsized the fan

But considering that $10k is still within reason for a laser purchase, and anything that gets speced now will certainly be intended to go in the new space whenever we move, I dont think it's too outlandish. But certainly plan to prove that more airflow is the solution with donner first.

New lenses should get to the space today. Unless something changed big thunder needs one.

3

Great news about the lenses!

3:37 PM

1

3:37 PM

Thunder's is cracked.

3:38 PM

I checked out Ellen Lovings to clean mirrors and lenses (she is the one that bought our old laser)

Thunder's been cracked for a while, but it was cutting alright we just rolled with it. Not the best I know, but we were making do with what we had.

3:43 PM

If it's finally having issues, let's shut it down until we find the lenses.

3:45 PM

The new lenses should be in the building, they were delivered at noon yesterday.

3:45 PM

They're from cloudray in nanjing china, have my name on them

@michaelb new lenses are too small

4:01 PM

19mm vs 20?

4:01 PM

Ahhhh frack.

4:02 PM

Thought I double checked that.

laser cut a 1mm shim

4:02 PM

sorry 0.5mm shim

Actually yeah assuming they don't fall through the lens tube let's find a way to shim it.

4:03 PM

Think that will work?

We can print spacers with the flex resin. I'll model and print tomorrow.

4:04 PM

I'll put the old lens back in. I can come back and test tomorrow

That sounds perfect. thanks

4:05 PM

Lens Diameter: 20mm

4:05 PM

there now I can go search for it next time

What is lead time of ordering more 20mm? Have you already placed order?

Whatever you shim with needs to be heat tolerant

4:55 PM

You could probably get machine shop to lathe a ring out with a little step so it sits nice and flat

The order's about a week to get in but I doubt they can be returned so it'd be best if we can use them.

I'd ask for the return though

Honestly I'm not sure they need a shim? The bottom of the lens is flat, and pressed against the nut that secures it. So the lens is flat, but not necessarily centered, I don't think centering it is going to be a problem.

We already have a lot of alignment issues

4:57 PM

I don't think adding more to that mix will help

Yeah, it's not like the beam hits the center of the lens anyways, so what difference does it make?

How much did the shipment cost?

$300 even, shipping included

I believe it will be a difference. And if you add the chronic misalignment they will be worse

I vote for use as interim while ordering 20mm ones now, then make a $300 necklace

Order a new batch immediately

It should be pretty easy to mill out a ring to use them in the interim

5:01 PM

@michaelb send me the measurements you need and I'll see if James can make one before I go to the shop

Well it'd be a snug fit around a 19.05mm lens and drop into a spot designed for a 20mm lens. So a ring 19.15mm ID and 20mm OD, 2mm thick? Sounds very crushable

@michaelb send me the (correct link) to the cloudray lens. I'll update the wiki. The last link is for the Amazon source.

5:07 PM

https://dallasmakerspace.org/wiki/Category:Laser#Consumables

Category:Laser

5:08 PM

Amazon has one day shipping. Get one lens that fits by tomorrow.

5:08 PM

Then wait on the cheaper replacements.

5:08 PM

Laser users have lived through down machines before.

5:09 PM

Just an option.

https://www.cloudraylaser.com/collections/co2-focusing-lens-1/products/cloudray-ii-vi-znse-focus-lens-dia-19-05mm-fl-50-8-63-5mm-2-2-5?variant=44518852488 I think the variant tag should open it up right. 20mm Dia 50.8mm focal length

HQ ZnSe CO2 Focus Lens Dia 19.05/20mm FL 50.8-101.6mm

Meniscus lenses are designed to minimize spherical aberration producing a minimum focal spot size for incoming collimated light. II-VI Infrared is the world leader in laser optics, delivering an unbeatable combination of innovation, quality, and expertise. II-VI Infrared also...

It doesn't.

5:11 PM

Defaults to another size. Alas.

I'll be at the space this evening to take a look

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DP2HFU2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

5:12 PM

Amazon option for a stop gap

5:13 PM

Am I reading that correctly? There's only a 90-cent difference between Cloudray and Amazon?

5:14 PM

@michaelb would you confirm?

We ordered plano/convex the Amazon link is concave/convex. That's not to say we can't find the same lenses on amazon

5:19 PM

Sorry, looks like the common term is a meniscus focus vs a plano/convex

We ordered successfully from the Amazon link plano/convex. The style is not mentioned in the description.

5:22 PM

But commenters are saying they are plano/convex.

Worth the $30 if we are just going to wait for the new order

Hmm...there is a chart of the specs in the sidebar. Has the 50.8 as meniscus

5:25 PM

Damn the inconsistencies.

5:25 PM

I know the lenses we ordered in 2018 were correct

Huh, the image showed a meniscus lens. It'd be interesting to try the meniscus. In theory it should cut better, but they're typically more expensive.

$30 gamble

5:26 PM

Which is less than 3 hrs of laser fees.

But either way, I still think we can make what we have work, so I doubt we'll be down a machine and waiting on lenses.

5:32 PM

We have 30 days to return them, by the way. Must remain unopened so we'll just have the one to play with. Return shipping isn't cheap (like 15-25% the cost of the lenses), so that's another good motivator to make them work.

Laser is not hurting for money. (edited)

5:34 PM

Time though, can be in short supply.

^

5:40 PM

Updated.

5:41 PM

@michaelb I created this list on the wiki back in the day. So future chairs could order consumables quickly. (edited)

5:42 PM

Looking forward to the day we have ample storage for keeping consumables on hand.

Yea team laser!

@pearce that's a good point on heat resistance. Cloud Ray sells silicon washers for the lenses. I ordered some before (just don't like the tactile feel of glass on metal). Silicone heat resistance is 572' F. The form labs flex softens at 456'F. Not certain what than means. Minor reference to cracking after that. I can check with their tech support tomorrow.

I've seen some melted washers on the lenses

7:05 PM

465 should be okay honestly

1

The 20mm are still a surprisingly loose fit. But they self center unlike the 19mm based on 60 secs of testing. Washers in general should be used.

Anything like rastering would shake the crap out of the lenses you'll need some sort of compression

Big thunder has a new lens.

7:59 PM

I'm running the old one through the ultrasonic just to see if it'll clean it off. It'd be cool to have a lens cleaning station where anyone can just drop a lens tube after heavy use and clean it up

I think your venting solution will help with that

Running 15 minutes behind

Great job today Michael and kris wong

Thanks to Judy, Doug, Kris, Holly, Brad, Angela, Allen, and anyone I might have missed for helping out today! We really thoroughly cleaned all 4 machines and checked alignment, lenses, and bed leveling. Not only that but the turnout was so great we did it all in 3 hours!

10:37 PM

We'll have the committee meeting on a Saturday near the end of November, I'll put it on the calendar next week.

3

Anyone know offhand dimensions of the laser area?

@AGr maybe?

thought you were asking dimension of laser bed, I can find a map

2:01 PM

roughly 10' x 30'

2:06 PM

https://cad.onshape.com/documents/31935cdcea7a10241f7d548e/w/935d50cad79bffe7582499db/e/291855a6fd9d76d6b16a0926

Onshape

Login / Signin to Onshape - the modern CAD system used by thousands of companies worldwide.

I assumed committee space area, but I might be wrong

Yeah, committee space. Thanks!

CO2 tank was changed

2

Good. Thank you

@john a gorman any materials you need for laser classes? That former member is coming with their donation at 2.

1:21 PM

Planning on leaving anything we don't want out for members to use. I think Kevin is going to try and grab up clear acrylic too (hopefully not all of it...).

Nevermind, I didn't see them show up. Oh well

Someone grabbed all of the acrylic before I even got to go through it today. Except one mirrored piece

I'm glad members are able to use it, they might not have the funding the committees do to buy the materials they need.

@michaelb generally I use 3mm ply for the thunders. The same +dual layer on the Zing.

Awesome, if you need any just let me know.

@Kevin the two 1/4" sheets from that donation are still on the shelf. Aside from the large piece of mirrored acrylic it's pretty much all there.

@michaelb i cleaned Donner's exterior and its desk. One last thing for Team Laser today.

1

Thanks! If you're still around, could I trouble you for a note saying maintenance at 3? If not I'll be up soon

12:19 PM

Cleaned the white board too

You the best!

No, you the best!

12:20 PM

Would you add dry erase markers to the consumables shopping list?

12:20 PM

Dry erase, got it!

12:21 PM

And I should reprint the signs for next time...

These were what I put out when I arrived in maintenance day back in the day

12:23 PM

Works in a pinch

1

12:24 PM

The safety orange pops when you walk in the door.

Quick brainstorm here... What do y'all think are the most challenging materials that get cut/engraved on the lasers?

12:41 PM

I'm thinking paper, 1/4-3/8" MDF, 1/2" Acrylic, fabric

Wood with burls, melty plastic

12:45 PM

Just make sure the fabric isn't pvc vinyl or fake leather

Yeah thinking polyester for the extra possibility of melting.

12:47 PM

Burl is one I didn't think of

Burls are the worst. They make cutting plywood a pain too. Keep an eye out for "footballs" when selecting plywood

Do you mean knots? Like where a branch was growing out of the trunk?

12:52 PM

I guess they're similar. I've only ever seen Burl sold as a chunk, and quite expensive.

I just meant burls for when people are trying to cut/raster projects from the woodshop

12:56 PM

Plywood has knots or repair footballs that can make it really hard to cut through

12:56 PM

I'll post a pic of one

Yeah, I might see if I can find some verneer with crazy grain. Going to play with a trotec this week and want to challenge it

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/laser-heads-available/65427

Laser heads available

Does DMS have both the standard and 4" long laser heads for the Thunder Lasers? The etch and cut materials settings are defined for both of these laser heads (tubes). I have only needed to cut up to 1/4" plywood but am now wanting to experiment with thicker pieces (1/2" to 3/...

1:44 PM

it's been a while since I've taken laser basics

1:45 PM

but I do recall that one sets depth and takes your chances with the ability to cut the material regardless of thickness

1:45 PM

is this person speaking to an entirely different lens optimized for cutting thicker materials?

The 4" lens tube takes the focus and makes it longer. It's not going to get through 3/4 ply better. It's more for soft stuff like foam. (edited)

1:47 PM

We also don't have lenses for it that I know of. Some fuck decided to swap them between the different tubes and put them upside down and broke them

1:48 PM

4" just refers to the distance from lens to work surface. Not cutting thickness

It does give you a longer length inside the 'focus band' which helps cutting thicker materials. I just don't think we have the power to cut 3/4" plywood no matter the lens.

1:53 PM

Plus, multicam...

When all you have is a hammer...... maybe not checked out on multi cam?

I mean, strictly from wear and tear on tools, it's better he gets checked out on the multicam than trying to use the laser for a multicam job.

I don’t disagree, just saying he might be trying to use the best tool he has access to currently. Doesn’t make it the best tool overall.

Eh, I've seen 3/4" plywood cut on the thunder. It was rather ugly due to the number of passes.

Oh, I guess I'm considering anything more than 1 pass a 'wont cut'

2:05 PM

But yeah with sufficient passes I guess you could get through

I personally lost motivation on the multicam. the workflow was agonizing from the autocad derived software I use.

2:05 PM

not that I found RDWorks to be any more amenable to DXFs

God RDWorks and DXFs are like the worst part of using those lasers for me

doesn't help that there are $MaxInt flavors of DXF

2:09 PM

every time I've tried SVG I get some sort of cubist abstract art

I was so used to using AutoCAD with our ULS in school because it just worked. You printed from AutoCAD to the laser cutter, assigned colors to cut powers and hit go.

2:09 PM

Lightburn us better with DXFs so far

Lightburn an alternative to RDWorks or has it replaced it?

Ehhh alternative at the moment

2:12 PM

Pretty soon RDWorks will be the alternative to lightburn, but I think we'll always have both installed.

2:12 PM

Just, RDWorks support will be... Lacking

It's bizarre how CAD apps can decipher DXFs no problem, but art-focused apps and anything that generates g-code throws up its hands at the sight of it (edited)

2:14 PM

will have to re-learn all of this next week

No kidding. For the price of AutoCAD or solidworks they can certainly afford to write a good dxf engine

2:15 PM

Lightburn is pretty easy, but it's only on big thunder and donner right now

hell, even the knockoff that I use - Draftsight - has no issues with it

2:17 PM

and maybe someday see if I can learn and acquire licenses for the new hawtness in CAD apps since the Fusion360 model of doing things seems to be the way of the world

Definitely do not enjoy fusion 360... Not even sure how to do 2D drawings with it

2:19 PM

I will cling to AutoCAD for dear life. For 2D work at least

the cool kids will point to the benefits of parametric design

2:21 PM

and they're not necessarily wrong, but sometimes one just wants to use the seemingly more powerful 2D raw geometry engine in the likes of AutoCAD

I mean I use solidworks for most things. But man if you can wrap your head around a three view projection there are some pretty powerful tricks you can play with it in AutoCAD.

2:23 PM

Anything with expensive material or that'll take lots of work to cut I do in 3D Cad because it's pretty easy for me to make a mistake otherwise.

Fusion 360 just redid their menus and ruined any habit people had

2:25 PM

I ended up just saying fuck it. And I made my model on SketchUp real quick for a demo

1

3:03 PM

Footballs you see in plywood. They usually indicate a knot was removed and repaired or there's a knot in that location inside one of the internal plys

3:03 PM

They don't laser well at all

3:04 PM

And they shred

3:04 PM

The couple of times I experimented with Fusion360 and OnShape I found the tutorials far too handwavey to be of use

OnShape was pretty nice. It was more or less online solidworks. If I didn't already have solidworks I would probably use it instead

3443 minutes later, ours are up: https://dallasmakerspace.org/wiki/Laser_Committee_Meeting_Minutes_20191123

Laser Committee Meeting Minutes 20191123

1

sir, the unit of time in the FFF system is the fortnight

what kind of dampers?

None selected, but so far this style https://www.grainger.com/product/48C159 (edited)

Remote Balancing Damper, For Use In Designed to Regulate the Flow...

Remote Balancing Damper, 6 In

if the laser is off + 15 minutes damper is closed

2:39 PM

or w/e the time we set

ah, probably a lot cheaper than blast gates, arm chair thought would be I wonder if the amount of pressure (much more than typical AC duct) could cause issue with actuation

nah

2:39 PM

it wont matter

2:40 PM

they are used in blower systems as well

2:40 PM

same setup is being blessed next door

It's one of those butterfly valve things, pressure across the disc doesn't increase the load required to actuate it, since it's balanced on either side of the pivot.

would woodshop notice if you steal a couple of the blast gates they have sitting around? Are those all 4 inch?

Lol, they might have some 6". With the incredible speed they're installing their new system I bet it'd be months before they noticed

1

For anyone interested, 1/2" plywood guy has done projects on the multicam but thinks his job is too intricate for the router, fwiw, I agree, lots of small pockets with sharp interior angles. Not sure he'll be able to cut it on the laser either but at least it's not a matter of sending a laser to do a routers job.

clearly we need a big fiber laser

1

and a water jet

12:17 AM

(everybody drinks)

the waterjet - truly the monorail of makerspace tools

Hey they work great for Disney

Has laser traditionally allowed pass through operation with the machines? I just assumed we didn't but some guy is acting like they do it normally

nope never

4:51 AM

especially the back pass through

Ditto nope never.

6:39 AM

Add it to the wiki rules if not there already

Thanks, figured I'd doublen check

I the new laser lab it could be a possibility but currently that is a no!

What does "pass through" mean in this context

talking about opening the side/back/front panels of the laser to accomodate larger stuff (edited)

Ah. I'd seen it permitted before by the prior chair under certain conditions (around minimizing exposure and enforcing glasses)

12:43 PM

Just the front panel though

Just the front panel. Shaun Dixon has used front panel access on larger items. Complete pass-thru? No.

8:43 PM

I'm surprised the connector shorted before this

lol

8:53 PM

say it aint so

Ummmm, sooty dust and high voltage.

Metal shop dust

Which unit is this?

Donner next to the metal shop door

9:37 PM

The power supply side is directly next to the door

Sounds right. I've been wanting to ban grinding at the door for a while and now I have yet another reason

Some of it is metal dust, but honestly old thunder wasn't any different.

It's likely coincidence

9:54 PM

But I'd bet it wouldn't be as bad if you checked the power supply on blitzen

9:54 PM

I'm going to take a peek at the one we have in our shop

See the problem is if there were significant amounts of metal dust, the power supply would've shorted out long before the connector.

So I just tried to open ours while the blower was on. It has enough negative pressure to hold the door closed and make you fight to open it. It could just be dust, not metal dust, due to the fact that it has its own single blower instead of a shared setup

12:44 AM

Ours is dirty but not black dust

12:44 AM

But I have the sides of ours taped off to make sure the pull is all from the lid and not the doors

I'll buy that. Stronger ventilation... Hmmm... Definitely would cut down on buildup like that

No I think the strong pull from the single blower caused more build up

12:58 AM

Ours is sealed, and pushes out from the fan

12:59 AM

Medium sized thunder so it has double doors instead of single

1:01 AM

And this laser is actually in a room with an aluminum polishing setup. So in theory we should have some pretty bad metal dust

2:55 PM

I <3 lightburn

3:22 PM

And maybe I don't. That's par for the course...

I usually bring some pins and get my work off of the honeycomb. (edited)

The laser by metal shop doesn't seem to be cutting consistently. Or maybe lightburn had some settings I need to learn.

Were you in the top left corner? The bed looked pretty banged up and nonflat over there

4:37 PM

Is that foam?

Yeah, that laser's got quite a dip in the top left. I thought I saw wood grain in the first picture which would make it cheap plywood.

EVA foam + triply plywood

6:13 PM

Guess I'll locate it ... further ... from the laser next time

6:14 PM

But corners it seems to cut consistently while long straight cuts less so

Guess I can just do double runs or somesuch...

6:23 PM

Foam in particular doesn't much care

6:28 PM

But I just could not find a combination of speed and power that would consistently cut the long straights

6:29 PM

Near corners, fewer problems, likely because it has to decel to make them

6:30 PM

What variant of DXF does RDWorks speak?

The corners are most likely due to acceleration, the laser runs slower around sharp corners than it does down long straights. Reducing the speed should help, and shouldn't impact the corner quality

It's already pretty slow on the plywood ...

7:08 PM

20mm/sec or so, full power

7:08 PM

Foam I think I had it 200 mm/sec 10 or 20% power

7:09 PM

The vector raster worked out well enough

7:10 PM

But in the future I think I'll just prep a separate file for that and walk over to the zing

Raster works faster and better with bmp in rdworks btw

OK. My raster needs are however quite basic.

8:52 PM

8:53 PM

Quite satisfactory

4:19 PM

So that happened

4:19 PM

Not sure if I did something wrong. Also, I owe for 10 minutes of Thunder time.

I assume you focused it? Looks like someone either left theong throw in or out that damn window in place again.

That looks very out of focus

4:28 PM

Perhaps someone was cleaning and flipped the lense over? (edited)

I did focus it the outline above is a previous cut using the same settings

Yeah that's why we are thinking the hardware was changed

4:37 PM

Still there?

The outline above is from yesterday right?

Maybe they replaced the tube with a sharpie

2

4:39 PM

A well used sharpie

Nah no way they would've found a sharpie

1

Ill be honest I have no idea where they go

In hindsight I was in a hurry I got distracted and it most likely got unfocused

I could be an issue with the focus not being able to tighten up enough and then the tube moved

Reasonably certain I bumped the z axis, got distracted z then blithely continued

You stacked two short cabinets?

Lol, nice

Yeah, took the wheels off and stacked. Much easier than buying a tall cabinet.

got some nice plywood from dad - will have to cut something decent from it

9:03 AM

¼" 5-ply as opposed to the trrbl 5mm underlayment I've been using

woodshop does indeed have some 6 and 5 inch blast gates

1:24 PM

Oh how fancy, haven't managed to order anything yet but that looks tempting.

pneumaticly actuated? (edited)

Yeah, but that might mean they're better for dealing with the junk that will inevitably build up on the surface. Might.

if diameter of that cylinder is 1 inch @ 120 psi it would have over 90 pounds of closing force

4:23 PM

if it is closer to 1/2 inch diameter, would be 25 pounds

Wanting the engrave a tumbler. Does anyone know the status of the rotary device? Is it working? Thanks!

None of them are working at the moment. https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/etching-powder-coated-yeti/66327

Etching powder coated yeti

Hi, I need help with a last minute Christmas gift. I need to get a yeti bottle etched with the laser machine. I know what I want it to say but I don’t have the program to set it up. I will need help making the design come to life and get it etched. I will pay you! If you ca...

Thank you for the update!

just noticed us on the thunderlaser website (edited)

1

Uhhhhh I mean we speak to their pricing

ill give them credit for quality over our previous two lasers

7:19 PM

the space doesnt treat any of the tools well, so they can at least withstand that too

True but better than a full spectrum is a really low bar lol

That FSL rep never did get back to us...

@michaelb what machine would be better at around 10k, 100-120w, 55"-60" wide bed

A while back, at committee we approved buying the two different rotary devices from Cloudray. Can we go ahead with those purchases?

7:59 PM

Should be in the meeting notes

How far back is "a while back" ?

6 months?

Eh... I'd meet about that again

Because we have more money now?

Because the issue is stale

^

The issue is always on talk

Simple enough to meet about it again and just do a procedural vote

1

If there's a constituency for it, it will pass again

@pearce McDonalds may be the best of the fast food hamburgers but that doesn't mean it's quality.

No im legit asking you

8:13 PM

I need those specs but can't break the bank

Oh, I thought you were being snide, sorry. We haven't found any similarly sized machines in that footprint

8:14 PM

They seem to top out at 48" wide, Boss was the recent one Andrew and Josh were looking at

Our Nova 51 at PolyPrinter has been awesome. But it's me and one other person who use it

8:15 PM

I could possibly do 48

Yeah, Boss has a 48" machine but the only real difference is theyre US based and probably have better support

Uta fablab has a boss and I'm always concerned with the amount of flair up they have

8:23 PM

I seem to remember some customer service trouble stories too. I'll see if I can get an opinion from Eric about it from a space perspective

@john a gorman we approved purchases at the last meeting for the rotaries, I'm just waiting on someone to do this: https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/what-is-the-rotary-status-for-the-laser/51142/69?u=michaelb Before making the purchase.

What is the Rotary Status for the laser?

It’s a double stack NEMA23 stepper, so we just need to find a driver that has a wide range of microstepping adjustment and can run that motor. 24-48v input, step/for/en signals are all 5v. I don’t know what resolution the controller is expecting, sadly. Actually, if anyo...

@ @michaelb that's a different thing. A good, important thing. But different. I thought we had agreed on both a roller system and a chuck system. Cloudray has a roller system and a chuck system (chuck without a tail stock last I looked)

Without people willing to help service the existing rotaries, I don't want to purchase any more.

What? They are very different things. The new ones should be good to go. I have spent many many hours on the old ones, going thru hoops with tech support, replacing the motors, updating the diagrams for the wiring. The state they are in now is beyond my skill set. The proposed and previously approved rotaries are a different breed. They would allow some crossover, as well as new options. Demand for this functionality is huge. I get asked weekly. For the last 15 months.

then it will be an easy sell at a committee meeting

1

I've seen one request a month. (edited)

Oh, I apologize for not posting this sooner, the next committee meeting is the 28th, this Saturday. Since it's the holidays and late notice I'm willing to have one in early January as well, if people are interested. Second Saturday would be good. In addition to the typical January meeting on the 25th.

9:35 PM

I can post it to talk and calendar later tonight, or if someone else does I'll fill in agenda items

Thank you @michaelb

9:46 PM

@michaelb the difference may be that I taught many, many people to use the rotary, not just the lasers.

I'll keep asking, but the response from people so far is 'yeah I learned to use the rotary but I just never needed it'

10:07 PM

So, for now, my conclusion is that the maintenance headaches we've had to keep these running is not worth the relatively small number of members they serve.

10:08 PM

Obviously, a rotary with fewer maintenance problems, or a larger group of people needing it, change that conclusion. But that's where I'm at for now

Not having one avail for 15 months does kill the momentum. The 2 we previously approved from Cloudray are different models. One of a 2 roller system, vs a chuck. The second is a chuck without tailstock. Regardless, the problems we have had with the thunder systems are either controller board or steeper motor issues. Neither should fail easily if well made

@michaelb as one of those waiting on the rotary, not having it has been a killer. I used to do powder coating classes where I suggested bringing yeti cups and we would laser them. It's one of those things people think less of if it's always down

Last month my mom bought tumblers for presents and asked me to etch. I'm like MarkdownContext { Depth = 1 }

hit the meeting. it doesnt sound like anyone is saying no to them

You mean the things everyone said yes to before?

months ago

10:46 PM

just get a new confirmation

10:46 PM

sounds like you are just looking for things to nit pick

it's 6 days from now, I don't think this issue is so pressing that it needs to be done before a proper committee meeting

Or just frustration. I researched and presented before. I have family in town for the holidays this next weekend

sounds like a good use for a proxy

looks like his hands are tied either way, I checked the committee minutes and can't find a vote to approve buying them, so even if this was urgent, the documentation isn't there

1

@pearce slim chance, but do y'all have a rotary at polyprinter?

no we dont have a need. but i almost bought one for myself to use there

12:23 AM

The orange and white tumblers have been waiting since before 2 Halloweens ago.

12:27 AM

I recall the rotary tool & class as being much sought after, especially at holiday time.

i dont think any one is arguing that

12:28 AM

i even could have used it before wasteland to make some cool stuff to take out

12:28 AM

the only sticking point is wanting minutes for the transaction

I'm not gonna disagree that it's cool to have

"I'll keep asking, but the response from people so far is 'yeah I learned to use the rotary but I just never needed it'. So, for now, my conclusion is that the maintenance headaches we've had to keep these running is not worth the relatively small number of members they serve. Obviously, a rotary with fewer maintenance problems, or a larger group of people needing it, change that conclusion. But that's where I'm at for now" Sounds like a sticking point also. So I am bearing witness to the large demand dating back to pre-Sept 2018.

But yeah, I don't want to just keep buying rotaries when they break. The last one we bought didn't even work on arrival

@Scott_Blevins, @pinewoodnut and @MotoPilot can attest that we realized we needed at least 2 rotaries to keep up with demand.

12:33 AM

Why wasn't the busted one returned?

I'm not sure, but if I had to guess, it's probably exceedingly difficult to return something to thunder laser in China.

they have us support

The U.S. distributor is in Waxahachie

12:47 AM

March 2018

12:48 AM

We had to abandon that purchase because of difficulty contacting mfg.

12:49 AM

June 2018

12:52 AM

October 2018

12:55 AM

The replacement Thunder-brand rotary was to be bundled with a replacement vector grid for Big Thunder and a new control panel to save on shipping costs. Those were voted on at the tail end of my tenure.

12:58 AM

Then around Jan 2019 laser decided to scrap Big Thunder and replace it in whole.

I'm looking at the receipt for the rotary. Invoice is dated Feb 15, 2019 and was ordered from the U.S. distributor, located two hours from here near Tyler, TX. (I was wrong about the town. Was Whitehouse, TX, not Waxahachie)

1:29 AM

Cost: $580 + 28.45 S/H = $608.45 (edited)

1:30 AM

Our QBO balance is $71,000+.

1:31 AM

The cost of a rotary is less than one percent of our balance.

All I'm asking for, to fix the current rotaries, is someone to do a test cut. That's it. For me to continue to put effort into them when no one else is willing to spend even 20 minutes to help feels futile. They're cool, and it's perfectly reasonable to expect us to have the ability, but the fact that no one is willing to put even the smallest bit of work towards fixing them anymore tells me I shouldn't waste my time on it either. As for buying more from thunder instead of fixing the current one, I've seen zero evidence that it'll improve the situation. If we bought another, I fully expect to be having this same conversation again in 6 months. There's a slim chance a cloudray rotary will perform any better, slim. If someone wants to come to the meeting, vote on it, and handle the purchase of it I'm not going to get in the way, other than to say that when it does break, I hope someone else is willing to do the work to fix it.

@pearce stopped by today, the rotary works on blitzen, using lightburn with 8000 steps/rev. RDWorks should work, but test it out first. Big thunder has some weird issue where it still stretches things, even with the new steps/rev setting. Donner has issues with the connector that we can fix on Saturday.

There is no reason to use it on the big laser is there? The rotary that is

That's exactly what we were thinking

10:25 PM

Donner however, we'll fix. Just a soldering iron and some patience.

1000% correct @doug.emes the rotary is too far in the big thunders right corner and is just a poor use of the large bed footprint

Does anyone know an Andrew Bojorquez?

1:11 PM

He left his phone and wallet in Laser area

He's the kid who makes guitars

Oh see if there's a subura Baja truck out back. If so just page him on the intercom

Intercom is still down until we reconfigure all the voip endpoints

Whoops. Didn't know that.

Moved from voip.ms to 3cx platform. Hoping to assist when fred and I can meet up

Holy shit.

I'm no expert, but that lens appears to have led a hard life

Drilled a hole into the lens

It's a speed hole

Do the 3 thunder use same lens

@doug.emes yes. Our default lens tube has a 50mm throw. One thing to test would be using the 100mm throw lens tube. Deeper penetration. Less likely to be on fire from the material it's cutting. Would have to see about the loss of detail

I might suggest using the small compressors that came with the machines. We could have our air set too high or something.

You are right about the air. That can be dialled back at each machine or the source. I haven't seen guidelines about how much we need to pump. Someone set it at 20lbs and we went with it. That pressure BTW isn't how much air is moved at the point of presence

7:29 PM

Lots of air interferes with cutting acrylic

7:29 PM

(Bubbles in the melt)

So we're assuming less airflow will help out? I would've guessed the opposite.

We should consider bulk lenses and allowing individual purchase. This weekly ruining of lenses is nuts.

We've talked about a group buy of lens tubes and lenses but we couldn't do it officially through the space afaik

We vend consumables via kiosks. Vinyl, etc.

Oh that's an interesting plan. I had not considered doing it at the kiosk.

The lenses we buy are $28 and I'm not 100% on the lens tube but between $9-$15 depending on which OD is it.

8:14 PM

(Yes I looked up the right lens this time)

I wonder if members improperly setting focus and nozzle basically touching material could be reducing airflow

To be fair, 20psi is what I would expect for air assist. Maybe even a little higher since we typically have those large openings in the cone and poor ventilation.

8:19 PM

Certainly if the nozzle is touching material it'll limit airflow. I think that's the argument for the long throw lenses, I just don't want the drawbacks of having to get people to use new focus tools, reduced engraving resolution, lower power density, etc.

I'm thinking of at least 15 folks who would jump at owning a committee approved self owned tube and lend

Even at a $45 cost?

Yes

8:20 PM

Versus ruining large sheets

I would love to do it

Let's bring it up to a vote to specifically allow it

Less wear on our equipment, and less frustration for people that come in and find broken lenses

8:21 PM

We can do that tomorrow.

:+1:

Also going to get quotes on a HEPA for the small Zing.

8:22 PM

http://www.quatro-air.com/sph400-laser-fume-extractor.html

SPH-400 Laser Fume Extractor

1 877 978 2876 • Air purifiers, Fume extractors and dust collectors for Laser Cutting, Laser Marking, Laser Engraving, Dental Labs, Jewelry, Medical, IVF, Digital Printing, Offset Printing, Large Format Printing, Optical Labs

8:22 PM

http://www.quatro-air.com/lph400-laser-fume-extractor.html

LPH-400 Laser Fume Extractor

1 877 978 2876 • Air purifiers, Fume extractors and dust collectors for Laser Cutting, Laser Marking, Laser Engraving, Dental Labs, Jewelry, Medical, IVF, Digital Printing, Offset Printing, Large Format Printing, Optical Labs

8:24 PM

I've used these guys on a PCB mill and was quite happy, I wouldn't want to use these all the time (noise) but it'd let Zing be put on a cart and brought around to classrooms.

8:24 PM

Shouldn't be super expensive.

1

^ +1

Anyone want to do up a little wall mounted station for lens cleaning supplies? If we're going to sell lenses, we should have stuff for people to clean their own lenses out and available.

8:52 PM

Speaking of cleaning, where did we come up with the isopropyl and qtips method? In the past I've used some pinkish lens cleaning solution and the packs of cleaning paper, iirc they were far more effective that our current process...

What time Saturday for the meeting it's not on the calendar

Shit.

8:59 PM

I started to add that event and forgot.

8:59 PM

2pm tomorrow, we'll probably start a bit late

9:01 PM

We'll set a date and time for the January meeting tomorrow so this doesn't happen

If you want to make an event, I can approve it

@michaelb that would be great. I might be able to make tomorrow, but for January I can plan

9:02 PM

@Lampy (Ken Purcell) I no longer can

@Lampy (Ken Purcell) I appreciate it, but the page won't let me add an event less than 48 hours away.

9:06 PM

FWIW, here's what I have listed: -Vote on providing lens/lens tubes through square. -Vote on new power supply for dead thunder -Replace limit switch on blitzen -Check Air Assist Pressure -Fix Donner Rotary Connector -Remove TV and check power supply -Discuss Laser 101 Online -Set a date/time for the January Meeting

It would take fred access to edit date inside 48

Yeah, doing do would require changing some settings temporarily. (edited)

What is the title

9:07 PM

of your event

Laser Committee Meeting

Thank you sir

What time tomorrow?

2pm-6pm, purple

9:08 PM

I didn't think many people would show since we're right in the middle of the holidays, and I guess I made sure of that by forgetting to put it on the calendar

Gives us some strategic goal setting time

Thanks Freddy

https://calendar.dallasmakerspace.org/events/view/14878

Registered

9:16 PM

Woohoo

9:17 PM

Michael you wanna post or I can do it for you on talk real quick

9:20 PM

Found your post. You mentioned 3pm, I can reply it's from 2pm

9:20 PM

I did put the event link in the convo

I won’t be able to make the Laser Committee tomorrow, but will try to make the January mtg. Glad to hear about the forward momentum on the HEPA unit for the Zing.

9:23 PM

Beau would also be happy to hear about that.

Oh uhh, ok so in reality it's whatever Kris Wong can make. So if she said she was going to be a little late to 3pm then it should be 3pm.

If you make an edit to the Talk event, you should also edit the event title ‘Lasers Down 3-6pm’.

9:32 PM

Or 4-6, whichever.

@michaelb can't make the meeting this month. Out of town for the holidays. Am with Team Laser in spirit.

Kitchen sink leak issues in the drain piping. Not going to make meeting.

2:31 PM

Michael please take my strong proxy which auto revokes January 1 2020

2:31 PM

And ask for a vote regarding authorizing member owned tubes and lenses, and a 2nd action to purchase bulk qt for vending

Approved for ~10 sets of lenses and tubes. We'll restock as needed.

3

Hooray

the local Epilog distributor offers this for a filter: https://bofainternational.com/us/find-products/extraction-systems/results/ad-base-z/ at $2550 and shipping. They have a slightly cheaper model that has to sit next to the laser, but I think the base is better for us

AD Base Z - BOFA

10:33 PM

Haven't heard back from Quatro yet on pricing for their system

How's January 18th for the next meeting? I'd like to bring up the HEPA filter for approval, and maybe a new laser if the environment looks right.

11:02 PM

Also, I PMd Brad on talk about a month ago asking for a rough idea of our balance. Haven't heard anything. Is there a better way to reach him?

anyone at the space? PA is broken

12:27 AM

guy keeps walking away from their job on blitzen

12:28 AM

@here

12:30 AM

now it looks like someone took over while they prep another job on donner? Unsure

12:35 AM

now has walked away from the job on donner

12:37 AM

now both away from the running raster on blitzen and after a few moments split up and swapped machines again... I think this guy is running two machines and he's having someone sit at the other to look like another job, but every so often one of them leaves one of the two machines unattended

all thunders are in use; the camera is washed out on the queue sign so I can't tell if there is writing on the queue or not

Member will be reaching out to the chair directly

We could pick up a 1500VA UPS that could run the exhaust and the Zing for a few minutes. It might not be a bad idea to prevent the possibility of tripping over the cable problems.

I'll donate a mikrotik for the bridge

Quatro came back with a unit that's about $100 more but with cheaper filters, and more airflow. Just waiting on fumex to respond.

Does the cabinet have room for a NUC style pc?

1:23 PM

In general?

We would have to build a cabinet for the quatro or fumex systems, so yeah, they'll have room

1:27 PM

I think the bofa would too. In the case, it'd be the cleanest and coolest nuc ever because we could probably sit it inside the exhaust plenum of the unit. Imagine all that airflow, with zero dust

are there plans to offer laser basics in January?

Fumex got back with a $1700 quote and the cheapest replacement filters so far. I'll do up a little summary soon and if anyone's got input into picking one (Bofa AD Base Z vs Quatro SPH-400+Prefilter vs Fumex FA1-E) before the meeting it'd be much appreciated.

10:19 AM

I'd still like to pick up a UPS as well so we're looking at $5k max to make the Zing portable (<$3k extractor + <$2k UPS).

assume this is for portable / road show usage of the Zing?

10:20 AM

or classroom usage as well?

All of the above, hopefully.

UPS would protect the unit for brief power interruptions, allow for offgrid usage, both?

To Chris's point on talk, we're talking about as much power as a large microwave.

10:21 AM

The UPS would let you keep going if someone trips on the plug, or pause the job safely if the breaker trips.

10:22 AM

Which, I mean, if someone plugs a heat gun or large shop vac in the same circuit as us, might happen.

The primary purpose back in the day was to be able to move it to a classroom. It's current location is darn near impossible for teaching. Students block use of Blitzen. Hard to see monitor. etc etc

10:46 AM

It's a great machine. Deserves more use.

fabulous for engraving

10:47 AM

just wish it allowed for upper-corner indexing and the workflow allowed for "send file to machine" ala the thunders (edited)

Made EVA foam stamps for my return address...wonderful feature.

10:50 AM

Perforating paper...that's lovely too.

From the incident a few nights ago (member walking away from the laser while running). But the time it got to me he was sufficiently apologetic, so since he's sweated it out for a few days waiting I let him know he's all ok, just not to cause problems again. For the future, I think it's fine if someone wants to run a large job across two lasers (with two laser certified members obviously), as long as no one is in the queue and they understand that they should be ready to come to a quick stopping point and reliquish the second laser if another member comes up. Additionally, I don't mind a user finding someone else laser certified to complete their job if they're kicked off for a safety violation. Our immediate concern is the safety of the laser and the users, and having someone else step in fixes those problems. We can deal with consequences later. All in all, we don't have many problems in laser. I don't want to get people worried that they'll be harshly punished for infrequent mistakes. They'll be too nervous to go near the machines. Personally, I'll always feel that those lapses in judgement are best addressed face to face with the presumption that it was an honest mistake, and a solid explanation of why we have said rules in place. I'd hate to see the makerspace become a place where groups of people patrol the building expecting fellow members to do as they say soley because of a position they hold.

11:00 AM

@ESmith if that's what you're looking for, let me introduce you to the new laser I'm hoping to purchase

not sure if the zing is just old / unsupported, but I know newer epilogs will at the very least allow for corner zero as opposed to center/center or edge/center

The Fusion uses a newer print driver that gives you a preview of the job on the bed before you send it to the machine. Also has a camera that's surprisingly well aligned, so you can position the job on your actual part before cutting.

I always corner zero with our zing

did not see that option last I used it

I'd have to look before I could explain it

11:25 AM

I'll see if it's open tonight

also, I'd be ecstatic if we had a Lightburn license for all the lasers

We do?

11:34 AM

Oh, forgot to announce that maybe. All the thunder computers have lightburn now

11:35 AM

Going to vote on switching the remaining licenses over to a floating network license at the next meeting, so we can put it on all computers at the space (maybe 5 or 10 seats total).

perhaps that change was implemented after the ~second week of December

my laser usage comes in intermittent bursts

That's how my zing use works

so to repeat myself ... are there plans to offer laser basics / 101 / etc this month?

12:21 PM

asking in response to an inquiry I've received

He's doing admin stuff

Best thing to do is post on talk, obviously we should have classes this month but the teachers on talk will know when they're going up

Also, could someone exerienced with laser usage comp out?

Uhhh... I mean the interface just varies so much between different machines. Like, I would easily say I had laser experience before I got here, but having to manually focus, set an origin, and use an intermediate software like RDWorks were not things I would have considered.

12:26 PM

If someone has experience with similar (Chinese, glass tube, maybe with a ruida controller) machines I wouldn't be opposed to a checkout process. But if they're coming from somewhere with an epilog/trotec/etc then I'd prefer they take the class.

they mention epilog

12:26 PM

I'll point them towards Talk

Yeah, like you'd think it's be fine but imagine if all you'd ever used is the zing and you try and jump on a thunder. So much different.

sure

12:28 PM

and by the time you figure out where they are and go over the differences you've spent a decent fraction of a class interval

Exactly. Theres overlap but it's not much

Heads up on the talk thread, with "I'm an exception to the rules, can I cut a banned material"

2

That’s like a DMS plague. The special rules member.

I mean neither of you are wrong. Like he technically could cut that just fine (it doesn't produce chlorine gas), and to his point the banned material is listed as >1mm PC, but it is annoying that he asked as if he wants special treatment.

2:45 PM

I was planning on moving it to its own thread and responding tonight

Ha! not just DMS... It's worldwide from my limited observations...

We've seen damage from cutting chlorine bases plastics. It's not actually making mustard gas

2:46 PM

But it does ruin steel parts on the machines

Polycarbonate doesn't contain chlorine, it's a bunch of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. I really don't know where the chlorine line came from.

Who knows

2:48 PM

I'm not fact checking

2:48 PM

But im pretty sure you can still see the damage on the thunder nearest the back door

2:49 PM

But even if it's fine to do a small amount of cutting it, we have too many people who would be doing small cuts

No argument from me that it produces a nasty white smoke and leaves a horrible burnt edge. I've tried to cut 1/4" before and we decided to shop bot all PC after that

2:51 PM

But we'll either change the banned material to all polycarbonate or let him do it since it's extremely thin which means we have enough power and not as much smoke

I don't know why it had a thickness honestly

2:52 PM

As far back as I remember it's always been flat banned

you just don't get that huge volume of smoke and cut issues when it's really thin stuff. 0.02" was about as much as we could manage to cut with a 60W ULS machine, iirc.

2:54 PM

But probably, the answer to say no because of our poor ventilation. Maybe if we have good extraction in the future we can allow thin stuff again.

45 jobs and 26 hours of usage before someone reported the CO2 nozzles were down.

Sounds like the safety check is being ignored

Wow. I always make sure they'll release a puff.

It could be people not reporting issues to talk, or people not making use of the CO2, or both.

10:09 AM

I tend to think that most people (having never seen a massive flair up), won't share the level of concern that anyone who was at ladybird probably has (edited)

well got to make sure the brakes are on the bus?! Why not some "safety gas"

How fast does laser go through gas?

they shouldnt unless stuff is catching fire

Like a tank every 6 months

12:21 PM

The event yesterday was we shut it off because it was leaking, not running out of gas

12:23 PM

Though if y'all stock a 6pack of argon/co2...

12:28 PM

We could just tee off and use that instead, it'd probably be just as good

we'll have flow monitoring on the 6 pack too to track usage, when things are low, etc

https://youtu.be/WnDjIDhxnMs

styropyro

Destructive Testing of Laser Goggles!

10:35 PM

Interesting video

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/laser-banned-materials-question/67358 how could that not possibly go over anything but awesome?

Laser Banned Materials Question

So I don’t see pizza on the banned materials list. Is lasers policy more like dont cut it if it’s on the banned list or only cut it if it’s on the approved list which doesn’t really exist. I feel like pizza falls in a grey area but won’t hurt or kill anyone or damag...

I'll be honest in college I engraved a friend some happy birthday tortillas. Food can be fun

nicole did tortillas in DMS', too

1:50 PM

should be on talk under "tortilla"

But not pizza. And that means it's easiest just to say no to food.

it is, indeed

1:52 PM

and the only answer the chair of laser can really give

1:52 PM

in good concience

1:52 PM

wish I could splel (or type, apparently)

Made sugar ornaments on my K40. Smelled great!

Like lay out a bed of sugar and melt it together with the laser?

Yep 50:50 granulated sugar, powdered sugar

We did pumpkins one year

2:06 PM

It was awful

I'm sure those tripod-mounted laser engravers that kickstarter ~~hucksters~~ innovators keep trying to launch work great for things like pumpkins

A pumpkin pie was rastered a while back no not by me I do not know settings used.

Laser minutes are up, thanks to everyone who came out and helped! https://dallasmakerspace.org/wiki/Laser_Committee_Meeting_Minutes_01182019

Laser Committee Meeting Minutes 01182019

Awesome results

Exciting things in store. As Josh pointed out, we just have to make sure we follow through with them. Lots of good intentions have come and gone.

    CO2 - 50, 60, 80, or 120 watt
air-cooled, metal/ceramic tube, 10.6 micrometers

Fiber - 30 or 50 watt
air-cooled, includes collimator, 1065 nm, Beam quality: M2 < 1.1

nitpicking here, but FFS use consistent units, epilog

Hmm? They used meters both times

1

1:33 PM

For the record

1:33 PM

so they cut us a sweet discount?

Those are the dual source prices, sorry. We're getting a CO2 only

1:35 PM

possible to bolt on a fiber laser later?

I don't see why not, but I haven't asked them yet

They're giving us a good discount though. It's not super hard to calculate with the agenda item and their price sheet I just don't want to advertise cause you know other people will expect the same. I did send the quote to the admin email so I assume you can take a look if you're curious. Everyone at the meeting saw the quote as well.

1

On the dual source, they're going to say no upgrade option for now, they've gotten some indications from corporate that it might be a possibility in the future but nothing for sure. Probably, if we we gather the money and demand to spend on a fiber laser, we'll be willing to just pick up a second machine. 30W fiber almost doubles the price of the laser, so even the upgrade will be big money.

2:51 PM

By the way, they're sending quotes and replying to my emails on a Sunday. Engraving Concepts has been great to work with so far.

https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/beau-williamson-n5py-sk-passed-away/67475

Beau Williamson N5PY SK passed away

Beau, who was a long time DMS member and very active with the laser committee, passed away early yesterday morning. He was also very active with Cisco and amateur radio groups. In amateur radio circles, it is respectful to follow the name of a passed member with their call ...

12:03 PM

thats sad

did some more casual reading on the fiber upgrade and that looks like a factory option as opposed to a bolt-on

It's another source. In ULS terms it'd be a drop in module, so if they're trying to compete it will eventually be the same. That being said, the Fusion Pro platform is only a year old, so they're still releasing new software features, and it sounds like a field upgrade to fiber is on their wishlist.

10:58 AM

Any particular reason you're interested in the fiber laser?

I'm no longer interested since I neglected to consider that the wattages where one can cut metal are orders of magnitude greater than this platform offers (edited)

You can cut metal with CO2 but only once you get upwards of 150 watts. Beam shape and O2 assist gas are very important. Fiber has about 3-10x more absorption so you can "cut" with about 30 watts and up. For both MORE is better.

Cloudray actually sells a head that fits the thunders with autofocus and oxygen assist, it's a bit too pricey for something that's really just a novelty though

I was thinking plasma cutter substitute

1:19 PM

those lasers seem to be in the kW net output range

1

Toured IFI / vex robotics and yeah, most metal work done by punches, but they also had a 5kw laser iirc. The "bed" moved instead of the laser. Bed was yardage

Nice! I've got a few friends that work there. They've got some cool toys

TIL lasers consist of only a lens

11:33 PM

I mean, technically, you could cut something with just a lens if you're outside during the day

I feel like this is something we could get @AGr to actually build and test

I have heard of solar pumped fiber lasers. Just not practical ones.

Metal shop has a fiber laser waiting for pickup but need expansion to be moved along so they can have space we are to vacate in our move.

1

Well it's just the laser itself. Need to contact the other donor for the table. It's been long enough need to make sure it's still available. If not we can find a gantry for it somewhere

9:21 PM

We need the electrical work mostly. Requires 50A of 480v

9:21 PM

3ph

Do you know how many hours are on the lamps? And how big is that transformer y'all have in 102

it's a 90A transformer. Unsure of the lamps, but it has spares included

that one time we lasered pumpkins on the FSL and it smelled awful

2:10 AM

and when the laser tube caught fire

Has anyone tried ceramark on tungsten?

In the past that layout was not used due to harder access for maintenance behind lasers

That's fair, there's 9" back there but that's not much to walk between. Each laser has 12" between its not too much different than donner at the moment.

1:54 PM

Not great but it fits another laser

1:54 PM

Worlds most densely packed laser committee space. Big thunder, 2 35s, Fusion 32, the Zing cart, a computer desk and two more work benches for computers (commercially available size but ofc it'd be more fun to roll our own). There's a 9" service space for ducting, a 48" aisle, and space under the desk for the blower if needed. Chillers fit between the lasers.

Nice, has fusion 32 been ordered?

The board has to approve it at the meeting today

Post here when you schedule work day to rearrange

Will do. Probably early March

are those the laser shelves against the walkway?

How many gallons of paint to make the walls dark gray?

Lol gray all the walls

2:39 PM

And yes shelves against the walkway, but not 'shelves' persay.

^^

Is the Zing on the table next to Big Thunder in the above floor plan??

12:31 PM

Design workstations go where?

12:32 PM

Chillers? Blowers?

Found these old pics when we planned last layout, I recommend making scale model pieces to physically move around

12:33 PM

12:37 PM

Also whatever you do never try to have multiple blowers pushing into common exhaust trunk where you depend on one way dampers to prevent backflow, that was a large mistake I made

2

Good to know because that definitely was a thought. I would've expected the one way dampers to solve the problems.

12:40 PM

Still have approval for those powered ones, so they'll probably go in line but we'll stick with the single existing blower on the Thunders

12:40 PM

(powered dampers)

12:40 PM

Fusion runs it's own separate exhaust on a 2HP blower that should be here soon.

12:42 PM

The zing is that abnormally large cart next to the workbenches. Two computers on the desk, two on the workbenches, and one in the Zing cart (we do have 5 computers already). Chillers are actually in place there just hard to see. two under the desk and the other 35s is between the units. Fusion doesn't use a chiller.

1

12:43 PM

Fusion blower goes behind it, We'll put thunder's blower on a shelf halfway up the wall.

This is what I tried with spring loaded dampers, with idea of blower per laser going into common trunk, but there was noticeable leakage, and leaking noxious fumes is very bad so I had to trash all those parts

That's where those fans came from lol

12:44 PM

We'll just stick to one blower per roof exhaust then. That's what Charles has been pushing for as well

1

How often does that single blower need to be cleaned out if it’s servicing all three thunder lasers? We’ve cleaned it out before when it was completely clogged with debris which got us to wondering how often those things need to be checked.

It'll be approximately above the desk so checking it won't be too hard.

1

I recommend cleaning by throwing it in the dumpster and buying a new one https://www.harborfreight.com/2-hp-industrial-5-micron-dust-collector-97869.html

70 gallon 2 HP Heavy Duty High Flow High Capacity Dust Collector

1

Is that the one that's back there?

12:56 PM

But yeah that would get it a lot cleaner than we ever could.

yeah that the blower that has been used for a long time (only on second one over 6+ years I think), the other laser on its own blower has a slightly smaller blower from a different supplier

We're replacing the smaller one with a 2HP blower from Penn State that was recommended by engraving concepts

1:12 PM

We'll check out the thunder blower this weekend. It'd be a good time to replace it

Alright, we've got problems... I thought I had about a month to get this all done

11:30 PM

Turns out, the laser's shipping around the 28th and will spend 2-3 days in transit. Soooo about the 5th of march

11:31 PM

Bare minimum to move the lasers around is more ducting.

Party

Ideal is powered dampers, a 24v AC transformer to open them, ducting, and a shelf to throw the blower up on the wall.

11:33 PM

Yup, laser party saturday evening.

11:33 PM

@AGr

Party hardy

Hey so Jim, how much would I need to bribe you to let us tee into your argon/co2 6-pack for our air guns, instead of using our co2 tank? We use a cylinder every few months right now.

Lots of central market bread. That's my current addiction that needs satisfaction.

6:10 AM

No beer... I still have three Tavour crates that haven't even made it to the beer fridge yet

Homemade sourdough?

That works

Lol well we can work that out I'm sure. I'll be by tonight and figure out what fittings, valves, and pipe runs we need to make it work.

7:43 AM

It looked like the DMS side was all low pressure stuff when I glanced at the system?

Engraving Concepts had reserved a production slot with epilog since we were looking to purchase, so once we accepted the quote they dropped our laser in the slot and let us bypass the 6 week leadtime for new orders.

nice

@michaelb I can swing in between around 9 or so. The regulators are on the 6 packs themselves, and drop to 150 PSI to plumb into the building. There are a few Tees already, however you'd want to put a new one in since the current setup the ball valves would shut the pressure to the tees when welders are turned off

9:49 AM

you can run it as the same stuff that is currently used for shop air, or you can run it as pipe

9:50 AM

we're currently using 1/2" black pipe, so you can get a 1/2" NPT tee fitting with whatever reducer / combination of things you want.

Alright so conduit it is!

9:56 AM

Kidding. I was going to run two sets of the black pipe down the wall and out a tee at each laser, one for air one for mix.

10:01 AM

Above that we'll mount the ducting to the wall (probably well above the lasers), that'll run to a tee above the desk, up to the blower, on its side and on a shelf about as high as the gray ladder reaches, the exhaust will tie into the existing like 10" duct. That'll give us room to fit the dampers and give me a good starting place for the 'focus plane plenum' I've been talking about adding to the lasers for years. Only other service we need is electrical so we might hang that from the wall behind the lasers on hooks. I'm not a big fan of things laying on the floor permanently. Of course this all depends on how well I can plan and how much work we get done saturday

do you have a napkin sketch of new ducting routing?

10:23 AM

note that the one coming down by metalshop has two 90s in it with a horizontal run of about 10 feet, the two exchause ports are actually fairly close to each other

Oh that's nice I thought the single exhaust was like way far away

will the floating desk (mounted on red wall) still be there?

Plan for now is to keep it but shorten it a bit to squeeze beside big thunder

currently only two brackets and it could move closer to door

10:25 AM

10:26 AM

Also this is one of the exhausts (closer to metalshop), the reducer was installed higher than I could reach

10:27 AM

I think its going 8 to 6

10:29 AM

using man lift to make it go 8 all the way to blower would be good

Ill add that too the list. That's the exhaust for the fusion and the plan is just crazy amounts of airflow for it

10:58 AM

Not sure if I just double sent the picture....

The roof penetrations are the same size I think, so if other is 10" then the reducer might be 10 to 8 or something

There's a lot of trade offs here, namely pressure loss vs cfm and pressure loss vs flow velocity. Since there's lightweight debris in here Id like the keep the velocity up high. I think it's best to stick with 8" on the fusion and keep the 10" on the others. Might mean we have to replace the 6" on the fusion so I'll check that before saturday

Does that much debris actually make into exhaust stream? If so I can imagine it just floating around in the 30 feet of vertical ducting before roof vent. Could go to roof and inspect around vent if ladder is still unlocked

Not sure yet, i figure we'll see when we take it apart. I have seen a nice layer coating the ducts behind big thunder, and the inlet to the small blower completely caked up a few months ago.

12:01 PM

One consideration, instead of a right angle at the base we could put a tee and cap it. Like water in an air system all the debris would fall down into the cap and could be cleaned out

1

The new blower should arrive tomorrow via UPS, so we'll be able to install it this weekend

5:15 PM

I'm going to make an initial home depot run tomorrow evening, probably another after the meeting saturday if we figure out anything that was forgotten.

I'm curious how people would react if I didn't put a CO2 nozzle next to the fusion and just told them, 'if you think it might catch fire, don't do it'.

How often are people setting their material ablaze?

Afaik virtually never. The CO2 was out for over a month, iirc two people reported it and no one admitted to needing it

thats good, seems like having a full scale red co2 extinguisher mounted on every laser should be sufficient

The puff guns that use co2 cartridges should be sufficient

That's what pearce and I were thinking of. If the fire's bad enough to need extinguishing, just use the extinguisher.

6:08 PM

Oh, yeah forgot you mentioned that. I'd rather just run compressed air to the nozzles before using cartridges.

https://fr.myzoo.design/pages/video-dassemblage

Vidéo d'assemblage

arg! people are practicing singing in the hallway

whyyyyyy

I guess the soundbooths are rented out?

8:57 PM

8:58 PM

why did I put that video in laser? (edited)

8:58 PM

sorry!

Anyone from team laser around?

7:58 PM

Big thunder is acting up. Can't get it to move full y

7:58 PM

Stops after 1000mm

Try turning it off and on again lol

7:59 PM

Thats been the trick for blitzen recently

@michaelb did it a few times

Otherwise, i told myself I would head up there soon, so I can come take a look

It's almost like it's not fully resetting

Dammit. Gimme ~20 minutes?

Rgr. Thanks

Oh, did you check the rotary option?

Switch is off

In RDWorks

8:05 PM

Go to the rotary box and click read, see if it checks itself on

Enable rotary engrave is unchecked

8:05 PM

It does

8:05 PM

Check itself

Uncheck, click write

Success

8:07 PM

Thank you!!

That's like the first thing to check, I totally spaced

I was aware of the checkbox ...was not of read/write

8:11 PM

So I appreciate it

New blower arrived, it is quite powerful

I heard it sucks though

It's very good at sucking

thats what she said

he* said

lol

@stephenie didn't you do office hours?

2:26 PM

Kris is looking at doing them again. Any tips?

@yashsedai we're wondering if we can pull login data from the laser computers, maybe a better way to track peak usage time

I think we could

2:41 PM

Lemme have a look

2:42 PM

If you dont get an answer today please pester a reminder

Kris Wong doing office hours sorry for the confusjon

We have login capture files

I loved office hours!

5:40 PM

Best tip: whenever possible, let the person do the driving. Sometimes you have to use the mouse or key pad to demonstrate, but undo what you did and have that person repeat the clicks.

5:40 PM

Brace yourself for the gratitude! People are thankful.

1

Thanks! Good to have someone motivated enough to do it lol

Using 2 pieces of 2x4 in an L with plywood on outsideedges as gusset(with 3 inch radius) might make better supports for ducting than zipties

Also is there any extra drywall laying around DMS?

Headed to dms

Awesome. Big thunder is almost running

1

Big thunder is up, blitzen will be up by the end of the week. Needs some blower control work. Donner needs a power supply but we'll get everything else plugged in over the next few weeks. Need to order another blower for the fusion since we used it's blower for thunders, mount it up at the ceiling and run the ducting. Good news is fusion fits in the space.

I put some not operational signs on them to avoid confusion

Hey if anyone's around the space today there's an amazon box and a UPS in the common room for laser, they need to find their way back to the committee area. I won't be back for a few days

Automation Direct has an 'Arduino in a box' PLC that would be fun to play with for the ventilation.

but can you order it from amazon?

2:34 PM

not prime shipping, https://www.amazon.com/PLC-Controller-Controllino-100-100-00-Arduino-Compatible/dp/B0107XC1U6

2:34 PM

could simplify having all signals going into that instead of a bunch of different hand wired relays

https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/programmable_controllers/open_source_controllers_(arduino-compatible)/productivityopen_(arduino-compatible)/controllers_-a-_shields/p1am-100 That's the idea. Easier to track laser on hours too

how do you turn presence of 120 or 208 AC on a line to a digital input

If line = shocking Then yes

The stick a cheap usb power brick on it to generate 5v from 120/208 seems hacky (edited)

I mean its a pretty good solution, even if it seems hack

3:07 PM

I'm expecting most AC input Solid State Relays to take the full voltage range

3:08 PM

Amazon has one for $10 that does 70-300Vac in and 24-480v out. Since we've already got 24Vac for the dampers we can use that. The automation direct line has 24v AC input modules

3:09 PM

Phone chargers are far cheaper lol

Should order a few extra and then video just putting 208 AC into the digital input line and see what happens

Not sure how these react, the ones I used at an old job just popped and didn't work anymore. I think the connectors would pop off if they had the removable kind

So the output of the laser is 208 right?

Control signal out for blower / air assist is 208 on 2 of them and 120 on other one

Get a contactor like this,

3:59 PM

https://www.grainger.com/product/EATON-208-240VAC-Definite-Purpose-49C062?cm_sp=Product_Details-_-Products_Based_on_Your_Search-_-IDPPLARECS&cm_vc=IDPPLARECS

208/240VAC Definite Purpose Contactor; No. of Poles 1, 30 Full Load...

Definit Prpose Cntactr, 208/240VAC, 30A, 1P

3:59 PM

208 is the coil voltage

3:59 PM

run your control signal across the mains

3:59 PM

same for the 120

4:00 PM

you need a contactor with 120v coils

4:01 PM

https://www.grainger.com/product/EATON-120VAC-Definite-Purpose-Contactor-49C049

120VAC Definite Purpose Contactor; No. of Poles 1, 25 Full Load Amp...

Definit Prpose Cntctr, 120VAC, 25A, 1P, Open

I'd rather not have a mix of coil voltages. Imagine rearranging the lasers, switching plugs around and suddenly blowing up a relay because you plugged a 208v laser into a 120v input on the control box.

4:03 PM

Most solid state relays that have an AC input will handle the full voltage range

lol this is why you make lables

4:03 PM

and don't put plugs

4:04 PM

solid state relays imo are not the answer, to each their own

labels.... have you met some of our membership?

i have, but the not putting plugs on the end is much more likely to control the situation

What about current sensing relays rather than typical control coils?

that would skip the dependency on the TLtimer circuit and relays inside the lasers to know when they are firing

5:01 PM

of note, we have had the thunder TLtimer become unreliable multiple times

Suggest you have some logic that looks for the laser to be on, keeps the blower on until the laser goes off + 10 minutes

Yes, there's definitely some coordination to avoid unnecessary restarts

6:31 PM

@ferricyanide not only have I met them, I've labeled them too

1

New laser has shipped.

2:40 PM

Scheduled delivery is... Tomorrow.

2:41 PM

That's... Unexpected

ZOOM!

isn't their distribution center in arlington? or is that just a showroom? (edited)

Just the local company that does sales, but they dont do any stock. Lasers are built to order and shipped from Colorado

2:44 PM

I'm gonna go finish ducting for donner since I have the day off work. For now we can drop it in place of Donner and I'll have to wire a switch for the exhaust system

as in physical light switch? there are a bunch in black plastic tub

Yup. That's what they used at engraving concepts lol

2:45 PM

I guess that's what zing used too

Can you experiment with attaching a ceiling tile to a 2x4 with some screws (making like a ceiling tile popsicle, could be either horizontal or vertical orientation) and then screwing 2x4 to front edge of shelf in front of blower? should take just 5 minutes to experiment with that to see what it does to sound across shop

2:52 PM

if we're gonna do that I'll check if I have any leftover acoustic foam

3:02 PM

would be about that size if I do since it would have been for a subwoofer pad

I can do that and just see what happens

Lol so I never put that TV up on the wall and today John stopped me while he was teaching, told me he loved the cart idea and asked if we could get another one.

7:28 PM

I did not get a chance to do anything today the laser was busy af. I'll probably have to schedule a maintenance window this week to run ducting for donner and blower control for blitzen.

Is that a cart that just floats around DMS?

Yeah, Patrick has been using it in the pillar room for watching tv iirc

Easier to buy cart and mount existing tv on it than above ducting on wall

Yup absolutely

Other laser fun. Keep zing down for 2-3 weeks or kludge it into existing ventilation system?

keep zing down

Will the new one be semi up?

getting damper control functional seems higher priority

It came with ramps to uncrate itself?

Yup

Wow, much better than what you get from china

Determined that it can be rolled from 102 to 104?

Who is spanning that far in a table with only a 2x4?

1

7:09 PM

@AGr someone storing personal shit in 102

Is it 35 inches wide?

7:11 PM

Put some cardboard around it

But YOLO'ing it is more exciting

1

I think the sensible thing would be to dumpster the personal shit since people have been told and told not to do that.

Got it through

1

If it gets stuck anywhere just declare that the new laser area

3

Ok, remaining tasks... -Ventilation Control System (parts here monday) -Desk cleared off -Donner Computer -Fusion Computer (In laser cabinet) -Donner Damper+Ducting -Fusion Blower (mount on wall) -Fusion Ducting -Fusion Blower Switch (120v switch near laser?) -Fusion Power (NEMA L6-15R needed) (edited)

1:22 AM

I think that's it. They all have Air, Chillers, Power, and CO2 as of tonight. Most of the ducting for Donner is done just need the last damper from Rich.

1:23 AM

Fusion needs to be ready by saturday morning for training so if it comes to it I'll steal the blower back from JSM and kludge it together. Hopefully the real blower shows up friday and it can be in place for real

1:28 AM

I had one person begging to use the Zing but it's just going to be down for 2-3 weeks while the exhaust shows up. Anyone that needs it and is a regular user can get Fusion training and start working with that. Otherwise they're just sol.

2

by steal blower back you mean the white one?

Yeah. Easiest one to power temporarily

12:52 PM

But, the UPS claims the new blower will arrive tomorrow, so hopefully not a problem

is there another 208 plug on that wall or will it just be an extension going to the 208 plug the other blower is plugged into right now?

That's all we've got so it'll have to be an extension going to the other blower

is it a 30 amp circuit?

It is

12:54 PM

So, 8 amps per blower and then blitzen, donner, and the fusion. Hopefully it's enough and the motor inrush doesn't trip breakers...

to clean desks / tables in laser area just pile everything on top of the old big thunder in warehouse

Lol true, but it's already got a bunch of junk so have to clean it off first

Does laser need a 2'x6.5'x6.5' tall shelving unit? https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-77-in-W-x-78-in-H-x-24-in-D-4-Shelf-Welded-Steel-Garage-Storage-Shelving-Unit-with-Wire-Deck-in-Black-ERZ782478W-4/202251082 (edited)

Husky 77 in. W x 78 in. H x 24 in. D 4-Shelf Welded Steel Garage St...

Organize your garage, workshop or jobsite with this Husky 4-Shelf Welded Steel Garage Storage Shelving Unit with Wire Deck in Black. Easy to install.

1:50 PM

I have an extra and I'm trying to con someone into picking it up from my garage since I need it removed before monday

1:50 PM

it could fit against wall behind the table thats next to roll up door or in warehouse (edited)

I might be able to take that off your hands

Probably would push the table too far in to the walkway

2:07 PM

Hey how does the zing interlock work? We need it to run without the box/blast gate/switch setup...

I think there is some writing on tape on the box, would have to inspect it

Ok, I'll take a look tonight

this picture is all the documentation I have, I don't remember the wiring

10/10 documentation

2:36 PM

no worries we'll get it figured out

Blower should be here today, so goals for tonight are: -Mount blower above fusion -Run ducting -Temporarily power blower -get fusion computer on the desk (incl. mounting the monitor somehow since we don't have the stand) -connect fusion and computer to network (edited)

is the fusion being driven by the network or by USB? If network do you have it separated from ours?

12:26 PM

People can and do stupid shit on our network; I wouldn't trust the machine on the network at this time until we can segment the ports

Note there is a horizontal run of ducting resting on the drop ceiling to get to the ducting coming down along the wall next to metalshop door. Although there is nowhere else to really put the ducting other than where it is now

12:28 PM

I have to prep my garage for powerwall install on monday so I can't help tonight

1

It's designed to be connected over ethernet, which is the same as the Zing

12:33 PM

Are you going solar with the powerwall?

is the software available online such that anyone could install it on their laptop and then run the laser?

12:33 PM

yeah 7.53kw of panels, my roof is really horrible for solar

12:34 PM

so most of my panels are facing either east or west

Yeah, you can pick up the software online. A couple members run Zing off their own computer.

12:35 PM

We don't advertise it though so it's pretty much limited to people who are clever enough to figure it out or have their own epilog machines they run

12:35 PM

at the end of the day, I'm not worried about either of those groups causing problems with the machines.

@michaelb network driven straight from the computer, or on the network via the switch?

1:32 PM

we've had someone break some machine ops recently with stupid crap line nmapping the network

1:32 PM

and the damn pwnagotchis people are making breaking the wifi for people

Switch is the plan. The computer isn't set up for wifi right now so it'd be a pain to try and run a seperate network and still be on the domain.

yeah that's a no-go

1:35 PM

we're not gonna risk a 5 figure purchase on our network

1:36 PM

snag a cheap USB ethernet adapter to setup a second network interface on the computer

1:36 PM

or a wifi adapter

1:36 PM

IDC

1:36 PM

as long as that laser isn't on the general DMS network

1:36 PM

I can get you guys a managed switch drop which will allow tagging the machines away from the general network, but that isn't going to happen right away (edited)

1:38 PM

for some examples: dynatorch is a private network, multicam has mitigating controls on it's networking for the controller, RFID interlocks are an entirely different network.

1:38 PM

you can do a link local network between the machine and a USB ethernet adapter on the computer

1:38 PM

static IPs on each, doesn't have to be routable outside of it

1:43 PM

looking at the manual it's intended for static linkage anyway https://www.epiloglaser.com/assets/downloads/manuals/fusion-manual-web.pdf

1:44 PM

page 26

1:44 PM

and page 16

I do not understand your reasoning. With no knowledge of the laser or how its control system operates, you're assuming that putting on the DMS network will risk $10k+ in damages? If that's possible, it sounds like we should just never put anything on the network. That's the most secure answer.

to quote the manual: " Your Epilog Laser has all of the versatility of a network capable peripheral. As such, there are many different ways that the laser can be connected to a computer or a network. A direct connection using a crossover cable is the only method that will be described in this manual. Connect the crossover cable (included in the accessories kit) to the Ethernet port, located at the back of the machine. Plug the cable into the Ethernet port on the laser, then plug the other end into the Ethernet port on your computer."

1:45 PM

Michael, this is literally my job

with physical access they could burn down DMS, but at least they would be on video, I guess with general network someone could be in parking lot and send malicious commands or start it firing?

I test industrial machinery all the time

1:46 PM

industrial hardware network interfaces do not like being poked in unintended ways

1:46 PM

and people like poking things on our network

1:46 PM

I'm not worried about someone being malicious

and people like poking things on our network boy howdy

I'm worried about the fact people like to nmap our network

1:46 PM

and even nmap breaks industrial equipment pretty often

1:47 PM

it can be done safely through VLAN tagging etc, but that is not in place

1:47 PM

the switches over in laser right now do not support this

1:47 PM

I don't mind getting you those switches that do and setting them up

crossover cable with a cable channel along floor seems easy

but that wouldn't be running today

1:48 PM

hell we had a factory burst into flames from a friggin port scan, twice. the first time was because someone ran nmap. The second was because the people that heard about it didn't believe it, so they promptly decided to try and connect to the unit and see what happens

1:49 PM

I'm not worried about dmg to the DMS network, I'm worried about this machine being damaged by someone doing something with our network

it has both ethernet and usb option for connection? (edited)

or the network getting malware running through it

1:49 PM

@AGr it does

I get that your job is securing very highly protected networks, I just want to point out that DMS is not the class of system that you probably deal with. I'm concerned that the network here is going to become some overly secure system that makes it extremely difficult to use. That's great for large corporations or systems that people actively try to break, but we're a makerspace and those security protocols could easily become more overhead than any of us want to deal with.

@michaelb my job isn't just highly protected networks

1:50 PM

it's reasonable risk

1:50 PM

putting a very expensive laser on the network is cool, but an unecessary risk

1:50 PM

that has a good chance of the machine breaking

1:50 PM

I have no intention of heavily securing this network

1:51 PM

but it is my job to prevent our fancy equipment from breaking

1:51 PM

I can't stop malicious actions due to the nature of our operations

1:51 PM

but I can prevent some idiot that decides to run a scanner for the fun of it from breaking our shit

aren't the thunders presently USB-controlled by their respective workstations anyway?

remember my job is reasonable risk

1:51 PM

not high security

1:52 PM

I do networks of all sizes for my work; heck I even had a public school recently where I could have broken them any which way, but the only ones I cared about were the ones that were absolutely trivial to exploit with critical damange. Not some nation state is gonna drop this complex chain of exploits over a 3 month campaign

1:53 PM

but rather *hey this wireless network you can literally sniff the credentials over the air with free software and zero effort, that's a problem for your data compliance for the students who are minors"

1:54 PM

this machine is designed to be on networks where you either have other industrial machinery on a separate network, or people are employees where it's not common for someone to decide to run a scanner on the network for the lulz like we have here

Better plan. Anyone that wants to use it can run it from their laptop. Problem solved.

fine with me, but I don't see why we can't just do the direct connection like the manual advises

I have to have it running tomorrow morning and I can't do that with the existing computer unless it's either a) on the DMS network or b) someone else can provide a network adapter.

it's a $10 adapter

1:56 PM

I'll friggin prime now one to the space

1:56 PM

or you can get it at microcenter

1:56 PM

whatever IDC

what happens saturday morning?

two routes for an adapter: wifi the computer, or a USB ethernet adapter for the laser; I'd go the ethernet adapter. PRetty much the same cost and better performance for the machine

1:57 PM

heck I may have one here you can just take

Engraving Concepts shows up to do the training and install

checked my bin, got a free USB ethernet adapter for laser

1:59 PM

I can drop it off

I barely have time to think at the moment I'm not keen on going out and buying an Ethernet adapter at the moment

as I just said I have one on hand and can drop it off

Zing has been on the network for >1 year without issue. Engraving concepts actually runs their lasers on the network and not directly connected.

the zing being on the network is news to me

Awesome, sorry, bad service in the building at work

but networking controllers on embedded devices in machine is unpredictable

2:01 PM

some handle stupid crap just fine, others do not

2:01 PM

the way network scanners work is by sending traffic that doesn't meet the protocol spec

2:02 PM

some systems handle bad packets gracefully.... others not so much

2:02 PM

and them running it on their network is common... but they aren't makerspace

2:02 PM

with members doing stupid stuff on the network because they aren't beholden to a manager etc

2:02 PM

anyway I'll have a proper switch with VLAN support for you guys in the near future

2:02 PM

and that will allow you to do whatever

Yeah, I've been around industrial Ethernet parts for years, Siemens, wago, Allen Bradley, GE and not had issues so it's a surprise.

2:04 PM

But hey if you can get us a vlan and we'll just setup the desktops to work on both yhat'll be awesome

yeah it's because they have networks where they control what's going on

2:04 PM

it's different when you have all the unknown variables

2:04 PM

and those Siemens and AB units fail particularly hard when that happens

No I mean I designed and set up several of those networks. I've actually run nmap on a few of them

and what flags were used... that's what makes the difference here

2:05 PM

there is a proper way to nmap them

2:05 PM

but not the way people here are

2:05 PM

or they're using masscan

We were building equipment with S7-414H's when stuxnet came about

one person ran nessus on the network because they could

2:06 PM

ugh I was just dealing with some of those a couple months ago

Yeah pretty calm stuff like ping scans iirc. Not my personal favorite 'nmap -sT -O'

that '-sT' is your saving grace

2:07 PM

it means it does a TCP full connect, rather than half-open and broken states

2:07 PM

which is what kills most of these things

Ahh, go figure

if you leave that off nmap tries to use raw packets to manipulate the destination socket to get more information out of devices

2:08 PM

yup

2:08 PM

some devices still don't like even the full connection states if you move too fast

2:08 PM

but that's less common

2:08 PM

it's the broken state machine that the devices aren't expecting, since they aren't expecting anything other than HMIs and engineers to connect to it

A&M was able to drop you from wifi or blacklist your Mac address if they picked up a scan/packet storm/etc

yeah it's doable, but usually they are based on volume

2:09 PM

and takes cycles to kick in after making that determination

2:09 PM

so whatever was already hit was alread yhit

2:09 PM

those systems are looking and see that the connections are never finished etc

2:10 PM

they have fancier switches and monitoring systems that can support that

2:10 PM

unfortunately not in our budget

Made for an interesting tech support discussion one day. The poor kids working the help desk didn't realize they did that and were certain my laptop was having wifi issues.

lawl

2:10 PM

my ISP once flagged me; I explained what I did and never heard from them until I swapped my modem

2:10 PM

they tagged my MAC apparently (edited)

I finally spoofed the Mac from my weird adapter onto my wireless and it connected immediately. Made them go back and talk to the network engineer who took my Mac off the blacklist and said 'never do that again'

anyway I'll have that adapter over today

2:11 PM

it's a little Lenovo ethernet adapter

That'd be great. If we need to pick up a layer 3 switch or something let me know. Do you think our desktops will be able to use a tagged vlan? Love to be able to get to both vlans with the single Ethernet cable

absolutely

2:15 PM

as for the switch you don't need a layer 3

2:15 PM

there are managed layer 2 switches where you can tag the VLANs

2:16 PM

we may have a Cisco around, or we can use something more basic like a Netgear Prosafe (which are cheap too). Infra would have to manage it since it can hop VLANs but you'd be able to have ports tagged as needed

2:18 PM

something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M1C0186/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_wvxwEb9X6R6M3

2:18 PM

actually even better: https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-8-Port-Gigabit-Managed-Switch/dp/B00R92CI20/ref=dp_ob_title_ce?th=1

2:19 PM

16 port now available and wall mounted

speaking of networks, nothing like being advised to dump the entirety of Juniper's equivalent of show running-config trying to find something

But that was the way for Big Red

only 150k lines

2:49 PM

naturally that info isn't there

will probably need a couple more 2x4s and plywood to mount other blower

Yeah I believe one more 2x4, another quarter sheet of plywood, and another pack of 1/4" toggles

1

2:40 AM

According to my phone the ceiling tile does nothing to make the blower quieter when standing in laser area

Yay, great success!

Any video of max speed rastering?

11:53 AM

Would putting cheap sound panels on wall behind blower be a fire risk? https://www.amazon.com/Siless-pack-Acoustic-Panels-Soundproof/dp/B082QK7B8N

We didn't do a long enough part for max speed

12:02 PM

I'll do one later to show the speed

As long as the sound tiles don't get too close to the drop ceiling I dont think they'd be an issue

Can't post videos here? Fusion engraved a 10" square at 500dpi in about 13 minutes.

What would that take on thunder?

Actually not sure... I was hoping someone else could make a guess

Running engraving business out of DMS will be a lot more profitable

I was actually planning on charging $2/minute for the time being. But it might still be a better deal

That makes sense

Sorry, $0.40/minute, 2x the thunder price. Not 10x the thunder price.

1

Under a buck a minute beats the paper napkin "brother in law rates". You could even round to 50 cents I think

Does anyone here use lightburn when designing stuff at home? If so, how did you go about porting it to rdworks? I was using rdworks on the thunder laser today and did not enjoy using it with the thunder. It kept flipping my lettering, cutting through the boards (all i could find were fill or line for cutting). It kept cutting through everything, even on low power, but i think that is because of the lightburn choices (only line and fill). (edited)

We have lightburn on the laser computers, was it not working for you?

I was using lightburn when i lasered these out.

4:22 PM

It kept flipping my text, and i couldnt find an option to "make a line" instead of "cut a line"

4:23 PM

I like designing stuff in lightburn, this was just my first time using it with the laser.

Ok, I was confused why you were porting things to RDWorks. I think you're asking to engrave a line instead of cutting a line, that's done by making the lines different colors and setting the appropriate power to engrave instead of cut.

I set max power to 20 for my last test run (there were people waiting behind me and i didnt want to hog it). Generally what power should it be at for engraving on wood? If i remember correctly the power was 20 and the speed was 200.

5:57 PM

Any ideas why would it be putting my text backwards? The text lines and lines in my image are separately marked lines. I even flipped my text on the last test run and it still printed it backwards

It really depends on a lot of factors so I don't have good numbers for you. If it's cutting through just keep going lower power power and higher speed. There's also a 'pierce' or 'cut through' option to uncheck when you're doing engravings.

5:58 PM

And no, I don't really use your workflow so I have no idea why it would do that, it sounds like something in the design but I really don't know

Ya thats probably something i need to find in lightburn, the only options for lines (aside from power and speed) i could find were "line and fill", but it didnt specify if it was a cutting line, or etching lines. Im going to mess around with it to remove some other lines anyways because it kept stacking the laser over places it had already been, so hopefully i can find something out when i do that.

Is it accurate that only big thunder is operational at the moment?

It is. Hopefully that changes tonight or tomorrow. Just trying to find a few feet of din rail and a bigger cabinet to put the ventilation control stuff, then blitzen should be up.

1

8:26 AM

Donner needs some electrical tape on the tube or something (high voltage electrode arcs to the chassis), then it'll be good.

2

8:27 AM

Fusion is running, but we're starting the train the trainer next week. Zing is still a week or two away on account of the new HEPA filter for it.

Tanner's probably has some silicone sleaving or corona dope to help with arcing. I have had good luck with the self sealing rubber tape.

Oh yeah that like super thick rubber tape might be a good choice. I'll see if I can find any. Getting to Tanner's during the week is a problem for me.

I'll be around tonight if you want help.

second on the corona dope. It's made to form a conformal coating with on HV equipment. It's on their MG Chemicals shelf.

I may be able to get there before they close today. Hopefully they'll still have stuff.

That'd be awesome. Not sure if they do enclosures but if they have a 16"x16"x6" enclosure I would be really greatful. Just fill out a reimbursement form and I can sign off on anything you manage to pick up.

I want to do some work leather using the laser. Last time I tried it, it fried the leather bad. I heard there is a mythical laser settings book that floats around to help you figure out your settings. Anyone know where this book is hidden and/or know some good settings for cutting/rastering on leather?

Specifically though the book is floating around. I think most paper stuff got put in a white box on the back table for the moment. Could also check the top drawer of the wood topped cabinet by fusion.

I always feel so nosey and guilty digging through drawers, lol. I'll look around for it.

I ended up at tanner's cleaning out some Wihas. I snagged a bottle of the Corona dope whilst at it (also they have 100' rolls of 1" 3M brand heat shrink for $12)

12:26 PM

So naturally I bought 2 :P

Also for laser, we should have a new monitor for blitzen and a 16 port Ethernet switch to out on the wall in place of the current one (it's the one Jim suggested)

3:40 PM

Lol where is that?

A school robotics lab

3:46 PM

I won't out them

3:46 PM

But damn

@hon1nbo (k/j/t) exsilium did you see if they have enclosures?

They had various ones I recall offhand but wasn't a focus of mine. They usually have a lot and their stock seems alright

I called and they don't have anything that big

Yep, I just saw that, lol.

5:15 PM

Just use a tupperware box ;)

I'll be in today, it'll probably get screwed to a piece of plywood with a giant temporary sign while I get a box from Grainger next week.

I'm helping metal shop for a bit today, but can hop over if you need help

Put some of the Corona dope on the crack in Donner but we might have upset the gas mix enough that it's not lasing anymore.

5:43 PM

Have to check if we have a new tube in 102 otherwise order 2 from china

5:49 PM

And the tale of the missing switch was solved, it won't be here until Tuesday

Hey has anyone seen John Gorman using the new laser recently? I'm worried he's going to try and teach a class tomorrow on a laser he hasnt been trained on or used...

which event leads you to believe that?

Hide yo keys

never mind

11:19 PM

i see it

11:19 PM

i'm blind af

He's got full classes on the calendar lol

wow

11:19 PM

thats most interesting

11:20 PM

i'm guessing that he things since he's taught the zing its the same?

As for not using it... I didn't tell him how to turn it on

11:20 PM

Not close enough to be the same class

if there has been no training why would he think it would be ok?

11:22 PM

sounds like a reason for lockout tagout

I dont think anyone knows the way he thinks we'll enough

especially if there has never been any training developed or approved

I was actually wondering that. I figured you had cleared it...

11:59 PM

Very curious

@michaelb Well if they're on the calendar it sounds like I need to cancel them

‍♀️

I just double checked and it looks like he hasn't logged into the computer for the fusion.

12:26 AM

So, not having used the laser, with no established ciriculum (none that I've seen), without the decided on prereq (Zing users first), and before any sort of 'train the trainer' type class... I'm not ok with him teaching this

2

cancelling them

2

@hon1nbo (k/j/t) exsilium I'm going to send him and admin an email, but yeah the classes need to come down. Hes had student pay him personally in advance so I'm expecting this to cause upsetp

ueaj

12:38 AM

**yeah

12:38 AM

well they're cancelled. He had three up for the fusion

Yup. I emailed him and admin about it.

12:39 AM

I have both keys to the laser.

Should probably copy one and get it in the finance office

Yup, not a bad plan.

Our laser didn't go down but that's exactly what would happen to the printers when any class had a project due at the University lab (edited)

2

Badasses

Getting closer. Needs to be programmed and then hung. Then we'll have moar lazer.

And less potential fire

Less excitement you mean

Made a little more progress, mounted, cable run into dampers, hooked up to lasers/blower but had some issues programming. It didn't want to pick up the IO modules or something. I reverted it back to big thunder only and will be back tomorrow to troubleshoot the software and possibly hook up the dampers (need really tiny wire nuts, 18ga)

1

what kind of microcontroller did you go with?

It's a P1AM Arduino based PLC from automation direct

Sweet. Would butt connectors work? I can bring my nice ones in tomorrow.

Hehehe

is it going to be based on the output from the thunder laser outlet like it was before to know the damper should open?

Anything for 18ga but the damper wires are super short. Soldering is also an option

12:05 AM

And yeah, so the box is setup with three male IEC cables, each one corresponds to a digital input on the 8ch 24v AC/DC input module (there's a relay in between).

12:05 AM

So there's 4 outputs, one blower, and three dampers. It should just see one input go high, open the corresponding damper and turn on the blower

12:06 AM

If another goes high at the same time open the new damper. When it goes low, delay a few seconds and close the damper and if all are low turn off the blower.

whoot! go laser

Hey if anyone is at the space can someone put a sign on the lasers that they're down for maintenance between 8-10? Like to give people notice before kicking them off

Thanks to whoever put the signs.

11:58 PM

As expected, enabling the Arduino serial terminal kicked off the PLC stuff, so turning that off fixed it. The code is really basic at the moment just does damper control and blower on/off. No timing, reporting, or delays (beyond what's already in the laser.

11:59 PM

The dampers are super slow (15sec to actuate in some cases) so we might want to switch to blast gates when we move.

they must be very geared down

Next up is mounting the blower switch for fusion so it can't fall, then running the new Ethernet switch and cables, cleaning up wiring, moving long term committee storage to the fusion crate in 102, replacing donners tube (need to order) and by then zing filter should have arrived and be ready for cart-ification.

12:03 AM

They are. And there's a ton of slop so the motor can move for a few seconds before it even begins to actuate.

I think you accidentally misspelled "next month" as "when we move"

I'm not opposed. Just haven't looked into powered 6" blast gates. They might be pricey enough that we should roll our own.

Last I looked its hard to find them online, not sure of retailer for the pneumatic ones woodshop ordered. https://shop.ivacswitch.com/products/ivac-pro-6-metal-blast-gate-made-to-order

iVAC Pro 6" Metal Blast Gate

Electrically driven 6" Metal Automatic Blast Gate. Installed between the dust exhaust of a power tool and the main dust collector ducting. Includes metal 6″ diameter blast gate and approved power supply. For detailed information, visit: http://ivacswitch.com/ivac-pro-blast-gat...

Think woodshop bought from nordfab?

look similar

https://www.nordfab.com/en/Products/QF-Ducting/Blast-Gates/SBAS-Automatic-Damper

12:09 AM

Haven't looked at woodshop but I remember their ducting is nordfab (the quick clamp rings to connect pieces is the tell)

I would guess in the 500 dollar each range for those, but unlikely to find prices online

12:11 AM

3245-0600-1000006" AUTO BLAST GATE, GALVANIZED STEEL A=20.50" B=8.66" C=5.25" D=7.00"$1039.20

Even at $250 I'm willing to consider rolling our own thats a lot more expensive than these dampers were.

12:12 AM

And wow that's crazy.

extra feature to add before its even fully implemented, pressure sensor on laser side so controller can sound an alarm if either the blower doesn't start or damper doesn't open

Seems like a good idea

the 6" gates are about $20-$30, piston is about 30, pneumatic solenoid is about 25

12:27 AM

easy to make and work like a dream

12:27 AM

design is similar to this guy

12:29 AM

http://www.nmpproducts.com/exhaust.htm

pneumatic solenoid ... sounds suspiciously like the "control air" concept from early HVAC systems

Is laser still looking for a wait list or way to que up?

To replace the magnetic whiteboard strips?

11:08 AM

I like the simplicity of the strips, no documentation, training, or maintenance needed. The only thing people complain about is that they can't see how long the queue is from the camera page.

Waaaah

11:09 AM

Next they will be upset they can't sign up on the queue from home

I wouldn't be opposed to an additional camera right in front of the queue, or something along those lines.

It wouldn't change the fact that unless you live 5 minutes away there's a good chance someone else can sign up in front of you with a much larger job

1

https://waitwhile.com/pricing/

Waitwhile - The World's Smartest Free Waitlist app

Waitwhile™ is a smart Waitlist & Scheduling app. Improve your wait times and notify guests with SMS/Email. Create a free waitlist in 3 min!

11:39 AM

Look at this and see if it can help

No wait currently

1

Good luck getting in though

I didnt have a problem the other day. Got all the laser cutting I needed done.

12:54 PM

Oh wait... I didn't need any laser cutting done....

Have laser cutter at home but no materials unless you count cereal boxes.

I've got some designs for tri-ply I need to cut eventually ... which I'm sure is a good description the pace at which a K40 cuts 5mm plywood

Overclock it!

https://cohesion3d.com/shop/controllers/cohesion3d-laserboard/

Brian Bell

Cohesion3D LaserBoard - Cohesion3D

Cohesion3D LaserBoard is back in stock! Orders ship in 2-3 business days! Liberate your Laser Cutter to use better software, variable power for full grayscale engraving, and Z Table/ Rotary capability. The all-new Cohesion3D LaserBoard can be dropped into the K40 Laser Cutte...

5:06 PM

here you go

Gray scale??! That's awesome

yeah it really changes the K40

5:12 PM

and can use lightburn

5:12 PM

I wish I had a K40 but honestly I wouldn't use it as much as having a small desktop CNC router

You probably need something like a Mendel90 with a retrofit

Hell no

Hahaha

I have a K40 and the cohesion 3D made it usable. I have not implemented some of the advanced features like a camera. (edited)

I've thought it might be cool for DMS to buy a K40, and then document/stream/blog a full upgrade for it, then sell it off.

We've talked out that. I really like the idea, the limiting factor I know of was floor space and someone willing to head the project.

7:29 PM

Last I remember we kinda said 'that would be cool once we move' and of course that's taken longer than we thought

Yep

7:36 PM

I don't know about solo heading it up, but I'd be willing to share that lead of such a project

someone at OU is looking for advice on thunder lasers for a student group (they use Epilog and Universal currently, but they want a large format machine like ours and don't think they can justify the budget for one of those vendors at that size)

11:29 AM

I CC'd @michaelb and the laser@ mailing list

Oh shit I was supposed to reply to that.

lawl

I'll get it when im back home. It's basically yes, but be ready to be your own tech support because thunder laser won't talk to you.

Welp blitzens tube was leaking today. So that's 2 tubes with issues at the moment and no spares. Wohooooo

9:30 PM

Bliten might be able to be fixed. Same problem donner had with water leaking from the exit mirror

9:30 PM

Might try and solder it this time

Is that what it was? I just remember the tube letting the magic lightning out.

Ohhhh so magic lightning tube is like 4 months old. The tube before that had a leak

Ah

I forgot there was a tube in between for a second. We should probably switch brands lol

Or just have a recurring order for replacements

Ahh yes the makerspace way of course

Makerspace? I'm pretty sure every business I've ever worked with has done "thow more of x at it" as their go-to solution

9:38 PM

Usually people or servers

Man I wish my employer would throw people at problems.

9:41 PM

Honestly though if they were cheap that'd be the answer, but at $1k a piece, 4 months is really not long enough imho

Good news, for the first time in like a lot of months, all the lasers have power, CO2, air assist, chillers, and automatically controlled ventilation. Even though 2 aren't actually working at the moment. Gotta fix the power to the air solenoid on blitzen and of course the two tubes. Then it's computers, networking, and cleaning.

Good job! And thanks

Nice! https://media.tenor.com/images/32e438131b328e62f4deee9d8cf917fd/tenor.gif

Thanks, @michaelb !

Flex seal won't fix the leaky tubes?

Jb weld didn't

How do they break?

Shouldn't be hard to solder it up.

12:05 PM

There's a brass donut to cool the exit mirror it's capped by a brass ring that's pressed in over time it goes loose and water leaks through the gap

If there are any tubes that are no longer salvageable can we donate one to science? Always wanted to build a CO2 laser and Airgas now has a laser gas mix for sealed tubes. Be interesting to try. Science already has the vacuum pumps and power supplies capable of running a tube. If not I have laser stuff to donate for such a project.

We've got two I believe. I think it's one with a cracked mirror and another with a leak.

12:26 PM

I'm going to try and fix the leaky one (in addition to the leaky one in blitzen) but the cracked mirror could be used. I think it was running just massively reduced power when it came out

12:27 PM

Oh, and the 4th dead tube, currently in donner, could also be donated but I think it might have a crack in the glass tube so not sure if it's useable.

I have a couple of 35w RF tubes one is watercooled and the other is aircooled. They can used those if they want for some death ray

firing those will be much more interesting than firing the glass tubes!

interested in testing refilling a sealed tube. I have a ceramic RF tube that needs to be regassed. It was used on an assembly line that did dot matrix style dots on products as they went by on an assembly line. They had 7 tubes arranged vertically and they pulsed the tubes as they stuff went by.

death ray @Lampy (Ken Purcell)

5:02 PM

Hey hey we can't be using that language around science. It starts rumors and next thing i know, im getting questioned

1

Will that table pass the stand on it test?

Probably but I didn't try it. Only temporary

Ok yeah hate the folding table

How much was that filter?

That's not a folding table

1

Does this mean that DMS has the ability to use the Zing for PR and off site demos/classes?

1:29 PM

I think michaelb has me ignored .. can someone else ask?

When is auto moving? Could shift walkway to door and laser could claim 4 or 5 feet more depth

Auto isn't moving any time soon

@Draco only have you ignored in politics and off topic lol Not yet on the zing.

Thanks

@themitch22 filter price is on the wiki. I think ~$1200, we approved $2k to include the UPS, air compressor, and a cart that will get put together eventually.

I think it would get alot of people into the space when people see what they can do ... I still meet people that haven't heard of DMS

are you trying to talk people into making the zing a demo piece?

6:27 PM

because you are way late

No not specific to the Zing ... just something we can take out

6:33 PM

and showcase

6:34 PM

I think it would be brilliant to make something custom that the public can take with them that has our web address on it

like i said, way late

What am I missing?

6:42 PM

Are we already doing that? If so .. great .. I didn't know

thats what it was all bought for

ITT: We learn why laser spent $2k on zing.

I knew it was an option but last I knew it was just being used in house.

But you're not far off, it'll be a while before we let it out of the building. Traveling with the laser is difficult and prone to damage, misalignment, and probably other things we don't know about yet. Zing is by far our best option for a travel unit but we need to get a solid something together to hold all the pieces, protect them, and keep them together. Then we need to make sure its good enough to survive the space before we try putting it in cars and going over speed bumps and potholes. It'll be a while.

nods ... ok cool

Never saw more than 70% capacity on the UPS, should give 10ish minutes of backup even at full power. Can't run the blower because of the motor start current but combined at the outlet it's less than 15A max.

6:42 PM

The air assist is weak, so the dual pump airbrush compressor would be a good idea, but the exhaust is plenty of flow and can be dialed down for some jobs.

the fun part of inductive loads

I think this is about enough space under the table for scrap storage.

Who thinks this is actually usable scrap

12:24 PM

Should dedicate like 10 minutes of the classes to making sure people know what to toss

If there is a scrap area people assume they can put anything there so they don't have to carry it to dumpster

Yeah that looks a lot like the stuff I cleaned off the back table last night.

12:26 PM

The argument is usually 'oh I'll be able to use a small piece of it to test my settings' and some people are good about breaking off the useless bits.

If that's the argument they should be cutting the bad parts off

But enough people just leave sheets of trash that it's not worth it. Anyways, how often is there scrap that's exactly what you're cutting lol

My suggestion would be no scrap but stock cardboard for free usage, but I'm not implementing anything so suggestion isn't worth anything

Yeah I talked to machine shop about taking all their extra cardboard at one point. Not sure what happened to it

I think combination scrap freebie shelf

They have probably 12 4x8 sheets even after laying out their space.

Then committees don't have to dedicate space to it and all the "free" stuff is in one place

I like it. Especially tiny committees like laser

12:32 PM

that filled all their space with... lasers...

12:32 PM

what a stupid decision

New rule no napping in the lasers.

Damn big thunder always made a great hiding spot

lol

Is old big thunder still sitting around?

Yup it's back in the warehouse still. We've talked about sending it to auction but that hasn't happened yet

there's useful material in those sheets, but ~6x6 looks to be the largest chunks one could harvest

@michaelb Tim was asking committees who wanted all their cardboard the other day

Sweet. I saw 55 gallon drum and my brain turned off.

I've only got tonight before I leave town for the week, anyone want to meet up and try to solder the leak shut on one one of those broken laser tubes?

Going to solder or epoxy it?

We've tried JB Weld in the past and it didn't work. It's clean brass so solder seemed like a better solution

I have some low temp alloy but I think it is low enough that it would melt from hot water.

The brass needs to be above a certain temp for solder to wet to it anyways.

Since they opened today, just checking, are all the lasers up and running or just thunder?

Big Thunder and Zing are up. The other two have broken tubes at the moment.

2

@pearce how long did that take?

God

6:05 PM

Time for a "not a dumpster" sign

6:05 PM

Or we pin that one to the wall with a sign that says "trash not scrap"

Can we have a waiver to put someone's hand in and laser that on them?

Alright, well I don't have the patience to solder that tube in place with a 70W iron. Sounds like it needs a less electronics based approach and a more jewelery focused one. Gotta find someone else for that....

1

got propane or mapp gas torch if you want. Jewelry probably has much more controlled tools.

It's honestly a skill thing, I'm very concerned I'll crack the mirror with a torch. Was comfortable with the electric iron.

Very interested in learning / getting cert for any of the lasers if possible. I will buy you lunch or something like that. And am available at any time :) ty ty sry if spam (edited)

12:31 PM

Gee I wonder why Donner's tube was arcing out (edited)

12:32 PM

Superglued one of the leaky tubes and later today we'll see if the cyanoacrylate idea holds water

Alright superglue doesn't work. So no jb weld, no superglue, and Johnny didn't think it could be soldered without issues...

Duct tape?

I think the next step is low temp solder and see if it'll wet. Charles seems to think it will. @Lampy (Ken Purcell) is that offer still on the table?

9:02 PM

Oh or better yet, found a brand new tube in old thunder.... That was unexpected

2

(How is there no "ftw" emoji?)

What would that look like

9:16 PM

Gif keyboard works for it too

Check again tomorrow, maybe another will appear

9:37 PM

surely an artistic soul could do better...

Sure it is available but saw some cerabend alloy on top of the yellow cabinet in the old jewelry area.

Alright, scratch everything. The brass broke in half while removing a tube. New theory is a corrosion issue.

1:22 AM

Used to be a barb where that hole is

Time for regular tap water and biocides?

Maybe not biocides but some anti corrosion agent yeah

1:23 AM

Or both. Mayhems X1 anyone?

what about just some automotive coolant?

Booooo

1:23 AM

But yeah

1:24 AM

Gotta find one that won't go bad with the laser light

1:24 AM

Or uv or w/e it gets exposed too

Looks like anything with glycol is too conductive to be near the tube. Some sources say a biocide and a surfactant in distilled. So distilled, dish soap, and some biocide from a pet store (aquariums) it is. I'll leave big thunder alone and we'll see what happens.

I use that verry mix in my two lasers but I have very few hours of cutting time.

Blitzen is running just have to route the USB cable. Big Thunder had the air assist control fail so it's hot wired for now.

How'd it fail?

4:23 PM

The last big thunder had it's controller shorted because we had it wired into the blower system in a weird way too

Could be something like that. It's not closing the small relay in the cabinet. The relay is good so something in the wiring or the controller.

Ahh the joys of laser maintenance. Like trying to flush the tube and instead spraying vinegar all over your clothes.

Fun!

Found a splitter so big thunder is running, air assist driven off blower output. (edited)

Oh and some ultra blue rtv seemed to stem the leak in donner pretty well. I'll check on it in a few hours and see if it's good enough

Blitzed is turned on and there is a computer attached; is it up and working now?

3:07 PM

I don’t hear the air on it is why I ask.

What do you mean by that?

3:08 PM

Like, you're trying to cut and the air doesn't turn on?

3:09 PM

Yes, it was working last night. But we've had issues with air assist recently so I'm a bit sensitive to it. 2 cracked lenses in the past week.

No, just the generic hun when opening the lid

Ohhh

If the doesn’t run while laser it I’ll stop

In the past, if someone was running big thunder you'd get that noise because the exhausts were connected directly together.

Ohhh! Makes sense

We've got some automatic valves in place now so it won't make that noise anymore, just make sure the blower and air assist turn on when you start cutting.

It’s working great

Sweet. Someone else had USB issues, glad it worked for you.

Does the chair use discord?

Nah, it mostly just sits there.

1

Yeah u guys make that joke a llt

8:32 PM

Lot*

Well, @michaelb also just sits there too.

1

Lol

8:33 PM

It's hard to know if names match people. And I don't Wana go around accusing people of being someone haha Thanks.

@laser chair just sits there and wonders why his car has a gas tank strapped to the front bumper

Not sure if the chair is in here tbh

Also, my car hasn't ever had a gas tank strapped to the front of it.

10:13 PM

My truck on the other hand...

Why are you me, now?

10:13 PM

I'm very confused

I thought we were doing names that didn't match people

10:30 PM

Oh well

I mean, we can

10:32 PM

I've been drinking wine, and got very confused and thought I was talking to myself

wohoo.

@Skyspook he was just applying for the job as your evil twin.

Two of me would be pretty scary

I can think of worse

Is there any way to fix the connection issue with the middle laser cutter ? Did a power cycle on both laser and the computer as well as fiddle with the USB cable but never got it to connect. I know it works sometimes though.

Yeah it's very finicky, I really don't know of a solid way to get it working at the moment. Plan is to go to an active extension like big thunder is on and maybe that'll help.

juts keep retrying

Did we try replacing the USB cables? Other option is putting the lasers on the network

lasers on the DMS network probably not a good plan as much playing around as some of our members do with port scanning and the like. Isolated segment with a gateway between the DMS network and the lasers, perhaps.

It's not like you have to restart every time

8:19 AM

Just hit re-send and I usually works within 3-5 tries and then stays connected for the time you are using it

Yes, tried a few different USB cables. That's why I'd like to go to the active one. It seems to have worked for big thunder.

8:20 AM

Rather not throw them on the network just to avoid the retraining and hassle if someone sends a job to the wrong laser. I don't believe we get an interface like octoprint with these machines.

Gotcha thanks. Yeah retrying did not work in my experience

Is it software issues, and not hardware with a bad plug/socket?

It affects all the thunder lasers. Problem with the USB connection. Plugging/unplugging often resets the connection. I suspect the board Thunder uses.

It happens to the thunder at polyprinter, I use USB connection

2:31 PM

When I plug in my laptop the first time, it will either say connection failed, or work. Retry a couple times and it works and stays connected

physical port worn out?

Lol

Gotcha I'll give that a try

12:23 PM

The big laser is double cutting or sorta out of focus but I'm not sure how to trouble shoot lose or dirty mirros

12:24 PM

So I'm trying to get other one to connect . Only annoys me cause I watch people use it all day lol!

You can check the lens by disconnecting the air assist line and dropping the whole tube out of the laser. Unscrew the cone at the end of the tube and look through it. Lens may be cracked or dirty. Just make sure the air assist is reconnected when you put it all back.

12:29 PM

If you're brave just look up a few YouTube videos on cleaning and go for it, supplies are in the upper silver cabinet by metal shop. If it's not dirty it's an alignment issue and that takes a lot more time to realign.

I wouldn't mind printing on usb on the smaller but I can't get it to read a file

12:31 PM

I think it might be alignment cause it seems location dependent

12:31 PM

I'll look into it some mkre and get back to you

12:31 PM

More*

12:32 PM

Like left side prints better than middle or right

Oh yeah location dependent sounds like alignment. Left side is closer to the source so it's less sensitive to alignment issues

If you get time at some point or anyone else lmk and I'd be down to help / learn for future issues

I need to get some videos up on this stuff. It's on my list but Fusion is mostly useless for people and Donner is an asshole so it's been pushed down.

12:34 PM

I'll let you know if I head up some evening to check. Probably tonight or tomorrow after 6?

Sounds good

Double lines are alignment issues. I believe the laser is bouncing inside the cone. Prob most likely on the mirror above the lens. It's the hardest to adjust

We've seen double lines due to a cracked lens several times.

Oh that's interesting!

The lens is most likely to crack right where the laser passes through, so it can cause any number of issues with the beam depending on exactly how the crack forms. Two weeks ago was the most recent example, and replacing the lens fixed the double lines

1

@chocolate lasagna and anyone else, I'll be up at the space before meet the candidates tonight (6:30ish) to check blitzen and thunder, willing to show anyone who's there what's up in regards to maintenance.

I'm about to go run and get some hardware before store closes. Should be back shortly

Big Thunder was realigned. Since fixing the air assist, done more realignments than lens cleanings.

8:41 PM

Someone came in to cut leather and you could watch the exhaust stream straight back and out, it was wonderful. And the door is notably harder to open with the blower running. I am happy.

1

2

Awesome.

don't you love when a plan comes together?

Laser Election Saturday 7/25 in person and on Google meet!

Laser has a culture of 'don't fix the lasers (if you haven't been specifically trained)' is more accurate.

12:26 PM

Which is great and all, but it has its own issues.

12:27 PM

Like a couple weeks ago when big thunder ran with a cracked lens for 4 days. Someone made a report on talk, 'hey its cutting double lines', and I mentioned it likely had a cracked lens but wouldn't be around to fix it. Well, the laser sat for 4 days because (imho) perfectly competent people are too afraid to touch it. Until one of our commercial users came by and replaced the lens.

12:28 PM

And it's frustrating to me, because there are tons of people who really want to help and the culture surrounding the system stops them from doing so.

It's a tough balancing act for sure. The fear is overconfident and underskilled don't know what they don't know and and up making the situation worse. How likely that is to happen I don't have a feel for, but then I'm underconfident

It's absolutely a balancing act. And I know my argument in 3D fab is certainly swinging all the way to the far side.

12:31 PM

But the extreme opposite buts a lot of pressure on the committee to both fix things and train people to use the lasers. And I'm here with, broken lasers, untrained members, and a ton of people who want to help, but no time to actually train them

12:32 PM

So now there's willing volunteers, problems to fix, and a cultural barrier standing between them. We'll get through it, and I'm sure it'll work out, it's just frustrating in the mean time.

I guess the annoying part on balancing acts is you only know you're way out of balance when a fall occurs

1

We'll get through it. Been trying to work my way through manuals so I can help out a bit. I'm sure others will as well

You seems to be doing a good job from my POV FWIW.

@michaelb has worked his butt off for Laser. Lucky to have him.

4

Looks like the lousy wifi over at 3d ate my responses - long story short, I see the 3D scanner issue as a very narrow one, due specifically to its unique nature in a committee for whom the majority of other equipment is 1) commodity priced and 2) easily field repairable. I wouldn't (and actively haven't, the Rostock being a recent example) advocated that sort of restriction for anything else in 3D Fab.

12:42 PM

Responses still filtering in, and I'm catching up - like I said in the other thread, I certainly meant no offense. I actually meant what I was saying as a compliment, and don't know how I screwed that up that badly that it came across as the opposite but I regret that it did.

we've probably got a lot more training, maintenance, usage documentation than the casual user can easily find, but I suspect a lot of it is not on the wiki or other DMS platforms

also FWIW, 4 days of downtime on one laser is certainly a much better SLA than people could expect at certain times in our past, and IMO not a huge amount of downtime.

^^^ true that - at the same time, though, I'd say it's hard to fault striving to maintain an even higher standard :)

having done a moderate amount of technical writing during my career I find the absence of technical documentation a bit distressing, but on the other hand I simply lack the energy to do more of it myself

striving to maintain higher standards without affecting your health or burnout rate is...well, you know...

️

1

my most recent Talk post being evidence of this

Are all 3 thunder lasers up? Looking at the camera I don’t see signs on any of them but I recall @michaelb saying that donner is being a bitch

Big Thunder and blitzen are up

8:45 PM

Donner's getting a new tube but we don't have any so it'll be a while

Got it. Thanks!

Well, correction, apparently they're all down now. Must've been a pretty bad air leak but the entire old air system got shut down...

Ugh. Lovely

I'm confused why they keep saying old air system

5:51 AM

There's no separated one?

5:52 AM

So it's the whole system

Im pretty sure it's old plumbing vs new. All the steel pipe Tim ran a while back.

But its all the same source

Right but they installed some valves so the old plumbing can be isolated iirc

6:40 AM

On talk Charles mentioned that when he had the old system connected both compressors could only manage 55psi. Turning off the older plumbing seemed to fix the issue.

Interesting

@michaelb I see the compressor issue is resolved. I can head to the space and remove the signs if we are set to use the lasers

Yup sounds like a plan.

Fusion does some cool stuff

nice

CRC Dry Moly Lube, (Net Weight: 11 oz.) 16 oz Aerosol Can, Dark Gray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013J62P4/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_4dwdFbEM612XQ

2:40 AM

Next up for the fusion to try: apparently this dry lube is a great alternative to Cermark at about 1/10 the cost

that would be cool

I ordered a can to try

11:02 AM

reviews on amazon are pretty good (for people buying it for lasering, and algorithms had already been recommending it for me). The photos shown seem a little faded but for $10 I can try settings to see what makes better results. It's cheap enough I'd like to see us providing it again

Not throwing shade, but a permissive explanation that although it's an aerosol, it's not beholden to the paint fiasco, etc. Might be a good idea

oh the city already explained that to Rich

11:25 AM

so the Paint fiasco and rules from the city's environmental group only apply to decorative paint. It doesn't apply to industrial processes, things like applying a spray sealant, etc. It's a rule that applies to business that try to do high-volume painting with VOCs such as spray paint which is not by law supposed to be used in such quantities commercially Businesses would say "oh it's just this amount" but would hide it, so the city passed the rule because of abuse of the amounts allowed (edited)

11:25 AM

outside of a paint booth

11:27 AM

in the case of things like Cermark, it's an industrial process versus just getting around the right type of paint / application processes. Rich may have a better way of explaining it

11:27 AM

but I've already talked with him about it

11:27 AM

I think "colour" was actually in the definition from the City on what they were concerned with

I think you're gonna need to cite sources on this. I'm not sure we've ever got a a clear picture on the spray paint prohibition, much less these types of exceptions to it.

11:30 AM

To be clear- I'm not saying you're wrong- just that I want to read where this comes from.

I'll follow up with Rich on it

11:38 AM

if we're to provide / allow it sprayed on-prem. For my own purposes in the time being I'll spray it at home then bring it in. As a side note though, the replacement substitute that was found is a dry-lubricant that's already used on machinery and other cases but happens to work well for the same purposes as Cermark since it forms the chemical reaction required and still washes off without solvents

11:39 AM

(I'd also thumbs up your "cite sources" since I intended to follow up with Rich anyway since he informed me originally when we talked about it, but I'm still not allowed to do that :P)

2

never used cermark but I've tried dry moly and it was disappointing

12:42 PM

this is another fairly cheap option that was better https://brilliancelaserinks.com/

Brilliance Laser Marking Inks

Laser, Spray, laser spray, laser marking, CO2 laser marking, printing, hot stamping, pad printing, ink jetting, Powder, Laser marking powder, additives, masterbatch, colorants, plastic laser marking, laser marking additives, animal tags, security seals, wire and cable marking,...

yeah that's what I was going to get until I saw this. I figure for $10 worth a try. Even if not good enough for artistic use, if I can get a readable mark for just asset tagging and mechanical needs it's already an improvement

How do you compensate (if able) for round objects like a cylinder on the laser?

For a Cylinder you'd use the rotary if possible

1

@chocolate lasagna if you're trained on the thunders I can teach you the Epilog

6:01 PM

the rotary tool for it is really nice

7:47 PM

2020 Themed Shooters

6

Just read article about prospect of a busy hurricane season, potentially creating a covicane (edited)

I think I need one of those

That shot glass needs to be bigger.

Just read article about prospect of a busy hurricane season, potentially creating a covicane

@AGr i see you and i read the same article

Yea, I'm gonna have to try some custom shot glasses, @hon1nbo (k/j/t) exsilium Thanks for adding yet another project to my todo list!

Walked in to see all three lasers being used tonight, this is awesome!

1

Just need to get more tubes and make it 4 (socially distant, of course)

Also, I'm not sure if other people are getting there first but big thunders lens hasn't needed cleaning nearly as much as it used to

8:38 PM

Yup! We'll approve a pair of tubes Saturday. I may have caused some confusion in science that resulted in a spare tube, so we might even have a refurb in the interim

3

Bed bath and beyond has all these vacuum walled containers and metal water bottles on sale. Great for rotary lasting gifts

12:58 PM

1

We got that rolling pin stamp engraved last night, that should be interesting as well

1:05 PM

And to announce it here, there's some unexpected behavior with the autofocus probe, it's focusing a bit too high.

1:05 PM

manual focus or thickness mode seem to give the best results for nwo

I saw. Anything from them yet?

no, I'm really bad about remembering to actually do things

1:06 PM

so I just got gmail open to send the email

Lol. I do that all the time

1:07 PM

Manual focus isn't too hard

1:07 PM

But would be good to know what's up

Yup. Email Sent. I'm wondering if it's something like placing the focal point a little bit down to help with cutting thicker materials.

1:13 PM

We only tested with 1/8" acrylic.

1:14 PM

Also makes me wonder if we shouldn't just be teaching the 'thickness mode' where you tell it how thick the material is and it sets the Z automatically. That was the only option we had on our ULS machine. (edited)

I haven't taught it yet (want to play with it this weekend first) but I was going to do that and manual first. I just see the plunger as something that won't always work

1:16 PM

Weird shape stuff, etc

I'm leaning that way. especially since it seems to collect dirt and it rather delicate to clean.

It's a good idea, but I think I'd rather see a no touch version.

it's on a very light spring that's easy to stretch too far when cleaned. caught me off guard laser night but didn't seem to leave any permanent damage.

1:19 PM

it's their first try with autofocus, material compatibility is difficult (edited)

1:19 PM

you've got the spectrum of glass (no IR) and soft materials (no ultrasonic)

I was just typing that, lol

It's a fun problem

1:20 PM

But difficult

Turns out there's a focus calibration procedure buried in the user manual. Appendix C. Calibrate the laser focus, then calibrate the auto focus plunger to that.

4:09 PM

Gives me something to do this evening if the laser's freee

RTFM!

1

4:09 PM

hah. At least we know now?

Justin and I are on the meeting google wise

2:03 PM

@michaelb

You went away @michaelb

We only tested with 1/8" acrylic.

@michaelb ooh, is acrylic back on the OK list? ❤️

Apparently I either wrote down the wrong code or @michaelb gave me the wrong one, but I can't get into the box for the fusion key. Code works for the box that has the cabinet key though. Anybody help me out? (edited)

I don't believe acrylic has ever been on the do not cut list. It's one of the most common materials people use

1

12:29 PM

So everyone knows, it's the right code, but the box has been jamming up if the key falls off the hook.

Jammed good enough that I certainly can't get in. It was already half off the wall, and is a bit worse from my meddling. I'd remount it if I could get in

1:01 PM

Also the usb port on blitzen is definitely a problem

1:01 PM

Was just taking a look

I don't believe acrylic has ever been on the do not cut list. It's one of the most common materials people use

@michaelb you're absolutely right. I was mistaken. looked back at the Talk thread where I saw that; it was a year and a half ago, and somebody confused Plexiglas with PC. Thanks! Wish I'd realized that sooner

(edited)

6:24 PM

@michaelb I don't think this one could have run better

2

Wow!

6:25 PM

That turned out great

And the CRC Moly dry lube for stainless as a Cermark replacement is pretty effective

Nice! I like the way the purple turned into more of a blue that's really cool.

Yeah that was a super nice effect. 100s/30p with the grey scaling. Never did get the proper colour separation of processes to work

Need to figure that out at some point

For the stainless ran the CRC at 30s / 100p for the first pass and 10s /100p for the second pass. Will test if the latter settings work solo on another piece

More dry moly?

Most excellent results with CRC Moly dry lube using 100p/3s

10:48 PM

Yup

Nice

Doing some Sake cups right now

10:49 PM

Would be much better if they weren't white but it's a good ceramic test (edited)

10:49 PM

1

That could open up some interesting things

Kan? Same cup as 20s?

Kanpai And same settings, just I made one with the settings to leave in the laser area

1

Ah that makes more sense.

10:57 PM

Cute

I mean thats one way to disable air assist

Wohoooo. Gonna suggest it get marked as down until the tube is fixed

9:48 AM

How's the lens?

Ouch

Wait is big thunder not usable?

Well, with no air assist it'll kill the lens pretty quick

Ok so I will shut it down and leave a note

Yeah... could move the tube out of the way and tape it up, that might work.

Which ones have a usable tube

9:50 AM

I dont have any blue painters tape to patch it

There's electrical tape in the black cabinet next to the fusion. Top shelf

9:51 AM

Might work better than masking tape anyways.

9:51 AM

Long term.... I'll look at moving that cable track and everything back a little bit so the tube won't reach around front.

Looks like it works for now

10:01 AM

I use to have 6mm tubing and couplers for pneumatics

We probably have some in all the laser spare parts bins but it'd take some digging so this will work for now

Not that I'm already going to have my hands full here volunteering but if you need some simple laser stuff done I can help

10:23 AM

Huge improvement over the arrangement a year ago

10:23 AM

Quieter dust collection, the automatic turn on, etc

I can poke at it this weekend too. I promise I won't destroy it this time...

I need to actually use lightburn

It's much better than the other software

10:26 AM

I find, at least

oooopsies

For some reason I keep thinking "stop hitting yourself"

Hmm no communication to blitzen from rdworks or lightburn

Justin found it was a USB connector issue on the laser end. I never got a chance to move the cable from the external plug into the controller.

So try jiggling the connection?

Yeah pretty much

Yeah not happening big thunder it is

11:33 AM

Whats the com port supposed to show

Not sure really

It kind of just doesn't do anything

11:34 AM

Both apps lock up

11:34 AM

So we need a longer USB cable

11:35 AM

I can internally route it if that works tomorrow i don't have the key to open it

Should be a brand new USB cable in the common room, art picked it up off amazon on monday.

Ok ill look for it. The controller board is on the left side of the machine?

No, it's on the difficult (right) side

11:36 AM

part of why I didn't get a chance to do it.

So remove the extension port. Run the wire though the hole and into the right side cabinet

11:37 AM

Or replace the panel mount extension

I don't have a panel mount extension yet. It's on the list

They have etherner why don't we use it

Uhh... I've never tried tbh

Infrastructure's heads would 'splode lol

Nah, fusion is already running on ethernet

11:38 AM

but

11:39 AM

it's a completely seperate 'machine specific' vlan so it's not straightforward

May need to unplug the machine as well since the power switch is on that panel

Also lightburn probably doesn't have a way to connect to it over the network?

I'm not sure how the ethernet works in rdworks/lightburn, it would probably throw people off. And they might be able to send a job to the wrong laser?

It can do ethernet, just needs to be setup correctly... In a way we don't know yet :)

Is there an Octoprint for Chinese lasers

2

Another reason for me to script the machine config for LB

It auto adds the laser as a GRBL compatible machine

11:41 AM

But not sure if that's right

Oh, I know

11:41 AM

It's not

11:41 AM

Need to be Ruida

11:41 AM

I spent too much time figuring that out one day

Light burn supports Ruida

11:43 AM

But still no serial com

11:44 AM

Ethernet UDP?

Trying to setup the ethernet? That's probably it

No tried usb serial and packet both no go

normal is usb serial for the usb connection. Should show up as a COM port. It was Com 10 last I saw, but it can chnage

11:46 AM

If it's not showing up, the connection just needs to be worked on

@michaelb @Skyspook we sure Blitzen it's just a loose connector? I even tried setting up the Ethernet device controller at one point and, whilst the machine was visible to the PC, it still wouldn't accept downloads

No, but I did sit there and wiggle then laser-side connector and watched the com port come and go

Ok solution: create machine in Lightburn with Ruida firmware, then save file as .rd onto flash drive. Load flash drive on laser and copy to memory

11:49 AM

That seems to work

Though there may be more than one problem, or something may be wrong with the connection internally

11:50 AM

@themitch22 winner!

It definitely recognized com 10 when I plugged it in so thats it

11:51 AM

Ok it worked when I clicked start

11:52 AM

Interesting

11:52 AM

Don't think it's a com port issue just software being dumb

Send should upload the file now

11:52 AM

Well, you'd think, but there's just a lot of flakiness going on

11:53 AM

Yay

11:53 AM

Too late because the big thunder is almost done

Lol

Anyway hope Joe random user figures that out....

No, but I did sit there and wiggle then laser-side connector and watched the com port come and go

@Skyspook So the COM port was active when the downloads would still fail

Could be an issue with the interface board as well.

Rdworks just would sit and spin forever when I tried downloading my file. Lightburn had to have the right firmware Ruida and com 10, and I had to press the right buttons to have it show ready apparently

Shouldn't be that hard. Though I'm loathe to take it apart to check things until we have donner running again... Just in case

Thats a piece of cake compared to the polyprinter octoprints that will randomly disconnect constantly

I figured out some of that too, at least for .91

11:57 AM

Our usb cables just suck

Flash drives and SD cards, bring your own and just disconnect all tools here (except the multicam because why make that easy), done

Lol

We invest $1000 in monster/anker usb cables and lots of zipties and hot glue to protect them?

Nah, the problem is the usb standard wasn't originally designed for the number of inserts or physical strain we put them under

Kind of tried for the polyprinters I thought, i had the usb cables ziptied to the pi cases.

In .91's case, the cable to the internal control board is loose

12:00 PM

Couldn't tell if it was the cable or port

I could bypass the polyprinter panel extensions and do 90 degree micro usb to the pi

12:02 PM

I've never really had problems with usb connections but DMS is a special place

12:03 PM

I'm 100% for ethernet connections to machines but unless Polyprinter wants to retrofit Duet Ethernet boards on their printers, we stick with USB

Type A is only rated for 1500 insertions, mini is 5000

12:03 PM

How many curious people does it take to go over that? :)

I could pot the whole thing in epoxy

Lol. Do it

Or solder the usb directly

12:04 PM

I'm sure pearce would appreciate it

12:05 PM

The thunderlasers really have been reliable controller wise considering how much they are used and abused

May have just reached the lifetime of one, who knows?

12:05 PM

How old is blitzen?

1000s of lifetimes according to lore

12:06 PM

How many tubes old is Blitzen is the real question

They've both outlived old big thunder. I would love to keep them going long enough to make a solid argument for replacing both with a single fusion pro 48, but I'm not comfortable enough with the fusion and I don't think we're in a good spot financially to do it right now.

I'm happy to help keep them running. I think it's solvable, just needs a bit of love

Whats the iPad passcode

12:26 PM

Nope iPad is disabled

Can't just back out? Usually it's just someone tried to void out an order or something

12:26 PM

Ah

Can I IOU?

12:27 PM

no worries.

12:27 PM

thats... annoying

I'll just pay later today $12 1 hour.

12:28 PM

And 2 hours of messing with software and no burning all the way through the mdf

12:32 PM

Could have plasma cut this out of steel in 15 min lol

Lol. That'll teach you

Even the multicam even a simple job takes 3 hours

Maybe that's the trade off with community tools. Cost goes down, time to use goes up.

If i could paid to be unemoyed or retired I see the benefit

12:36 PM

This laser job was for work actually thsts even why im up before noon on a Friday

I'll be in this evening to do brake work on the truck. While it's cooling down I'll take a look at the USB cable and iPad.

I'll be there tonight battleboting

Oh I don't feel so bad you got paid for your frustrations

And tomorrow cnc routing and 3d fab meeting

12:37 PM

True but I have a large format printer to run today

12:38 PM

And now i know why dms doesn't have a large format printer those print heads need constant purging and cleanijg

Yupppp I've got a couple prints from a friend who would just run stuff in their plotter to keep the heads clean

Unless we want to have a BYO $500 print heads

12:39 PM

$8000 in my case

Cron job, send off some junk to the printer once a night. I believe if you keep it in use it doesn't get as bad.

12:39 PM

This was a head cleaning print

@themitch22 - Did you guys actually get to go film battlebots stuff before Covid nonsense hit?

Its been postponed to October

12:40 PM

Or so we are told

12:40 PM

We are prepping like we are going in October

That's the smart thing. Guess we'll find out

And driving to long Beach instead of flying. We get tested before and after and twice a week

12:41 PM

The pits are separated

12:41 PM

Cast and crew will probably be isolated too

12:42 PM

I need to lesrn the embroidery machine so we can make jackets

12:43 PM

Logan has been at dms welding the second frame

12:43 PM

We might need a third

12:43 PM

Test print for our banners

12:44 PM

Btw Sendcutsend.com I'm going to plug here because this is the laser chat

12:44 PM

Since our fiber laser is a pipedream their service is great

12:47 PM

Haha i should get a raycon nordvpn squarespace sponsorship nobody will want to talk to me as a sell out

lmao

12:48 PM

Though you could probably get them to sponsor you. They do everyone else

12:49 PM

I did like the gears and such I saw. If I have need for metal parts like that, they're on my list.

I want to make some project with metal just to try them out for thin stuff

ugh

2:47 PM

who messed with it

2:47 PM

i hate it when people keep punching buttons until they lock it out

https://youtu.be/WAI7Lu4UFi4

TheBackyardScientist

200 Watt car mounted laser!

Ohhhh so, death ray?

We can put it on the remote controlled car

Ohhh yeah!

Oh if the FDA or FAA see that his ass is toast.

I like the 'we checked the flight radar for 100 miles, we're ok' comment.

Funny enough that is the same type and power fiber laser that was in the Lisa Sinterit that was donated.

Oh nice! I think I found it on AliExpress for $1700, but it's a 910nm and I'm not sure how it would do in a cutting application. Takes as much cooling as a very high end desktop cpu as well.

@themitch22 Yo, you might know this

9:36 PM

How much ooomph is in a motor with a stall torque of 68 oz-in?

At least 5 ooomphs

10:40 PM

But really what are you looking for?

it's roughly 1/3 of a ft-lb...so...1/3 of a lb hanging off a 1 ft bar, or a 1 lb hanging off a 4-inch bar... I can't imagine that's helpful, though....

I heard a rumor that laser has historically avoided RECI for.... reasons. anyone know what those reasons are?

we used to get reci tubes with the full spectrum laser

9:29 PM

and they were trash

9:29 PM

they would test at way lower than rated power most of the time

and y'all blamed the tubes instead of the full spectrum

the tubes werent from FSL

?

we knew FSL was trash too

power supply?

had a few of those too

RECI was at one time known for having good metal/glass seals. Then went to shit.

https://www.lightobject.com/Laser-Tubes/High-power-GSI-260W-CO2-Sealed-Laser-Tube gotta squeeze one of these in and see how fast we can cut 1/8" plywood.

YES!

11:07 AM

This discussion mentions that GSI tubes are refillable https://www.cnczone.com/forums/general-laser-engraving-cutting-machine-discussion/174351-forum.html

I would actually be up for putting it in big thunder since it would be a good fit for the machine, but I somehow doubt I could pull off a $7k spend at the moment.

11:14 AM

Too much else going on.

If you are already spending $7k you can get a 500watt fiber for that. But you need a new head and that is another $1-2k.

given the current rate of metal shop going anywhere that may be worth it even if it's less than half the output power of our unit

Metal could sell the other one to help fund it? (edited)

11:48 AM

Also laser could sell their husk

Sell it or use it as an enclosure and motion system.

is the motion system on it good? If so can definitely use it for the metal shop unit

Wait, is this what you're doing instead of finding replacement tubes, @michaelb ?

(edited)

Apparently so

I approve. Carry on.

We get a bunch of Chinese UV laser diodes and fiber couple them, then make our own

Oh that would be an interesting beast. Only ever seen UV lasers used for PCB manufacturing

https://www.lightobject.com/Laser-Tubes/High-Quality-GSI-130W-CO2-Sealed-Laser-Tube New tubes.

Oooo, those look different

6:53 PM

And in the US no less

Looks refillable

Yeah, it's a 3rd brand, we've tried the other two (RECI and SPT) they offer. No output mirror cooling which has been the failure point for the last three tubes.

6:58 PM

It's allegedly refillable, as Ken said above, don't think we could do it ourselves though. Also we haven't had a tube go bad in that manner since I've been here. It's just been mirrors cracking and leaky waterblocks.

7:01 PM

Also, kid you not, our recent replacement tubes have shipped from a quilt shop in Whitehouse TX called 'lone star laser co'. Apparently they're the thunder laser people around here.

huh

Lastly, it looks like that 260W tube I posted will fit in big thunder.

Thunder is based in quitman tx for the local distributor

7:04 PM

They probably drop shipped the tubes from lone star

My favorite part was that it's a quilt shop

Repaired tube somehow works. Gotta reglue the output cooler on it and install it properly.

Neat!

7:25 PM

Unless it blows up again

7:25 PM

I never asked, do we have a power meter for testing the tubes?

Well we still approved the purchase for new ones so we'll have a spare. The repaired one is an OG thunder tube which seem to hold up slightly better than the replacements we were buying.

7:28 PM

The glorified thermometer is usually in the gladiator cabinet in one of the larger clear/green bins.

Looks more meat thermometer than photon measurer

It is in fact a thermometer

7:32 PM

But it works

Just a calibrated one with a known absorption, I would assume

'works' it would be fun to send it out to be recalibrated but yeah it gives approximately the measurements we expect.

7:35 PM

I would love to make it a weekly or more thing to run as an indicator for tube life, optics alignment and stuff, but we rarely pull it out as is.

It only takes 20 seconds to do it

7:37 PM

But the backs need to be a bit more accessible

Nah you can run the power measurements from the bed as well, it's a fun way to determine if you're clipping the beam or have dirty optics.

7:53 PM

I don't trust the actual watt number to begin with, I'm more interested in how it changes over time.

Graphing over time shows tube decline. The interim jumps up/down does help with knowing we need to do alignment checks.

Tube installed, reglued. When the glue dries we can connect up the water lines, fill it up, make sure it hasn't broken again and do an alignment.

10:20 PM

Oh, and it needs the ground wire soldered together first.

That's just slightly important

just screw the grounds to the chassis right?

So Stitching Heaven is a thunder laser distributor?

The HV tends to find its own ground if it gets disconnected, it'll still work. Just slightly more deadly!

Welp. Laser tube did not fire today. Not sure what's up with that

boo

@michaelb - blitzen is very slow and noisy when moving the axes manually. But it can run itself at normal speed. Hiw do we fix that?

someone changed the movement speed

That's what we thought. But changing the number under speed didn't seem to work

11:58 PM

I even turned it off and on again :)

Slow it down maybe it's missing steps? Idk that speed setting should do it.

12:05 AM

Like 1000 is normal for me

It looks like a motor issue but that doesn't explain why it can run normally on a cut.

Very confusing. Cause I recorded that, then immediately after had it go to origin and it was normal

10:29 AM

Z axis was behaving the same way (edited)

as I recall, the plasmacam had something like a "pause after move" setting that could act like this... for the life of me, can't recall where, but if turned on, anything the user did paused after, including just running across the bed. If the machine did it, it worked as per normal.

Laser sure has a whole bunch of shit piling up

‍♂️

She's on other tables too

4:53 PM

She's pretty friendly, she'll probably move everything over if you ask. The area itself is... problematic. Stuff gets dropped off at that back table and forgotten, so it doesn't get much use as a laser table, afaik. I know I left a laser tube on it, but I think there's also a random projector screen sitting there? And the box in the back corner has been there for quite some time.

Time to reclaim things for laser then

I'm not sure how to go about that. The table was empty when we opened, but it quickly fills up. I could throw a bunch of laser stuff on it, but then it's equally useless.

nice big warning sign about it being for laser only, and start putting things in purgatory

5:12 PM

is that projector screen the one from DM?

No idea where the screen came from

Rich donated a bunch

5:34 PM

For some reason

I think he's just happy to have a place to offload the 'great deals' he gets at auctions. We've got a couple other people at work like that

in all honesty, at least what Rich tends to bring in are either pricier items in good condition or useful. The core problem with DMS is that most committees are loath to get rid of things that "could be useful" I can't tell you how much crap I've thrown out of metal shop that was just useless for practical purposes

But IS mETaL ... could be USefUl

yeah, I'm a collector of useless shit. I appreciate you (all) doing that. We need folks to make those hard decisions, because most of us are incapable (apparently).

I’m incapable of weeding my OWN possessions, but can be pretty ruthless with other people stuff. Had a couple former members helping me plow through the donation from Jeanne Harrell’s estate yesterday. I had been told it was going to be fiberart stuff and jewelry and small metal stuff. Welp, the only vaguely jewelry -related items we found was a mostly empty packet of gold-colored seed beads and one of those stained glass-inset decorative mirrors. (Maybe 6” long oval.) Of the remains gazillion boxes and tubs, six tubs had yarns for weaving, and everything else was fleece. Like a thundering herd of sheep dashed through, flinging their clothes off as the clipclopped through the space. Some had attracted bugs or was otherwise too Icky to keep. I think all told, we downsized the herd by at least a third, and moved mass quantities of moldy boxes to the dumpster. More to figure out to continue the hoard reduction beyond the stuff dreamed appropriate for future classes, but at least it doesn’t feel as overwhelming as it did.

1

yeah, I'm a collector of useless shit.

@A. Spencer(jast) Same. Came from a family of certifiable packrats. Back in the 80s when companies would present a blank check for relocation, the family moved 3 times - setting the annual weight record every year we moved. A 53' trailer would routinely cube out and also be right at the weight limit.

12:12 PM

I mean, they had to load up dad's '49 Suburban with boxes and carefully load it into the back of the trailer for one move...

lol

the icing on the cake was the antique wood-fired cast-iron kitchen stove that just occupied a corner of the garage

12:15 PM

never used as anything other than an awkward horizontal surface

12:16 PM

wait. did I say garage? I meant shop. The folks' house never really had a garage until they moved out of state and dad got an 800 ft² outbuilding shop.

12:17 PM

cars parked in the ~~garage~~ shop as a novelty the first day of occupying the house and the last day before leaving.

oh wow. One for the museum. y'know, on the Oregon trail, they packed their kitchen stove... for me, my grandfather downsized his 50kft^2 machine shop into a 3.5ft^2 shop, that was PACKED to the gills when he had to sell the place. Dad packed THAT into 2 1100ft^2 sheds. I have a 3 car garage with 3 cars in it... My mother took my bride aside and whispered (so I could hear) "do NOT let him pack anything to the rafters, because he will..." and gestured to the shop my dad had at the time... "but I THINK it's getting smaller with each generation, so maybe you'll be OK..."

the shop was otherwise dominated by a construct referred to as the aircraft carrier that ran the length one side that housed some 400 ft³ of storage for lumber, stubby shelves built into the side, and a surface atop which sat other stock, drawer units, shelves, boxes...

12:19 PM

the other side contained dad's stationary power tools for woodworking

well, you've got a good start with your 2017, 18, 19 shed...

12:22 PM

the city will not allow me to build another outbuilding

lol

1:32 PM

subterranean structures do fascinate, however permitting is a challenge and amateur-built tunnels have a nasty habit of collapsing, flooding, or both ... and the authorities take a dim view of them.

shit ya'll are funny. Looks over shoulder to a baby grand piano with a laser cutter on it.

lol

I hear you're not really living it up until you have a wood lathe in your dining room

Ahhh that is Mr. Blatz

4x8 Cnc mill in an apartment living room is my dream

4"x8"? That might fit.

It'd fit in mine, but then I have no room for VR

If its strong it could be a motion platform.

Oh you'd have plenty of room. That's hardly a third of a sheet of paper.

Took me this long to realize you put inches... pretty sneaky there, or I'm just slow

8:04 PM

Maybe both

I mean I am building a 4x8" CNC but a 4'x8' CNC would be preferable

Hey I recently just joined DMS, and am trying to get certified with the laser cutter. Seems like the only class for the rest of the year is full (this week), will there be other opportunities posted?

Yes, most definitely. A lot of our laser training is sporadic at the moment, due to covid and a few other changes (new laser, no online courses). There are a few talk posts requesting laser training, you could post there or message some of the teachers that have replied to those threads directly.

thank you!

also classes often don't hit the calendar until the week of the class, as teachers are all volunteers figuring out when they have time

1:49 PM

so check often

Donner update, it's still down, but the tube is installed and firing. Roughly aligned. but it will take a lot more tweaking before it's ready to go.

11:25 AM

Ordered some torque seal so I can mark all the alignment screws when it's done.

Nice

11:29 AM

Did Freddy get the computer back to control it?

still working on it

11:30 AM

if i have time ill finish it today

Cool. Was just curious -- no hurry since it's not up yet

Still need a monitor for it, so... no rush

Comeon, get your act together michael

I got a monitor in the back of my car if you want it

I'm sure we can finagle a temporary one. Just sent art an email about it, so hopefully gets here next week.

Thanks gents!

Will anyone have some time tonight at DMS to help align Donner? I'd like to give it another go but it's a bit annoying to do alone.

I won't be around tonight. Could help later this weekend if needed

I might be able to help

Donner's test cuts. 1/4" plywood at 80% power and 50mm/s. Red dot needs to be aligned. Rear left Z axis ball screw is rusted solid, so the Z is disabled, but thin materials can still be cut.

2:28 AM

Oh, well, all of that when we get the computer set up.

It looks like you made oyster crackers.

1

Is the meeting online too? I'm waiting to get in

Yup, just got started. If you sign in with your DMS google account you don't have to wait to be let in.

Or check those waiting to join?

I wasn't in the meeting.

Or use the Google accounts so the people running the meeting can run the meeting and not play doorman

Or keep the meetings public

We're not keeping anyone out...

As a member you get an account

2:12 PM

Yeah, add that to the instructions for meetings for laser. No other committee requires it

I added you. I guess you left? Don't see where to add you again.

Timed out

2:14 PM

No, shows still waiting

Thank you @michaelb Good meeting.

5/8" Baltic Birch. Not recommended but fun to play with.

Very fun. Try the long throw lens!

3:35 PM

Rather clean cut too

Can anyone tell me if any of the lasers are operational? Don't want to make the drive if they arent

8:02 PM

Based on Talk it seems as they are all down

I've stopped telling people blitzen works. I can use it, but for some reason others have trouble. It's a bit annoying

8:15 PM

If you do go, I'd appreciate some pictures of big thunder if possible. The report on talk left much to be desired...

The fusion is being unused right now if you were lucky enough to get trained on it

I left not long ago. Blitzen and Big Thunder were working. Apparently the air assist tube came loose. It was fixed by another user

2

Sweet! Thanks for the update

yes buddy

Wonder what the settings are to toast bread

all that, and he forgot to cut it on the proper bias...now, now, no sailboats

Just do not cut pumpkins, stinks so bad. Light marking on a pumpkin pie however smells great. I have made raster candy on my laser. Put a tray of 50:50 powdered and plain sugar and raster at 3-5% power.

1

Donner's computer is set up. Should be good to go as soon as we can log in to it. The network light flashes on the switch, and the PC, but no network connection to the computer.

Also, @Skyspook if that Lightburn script is working we might need to make a few changes in the next week or so. Moving to ethernet for the lasers instead of USB. Just used it for Donner, much impress. Fewer cables too.

Excellent. Thank you @michaelb and @Skyspook

Anyone up there right now? Are the lasers busy/operational? I have a bit of a drive

https://dallasmakerspace.org/wiki/Area_cameras

Area cameras

3:13 PM

You can see the laser area

Whatttttt

3:13 PM

Thanks!

✌️

@michaelb you still selling the old thunderlaser?

But functional? Needs a new tube, belts, lenses?

New tube, new power supply, control board is fucky

10:37 AM

I'd imagine mirrors and lenses got used by now

10:37 AM

Mirrors and lenses are 175 from thunder

Yeah we're looking at sending it to auction. Haven't decided on getting someone to handle eBay or a local auction house.

10:44 AM

New tube, power supply. Mirrors should still be there. We haven't scavenged much more than that. Mechanical parts probably need a once over they were not in great shape last I remember. It was a pita to keep it in alignment.

10:44 AM

If we wait to long it might be missing one ball screw because Donner's is rusted solid.

Oh did donnors rust up because the tube leaked onto that corner?

10:47 AM

What was the determination for keeping the brass from corroding in the future?

We kept the brass from corroding by buying tubes that don't contain brass

10:48 AM

Not sure why the screw rusted so bad, its shouldn't have gotten wet when the tube leaked, but it might have

10:48 AM

that's the corner where the leak was

One of the lasers was leaking into the back corner

Yeah, but not into the cutting area where the screw is.

Water is mysterious

10:52 AM

Perhaps too much cleaning? Those z rods are supposed to be pretty greased (edited)

I was trying to get a laser for work, but it seems that old thunderlaser is basically worth its scrap value

It probably needs a $1500-2000 in repair

Thats not too bad, depends on what we expect to sell it for

That really is the question

Laser is now officially out of CO2 I'm not gonna hook it to the 6 pack line since I think @michaelb was going to try and reseal some spots first or make a better manifold... Or somethinf

10:11 PM

I'll let him make the swap

How does one get certified to teach laser basics? Also are we starting (small) classes again?

Classes are running, iirc the limit was 3 students per class. Most have been one on one recently, but that's at the discretion of whoever's teaching.

6:50 PM

If you'd like to teach (and you're already pretty familiar with the lasers) I can post a train the trainer class up for next week.

pew pew laser area complete

4

Awesome

Very nice. I like it

I like you have it, shudder at blocking access to power and door. But your decision as homeowner

That's not a door. It's door storage for one that was removed upstairs. I still have to put a hole in the brick for the vent so it's not in its final placement

2:16 PM

There's a small walkway to the breaker box currently

Electricians are usually not your svelte slim size, but good to know.

I'd assume if an electrician was around I probably don't want a laser in running mode when they're working

At the end of the day they're not hard to move if needed. We could pull any of the three out at the space for major repairs in probably <15 minutes.

2:47 PM

Which... Might happen to Donner's Z axis screw. We'll see.

Yeah and we just had an electrician out to do the line you can see just above the laser. And a 220v plug for big tools later

I am reminded that I need to consult an electrician Real Soon Now™

12:18 PM

laserin mirrors

@pearce - That looks really cool. Did you laser the paint off the back and do something?

Yeah flip the mirror over and raster the coating off the back

1

1:31 PM

There's a layer of vellum on the back to help diffuse the LEDs better

Sweet. That's a really cool idea.

Going to try some big ones later

Some issues on Blitzen

12:38 PM

I can deal with the lines

12:39 PM

Might also be related to the table not wishing to elevate fully

Hasn't been aligned in a while I think. I've been slacking on the whole committee thing. Sorry

Works for my purpose. Just letting the committee know.

Did you notice if the table was level?

uhm, seemed level

The lines seem faint enough it's probably just the mirrors

what was the solution to getting the "go frame" button back on rdworks

Bin it all and use Lightburn, generally.

1

Yeah we had free codes for lightburn too

Big Thunder responsiveness on the control panel is ... theoretical

What's the general strategy for handling soot on cut edges of plywood?

The way I've seen is to cut slightly larger then sand flat.

I oversize the male tabs already, just wondering if there's a method to minimize the soot or easily remove it

Probably not much on the edges, but could mask it off with tape. might help the surfaces a bit

Edge cleanup is a lot of the labor with plywood

8:50 PM

I also obsess over the inside edge re: adhesion

6:08 PM

making some lasered mirror lights

1

Those are awesome. Actually gave me some gift ideas

Thats are amazing

i have to figure out how to use my table saw correctly for the boxes

45 degree router bit maybe?

yeah but i have a table saw

Fusion power cable, at the PDU end.

Hmmmm

10:24 PM

That looks suspect

10:24 PM

It's like our building wants to catch fire or something

Outlet is 15A, cable is 20A, fusion is 15A. Not really sure why that happened

Could be lots of things. I would send this to our dealer guys, ask if they've seen it before

10:25 PM

This is one of their newer machines, maybe something is wonky

True. Wish the PDU was logged, it's a fancy fully monitored thing. Oh well.

cable got loose and arced?

@michaelb I donated a monitored/switched PDU a while back. Last I saw infra wasn't using it. Might ask Andrew if you could use it to evaluate. I may have more sitting in my storage unit still if that one is no longer available

5:36 PM

I think it's got a C19 on it. It's a 30A PDU with 20A breakers on the banks IIRC

5:37 PM

cable got loose and arced?

@yashsedai Barring anything else though this is my thought. C19 fittings aren't well suited for where people are moving around the cables. I've had that happen to a couple of them.

I hope this didn't get bumped much. You have to crawl behind Donner to reach it, it was secured so you couldn't just tug it from the other end. Next cable will be a bit longer if I can find one though

I'm thinking it would loosen just as people would service the machines. I doubt someone replugs the service side fitting it every time it's aligned / power checked / insert maintenance here

6:21 PM

Like for leveling and pulse for power metering I know I just use the master switches for power killing than the plug

6:21 PM

When I have panels open

I'm not sure what you mean, if it's just sitting there, not being tugged on or moved, I'm not sure why it would initially come loose.

I mean the act of whoever is servicing the machine walking around it, or someone else being around it for whatever reason. I hadn't looked at the cable management behind the lasers in a while but last I recall there were a number of power cables on the floor someone could briefly snag if they weren't careful

This came to PR email:

Hi,

We’re considering adding a new laser cutter to our scenic studio, and I see that y’all have a 130w Thunder Laser. Would anyone there be willing to give me a brief review of your experience with it?

We used to have a FullSpectrum laser, but I am at this point debating between a Boss and a Thunder…

Tristan Decker
Associate Professor of Professional Practice: Technical Director
Department of Theatre
Texas Christian University
817-257-6744
Theatre.tcu.edu
www.tqdsign.com

Anyone from Laser want to help him out?

Uhhh... I think they should have asked before buying it

4:20 PM

Oh, they haven't yet!

I initially read it the same way

My suggestion then is get an Epilog. With a better plug

id imagine they are out of that price range if they are looking at thunder and boss

@michaelb - For the fusion, did we figure out what we wanted to do about the PDU?

No. Best answer I have is to buy another cable, make sure it can't budge, and get logging to work on the PDU so we have more data if it happens again.

What kinda cord do we need?

Similar to StarTech's PXTC19C2010 on amazon.

10:43 AM

I think the existing cord was a tripplite but I can't find the order.

Cool, I should have it in hand tomorrow then

Awesome, thanks!

I won't be able to make it in until the evening, but maybe I'll give the lasers some love and see about the network connections too and such.

That'd be great, I tried a bit Tuesday but didn't make much progress :/

@Skyspook @michaelb last I recall infra had some of those not in service that could get things running whilst waiting on an order or them. Server Store also likely has them

10:48 AM

C19 cables

Sweet.

they're be with those dell blade chassis

10:49 AM

and if not, Peter likely can throw some our way (C19 to C20 cables)

So 765 was the machine VLAN, it's limited to the local switch. The PCs use a realtek driver to present two virtual interfaces, on 1 and 765. All the Pi's are disconnected for now. There should be a cable for the PDU made up but not plugged in. I was repurposing the Pi cables for the lasers for now. Otherwise, that should be approximately what it is and the plan. The killer has been getting the realtek nics to behave as expected... They're not very good.

Awesome. What's really fun is the subnet mask on the ruida controllers is hardcoded to 255.255.255.0 no matter what you try to input in laser. That took longer than necessary to find out

11:04 AM

So we'll need to do appropriate reservations for them all. I can take care of that

I think the idea was that they're all segmented on their own network so we could just chose that VLAN 765 is a /24.

11:06 AM

Also, there's a magic password you have to put in on the ruidas to actually change the IP address or gateway. That was a pain to figure out.

Gotcha. And at least we know how to get the wifi enabled on those machines as well, so we won't lock ourselves out messing with the network adapter again

Yeah

And if I get to it, what does that z-axis screw need on donner? Just cleaning up and praying? Or actually diagnosising and maybe needing a new one?

11:27 AM

or was it blitzen? I can't keep them straight

I haven't looked to closely. I'm pretty sure it needs a complete replacement. I'm guessing the water from the tube leak got to it somehow and rusted it solid. You're right, it's donner

Either that or someone decided lasering things with chlorine in it would be fun.

@michaelb might be worth looking at the Port Based VLAN option the newer firmwares of the netgear switches have. Might be available on that one. You could set a subnet that just isn't routable for the rest of DMS that is between the lasers and computers.

1

@michaelb do we still have a working light burn discount code?

Hey.... Maybe this is a dumb question, but are we no longer going to be able to use RDworks on the lasers since they are networked?

RDWorks also works with the networking, but we're trying to push people away from it so we didn't provide instructions. And yes, Lightburn licensed will be renewed shortly.

Btw, @michaelb , here's the documentation for that PDU. Doesn't seem too hard to get it connected. https://www.apc.com/shop/in/en/products/Rack-PDU-Metered-Zero-U-32A-230V-20-C13-4-C19/P-AP7853

Rack PDU, Metered, Zero U, 32A, 230V, (20)C13 & (4)C19 - APC India

Rack PDU, Metered, Zero U, 32A, 230V, (20)C13 & (4)C19

im curious what information you expect the pdu to provide

He was curious about different draws on it, mostly about if the fusion was drawing more than we thought.

why not get a clamp meter and test it that way

Cause we have a PDU that logs it all anyway

eh...

6:00 PM

you guys have fun with that

@michaelb is anyone aware that there’s the a-axis on dinner is inop? There’s a sign but didn’t see a talk post

9:10 PM

Never mind. Looks like it’s an ongoing thing

9:10 PM

Sorry

Yep, it was mentioned on the mega-post he made I believe. One of the screws is rusted solid and the motors unplugged

9:10 PM

No worries!

Rgr.

No worries, it's an issue but lowish priority because a lot of members can still use it.

Found a full can at the jewelry manufacturing place in Highland Village. Were to leave it for laser?

6:27 PM

Oh nice, bottom of the two silver cabinets is perfect.

Thanks! Let you know if I get the 50 watt fiber laser/engraver.

Oh that sounds fun. Hope you do!

Lightburn has been licensed on all three computers, wohoo.

success!

Just a note, we've got three keys that are current, however, all the computers are using the same key since it had three activations. Technically, we have a few more activations we could use, but I think we should stick to one key per computer, since that's probably the spirit of the license.

What are the statuses of donner and blitzen? (edited)

Blitzen has an air assist issue, Donner should be good to go.

Z-axis is good on donner?

4:09 PM

Regarding blitzen, I’m not trained but happy to learn and help fix

Ahh yes, z axis is dead on Donner.

4:10 PM

Not sure exactly where the issue is with Blitzen. Something causing the air assist solenoid to not trigger.

Ok

4:11 PM

Thanks. As always

4:12 PM

I see the post on talk about big thunder tube swap. How complex and roughly how much time needed?

It takes a full alignment, which is the complex part. I'd guess 4-6 hours to get it all done.

4:16 PM

I'd be willing to show up sunday to do it if I could get one of two people to be there too.

Let me check with the boss regard Sunday’s schedule and let you know

Can someone pm me the code to the laser lock box with the keys to Thunder please? Shaun wants to try to align the mirrors. They are way way off. ,,224.799.0299. I'll check back here too

@michaelb can you message me?

Hey sorry for the late notice. I will not be able to make it tomorrow. Forgot that my son has a hockey game.

7:43 PM

I do still need and want to learn how to maintain these machines though

@michaelb And is anyone aware that the laser camera is out?

8:11 PM

I know that’s an infrastructure thing

No worries, I think we got one or two people on talk that will be there.

Btw, @michaelb , I tried adding the laser configs to the defaultprefs.ini file for lightburn. We'll see if it works. A copy is in the committee folder

Wohooo

If it's their very first time launching lightburn, the user will need to exit and relaunch. Think they have a bug in the initial launch loader. But it works after that

Thank you @Skyspook

@michaelb how did today go?

I'll make a post later, but all of the lasers should be working. We agreed one would be down again tomorrow

Haha

Thank You. That's awesome

Now that both Donner and Blitzen are working and on ethernet, can we move the computer for Blitzen to a new table? Those two and the Fusion computers are too close together. Spacing them is needed to meet the safety recommendations for the pandemic.

2

Nice. Glad everything is up and running. Donner have a working z-axis now too?

Nope, need to find a new screw for it we think. I started looking but I haven't found it (didn't look hard). Probably just need to meaure it to find one

Alright. Seems the lasers aren’t very fond of me

accidentally pressed reset instead of esc on big thunder and now he’s not lasering. When I try to frame my file, it just says “Tracking Frame” and nothing else. Anyone available to help?

setting up light burn on a pc not connected to the thunder. what controller should i select?

None? Won't work unless it's hooked into that switch appropriately. It's vlaned off

8:28 PM

Or if you're doing it just for you, ruida

yeah lightburn wouldnt let me continue without picking something

Ah, gotcha. Don't think it matters much. Thunders are the ruida controller, 600x900 I think for the standard size.

I am contemplating something that might be ill-advised - designing and laser-cutting a 3-drawer dresser from 2 layers of 5mm plywood laminated together to ~10mm. This will be a utilitarian maker-y thing so I don't care that I'll have to expose the tabbed joints.

2:09 AM

general dimensions 30x30x20 inches

I am contemplating something that might be ill-advised this +/- alcohol is how all worthwhile projects start, isn't it?

A. Spencer(jast)

I am contemplating something that might be ill-advised this +/- alcohol is how all worthwhile projects start, isn't it?

Probably, yeah

Seems reasonable to me. I've got furniture kind of like that anyways (multicam, not multiple layers on the laser, but same design).

2x 5mm seems like it would be adequately stiff

3:05 PM

20x30 looks doable on the nova 35s (edited)

3:06 PM

the treacherous nature of 5mm tri-ply will be the tricky part

3:06 PM

I'm going to need a lot of clamps

Also an anti-cheating enclosure for the cat feeder

3:44 PM

Fleabags love to empty that thing prematurely and/or push it over

theoretical outside area of 4378 in²; a sheet of plywood is 4608 in² so doubling and triple-layering means I might be able to do the whole thing with 4-5 sheets

3:51 PM

that assumes footprint of 19x32x31 DxWxH. drawer slides I'm lousy with thanks to my father's ~~laziness when moving out of the region~~ generosity are 22" deep.

3:53 PM

looks like I can just shoehorn this into the footprint of the nova 35

If anyone knows Jonathan or Dana Glidden; they left a thumb drive wit sensitive documents in the fusion laser computer

I'd ping admin@dallasmakerspace.org

3:36 AM

they'll usually hold onto anything that seems sensitive, private, etc separately from the lost and found

finished a late holiday gift

8:25 PM

Very nice. Cut acrylic?

layered acrylic and then color swapped onto an acrylic base

8:28 PM

Looks great

havent peeled the second. gonna leave that for another day

Does anyone know why I would be getting an error when using epilogue for cups but not flat cutting?

8:32 PM

Haven't seen that error before. It really doesn't like something about that job.

It’s not the job, it won’t open the print interface at all

Does it open for another file?

Checking

8:37 PM

If I’m trying to print from chrome yes but not illustrator or Adobe reader

Odd, wonder if Adobe is up to something. Could try a print or save to PDF from those, open in chrome and print from there.

Chrome is changing my files size?

Oh, you mean into the dashboard? Yea, it may default to the maximum size. There's a way to go into the preferences during print and change the paper size to something else. I forget the name of the "smart" sizing page size. May be obvious

Looking. Thanks for the help

No problem. The print driver thing can be a bit weird, but they've done it for years, so

‍♂️

"actual size"

It’s called engraver

not "fit to page"

Ah yes, and make sure its PDF actual size as well

I’m seeing it now good call

Awesome. Glad it worked!

Is anyone aware if big laser is offline? There's no signage stating that it was, but all I'm getting is Communications errors when trying to download to it

With the correct IP address? (Not usb)

5:26 PM

I haven't heard of any issues for a while.

Didn't check. Where is the IP address recorded?

There should be a multicolored flyer floating around someone about 'connecting to the lasers'

5:29 PM

Big Thunder is 192.168.201.210

5:29 PM

In theory, Lightburn will automatically set everything up for you if that's what you're using

Using RDWorks

I haven't done it in RDWorks, and it looks like I don't have a working copy to help you out. It's probably a fairly analogous process to what that document describes. If there isn't a paper copy in laser, it's on the committee driver under laser, setting up ethernet for the thunders was the name I believe.

5:37 PM

We're trying to push people to Lightburn as it's been better supported and more stable, which is why we don't have as much info for RDWorks

Sounds good, thanks. Just haven't taken the time to learn how to use Lightworks

No worries, if you get it connected over ethernet in RDWorks let me know.

Is Lightburn easy to pick up if I've only used RDWorks?

I think so. It was easier for me to pick up than RDWorks. Same kind of interface, but I feel like it's a bit more user friendly (and the developer is very responsive if we had issues)

I'll check it out on the jump server then, thanks!

9:09 PM

does it work for the big laser?

it's way better optimized to handle vectors as well

Yep, it works on all the thunders

Might be a dumb question, I’ve only used the big thunder. How much do I need to adjust settings to cut the same 3mm ply on the smaller lasers?

1:12 PM

I see power listed the same on the wiki, but the Thunder website doesn’t show the smaller ones going up that high in power, just wanted to be sure

Yep, they're all the same power, though each individual laser has variations in power (mirrors dirty, focus, age of the laser). But it should be approximately the same.

1:13 PM

Ours have an extension on the back that lets them take the higher power tubes

Well now I feel dumb sitting around waiting for the big thunder lol

Nah, just learned something new is all

1:15 PM

In addition the fusion is lower powered, but better at engraving (and much better at rotary). So cutting is better on the thunders generally

I haven’t done any engraving yet, I’m not the most exciting of laser users

1:19 PM

Looks great to me. Custom keyboards?

I mean, that's a pretty cool keyboard soooo... Like Justin said, we have some custom version of the thunders that take a longer tube. Makes it easier to keep spare tubes around.

1:29 PM

Which reminds me, we should order a spare since we used ours in big thunder recently

Yes, yes you should

Sorry, got in the zone when I started using the laser haha. But yep, a custom keyboard case, I’m building it around the Hiney h87c PCB. I want to get it CNC’d from aluminum, but I figure I’d best try a prototype if I can hah

6:45 PM

CNC quotes is another fun task... I got one back that was 1/3 of the same price range of the others, I’m trying to figure out the catch

6:46 PM

Oh, and a brass plate, but that’s another issue

@Greg Tometich look at sendcutsend.com laser cut steel would be just as precise and cost less than a CNC'd one.

6:56 PM

they now do carbon fiber

I’m checking them BigBlueSaw(assuming their server is working again), and I even found a guy that did Carbon Fiber

yeah bigbluesaw is another popular one

Small quantities just require more diligence

6:57 PM

I should’ve checked here sooner. Thanks for the help!

Yeah if it's flat sheets laser cut would be the way to go. I just sent my first part through sendcutsend and was pretty happy with it. It should be a lot cheaper than cnc milled.

6:58 PM

Was your 1/3 cost quote outsourcing the work?

possibly with a fine nozzle on the plasma cutter you could do it, but our cnc plasma with belts has wicked wobble at higher speeds

6:59 PM

You could use the HAAS but I remember nobody that isn't already checked out is getting access to it.

wat

I don’t mind paying a bit to ensure the plate is accurate. Everything depends on that hah

7:01 PM

I’d love to do the HAAS, especially since I have a few years of experience as a manual machinist. But that’s for another day

mad respect if you manually milled a keyboard plate.

I mean, it's all square

@michaelb So the 1/3 cost was for to top and bottom case halves milled out of aluminum. Matching up both sides isn’t difficult, but does require some competency. The bottom also has a 7° angle on the base. Plus chamfers and fillets. So the drastic price difference gave me pause

IMHO though, any experience with a manual machine will put you ahead of most people trying to learn the Haas. People jump on it because it's cool but fail to understand the basics

I’m all about fixturing

1

7:03 PM

The key to good machining

you could do it on the Multicam if it wasn't in the wood shop

Yeah, in the PCB world that kind of price difference is what you see from a US based house vs a house that outsourced jobs to china, et al.

7:05 PM

Not sure about machined parts though

we have a PCB mill, but you might get voluntold fixing/training on it

So 3D hubs was $840, and Rapid Direct was $290. Only difference was bead blasting and anodizing

7:07 PM

I know $840 isn’t cheap, but their bulk pricing made sense

7:07 PM

How the other was so cheap I can’t figure out

And the Haas class I took was very specific, ' going to teach you what buttons to hit, how to fixture your part, order of operations, etc are on you.' Which didn't work well with the 'my introduction to machining is the Hass' crowd.

that's why geekhack keyboards are always groupbuys

Yeeep. I’m a glutton for punishment

7:09 PM

I should just put it in the hiney discord and make someone else run a GB

you on /r/mechanicalkeyboards?

I am, though I just lurk

I've hosted several mech key meetups at DMS pre-covid, probably won't do it anymore

No way? I got into the hobby too late hah

never too late, it's a dangerous hobby. I spent $300 on a 60% and realized this hobby is dangerous

I can see it. I eventually want to rope my buddy into machining a 60% out of titanium

7:12 PM

I’m also going to try wood 60%s on the multicam, but that’s a bit further off

that would be beautiful. I want to do wooden keycaps, but that's definitely a fixturing thing too

7:16 PM

probably not too bad with tabs/onion skinning

I didn’t even know that was doable, that would look great

I'm trying to build my own CNC so I don't have to rely on the makerspace. looking forward to see how your keyboard stuff comes out

7:18 PM

china has impossibly cheap cnc prices if you're willing to wait

Anyone on that knows passcode to laser iPad?

is it locked again?

Messaged you directly

https://news.mit.edu/2021/less-wasteful-laser-cutting-fabricaide-0217

Less-wasteful laser-cutting

Fabricaide is a new tool for laser-cutting that provides live feedback on how different parts of the design should be placed onto their sheets. The work, from MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, aims to make cutting more precise and lessen wasted material.

I have a co-worker who is all ready to join DMS and has a special interest in the lasers. He said he will sign up once he can get into one of the laser classes. I keep seeing them pop up on the calendar but fill up REALLY quickly. Do we know when the next one will be and when it might hit the calendar?

There are folks who will do 1:1s too. I can do one with him if he joins.

3

Awesome, @Skyspook - Thanks! I'll tell him to get his butt in gear and get registered. (edited)

Can anyone help me figure out how to get the computer for the Epilog Fusion started? It simply says no connection.

I'd guess that's the monitor saying the computer isn't on. Power button on the small black computer box on the table

It was the hidden power button at issue

Anyone know where all the hooks and magnets for the inert gas nozzles went? Came in today and checking a low gas alert half of them are just on the floor with their homes gone

6:31 PM

Checked around the machine floors etc and did not find them

Can anyone dm me the fusion code? It’s been a while and I forgot my notes; not sure how I can prove I’ve taken the class but I have

5:47 PM

very nice

Oh hey Pearce

hola

5:48 PM

I don't have the fusion code tho

Nvm I was trying the wrong lockbox! I’m good now

happens every so often. We should just write 'fusion' on the wall and draw an arrow to the correct box.

Lol

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/740672589935512/?ref=facebook_story_share

Log into Facebook

Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

3:30 PM

k40 I saw for sale

Someone from the MakerSpace bought it

9:02 PM

Don't know who

nice

Depending on the upgrades it was all the money already.

10:29 PM

I had a friend looking at it

10:30 PM

They were 2nd in line

a k40 would be cool to have but not going to setup a vent in my apartment

10:32 PM

k40's are awesome with a cohesion3d controller board with smoothieware

Most of what I cut is 3mm, so it would be ok. I could prob work with the small bed size too. Light burn works on it, so that's a plus

yeah that helps

Hi all! Is there still a way to get a discounted copy of LightBurn via Makerspace? It looks like the code we had previously expired.

I believe not presently

Thank you.

Has no one asked Lightburn yet? Aaargh

12:29 PM

It takes just an email. I provided the data. The Lab got it right away

provided to who?

Yes, lighburn was asked. I believe there were issues locating the purchased keys they needed to validate and we'll be renewing soon anyway -- we can get the discount then.

1

The info should be listed in the laser_committee_chair Google group. laser_committee_chair@dallasmakerspace.org was set up to hold the Lightburn keys since they kept getting passed around. Especially during renewals. They seem to get assigned to whoever was logged on when the renewal goes through. Art had them a few times and didn't even know it.

1

Thanks for the much more detailed explanation :).

No problem. I think I've got the keys in an old email if you need. When it works, their cryptlex key management app is actually really useful.

Planning on hitting up the Lasers this weekend for the first time since pre-covid. Has much changed other than the purchase of the new laser?? I'm just planning on using one of the older models

Lasers are now connected over Ethernet instead of usb

1:19 PM

They still have Rdworks avail, though Lightburn is also an option

Lightburn is preferred, and if you launch it twice it should auto-setup the laser for you, if you don't want to mess with connection settings. Fusion requires additional training, but is pretty simple to use (especially the rotary).

The Fusion is very much like the Zing in operation, just slight differences in interface. It still acts like a printer. But the camera let's you position your art.

2:00 PM

And scale it

Yea, the camera is really cool

Fancy!! Yeah i'm just going in with AI files in hand. old school

@john a gorman @Skyspook I'm trying to install lightburn on my home pc, get ahead of the curve as it were and learn about it. Is there a machine file out there that I can import for the thunders and the fusion?

There's a .ini file in the laser drive that has all the settings - \\files\committees\laser\LightBurn (edited)

but outside of DMS?

Just a sec

Thanks chap

Set it up as a basic ruida controller - 600mm x 900mm. That should suffice for disconnected use

8:10 PM

If you want to use big thunder, it's 1000 x 1600

How are they cutting right now? Any issues?

8:10 PM

the Nova's that is

None that I know of

cool cool

Just did maintenance last month and they were in good shape

damn, Lightburn is very similar to rdworks

Can someone please clarify whether or not the fusion is useable? It had a note on it indicating that the autofocus is not working and it says to not use it but the wording is not clear as to whether to not use the autofocus or the machine. Thanks

the autofocus

Thank you!

1:22 AM

To laser users: This is not cool

1:23 AM

Also to those cleaning the machine, please check you actually grab a trash bin. I appreciate any cleaning but this was the automotive spill media bucket:

1:23 AM

The latter is a common mistake until we get a more clearly visible indication of what it is so eh

1:23 AM

But all the cutout trash is just ridiculous

what's a reputable site to buy laser safety glasses from? 450nm blocking is needed

I bought mine at https://lasersafetyindustries.com/ they have a good search by wavelength tool and they are certified goggles. Expect $100-$180+ depending on the ND and wavelength. Also made in USA so you don't get color tinted BS like on AliExpress. (edited)

Laser Safety Industries | Certified Glasses and Goggles | Windows |...

Certified Laser Safety Glasses and Goggles | Laser Safety Windows | Laser Safety Curtain Systems and Barriers | Face Shields and Accessories

1

Can you laser a vinyl record?

NO

1

Produces hydrogen chloride, which corrodes the internals

unless it's pre like 1940s

So on your machine? Sure. On ours? Nope :)

you can mill them

Vinyl records are made by unifying chlorine and ethylene. The liquid resulting is called ethylene dichloride or EDC. The EDC is put through a cracking process which results in PVC. The PVC is a clear color so the addition of carbon creates the classic black color of records. www.ChemistryIsLife.com - The Chemistry of Vinyl Records www.chemistryislife.com/the-chemistry-of-vinyl-records

Glad I asked

Lol

I'd be happy to cnc cut a vinyl record if anyone has one to donate

I have a stack of them you can play with

If only the good songs are the inner tracks I wouldn't feel so bad about trimming the outside parts they'd still play.

it's all garbage music and they have been terribly stored

3:05 PM

this is not okay

Guessing a jig saw never made it to the area permanently.

GAH! what we need is a crotch-punching robot that provides IMMEDIATE reminders that this is shitty behaviour...

2

lol yes

3:21 PM

turn it lose!

doug.emes

Guessing a jig saw never made it to the area permanently.

you don't need a jigsaw at all

pearce

this is not okay

See photo above few back; some of this looks like repeat offenders since the design seems to be the same

7 sheets of the acrylic

4:59 PM

4x2

i meant jigsaw because theres arguably some uisable scrap, but if there was a saw RIGHT there, then theres a slightly greater chance they get broken down

it was all easily broken free

7:01 PM

by hand

probably a ryobi one+ jigsaw not 50 feet away on the general-use tool wall

can confirm

has need for 2" x 3" pieces of unknown plastic

Have a project in mind which calls for a laser-friendly plastic material that can be etched to reveal a different color. ideally available in 4 distinct colors with a common-color outer 'ply'. Being a tad ignorant on these matters, not sure what to start looking for. (edited)

Engraving plastic. Johnson's is of good quality: https://www.jpplus.com/engraving/sheet/laser/plastic

Plastic | Laser | Sheet Materials | Engraving

Shop over 600 laser engravable plastic sheet products from leading brands, including 450+ from Rowmark and 150+ from IPI.

oh crap. just realized that the embedded color will be visible on the edges, which will likely be a problem.

Thanks for the reference, @Skyspook . I imagine there's some workaround, albeit not quite as pretty as I was envisioning.

I haven't played around too much with them, so I'm not sure how clean the edges will be. You will most likely be able to see a small strip of the interior color, like you said. Maybe able to paint, tape, plastidip, etc. the edge, but it is a lot more work

could probably just use one color and introduce some distinct symbol on the engraved side to differentiate

Usually the color that you etch off is very thin and hard to see from the side, but it is visible if you look closely.

the 3-layer material is what I'm interested in. outer layers need to be uniform while the inner layer revealed by the engraving will differ.

8:21 AM

1/8" material would be ideal and it looks like the inner layer is the most prominent

TL;DR is I'm making a set of tiles for a game and from the 'blank' side they should be indistinguishable. Color would be the most distinct way to subdivide, but I could also just do a symbol - classic playing card suits would be somewhat appropriate.

@ESmith I have some if you want to play around with it before buying some. I think black with white core and silver front, white core and black back layer.

identical front/back ideal

9:03 AM

but likely good to experiment with

I was wrong black with white core/back and silver with black core/back. Welcome to have it for testing.

very generous - thanks for the offer!

https://hackaday.com/2021/09/06/smart-laser-cutter-ad-on-detects-material-optically/

Dave Rowntree

Smart Laser Cutter Ad-on Detects Material Optically

Come on now, admit it. You’ve done it. We’ve done it. You know — you were really sure that sheet of plastic stock you found lying around the hackerspace was acrylic right? You dia…

That's... pretty impressive really. Especially running a neural model on a pi-zero.

you can run a NN on surprisingly low power hardware if the model isn't too complex

7:55 PM

voidstarlabs did a gesture recognition model on a teensy

7:57 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6raRftH9yxM

Zack Freedman

AI Data Glove: Somatic

We were doing ocr (just digits 0-9) on a 96MHz Cortex-M4f at my last job. It could run the model in something like 300mS.

Poor cpu. Why you make it do that

We had some R&D project and needed a basis for comparison.

anyone have tool cribbing files to laser out of foam?

I worry about the amount of fire I saw on the fusion while someone was trying to cut through 1/4 wood

12:41 AM

he seemed to thing it was okay

12:43 AM

and this is either belt rub or metal shavings coming from the gantry

12:43 AM

It's been a few years at this point, I wonder what it would cost to get engraving concepts to come out and give it a checkup.

And here I am worrying when something even smells funny -- they may see our lasers and run away.

I thought the fusion was more for engraving than cutting?

Preferred, yes

10:05 AM

But it can cut

10:06 AM

Thunders have more power and cut a bit better in my opinion, fusion has better control.

Yeah, really it excels at engraving, but if you're going to engrave something like a coaster there's no point in having to bring it to a thunder and line it up again to get it cut, might as well just cut it out on the fusion.

I'd be tempted to cut out on the thunders first, then either use the camera or the better alignment on the fusion to line up and engrave. But that's me

yeah it can cut, but this guy was making a lot of coasters. he should have made a jig to etch on the fusion and cut on the thunder

11:57 AM

tons of passes making a lot of flame just seems like a bad way to treat the most expensive of our lasers

At the very least he should've stopped when he saw flames.... Or had to do more than 1 pass.

Is there something obvious to making lightburn with the nova 35s other than adding the device by IP?

You've also got to pick the right controller, but it should be able to talk with just that. There's a colorful guide that lives by the DMS lasers and on the laser committee drive

Followed it. No love. Out of time anyway.

If you open lightburn like 3 times it should autofill the device. Also need to power cycle the computer a lot since people stay logged in with lightburn open, which screws everything up

Will have to give it another go next weekend

Sounds like a shutdown -r -f -t 0 would do wonders

2:41 PM

didn't see an apparent way to log off - I did so command line since I know those switches all too well

Happy to help reconfigure the laser computers to force logoffs :)

assigned Jonathon my proxy for this weekend

I missed classes today as it was full

3:03 PM

Is there another class coming up? Wife wants doll house to assemble

3

11:24 AM

Laser cut out of a gingerbread man for the tree in the lobby

Wonderful!

11:25 AM

Thank you!

Thank you so much!!! ❤️

anyone have a ruler svg file i could use to laser measurements into a portable work table? (edited)

https://robbbb.github.io/VectorRuler/

Vector Ruler SVG Generator

A web-based applet for the generation of downloadable vector rulers, suitable for laser etching

well shit

9:39 PM

i made one in inkscape

9:39 PM

Great idea though, I might make one for baking with circles for pie crusts, 8", 9" etc.

A grid version would be useful, I think

Basically like a cutting mat except for a worktable version. Could run any new worktables through the thunder.

Think they're big enough we might need to drop the front panel, but could get an exception to do it

for a portable table top for glass I didn't want the lines going all the way. thought about it tho

4:01 PM

dropping the front panel is ezpz and the blowers are strong enough it wont matter

4:01 PM

just don't stick your face down there

Oh yes, I just like making sure they know I'm breaking the normal rules. That way if I ever do something stupid and I forgot to ask, I may get some leeway

Cardboard works amazing for closing up drop panels on the lasers.

not sure why this shows up in Dallas listings by hey up to you https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/tls/d/albuquerque-epilog-helix-75-watt-laser/7433333675.html

Epilog Helix 75 watt laser engraver-cutter - tools - by owner - sale

The Epilog Helix has a 18”x 24” bed size. The 75 watt is the highest wattage of this model. It has a vacuum table and a honeycomb table for vector cutting. The sale includes a rotary unit along with...

I saw Epilog at CES, it probably sucks competing with China and glowforge

12:41 PM

They must be doing well enough to go to CES

Lewisville library has added a Fusion Pro to their makerspace (edited)

4:34 PM

Talked to the Lewisville library folks at length about their makerspace some time back and they felt the service experience from Epilog was well worth the upfront premium

Yeah, their staff is not interested in trying to maintain fix stuff so the longer stays working the better!

https://hackaday.com/2022/04/11/quick-hacks-countersinking-screw-heads-with-3d-laser-engraving/

Dave Rowntree

Quick Hacks: Countersinking Screw Heads With 3D Laser Engraving

Here’s a fun quick hack from [Timo Birnschein] about using the 3D laser engraving (or ‘stamp’ engraving) mode of certain laser cutter toolchains to create a handy countersink shap…

2

5:50 PM

I'm going to have to try this for my lamp bases

5:51 PM

countersinking is a pain and is the only step I have to do manually

I wonder if there's an actual time savings, maybe in large batches.

For me it just resulted in a lot of gunk to clean up. It's not horrible otherwise, maybe with the right material it'd have been better

if you got a couple mounting holes around the perimeter it looks like a great idea. Trying to make your own pegboard, not so much.

I need some small sheets of laserable leather for work. Is there anywhere in town that is good for that sort of stuff.

Tandy leather still have a store front?

lots of Tandy's in town. big one is near Arlington off 20

9:50 AM

Michaels and hobby lobby will also have some leathers as well

Thanks, so to laser it the leather just needs to not be chrome tanned right?

aw geezus, man! Y U want to start that debate up again?

11:59 AM

If you don't want to risk it, I can cut it on my laser.

12:16 PM

Hope my neighbors like the smell of burning skin :-)

pretty much yes. test to see what kind of smoke it makes, then let it vent a lot

12:16 PM

vegtan is what you are looking for

12:17 PM

I also have a laser you can use if you don't want to try it on the space's

1

12:17 PM

and some leather at home too

he said burning skin! Or it gets the hose again.

I did envy Buffalo Bills basement floor space

1

6:52 PM

This is my first completed project through makerspace!

Hey I see the big thunder chiller is broken. I have a new 6L chiller at home. It's still in the box. Just offering in case we haven't ordered it yet.

JupitersComet

Hey I see the big thunder chiller is broken. I have a new 6L chiller at home. It's still in the box. Just offering in case we haven't ordered it yet.

@laser chair

JupitersComet

@laser chair

Hey, sorry, meant to get back to this earlier.

2:42 AM

So we have a spare chiller that we're going to be swapping in as soon as we have the time, so you don't need to donate your chiller to us if you don't want to.

2:43 AM

That said, if you want to, you are more than welcome to actually donate it if you'd like

But you don't need to. we have a spare. It's a matter of man hours, rather than of hardware.

Ok! Thanks for getting back with me @Glaciel

Has anyone seen the backsweep tube for fusion? Looks like it fell off the laser head but I can't it anywhere. I found the manual focus screw and parts of a latch that had fallen...

Also I suspect the air assist hole wasn't lined up correctly when the lens tube was installed, the lens is quite dirty.

@Glaciel are any of the lasers operational ? I know that they have been varying degrees of issues

I'm honestly unsure. I've been out of town for the last 3-4 days. I'll go take a look tonight and see what the status is. The fusion should be up, as should donner, last I heard. Big Thunder probably needs a new bed, and blitzen is defying all my undersatanding of optics by not doing remotely what I think it should with its shadowing problem.

Appreciate it. I need to get schooled on the fusion.

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5455727

Honeycomb Adjustable Alignment Square V 2.0 by TriniD

Adjustable square jig for honeycomb beds. Both sides adjusts to accommodate most honeycomb beds. Only parts that should need supports are the pins. If you wish to purchase this part in lieu of 3D printing it yourself please visit our etsy page and we will be happy to help you. https://www.etsy.com/listing/1269840254/adjustable-square-for-honey...

1

Does laser only have the existing "standard" lens assembly, or do we have any of the fine detail and/or long throw lenses?

7:56 PM

Looking at at Thunder's website they're listed as the "Hi-res Head" and "4 inch Head" (edited)

I thought I saw the long throw in one of the tool boxes

I checked the toolboxes, and there is a spare long throw lens, but not sure if we have a full/proper housing assembly to put it in

Hey, could somebody dm the access code for the fusion pro please? I just did the class last night but forgot to get the code to access the key