Introduction to Laser Engraving – Session 1

Instructor: Bill Chismar and Herbert Allen
Length: 8 hours
Cost: $70, including supplies
When: Thursday, 10/17, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm; Saturday, 10/19, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (1-hour lunch break)
Class size limit: 6 — Open to current Shed members only

Description:

This 2-day class will introduce you to computer aided design (CAD) and use of the laser for engraving. The goal of this class is to get you skilled enough to do design work on your computer, understand the capabilities of the laser, and get you started on producing pieces with the laser.

In the first session, we will cover the basics of using a laser, with an emphasis on computer aided design using the LightBurn software. We will then discuss the types of projects you may do on the laser. Finally, you will work on designing your first piece of work for the laser.

For the second session, the class will work on the laser learning safety procedures and producing projects. Each participant will get individual time on the laser to produce their piece. Note, given the time constraints, you will likely have to sand and finish your pieces outside of class.

Prerequisite Skills/Knowledge: Basic computer skills

Required Equipment: Laptop computer running Windows or Mac OS; a USB/flash drive

Required Software: LightBurn (https://lightburnsoftware.com/). In order to run the LightBurn software, you can use either a Windows or Mac computer. You can download a free, fully functional trial version good for 30 days. Afterwards, if you wish to convert your trial version to a permanent version, you can either purchase a license for $60, which allows you to install the software on 3 computers, or you can pay the Shed $20 for a single computer license. Our laser has a GCode controller, so you want the GCode version of the software.

Instructor Bios:

Bill is an emeritus professor of information technology management and a retired dean at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. He has taught many university courses since starting in 1980. Since joining the Shed last year, he has been busy making inlayed boxes, end grain cutting boards, etched trays, and other things. He helped set up the laser and the CNC machines, and has been teaching digital woodworking using the both machines. In addition to woodworking, he enjoys sailing, biking, hiking, baking, and Italian cooking.

Herbert is a hobbyist designer with a passion for sharing knowledge and fostering creativity. He has been teaching the laser orientation class at the Honolulu Tool Library for the past two years, where he helped students unlock their creativity through laser cutting. Outside of teaching, Herbert enjoys hiking, long walks, playing video games, thrifting, and biking. As a new member of the club, Herbert is excited to contribute and give back to the community. He believes that the best learning comes through doing and practice, emphasizing that training is useless if not completed, as the true value lies in the application and practice of the skills learned.

Please contact me at bchismar2@gmail.com with questions.