Rabbit Laser
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Contents
General
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Important Laser Guidelines
- Do not use the laser without being trained. Ask questions. If you have any doubts, refrain from lasering.
- If the laser is moved, it must be recalibrated. Laser calibration is a long and difficult process.
- Install the laser tube with the water outlet facing up.
- The laser is intentionally pulled a couple feet from the wall for access.
- The laser control software will not work without the USB dongle installed. This dongle is a $250 device.
- Do not set power higher than 85% or lower than 10%. Higher power simply saturates the power supply and results in no benefit. Lower power does not lase.
- If a fire begins, open the laser lid immediately. This interrupts power to the laser.
Maintenance Tips
- Add a couple of tablespoons of roundup to the coolant, and it won't need changed as often.
Where to find information
- Rabbit Laser's Website
- The manual located on top of the machine
Acceptable File Formats
- DXF (Autocad 2002 or 2004 format)
- BMP
- JPG
- Others
- NOT SVG. SVG is NOT usable.
How to use the Laser in Table mode
- Turn on the filter located to the left of the laser.
- Turn on the laser.
- Home the X and Y Axes by pressing the "X-Y 0" button. If the laser doesn't home, ensure that the machine is not in "Jog" mode. If any menu item is highlighted, the machine is not in "Jog" mode.
- Jog the Z Axis until your material will fit under the laser head.
- Jog the home switch of the laser head over your material. Ensure the laser is in "Jog" mode by pressing "Esc" under no menu items are selected.
- Home the Z Axis by pressing the "Z 0" button. The Z axis will automatically back off to the correct focus point.
- Open the "Laser Cut Table" software on the laser PC.
- Import your project, or draw a test shape. (It is HIGHLY recommended that you test your cut settings on scrap material before attempting a real cut).
- In the upper right-hand corner, set the laser power and speed settings. Use the settings in the manual as a guideline.
- Click "Calculate" to generate G-Code.
- Click "Download" to send G-Code to the laser.
- On the "Download" menu, press, "Delete All," followed by "Download Current." This ensures that your project is the only one loaded on the laser.
- Jog the laser head to the upper-right corner of your intended cut area.
- Press the "Test" button to see the area that will be cut by the laser. Ensure that your material is lined up correctly.
- Close the lid of the laser.
- Press "Start" to begin cutting.
How to use the Laser in Rotary Mode
Future DIY Upgrades
- High pressure air assist using shop air
- Design instructions in manual