Laser -- BOSS
Pikes Peak Makerspace (PPM) is dedicated to supporting our maker community in their creative process by providing shared space, shared tools, materials and a knowledge base to turn their ideas into reality.
The Laser Engraver/Cutter Area at Pikes Peak Makerspace (PPM) consists mostly of Level 3 equipment.
Additional training and certification is required to use any of our Level 3 equipment.
Laser Area hand tools should be marked with red tape or paint.
Safety First
Members must know the following information:
- In case of emergency, call 911.
- Our physical location is:
- 735 East Pikes Peak Avenue
- Colorado Springs, CO 80903
- use this when ordering pizza or an ambulance
IN CASE OF
EMERGENCY
sign
PPM Fire Escape Plan
- Fire Escape Plan maps are posted throughout the Makerspace.
- There are 7 fire extinguishers on the fire escape plan map. Review the PPM Fire Escape Plan for locations.
PPM Emergency
Evacuation Plan.pdf
PPM Fire
Prevention Plan.pdf
PPM Fire Escape
Plan
First Aid
- There is a FIRST AID Supply Cabinet in our Kitchen Area.
- FIRST AID Kits are available in four areas: the Kitchen, Metal Shop, Wood Shop and CNC Room.
FIRST AID
Supply Cabinet
FIRST AID
Kit
Eye Wash Stations
- Emergency Eye & Face Wash Stations are mounted in four areas: the Kitchen, Wood Shop, CNC Room and Vented Room.
Emergency
Eye & Face Wash
Station
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Wear protective equipment in all Wood and Metal Shop Areas.
- Wear gloves when using Isopropyl Alcohol and other cleaners.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Hazardous Chemicals
- All hazardous chemicals must be stored in the yellow hazardous chemical storage cabinet located in the Vented Room.
- Review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) information of unknown products before use.
- SDS information is available via the QR code on the hazardous chemical storage cabinet or this spreadsheet.
- Do not bring dangerous chemicals to the makerspace.
- Spray paint, stains, and other approved items must be stored in the hazardous chemical storage cabinet in the Vented Room.
- Please DO NOT paint indoors.
Flammables Cabinet
in the Vented Room
Impairment
- The use of PPM equipment requires you to be alert, attentive, and focused.
- Do not use any PPM work area, or any PPM tools, if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Classes and Training
New Member Orientation
Area Captain
- Mathew Palfenier (BOSSLASER)
- Area Captain Duties
- Maintain cleaning schedule
- Host certification classes (can be found at Meetup)
- Member support
Classes & Training
- Pikes Peak Makerspace announces its Upcoming events, including classes, on Meetup
- Pikes Peak Makerspace Boss Laser Intro -- external link to PPM YouTube channel
Make sure to stay updated with LightBurn tips and tricks which can be found here
General Use and Cleaning Policies
- Weights are no longer allowed. Please use the pins to hold down your material.
- Sign-in required. Clipboard for sign-in can be found hanging on the right side of the computer.
- Clean up after use:
- wipe down/dust the inside and outside of lid. Glass cleaner may be used if necessary.
- clean out the debris in, on, and around the honeycomb. Vacuum if necessary.
- dump out catch tray
- empty small blue trash can if full.
- organize computer area
- sweep floor around the boss area
- leave the space better than when you found it
Boss-specific Safety Information
- DO NOT cut materials with PVC on either laser, this will release chlorine gas which is toxic.
- Boss Laser Safety
- ● NEVER cut PVC (When in doubt, error on the side of caution)
- ● NEVER leave the laser unattended while it is running (Stay in the building)
- ● Use only approved materials
- ● Leave lid closed for a few moments after your job is completed to allow for proper ventilation
- ● Up to 80% power is allowed
- ● Avoid reflective material
- ● Ensure the work area interior and exterior is clean before and after your work
- ● Keep the exhaust fan and chiller running while the laser is in use
- ● Make sure Zing Laser isn’t running before turning off fan
Troubleshooting and Common Issues
Didn’t cut through?
It is a good practice to leave the material and laser head in position for inspection. You can, at that point, attempt another pass through if nothing has been moved.
You should not start your job until you are confident about your settings by doing multiple tests.
Taking too long?
Check settings for “flood fill” or “fill shapes individually”. Use the preview feature to know if that will help.
Auto-focus malfunction? (The bed is not moving during auto-focus, or the bed is moving down during auto focus)
The laser head may be sticking. GENTLY press up and down with the palm of your hand until back in place.
If that did not fix the problem, please contact Mathew or Drew.
The laser head is moving and blowing air but the laser is not firing?
Make sure the boss chiller has been turned on.
Events
TOSC tour
(2021-11-24)
Additional Help
- Use the PPM Slack channel #laser-cutter
- Contact Mathew Palfenier directly on Slack
Equipment Lists
BOSSLASER
| Picture | Item | Manufacturer/ Model |
Manual | Estimated Value |
Owner |
 |
Boss 150 Watt
CO2 Laser Cutter/Engraver |
BOSS | Operators Manual | $20,000 |
PPM |
 |
Industrial Water Chiller | S&A
CW‑5000DG (Amazon description) |
Maintenance Manual | $500 |
PPM |
 |
OUTFEED TABLE | PPM | |||
 |
Compressor | PPM | |||
| rotary attachment
for Boss Laser |
PPM | ||||
| camera
for Boss Laser |
PPM | ||||
Model |
Value |
BOSSLASER Computer
| Picture | Item | Manufacturer/ Model |
CinebenchR23 | System Software |
Application Software |
Estimated Value |
Owner |
| Computer
i7 3.4GHz, new Dell keyboard (01/22/23) |
Windows 10 Pro | LightBurn | $250 |
PPM | |||
 |
Monitor, 27" | Dell
SE2717H/HX |
$100 |
PPM | |||
Model |
Software |
Software |
Value |
Hand Tools
- Laser Area hand tools should be marked with red tape or paint.
- Return all tools to their proper location after use. This rule applies to all areas of our Makerspace.
Donations Received
Wish List
- Pikes Peak Makerspace is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so we can provide a receipt for any donations you make.
Benefits and Policies
- PPM members enjoy discounts at the following local merchants:
- (bring proof of membership)
| Company | Website | Benefit | Directions to |
 |
Woodcraft of Colorado Springs | 10% discount | 4438 Austin Bluffs Parkway |
 |
CO Lumber Specialties | 10% discount | 3636 Stone Avenue |
 |
GENERAL AIR | 10% discount | 3031 N Nevada Ave. |
 |
ACE Hardware Uintah Gardens | 10% discount | 1830 W Uintah Street |
- Map of stores that provide PPM member discounts
- Map of helpful local resources curated by our makers
- At home LightBurn subscriptions can be purchased at a discounted rate for being a PPM member.
- The discount code is saved as a Pinned Message in our 'laser-cutter' channel in Slack.
Equipment Reservations
Materials
- DO NOT cut materials with PVC on either laser, this will release chlorine gas which is toxic.
- Avoid reflective material.
- Donate for "Wood Sheet for Laser" via PayPal: bit.ly/ppmstuff
- Or, leave donations in a black payment box, or use a QR code.
The following pages contain historical information. The pages are provided for reference only.
- • Laser Cutting Material Table (15:41, 21 May 2015)
- • Laser Cutting Acrylic (16:31, 24 November 2015)
Red Tags
Scrap and Trash
- Trash day is MONDAY
- Recycling day is MONDAY (96 gallon tote)
- Single Stream Recycling provided by Waste Connections. Paper, cardboard, cans, glass, and one time use plastics.
- Empty recycling and trash into our dumpster at the back (south side) of the building.
- Always leave the space better than you found it.
Software
At home LightBurn subscriptions can be purchased at a discounted rate for being a PPM member. Please see the pinned comment in the 'laser-cutter' channel in Slack for the code.
Please note: Your at home subscription is unique to only you. You will receive an email from LightBurn with your unique registration key. Make note of that key because you will need it again if you renew your subscription. PPM does not have access to your registration key.
Design Software
Printing Software
Member Showcase
Rubber stamp
and resin inlay
by Brandon Hall
Station 11 Battalion 2
backlit district map
by Joey Callahan
THE IRON GIANT
minimalist wall art
14"x24"
by Ben S.
- For even more member projects, visit our #showcase channel on Slack, or follow our social media links.
See Also
Links to other PPM Wiki pages (internal links):
Curated Links
Links to other sites (external links):
- ImagR -- Prepare your image for laser engraving
- Cut boxes with a laser cutter: MakerCase or Boxes.py
Other Fun Stuff
Links to other sites (external links):
Search the PPM Wiki — include Content pages as well as Multimedia.
Contact Us if you cannot find your answer here on our Wiki or if you notice any information that is outdated.