4KW Laser
| Location: | Southwest corner outside of the main building known as W |
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| Shop Colors: | |
| Shop Captain(s): | Erik Akia |
| Shop Email: | rapidpro@tinkermill.org |
| Slack Channel(s): | #4KW Laser |
| Shop Usage Fees: |
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General[edit]
We were donated a Mitsubishi ML2512HV 4kw CO2 laser in 2023, members donated to upgrade our power to use it, and we are currently working toward finishing the final phases of that goal. Please be patient with us as it gets powered and as we integrate it into TinkerMill. We’re getting close!
Classes[edit]
Certifications will cost $300 and consist of two classes. The first class will cover computer work, file creation, post-processing, G-code, M-code, and loading .nc files onto the laser. The second class will focus on shop policy, safety, and the operation of the laser with various materials. You will receive the Laser Trainee designation after completing the two certification classes.
While a Laser Trainee, you must have an approved mentor present when using the laser until you advance to Laser Tech. The mentor will assist you if needed and assess whether you are ready to advance. The criteria for advancement will include safe operation and whether you still require the mentor’s help for essential tasks and information acquisition. We do not expect you to know everything to advance, but you should be able to use the machine safely and approach any issues or gaps in knowledge in a manner that does not endanger you or the machine. The certification fee will cover your first two hours with a mentor during your initial session, and subsequent hours will cost $25 each.
Shop Fees[edit]
All TinkerMill shops are self-funded and do not receive a portion of membership dues. Both members and non-members are required to pay for time spent in the shop and for materials that are used. The shop fees help pay for equipment maintenance and repair, shop supplies, and the purchase of new tools and equipment. The current rates are shown in the Info Box on this page (top-right corner) and are posted on a sign in the shop.
Payments by cash or check can be placed in the blue box in the shop. Please use one of the envelopes provided and write your name, the amount, and that it is for 4Kw Laser Shop before depositing in the box. Payments can also be made electronically via Venmo or at the kiosk at the front office.
The laser usage fee will be based on the laser-on time at $1.33 per minute. This rate may fluctuate as we better understand usage and costs as more people begin using the machine.
Donations[edit]
Cash donations are appreciated and accepted at any time. Payments can be made as described above for shop fees.
Donations of equipment must be approved by a shop captain. Do not leave unapproved donations in the shop. Unwanted donations may be disposed of at the discretion of the shop captain and may be offered to the membership, donated to charity, or thrown away.
Below are some items that we could use in the shop. If you have any of these items to donate, please contact a shop captain:
Equipment[edit]
Below is a list of some of the equipment, tools, and supplies in the 4Kw Laser Shop. The shop has many additional tools and supplies that are too numerous to list.
We are always open to suggestions for other tools and supplies that would help to make the shop more useful. If you have something that you would like to donate, please contact a shop captain or the TinkerMill executive director first to discuss your donation. See the #Donations section above for more info.
