Introduction to Laser-Cutting

Learn to create designs for laser-cutters in less than a day

What you’ll learn:
How to create designs with Inkscape that can be cut with any laser-cutters.
How to prepare those designs for cutting.
How to make simple one-piece projects (coasters)
How to make designs with multiple layered pieces and add words to them. (picture frames)
How to make designs with interlocking pieces and engrave images on them. (phone stands)
How to make slot joints and finger joints to make boxes (pencil holder)
How to add words and use outlines to make nice designs with text (studio sign)

Requirements
None

Description
In this course, you will learn how to use free software to make designs that you can cut on any laser cutter. We will take things step-by-step.

In the first part, you will be learning Inkscape, which is free software that can be used for making designs.

Once you are comfortable with Inkscape, we’ll start with easy designs that have only one part.

Then we’ll get into slightly more complex designs. And finally, by the end, you’ll learn how to create projects with multiple interlocking parts, using different types of joints.

You’ll also learn the different ways a laser can affect the material you’re cutting, like scoring and engraving. We’ll also cover non-design things, like material selection, preventing burn marks, finishing your projects, and more.

By using this project-based incremental learning method, you won’t feel overwhelmed trying to do something that is beyond your current skill level. And you will practice by creating actual products that you can use in your house.

I made the projects used in this course using my Glowforge laser-cutter, but you don’t need your own laser-cutter. There are many maker spaces and libraries that now provide access to laser-cutters. For the first 3 years of this hobby, I used an Epilog laser-cutter at my library. The files you learn to make in this course can also be cut on almost any laser-cutter.

Who this course is for
People who just bought, are thinking of buying a laser-cutter, or want to use a maker-space laser-cutter and want to know where to start.