Laser Basics Class

Laser Basics is the certification class needed to use the Thunder Lasers.

Laser Basics is now available online! https://learn.dallasmakerspace.org/course/view.php?id=4



What follows is a record of most laser classes taught. Not all classes are taught regularly. If you'd like to take a class, ask some of the instructors or float the idea with other members (in person, talk, discord, etc). You will probably find someone willing to teach you.

100-Level Classes. Required to use Lasers or Optional Fundamentals.

  • Laser 101: Thunder Basics. Required class to use Thunder Lasers. Covers the principles of lasers, safety, use of RDWorks, and Thunder Lasers.
  • Laser 102: Zing Basics. Required class to use the Epilog Zing laser. Covers Inkscape, creating compatible PDF file, laser safety, and using the Epilog Zing.
  • Laser 103: Fusion Basis. Requires class to use the Epilog Fusion laser. Covers safety, compatible files, use of the software, the laser interface, and the rotary attachment.
  • Laser 103 (retired): RDWorks.
  • Laser 104: Lightburn.
  • Laser 105: Office Hours.
  • Laser 106: Thunder Basics for Crossover Classes. Special offering to support crossover classes. If another committee has enough interest in learning laser, this class allows those members to learn together and not wait for enough openings in Laser 101.
  • Laser 107: Thunder Optics Cleaning. Hands-on class certifying users to safely and effectively clean & evaluate the lenses and mirrors.
  • Laser 108: Thunder Advanced Maintenance. Hands-on class certifying Laser Committee members to replace lenses and mirrors, level beds, measure power output, and perform full system cleaning.

Related classes for other Digital Fabrication tools, so it receives its own 100-Level numbering.

  • Inkscape 101: Beginners.
  • Inkscape 102: Image Prep. Vectorizing images, working with vectors.
  • Adobe Illustrator 101
  • Fusion 360 101 - ?

200-Level Classes. Techniques.

  • Laser 201: Etching Tumblers and Glass on the Thunder Rotary. Intro to Rotary attachment, prep and mounting items, Lightburn settings.
  • Laser 202: Making Boxes.
  • Laser 203: Making Living Hinges.
  • Laser 204: Holiday ornaments - Design and cut with Thunder
  • Laser 205: Laser cut jewelry on the Thunders
  • Laser 206: Laser cut jewelry on the Zing
  • Laser 207: Laser cut Tangram Puzzle

300-Level Classes. Advanced Skills, Multiple Skills, Advanced Projects.

  • Laser 301: Purse/Clutch with Living Hinge.

Crossover Classes. Sponsored by other educational committees.

  1. Printmaking SIG offers Laser Block Engraving.
  2. Leatherworking SIG offers Leather-and-Lasers classes.
  3. Etching. Using the Laser to cut thru a resist then etch with chemicals/electrolysis.

Additional Laser Learning (video)




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